Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi has officially stated that, effective September 1, its warranty and battery‑protection programs will no longer apply to second‑hand phones. The policy restricts coverage to devices purchased directly from the company as new.

According to the company’s announcement, assessing the condition of pre‑owned phones is fraught with uncertainty, which could lead to misuse of the service and uneven customer experiences.

Consumers have responded with a mix of approval and concern. While some applaud the move as a transparency measure, many resale traders fear a drop in demand and price volatility for used Xiaomi models.

Historically, Xiaomi has tweaked its after‑sale policies several times. In 2018, the firm introduced paid battery‑replacement services in several European markets, sparking similar debates about service equity.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that restricting warranty to brand‑new phones could reshape the resale ecosystem in India and Southeast Asia, where second‑hand smartphones account for over 30 % of total sales.

"Excluding used phones from warranty may discourage refurbishing and increase electronic waste," warns tech analyst Anjali Singh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I register a second‑hand phone I just bought for warranty coverage?

A: No, only brand‑new devices qualify for Xiaomi’s warranty and battery‑protection programs.

Q2: Is this policy being rolled out globally or only in specific regions?

A: Xiaomi has indicated that the change will be applied across all markets, including India.