Xiaomi warns users about fake headphones – Here's how to identify when you're being duped

With great popularity comes the burden of counterfeiting. Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is one such victim in India. Fake phones and accessories have become so rampant that Xiaomi posted a video on how to differentiate between original headphones and fakes.

Last year, 2,000 counterfeit Xiaomi accessories valued at over ₹13 lakh were seized by the Delhi police from Gaffar Market following a complaint from the company. The counterfeit products seized include Mi power banks, Mi Neckbands, Mi Headphones, Redmi AirDots, Mi 2-in-1 USB Cable, etc.

In an earlier statement to PTI, ASPA President Nakul Pasricha said, “At present counterfeiting causes around ₹1.05 lakh crore losses to India per annum. If counterfeiting is curbed by 50 percent through proper implementation of authentication solutions, enforcement, awareness, and monitoring, it can save more than ₹50,000 crore per annum".

Xiaomi isn’t the only company affected by fake products. A report by India Today has revealed how fake iPhones are assembled in Nehru Place in Delhi. In fact, fake Apple AirPods are sold at a throwaway price of ₹500.

How to identify fake Xiaomi headphones

• Xiaomi has mentioned that the 3.5mm audio jack of the company’s original headphones is copper plated and the one used in fake products is steel plated. This is one of the important things to look for while picking up a Xiaomi headphone.
• Original Xiaomi headphones have a small hole below the L & R signs. The fake headphones have a hole below the L & R signs.
• SKU ID, EAN and the font style on the fake headphones is different.

Other tips that will help you identify a fake Xiaomi product:

• Some Xiaomi products such as power banks have a security code on them. You can use this code to check the authenticity of the product. Enter the security code here to verify the product.
• Check the quality of the packaging and the box. In addition to the design being slightly different, fake products are likely to have inferior packaging. While buying accessories, carefully check the packaging for content alignment and user manual.
• Compare the Mi logo with the logo on the company’s website.
• If you are buying a Mi Band, try to connect it with the Mi Fit app. If it is a counterfeit, it will not be able to connect with the app.
• In addition to the packaging quality, the build quality of fake products will be inferior when compared to original products. Check the build material and product finish.

The easiest way to avoid counterfeit products is to purchase devices only from official stores. If you want to purchase a Xiaomi product, stick to the company’s website, authorized sellers on Amazon and Flipkart, Mi Home stores and Xiaomi partner outlets.

With inputs from PTI

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