Xiaomi, a leading smartphone brand, has gained immense popularity for its affordable and feature-packed Redmi series. However, with the rise in demand, counterfeit and fake Xiaomi Redmi phones have also flooded the market, posing potential risks to unsuspecting consumers.
Fake phones compromise the user experience and pose security risks, as they may lack proper software updates and security patches. These phones often need to meet the quality standards of original Xiaomi phones, leading to poor battery life, camera performance, and overall reliability.
In this quick guide, you’ll learn how to know original Xiaomi Redmi phone, so you don’t fall victim to buying a fake Xiaomi Redmi phone.
Let’s get started!
How to Know Original Xiaomi Redmi Phone
Below are the three most effective ways to know if your Xiaomi Redmi phone is original or fake. You need to pay attention to details so that you’ll not buy a fake phone and you don’t get to enjoy the premium features and feel:
1. Physical Inspection
One way to identify a genuine Xiaomi Redmi phone is by looking at its packaging or box. Genuine Xiaomi products come in well-designed boxes with official branding, stickers, and tamper-proof seals.
You should also check the packaging materials, instruction manuals, and accessories, such as earphones and chargers, to ensure they match the official Xiaomi design and quality.
When inspecting the phone, consider the fit and finish, the feel and texture, and the overall quality. An original Xiaomi Redmi phone should have a solid and premium feel, with no noticeable openings or misalignments in the construction.
Counterfeiters often struggle to replicate the original Xiaomi phone’s precise logos and branding. So, carefully check the Xiaomi logo on the device and any other branding components to ensure they are accurate and match the official designs.
2. Software and Performance Checks
Xiaomi is a brand that makes phones that run on a special type of software called MIUI. If you have a real Xiaomi phone, it should have the latest version of MIUI and get regular updates for its software to make sure it’s safe.
If you have a fake Xiaomi phone, it might not work as well as a real one because it could be made with cheaper parts or have software problems. To check if your phone is real or fake, you can look at the software version and ensure it matches what Xiaomi says is the official version.
You can also check the apps on your phone to see if some system apps match those that come with original Xiaomi phones, like the Mi Store app and other system apps. This can help you see if the phone in your hand is original or not.
3. Checking Online Using Xiaomi Product Authentication
Every Xiaomi Redmi phone has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number and serial number. These numbers can be used to verify the authenticity of your phone.
Check if the IMEI and serial number formats are valid and match the ones on the phone’s packaging. If the IMEI number on your phone is different from what’s on the packaging, then there is a chance that the phone is fake. Sometimes, it may be a stolen or refurbished Xiaomi Redmi phone.
You can use your IMEI number or the 20-digit security code on the phone package. You’ll have to scratch off the foil to reveal the 20-digit security code number. Once you have your IMEI code or security code number, follow the instructions below:
- Go to the Xiaomi product authentication page.
- Enter your IMEI number.
- Enter the verification code written on the right-hand side of the page. Carefully enter the code.
- Tap “Verify” and wait for your product details and a confirmation message telling whether your phone is original or fake.
Final Words
It is important to identify an authentic Xiaomi Redmi phone to have a good user experience, reliable performance, and access to official software updates and security patches.
To ensure you get a genuine Xiaomi device, do a thorough physical inspection, check the software and performance, and verify the IMEI and serial number online on the Xiaomi product verification portal.
It is also important to buy from authorized retailers and be careful of suspicious deals or offers to avoid buying fake Xiaomi Redmi phones. Check out how to block a stolen Xiaomi Redmi phone if you misplaced it to get tips on how to recover or track it down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 20-digit Security Code for a Xiaomi Phone?
The 20-digit security code is a unique identifier assigned to each Xiaomi phone. It can confirm or check the device’s authenticity and track its history. You use the security code to check if your device is original or fake.
How Do I Check the IMEI Number on My Xiaomi Redmi Phone?
You can check the IMEI number on your Xiaomi Redmi phone by dialing *#06# or by navigating to Settings, then about the phone, and selecting status. Then, you should find your IMEI number from the list.
Can I Check the Authenticity of My Xiaomi Redmi Phone Online?
Yes, Xiaomi provides an online tool where you can enter your device’s IMEI or serial number to verify its authenticity. With the Xiaomi Product Authentication option online, you can check if your phone or other Xiaomi devices are fake or real.
What Should I Do if I Suspect My Xiaomi Redmi Phone Is Counterfeit?
If you suspect your Xiaomi Redmi phone is counterfeit, quickly return it to where you purchased it and ask for a refund. Once you get a refund, go to a trusted outlet or partner of Xiaomi and get an original phone.
Is It Safe to Use a Counterfeit Xiaomi Redmi Phone?
No, it is not safe to use a counterfeit Xiaomi Redmi phone. Counterfeit devices may lack proper security updates, have inferior hardware components, and pose potential risks to your data and privacy. Always get original Xiaomi Redmi phones from trusted outlets like Slots or online brands like Jumia to get original phones and devices.
