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

Introduction: Why are Redmi Airdots fakes so common?

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones (and their modifications Airdots S, Airdots) 2/3) For several years, it has been one of the most popular budgets. TWS-The combination of low price, decent sound and Xiaomi's brand has made them a target for scammers. 40% Headphones sold under this name on marketplaces are fakes.

Fake Redmi Airdots not only sound worse and discharge faster, but can also pose dangers, from poor-quality batteries (fire risk) to malware in a fake app. In this article, we will discuss 7 reliable ways to distinguish the original from fake – from visual inspection to firmware check.

We will focus on the new methods of counterfeiting in 2026, when fraudsters learned to copy even serial numbers and holograms. If you are planning to buy, save this article in bookmarks!

1. Packaging check: 5 key details

The original Redmi Airdots box is the first and most reliable authentication indicator. Fraudsters often save on packaging, so it's the easiest way to calculate fake.

• 📦 Material box: the original - dense matte cardboard with a soft coating, fake - glossy or rough to the touch.
• 🔍 Hologram: original volumetric, tilt transfusion effect, often flat or no sticker.
• 🖼️ Barcode and serial number: they are clearly printed on the original, without blurring.
• 📏 Box sizes: original Redmi Airdots packaging 3 — 10.5 × 6.5 × 3.2 see the deviation more than 2 Mmm, a reason to be wary.
• 📝 Text on the box: the original has all the Chinese and English inscriptions, without spelling errors. Fakes often contain misprints in the words Mi True Wireless or Redmi.

Notice the film on the box: the original one has a transparent tape, with the Xiaomi logo in the corner, and fakes are often wrapped in regular cellophane film without embossing.

⚠️ Warning: Scammers have learned to fake even holograms! If the packaging is in doubt, go to check headphones and apps.

Visual inspection of headphones: what should alert?

Even if the package looks perfect, carefully examine the headphones themselves.-5 sign:

1. Weight: The original Redmi Airdots weigh 4.1g each (for the Airdots 3) and counterfeits are often heavier due to cheap materials.
2. The body material: the original is matte plastic with a soft coating, does not creak when pressed. Fakes are glossy or with rough seams.
3. Charge indicators: the original lights are white/red, and counterfeits often flash chaoticly or have a blue/green hue.
4. Control buttons: they're slightly drowned in the original, with a clear click, and on fake buttons, they can dangle or require a strong press.
5. The inscriptions on the case: the original L/R (left/right earphone) marking is laser-painted, does not erase. For fakes, it is often paint and quickly wears away.

Pay attention to the charging case:

• 🔋 The original lid opens smoothly, without creaking.
• 🔌 Type-C (for new models) or Micro-USB (for old ones) connector should sit tightly, without backlash.
• 💡 The original case charge indicator flashes 1 time when connected to charging. Fakes may blink constantly or not burn at all.

3. Check through the Mi Home app: step-by-step instructions

One of the most reliable ways is to connect your headphones to the official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models).

1. Download the official app from Google Play or App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and open the case cover with headphones.
4. In the app, go to Devices → Add Device → Headphones.
5. Select the Redmi Airdots model (or your modification) and follow the instructions.

If the headphones are original, they will automatically be determined in the application, and you will see:

• 📊 The level of charge of each headphone and case.
• 🔊 Equalizer settings and gesture management.
• 📋 Information about the firmware (more about this in the next section).

⚠️ Warning: If the app doesn't find the headphones or identifies them as "Unknown Device," you're 100% fake, even if they're connected to the phone like normal Bluetooth headphones!

Audio and microphone analysis: tests to detect forgery

Sound is what headphones buy for. The original Redmi Airdots have a balanced sound with a focus on medium and high frequencies. Counterfeits often come out with a squeaking bass or piercing tops.

