How to distinguish the original Xiaomi Earbuds Basic from a fake: 12 proven ways

Xiaomi Earbuds Basic wireless headphones have become a hit thanks to a combination of affordable price and decent sound quality. But the model’s popularity attracts fraudsters: the market is flooded with fakes that are almost indistinguishable from the original, and buyers risk getting a device with poor sound, fast discharge and even dangerous materials.

In this article, we will examine all the key features of the original Xiaomi Earbuds Basic, from packaging to software. You will learn what to look for when buying in official and informal stores, how to check headphones through the Mi Home app, and why even small details (such as the font on the box) can give off fake.

1.Packaging: 7 parts that give off a fake

The box is the first and most reliable indicator of originality, with Xiaomi's focus on packaging design, and scammers often overlooking small but critical details.

• 📦 Material box: the original is made of dense matového cardboard with light texture, fakes - of glossy or thin material that bends when pressed.
• 🔍 Print quality: fakes often blur logos, paint is unevenly applied (especially on orange elements.
• 📏 Box sizes: the original packaging has exact dimensions 105 × 105 × 40 - Even if it's a deviation 2–3 mm, fake sign.
• 🖋️ Fonts and inscriptions: counterfeits often use the wrong typeface (for example, instead of Mi Sans - standard Arial). Check the inscription "Xiaomi Earbuds Basic" on the front side: the original letters "a" and "o" have characteristic serifs.

And you'll pay special attention to the holographic sticker on the back of the box, and the original one has this:

• 🌈 Multidimensional effect: when you turn the box on the sticker, hidden symbols appear (the Mi logo and the serial number).
• 🔢 Unique. QR-code: it can be scanned through the Mi Home app - the original will open a page with information about headphones, fake will give an error.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters have learned to fake holograms, but their stickers are usually thinner and peel off when they try to peel. The original sticker holds tight and tears when removed.

2. The appearance of headphones: what to check first

Even if the package looks perfect, check the headphones themselves.

• 🎧 The plastic of the case: the original is matte, it feels good, it doesn't have a strong chemical smell. Fakes are made from cheap, glossy plastic that creaks when pressed.
• 🔴 Charging Indicators: On the original Earbuds Basic, LEDs are lit in straight red (when charged) and white (full charge) colors. For fakes, the shades can be orange or dull yellow.
• 📶 The location of the microphones: the original microphone holes are symmetrical and are located strictly under the control button.

Pay attention to the weight of the headphones:

Another reliable test is to test the magnets in the case, and in the original Earbuds Basic, the headphones are attracted to the nests with a click and hold tight, and for fakes, the magnets are weak, the headphones fall out when the case is shaken or not fixed at all.

3.Serial number and verification via Mi Home

Each pair of the original Xiaomi Earbuds Basic has a unique serial number (S/N) that can be checked through the official app.

1. Download the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Add Device → Select Headphones → Xiaomi Earbuds Basic.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. If the headphones are original, they will connect without problems. A fake will give an error: "Device is not supported" or "Could not find the headphones."

The serial number is also marked on:

• 📄 Holographic box sticker (under the scratching layer).
• 🔋 The inside of the case (in small print next to the QR-code).
• 📋 Warranty card (if you buy in the official store).

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters sometimes clone serial numbers from the original devices. If the headphones are determined when checking in Mi Home, but the weight or packaging is in doubt, compare the serial number with the one on the box!

4. Sound and technical specifications: how to distinguish by ear

Even if the headphones are indistinguishable from the original, they're still the sound quality and the microphone performance.

• 🔊 Frequency range: The original Earbuds Basic plays sound in the 20Hz to 20kHz range. Fakes often cut low and high frequencies. Check by turning on a track with deep bass (e.g., "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes). If the bass "bubbles" or disappears, it's fake.
• 🎤 Microphone: Call from your headphones to another phone and check the quality of your voice. The original suppresses noise and transmits voice clearly, fakes add echoes or distortions.
• 🔋 Time of operation: the original charges up to 5 hours on a single charge (with a case - up to 20 hours.

Another test is checking Bluetooth codecs:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth → Headphone settings (icon) ⚙️).
3. Look at the codecs that are supported. The original codec works with SBC and AAC. If you only see SBC or unknown codecs (like MSBC) it's a fake.

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To accurately check the sound, use the Audio Test (Android) or Speaker Lab (iOS) app, which analyzes the frequency response and detects distortions that are elusive by ear.

5. Price and place of purchase: how not to run into fake

One of the most reliable ways to avoid counterfeiting is to buy headphones in official stores:

• 🏬 Mi Store (physical stores or official website).
• 🛒 Authorized resellers (list on Xiaomi website).
• 🌍 Large marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market) – but only for sellers with the status of “Official Partner of Xiaomi».

The price of the original Xiaomi Earbuds Basic in 2026:

If the price is below 2,500 ₽ — Fraudsters often sell fakes under the guise of "sale" or "liquidation:

• 📝 Photo reviews: in real reviews of the original users share photos of packaging and serial numbers.
• 📦 Complete: Original comes with documentation in Chinese/English, cable USB-C Fakes often come without documentation or with a cheap micro-USB cable.

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Never buy Xiaomi Earbuds Basic from hand (Avito, Yula) or in small online stores without reviews. the risk of running into a fake there is more than 80%.

6.Software: Hidden Signs of Fake

The original Xiaomi Earbuds Basic works with proprietary software that cannot be counterfeited.

• 📱 Bluetooth name: original is displayed as "Mi Earbuds Basic." Counterfeiting can have names like «TWS-B12», «Wireless Earbuds” or «LE-BT5.0».
• 🔄 Auto-connect: the original automatically connects to the last device when the case is opened.
• 🎛️ Settings in Mi Home: the original app has options for Find Headphones and Update Firmware.

Another test is firmware testing:

1. Connect your headphones to your smartphone via Mi Home.
2. Go to the device settings.
3. The original version is in Vx.x.x.xx format (e.g. V1.2.0.14). Fakes often have random sets of numbers (e.g. BT-5.0-V2).

If the headphones are not updated through Mi Home or the app gives an error "Device is not supported" - you have a fake.

• 🔋 Headphones discharge in 1-2 hours (the original holds) ≥4 hours).
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or disappears when you are 3-5 meters away from the phone (the original stable works at a distance of up to 10 meters).

7 Physical Tests: How to Detect Fakes Without Apps

If you can’t check your headphones through Mi Home, use physical tests:

• 🧲 Magnet test: Put your headphones on a metal surface (like a refrigerator) and the original won't stick, it uses neodymium magnets that don't react to household metals. Counterfeits often contain iron and stick.
• 🔥 Heating test: plug the headphones into charging for 30 minutes. original gets slightly heated, fake can get hot (fire risk!).
• 💧 Water resistance test: the original has protection IPX4 — You can splash water a little (don't sink!) Fakes often break even if you get sweat.

Also check the build quality:

• 🔧 The gaps between the details: the original elements are tightly fitted, without backlashes. Fakes often see gaps between the button and the case.
• 🔍 Embushure attachment: the original one holds tight and doesn't scroll. On fake ones, the embushures often move out or fall off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Earbuds Basic