How to distinguish the original Xiaomi from the fake: the full guide 2026

Buying Xiaomi equipment in the secondary market or in unofficial stores always carries the risk of running into a fake. According to Counterpoint Research, in 2023, the share of counterfeit smartphones under the Xiaomi brand in the CIS reached 12%, while counterfeiting not only budget models like the Redmi Note 12, but also flagships of the Xiaomi 14 series, as well as smart watches Mi Band and routers Mi Router.

First, low quality components, from cheap batteries prone to bloating to uncertified chargers that can cause fire. Second, fake gadgets often lack official MIUI support and receive no security updates, making them vulnerable to hacker attacks. Finally, counterfeit equipment has no guarantee — even if the seller promises a “brand service”, in official service centers Xiaomi will not accept such a device.

In this guide, we will discuss 7 working ways to verify originality, including hidden menus, factory tags and online services, and you will learn which models are counterfeited most often and what to look for when buying from hand.

1. IMEI verification: the main identifier of the original

Every Xiaomi smartphone (like any other brand) has a unique IMEI, a 15-digit code that is assigned in the factory, a number that is like a device’s passport: it is tied to the model, the country of manufacture, and even the date of release. Counterfeits often use cloned or non-existent IMEIs, which is easy to calculate.

Where to watch IMEI:

• 📱 On the box – usually on a barcode sticker (check the code on the phone!).
• 🔢 On the phone: dial *#06# — a window will appear 1-2 number IMEI (Two-sim model models have two of them).
• 📄 In settings: Settings → The phone. → General information → IMEI.
• 🔍 Under the battery (if removable) - on the sticker.

How to check the IMEI for authenticity:

1. Go to the official IMEI.info website (or alternative IMEIPro service).
2. Enter the code in the verification field.
3. Compare the model, brand (Xiaomi or Redmi) and year of release with the data on the box.

⚠️ Note: If the website shows that IMEI It belongs to another brand (e.g. Samsung or Huawei), it is 100% fake, and beware if the phone’s production date is a year or two newer than the model’s release date (this is a sign of a broken model). IMEI).

2. Factory packaging: 5 signs of the original

The box is the first filter to help weed out most fakes before the device is turned on. Xiaomi’s original packaging has several unique security features that are difficult to fake:

Pay special attention to the serial number (SN) on the box and under the battery (if possible open) and it should match the number in the phone settings (Settings → About phone → Serial number). If the SN on the box and the phone are different, it is a guaranteed fake or a "gray" re-export.

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Take a picture of the serial number and IMEI from the box before you buy it, and if the seller refuses to show the box, it's a reason to question the originality.

3.External inspection: details that give out a fake

Fake Xiaomis often copy designs but cannot replicate the build quality and materials.

• 🔍 Mi logo: Originally, it's convex, with clear edges and metallic luster. Counterfeits often have a flat or plastic logo with blurred edges.
• 📱 Screen: The original Xiaomi smartphones have oleophobic coating (no greasy fingerprints left) and fakes are quickly covered by divorces.

Another key point is the camera, which the original Xiaomi camera lenses don’t stand for the body (except for some flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), and fakes often have convex camera modules with plastic “lenses” that scratch their nails.

Don’t be lazy to compare the weight of the device with the official specs. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro weighs 187 g, and fakes for this model are often 10-20 g lighter due to cheap materials.

4. Software Verification: Hidden Menus and Xiaomi Services

Even if the phone looks like the original, the stuffing can be fake. To verify the authenticity of the firmware and hardware, use hidden service menus and official Xiaomi tools.

Method 1: Checking with #4636##

Type this code into the phone app. The Test menu will open, where you want to:

1. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
2. Compare the model number with the data on the box.
3. Check Android version – counterfeits often have an outdated version (for example, Android 9 on a phone that should go with Android 13).

Method 2: Official Mi Verify service

Download the Mi Verify app (only available for Android) and it scans the IMEI and serial number by comparing them to Xiaomi's database, and if the app shows an error or an unidentified model, you're looking at a fake.

Method 3: Checking through fastboot (for advanced)

Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools and type in the command:

fastboot getvar all

In the output, look for the product, model, and serialno lines, which should match the data on the box. If you see something like the MT6580 (a cheap MediaTek processor) instead of the Xiaomi model, it's a fake.

5. Checking for MIUI Updates: Why It Matters

Xiaomi’s original smartphones receive monthly security updates and regular MIUI updates. Fakes don’t have that capability because they don’t have official firmware.

Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If:

• ✅ The phone finds updates and offers to download them - most likely the original.
• ❌ Error such as “Can’t connect to the server” or “Device is not supported” appears – a fake.
• ⚠️ Updates are available, but version MIUI It does not match the model (for example, on the Redmi Note 11 it is MIUI 10 instead MIUI 14) — a “gray” import or re-interlacing machine is possible.

Note the firmware region. Original phones for Russia have firmware marked RU (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.3 RU). If it is CN (China), IN (India) or EEA (Europe), it can be a "gray" import that does not support Russian and local 4G frequencies.

⚠️ Warning: Some fakes mimic updates by showing bogus notifications about new versions MIUI. Always check the build number with the official website MIUI Downloads.

6. Accessories check: cable, charging, headphones

Fake Xiaomis are often equipped with cheap accessories that not only work worse, but also dangerously, such as non-original chargers that can cause overheating or even fire.

Pay special attention to the charger. Xiaomi's original power supplies have:

• 🔌 Marking MDY-11-ED (or similar) on the body.
• 📝 Certificates CE RoHS (printed, not pasted).
• 🔋 Support for fast charging (if stated by the manufacturer).

If the kit comes with a cover or protective glass, check them for the presence of the Mi logo. Original accessories always have a brand name.

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Even if the phone itself is original, the cheap accessories in the kit may indicate "gray" import or repackaging. Always check them separately.

7.Verification through official Xiaomi channels

If you still doubt the authenticity of the device, contact Xiaomi directly, and the company provides several ways to verify:

Method 1: Online Chat Support

Go to Mi Support and select Check Warranty, enter the serial number or IMEI, and the system will show if the device is listed in the database, if not, it is a fake or a gray machine.

Method 2: Visiting a service center

Xiaomi's official service centers can verify the authenticity of the device by database. The addresses of the centers can be found on the support page. The service is free, but can take 1-2 days.

Method 3: Checking through the Mi Home app

If you have a smart device (such as Mi Band or Mi Robot Vacuum), connect it to the Mi Home app. Original gadgets are automatically detected by the system, fakes are not.

⚠️ Note: Some gray dealers offer a “guarantee” for a fee. This is a fraud – Xiaomi’s official warranty is not sold or issued after the fact.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi originality verification