• 🎵 Bass Test: Play a track with deep bass (e.g., "Seven Nation Army" - The White Stripes) The original bass is clear, uncontorted, and the fakes have it smeared or wheezing at high volume.
• 🗣️ Microphone test: Call a friend and ask them to rate the quality of your voice. In the original, the voice is clearly transmitted, without noise.
• 🔊 Maximum volume test: Increase volume to maximum. The original doesn't distort the sound even when it's not loud. 100%. Fakes are starting to wheez. 70-80%.
• 🎶 Stereobalance test: Turn on a mono track (like a podcast) The original sound is equally loud in both headphones.

Note the latency of sound when watching videos. In the original Redmi Airdots (with V4.7.1 firmware and later), the latency is minimal – up to 100 ms. For fakes, it can reach 300-500 ms, which is noticeable when watching movies.

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For an accurate sound delay test, use the Sound & Latency Tester (Android) or Bluetooth Lag Test (iOS) app.

5. Check firmware and serial number

Each original Redmi Airdots has a unique serial number and firmware version that you can check out.

1. Connect your headphones to your phone via Mi Home.
2. Go to the headphone settings and find the About Device or Information section.
3. Write down the serial number (starts with) MDZ- or M20-) firmware.
4. Check the serial number on the official Xiaomi Verify website.

Up-to-date firmware versions for original models (June 2026):

If the firmware version is different from the specified ones or the Xiaomi Verify website does not recognize the serial number, this is a fake. Please note: scammers sometimes stitch fake versions of the firmware (for example, V4.0.0), which do not exist in official releases.

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Even if the headphones connected to the Mi Home, but the firmware version does not coincide with the official one - it is a fake with a copied ID.

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

One of the most obvious signs of counterfeiting is that the price is too low: the original Redmi Airdots in 2026 cannot be cheaper than the following prices (including discounts):

• 💰 Redmi Airdots (1st generation): from 1200 ₽
• 💰 Redmi Airdots S: from 1,500 ₽
• 💰 Redmi Airdots 2: from 1,800 ₽
• 💰 Redmi Airdots 3: from 2,200 ₽

If you see a price that's 30-50% lower, it's almost guaranteed to be fake.

• ✅ Official sources: site mi.com Branded stores Mi Store Official partners (Svyaznoy, M. Video, Eldorado - but only marked "Official Dealer Xiaomi")
• ❌ Risky sources: AliExpress (if the seller does not have the status of Official Xiaomi Store), Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace Unknown online stores with suspiciously cheap prices

If you buy from hand, be sure to demand:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (the original has a hologram).
• 📦 Original packaging (see section 1).
• 🔄 The ability to check headphones through Mi Home with you.

⚠️ Warning: Fraudsters often sell fakes under the guise of "unpacked" or "used originals." Even if the seller shows a video with the connection to the phone - this is not a guarantee of authenticity.

7. Additional tests: what to do if doubts remain?

If after all the checks you are still not sure of the authenticity, do these advanced tests:

• 🔋 Autonomy Test: Charge your headphones to 100% And turn on the music at medium volume. 3 You must work at least 5 hours (with case - before) 20 Counterfeiting rarely holds more. 2-3 hours.
• 📡 Bluetooth range test: Move away from the phone to the 10 The original keeps the connection stable. The fakes start to rip the sound off. 5-7 meters.
• 🔄 Setting reset test: Press and hold the buttons on both headphones for 15 seconds. the original will reset and flash white and red. Fakes may not have a reset or the headphones will stop turning on.
• 🛠️ Disassembly test (for experts): Carefully disassemble one headphone (at your own risk!).In the original, you will see: a battery labeled Xiaomi or ATL. Chip board. BES2300 or BES2500 (Fakes often have cheap batteries without labeling and boards with unknown chips.

If you have authenticated after all the tests, congratulations, you are the lucky owner of the original Redmi Airdots, if the headphones are fake, demand a refund or replacement, and under the Consumer Protection Act, you can return the product of inadequate quality within 14 days (even if it is unpacked).

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The most reliable way to avoid counterfeiting is to buy only in official Xiaomi stores, even if the price there is higher by 10-15%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Redmi Airdots fakes