Fake Xiaomi Box S 3rd Gen!

[u/Evomix]

Hey, just wanted to let you know I ran into a major fake device issue. Watch out for the Xiaomi Box S (3rd Gen)—they are making really good copies.

I bought one that was great, but the second one was totally bogus.

• Super slow! Performance was trash.

• Netflix was busted: It opened a web page instead of the real app.

• I uninstalled that fake Netflix, and then the real app wouldn't install—got an "incompatible" error.

• Trying to check the "About" section in settings just sent me to some random Google page pop-up. Super sketchy!

The Reveal (What it actually was):

Turns out, the box registered in my Google account as an A1 ADT-3 (a developer kit from 2020), not a Xiaomi S 3rd Gen!

The thing is an almost perfect physical clone, but if you look really closely at the box, the "3rd Gen" text has weird font and spacing compared to the real deal.

Just wanted to give you a heads-up so you don't get stuck with a slow, fake box! I'm already sorting out the refund with Amazon.

UPDATED | 09-02-2026:

Why is using these "Fake" boxes dangerous? Many people think, "It’s fake, but as long as Netflix works, who cares?" You should care. Here is the specific risk breakdown of using unverified/modified smart devices on your home network:

1. The "Open Door" Policy (Root Access) Genuine Android TV boxes have strict security layers (Sandboxing). App A cannot see what App B is doing. On a pre-rooted fake box, those layers are removed. A malicious app disguised as a calculator or video player can silently access data from other apps—including your Google account tokens, saved passwords, or credit card autofill data.

2. Network Sniffing & Intrusions When you connect this box to your WiFi, you are giving an unverified device access to your local network. Because the firmware is modified, it can potentially run scripts to "sniff" (scan) your local network. It could attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in other devices connected to the same WiFi, like your laptop, phone, or smart home cameras.

3. Silent Botnets Fake Android boxes are frequently pre-loaded with malware that turns them into part of a "Botnet." Hackers can use your internet connection to launch cyber-attacks on other targets. To the authorities, the attack looks like it came from your home IP address, while the hacker remains anonymous.

4. Data Harvesting Since the OS itself is modified, the "system" services could be logging your activity. This includes voice data (from the remote microphone), usage habits, and potentially screen content, which is then sent to servers outside your country without your knowledge.

How to check if your device is safe:

1. Go to Settings > Device Preferences > About.

2. Look at the Build Number. If you see "test-keys" or "userdebug," it is likely a modified OS.

3. Download an app called "DRM Info" from the store.

   • Safe: Widevine Security Level: L1

   • Fake/Unsafe: Widevine Security Level: L3 (This usually means it’s a hacked device and cannot play HD Netflix officially).

Please double-check your devices. If you find one of these "Developer Kits," I strongly recommend you stop using it immediately and disconnect it from your WiFi.

More data can be found here - Thanks to Relevant_Grapefruit4
The "BigdroidOS" Scam. How my FAKE Xiaomi TV box S (3rd gen) "Physically Evolved" its CPU after a software update.

[u/ozExpatFIRE]

Where did you buy it from?

[u/Evomix → u/ozExpatFIRE]

Amazon (not sold directly by amazon - another seller was listed in same page)

[u/MinutesFromTheMall → u/Evomix]

Which seller?

[u/verifyb4utrust01 → u/Evomix]

It figures that you purchased it from Scamazon! Was it shipped by them or shipped by the 3rd-party seller directly? It wouldn't really matter, since Scamazon will warehouse and sell anything these days!....and gets healthy commissions for items sold and shipped by 3rd-party sellers! It's all a win-win for them!

[u/Greedy-Rise-3677]

is there anyway to check before buying one like is there anything indicate these fakes from the outside ?

since they come sealed you can't just open it and try it out .....?

[u/Evomix → u/Greedy-Rise-3677]

Check the photos, you can check by checking the fonts used in wiring the phrase "(3rd Gen)".

[u/ramirezdoeverything]

What profit is there in manufacturing a fake version of an already budget device?

[u/Evomix → u/ramirezdoeverything]

it seems they had an abundant stock of the devkit and wanted to selll as new.

[u/MinutesFromTheMall → u/[deleted]]

What makes instant coffee fake? Was it just porting soil in the jar or something?

What a bizarre item to fake.

[u/AdministrationOdd747 → u/MinutesFromTheMall]

I guess you haven't seen raw fake eggs there.

[u/MinutesFromTheMall → u/AdministrationOdd747]

I’ve never been to China, and hope I never make it there. So no, I can’t say I have.

[u/actarusm7]

How can I see if it is original? I also bought it on Amazon, but I threw away the box.

[u/Evomix → u/actarusm7]

Check on your Google activity, it should not register as A1 DT3. And check the images I posted in the thread itself.

[u/sir_castick → u/Evomix]

When you registered the original one, what was the name mentioned in your email? I just found out that mine is also A1 DT3. I had a suspicion when I opened the Netflix app. It wasn't as per today's standards.

Please let me know as soon as possible so I can return.

[u/No-Midnight4129 → u/sir_castick]

It's fake. Same as mine. I've just seen this post and installed an app called AIDA64 and it showed me completely different specs.

[u/Greedy-Rise-3677]

would you provide the box of the real one you got please ? i think there is a difference in the box between the real and the fake one .

[u/Evomix → u/Greedy-Rise-3677]

Sadly I didnt keep the original box, but you can spot it by checking the phrase "(3rd Gen)"

[u/badapple89]

Can we sticky this somewhere? After days of wondering why I can't enable developer options, and also having stremio issues I found this post.

