You bought a new Xiaomi Mi TV Remote Control (or PCT, as it is often called in the documentation), but it behaves strangely: buttons crash, communication with the TV is interrupted, and the battery goes down in a week? You may have been sold a fake. According to the official Xiaomi website, up to 30% of the remotes in the secondary market (including AliExpress, Wildberries and local sites) are counterfeit, and fakes outwardly copy even small things: logo, fonts on buttons and packaging.
In this article, 7 working methods to distinguish the original Xiaomi PCT from a fake without disassembly and special tools. We will analyze visual features, check through the Mi Home application, the infrared port test and even analysis of remote control behavior when connecting. and at the end, a list of Xiaomi TV models for which counterfeiting is most common (based on data from service centers 2023-2026).
1.Packaging check: 5 details counterfeiters miss
The original Xiaomi PCT comes in a thick, matte-coated cardboard box, often packed in glossy cardboard or thin film, but there are less obvious signs:
- 📦 Barcode and QR-code: Original QR leads to mi.com with model information (example: https://www.mi.com/global/item/12345). Fake ones. QR either not scanned or opens suspicious sites such as mi-remote-shop.ru.
- 🔍 Serial number: There should be a unique box at the bottom S/N (14–16 The fakes have frequent or no repeating numbers.
- 🖋️ Font and spelling: The original text is clear, blurry. Notice the word "Xiaomi": in fakes, the letters "i" and "a" often merge or have serifs.
- 🎨 Color scheme: The original box is monochromatic (white, gray or black), without bright inserts. Counterfeiting is often decorated with gold or blue accents to attract attention.
- 📏 Cut quality: The original box's edges are flat, barless. Fakes often have scissors or glue curves.
⚠️ Note: If there is a sticker on the box that says "For Mi" TV 4A/4C/4S" The slate is positioned as universal, and this is 100% The original Xiaomi PCT is always tied to a particular TV model.
2. External inspection of the remote: buttons, plastic and hidden tags
Take the remote control and take a close look at it. Xiaomi's original PCTs have a few unique features:
- 🔘 Buttons: The original keys are slightly recessed in the body and have a matte texture. For fakes, the buttons are often convex, slippery or glossy. This is especially noticeable on the Mi button (the logo should be clear, without blurring the edges).
- 🔋 Battery bay: The original version of the bay cover is easily clicked, without backlash. In fakes, it's either too tight or hanging. Also check the spring contacts: in fakes, they're often thin metal and bend when pressed.
- 📡 Infrared port: The original IR port (the small window at the top) has a dark red hue, and for fakes it is either transparent or bluish.
- 🏷️ Inscriptions on the case: On the back of the original there is an engraving with a model (for example, MDZ-22-AB) The fakes either don't have these words or they're painted (nail-washed).
🔍 Weight test: The original remote weighs about 50 to 60 grams (with a battery); counterfeiting is often lighter (30 to 40 g) because it uses cheap plastic and electronics. Weigh the remote on the kitchen scale to check the interior.
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If you have a Google Assistant button on your remote, but your Xiaomi TV doesn't support voice assistant, that's a clear sign of a fake. The original PCTs for models without Android TV don't have that button.
3. Check through the Mi Home app: Originality scanner
The most reliable way to verify the authenticity of the Xiaomi PCT is to connect it to the official Mi Home app.
- Download Mi Home from Google Play or App Store.
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
- Go to the Devices section → Add the device → DU remote.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to sync the remote to your phone.
If the remote is original, the app will display its model (e.g. Mi TV Remote Control (MDZ-22-AB)) and serial number.
- 🚫 "Device not supported" - the remote is not recognized by the system.
- 🔄 "Sync error: fake cannot connect to Xiaomi servers.
- ⚠️ "Unknown model – there is no information about this remote in the database.
⚠️ Warning: Some fakes mimic a successful connection, but the list of devices shows up as "Unknown Device" or with Chinese characters.
4.The test of work: how to behave fake remote
Even if the remote is indistinguishable from the original, its behavior will betray a counterfeit.
| Sign. | The original PCT | Fake PCT |
|---|---|---|
| Radio of action | Up to 10 meters (no obstacles) | Up to 3-5 meters, the signal is interrupted. |
| Delayed reaction | Instant (up to 0.2 seconds) | Noticeable pause (0.5-1 sec) |
| Battery work | Up to 6 months (with active use) | 1-2 months (sets quickly) |
| Synchronization with TV | Automatic, no failures | Requires reconnection |
| Mi button | Opens the Mi TV menu | Does nothing or resets settings |
🔋 Battery test: Put a new battery in the remote and leave it without use for 24 hours; the original PCT will pull no more than 5-10% of the charge; counterfeit can discharge by 30-50% in the same period due to cheap electronics.
What if the remote works but behaves strangely?
5. Disassembly of the remote: what is hidden inside
If you're willing to take drastic measures, take apart the remote (neatly tucking the back cover with a mediator). Xiaomi's original PCT has:
- 🔧 Printed Board: Green or blue with Xiaomi clearly marked and production date (e.g., Xiao, 2023-11). Counterfeit cards are often yellow or black, without inscriptions.
- 📶 Bluetooth module: Original uses Nordic chip nRF52832 Fakes have cheap Chinese counterparts without labeling.
- 🔋 Battery contacts: Originally, thick copper plates. Counterfeited ones, thin foil that quickly oxidizes.
⚠️ Warning: Disassembly of the remote will void the warranty (if it was).If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the Xiaomi service center for diagnostics.
Clear marking with the Xiaomi logo
Date of production (month-year)
Bluetooth module with the words Nordic or Qualcomm
Thick tracks without soldering defects-->
6.Serial number check on Xiaomi website
Each original Xiaomi PCT remote has a unique serial number (S/N), which can be checked on the official website.
- Find S/N on the back of the remote or box (example: LXC1234567890AB).
- Go to the authentication page: mi.com/global/verify.
- Enter the serial number and the captcha.
If the remote is original, the system will show the model and the date of production, and the counterfeits will have an error "Invalid Serial Number" or information about another device (for example, Mi AirDots headphones).
🔍 Important: Some scammers also fake serial numbers using data from real remotes. If the check was successful, but you have doubts, check. S/N The number on the box: they must match.
7. Xiaomi TV models for which fakes are most common
According to service centers, most often counterfeit remotes for the following models of Xiaomi TVs:
| Model TV set | Original PCT (article) | Risk of running into a fake |
|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A (32-55 inches) | MDZ-16-AB / MDZ-22-AB | High (up to 40%) |
| Mi TV 4S (43-65 inches) | MDZ-22-AC | Average (25%) |
| Mi TV Q1E (55–75 inches) | MDZ-30-DA | Low (10%) |
| Redmi Smart TV X (50-65 inches) | MDZ-26-AB | High (35%) |
Counterfeiting for the Mi TV 4A and Redmi Smart TV X is especially common, as these models are the most popular in the secondary market. If you buy a remote for one of these models, be sure to check it for all the items in this article.
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Remotes for premium series (Q1E, Q2) are counterfeited less often, as they are more difficult to copy due to additional features (voice assistant, touch panel).