Xiaomi has changed the eligibility rules for some of its additional warranty and battery protection services, with certain second-hand and refurbished devices potentially excluded from these benefits. Customers purchasing used Xiaomi products may now need original proof of purchase, as well as identifying information such as the device’s IMEI or serial number, to access certain services.

The development highlights an important challenge for the growing refurbished electronics market: ensuring that consumers have confidence in the products they buy. Clear warranty and after-sales policies can play a major role in encouraging people to choose refurbished devices, particularly when purchasing a used smartphone instead of a new one.

At the same time, the distinction between manufacturer support and consumer rights remains important. Xiaomi’s additional protection programmes may have specific eligibility conditions, while statutory consumer protections continue to depend on the country where the device is purchased.

For the circular economy, accessible repair and after-sales support are essential to keeping devices in use for longer. As the European refurbished market expands, manufacturers will increasingly need to consider how warranty policies, spare parts, repairs and refurbishment can work together to support longer product lifecycles rather than encouraging premature replacement.