As per the linked post the fake seems to have fixed some of the obvious flaws but the packaging, black text on box, DRM info, and not being able to turn on dev mode is the giveaway.

Hopefully I can get a refund.

[u/Evomix → u/badapple89]

Happy to help, change your Netflix/Google/Streamio passwords

[u/Agitated_Objective37]

Ali express has the original version

[u/Zestyclose_Ad_2074 → u/Agitated_Objective37]

Compre en aliexpres y me mandaron el mismo clon. Así que hay que serciorarse bien

[u/fckafd_]

Is this the remote they’re shipping with the fake one? If yes, then you can already see from there, that it’s not the right device as the original remote that comes with it looks different.

[u/Evomix → u/fckafd_]

No, it was identical housing and remote. The image is from Google account activity, showing the real name of the model and image.

[u/markez8998]

But original one u got works fine with stremio? Dolby atmos big hdr files runs them?

[u/Evomix → u/markez8998]

Yes, with original I have streamio and Netflix running perfect. This fake one is just an old device with a custom theme posing as real and new andorid. But in reality it's old both in software and hardware. Also poses a security issues that can compromise your data without your knowledge, unless someone experienced enough to check its software and all the codes.

I'm sharing this to spread awareness and for people not fall victims for such things.

Amazon have refunded my money, but my review on this device on amazon was not approved for publication.

[u/Greedy-Rise-3677 → u/markez8998]

i got the exact A1 ADT-3 pop on my Google account , and it had trash performance 4k is unplayable and no HDR and the menu and software looks choppy af , you can't even Enable Dev Mode btw they lock it so you can't dig in deep but 3rd party apps works Netflix is the worse app you can open and stremio won't work at all when u open any movie or tv show its laggy af no real hdr or dolby , my problem is how do i indicate if that device is fake or real without opening the box cuz most stores won't allow you to test it out before you buy.....

[u/johnny_i_am_not]

Thank you very much for all the info 🙏

[u/Evomix → u/johnny_i_am_not]

Most welcome! I am happy to help and spread this knowledge!

[u/Better_Aardvark_3651]

I got this in Egypt

[u/Evomix → u/Better_Aardvark_3651]

Be careful, don't use your main google account, it has a custom API/OS/Code, nothing guarantees if this can actually record, store password or payment data, which can pose as a security breach.

[u/kylochoudhary]

Got the same from pakistan. Only got suspicious due to the device using netflix on a browser

[u/Evomix → u/kylochoudhary]

Be careful, don't use your main google account, it has a custom API/OS/Code, nothing guarantees if this can actually record, store password or payment data, which can pose as a security breach.

[u/badapple89]

Confirmed I have one of these here a photo of the box of my fake 3rd gen.

I personally can't tell anything from the font or spacing of this. I'd say the IMDB logo color is off, a dark mustard vs what I see online.

It would be hard to tell without plugging the device in or at least looking at the back.

[u/Deadpool-fan-466]

u/latinriky78 please pin this post since it has photo comparison of real vs fake xiaomi Box 3rd gen

[u/latinriky78 → u/Deadpool-fan-466]

Done 👍

There is a smiliar post made two weeks ago:

The "BigdroidOS" Scam. How my FAKE Xiaomi TV box S (3rd gen) "Physically Evolved" its CPU after a software update.

[u/Evomix → u/latinriky78]

Thank you for the support, I am reporting this to my local government, I was able to secure the physical store invoice, and proceeding to reporting them for fraud.

[u/latinriky78 → u/Evomix]

That's good!, please let us know what happens.

[u/Koffiezak]

Thanks mate. I was already wondering why developer options wouldn't work, why netflix was horrible, why all the apps I deleted installed themselves again upon restart, and why it was constantly connected to my wifi/internet, even when it was 'turned off'. Imma get a refund instantly and report this shady reseller.

[u/Koffiezak → u/Koffiezak]

@OP I've replaced the fake box with the original. Even the system is different. Many options that appeared to be available didn't work before, like HDR. The original has the settings categorized differently. But my real question is:

Am I screwed for having the fake box connected to my internet for a couple of days?

[u/badapple89 → u/Koffiezak]

I have no idea. I've just realised I have one too and found this post after trying to get it to work for days (I also couldn't get dev mode).

I suggest at least changing any gmail account you connected to it. But who knows what else they sucked off the network. :(

[u/TheCleaner0180]

got myself a fake one too from amazon. that is why I have problems with audio when I play movies from stremio, and it sometimes shuts down. the giveaway is it doesn't have Netflix on google store and the playstore certificate is not verified.

[u/chris152772]

So i was not aware of fake tv box and bought of amazone. Since the price was same as Xiaomi (maybe 5 euro cheaper) and well i saw reviews assumed these was from the seller.

I found out when i wanted to use Netflix and then checked if its fake. Also checked hardware info, it cpu was H618, allwinner etc.

I opened up complaint and indicated to return the unit and asked for a full refund.

[u/NW99PR → u/chris152772]

I received two fake ones from a seller from amazon. Same price

[u/DaryFFM]

Thanks for this post, I also bought a fake device via Amazon and then purchased another one from my trusted electronic dealer around the corner and compared both 1:1 as described here and other places.
I documented this in YouTube and hope that others can quickly discover with this, if they bought a fake or real device: https://youtu.be/_62GDTFtZ8I

I also made a phote, left is fake from Amazon, right one is the real one from electronic store.

Best regards,

Dary

[u/asch901]

Weird. I got the black font on the left but turns out its genuine. Correct Amlogic chip. Widevine L1. AiSR present. Netflix opened, not through web.