Owners of Xiaomi smart gadgets often face the need to maintain devices, and scales are no exception. When the symbols of a dead battery appear on the screen or the device stops turning on, the user is faced with the question of choosing the right batteries. The wrong type of batteries can lead to incorrect sensors or even damage to the contacts.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what energy sources are required for the popular Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale and Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 models. You will learn about the technical characteristics, nuances of installation and calibration features after replacement.
Understanding how these devices work will help extend their lifespan and avoid common maintenance errors, so let's figure out what's hidden under the battery lid and how to properly replace them.
Technical requirements for power sources
The main standard for most Xiaomi smart scales is the use of standard alkaline AA batteries. This is the most common format that is easy to find in any electronics store or supermarket. However, it is important to pay attention not only to the size, but also to the chemical composition of the element.
The manufacturer strongly recommends using alkaline batteries rather than salt batteries, and the difference in capacity and current output between them is significant: alkaline cells can maintain a stable voltage longer, which is critical for the accuracy of bioimpedance analysis measurements.
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Use batteries from only one manufacturer and one batch, and mixing old and new cells or batteries from different brands will result in rapid discharge and possible electrolyte leakage.
Some device modifications, especially newer versions, may require the use of lithium cells, but this is rather an exception. For classic Xiaomi Mi Scale and Xiaomi Mi Scale 2 models, four AA elements remain the standard. It is important to make sure that the voltage of each element is nominal 1.5 Volts.
Model range and compatibility of elements
Xiaomi’s scale range includes multiple generations of devices, and while they may look similar in appearance, power requirements vary depending on the year of release and the regional version, the main difference lies in the number of elements needed and their configuration within the bay.
Below is a table that will help you quickly determine which batteries are needed for your model, which will eliminate the need to guess or disassemble the device without preparation.
| Model of the device | Typical size | Number (s) | Recommended type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale (1) | AA (LR6) | 4 | Alkaline |
| Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 | AA (LR6) | 4 | Alkaline |
| Xiaomi Mi Scale | AAA (LR03) | 4 | Alkaline |
| Yunmai Smart Scale | AAA (LR03) | 4 | Alkaline |
Note the first Xiaomi Mi Scale, which is often confused with the newer version, which uses thinner AAA batteries (little fingers), installing AA batteries in this compartment is physically impossible without damaging the body, and trying to insert AAA into the device for AA will lead to no contact.
When buying, pay attention to the labeling. For AA batteries, this is often the LR6 code, and for AAA, LR03. The letter "L" indicates the alkaline type, which is an important criterion for long-term balances. Salt batteries (marked "R" without "L") discharge much faster and can flow at low temperatures.
Instructions for replacing batteries
Xiaomi’s battery replacement process is as simple as possible and requires no special tools, except perhaps a coin or a flat screwdriver to open the lid. However, following the correct sequence of actions ensures the safety of the warranty and the integrity of the contacts.
☑️ Battery replacement process
First, turn the scales up and down on a soft surface, like a mat or a towel, so you don't scratch the glass panel. Find a round battery compartment cover. It usually has arrows indicating the direction of rotation. Turn the lid counterclockwise until you click or release the lock.
Remove the old batteries. If they are sitting tight, gently tuck them in with a nail or plastic object, avoiding the use of metal tools that can cause short circuit. Insert new cells, strictly observing the polarity indicated at the bottom of the compartment (+ and -). Usually the long side of the battery (plus) is directed to the spring contact.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the battery compartment lid open in areas with high humidity. Water entering the device will lead to oxidation of contacts and irreversible failure of electronics.
Once installed, close the lid tightly and turn clockwise to the point. Make sure that the rubber seal (if your model has one) is straight in the groove, providing moisture protection. Now the device is ready for calibration.
Calibration and primary start
Once the batteries are replaced, the smart scales can show incorrect data or flash, requiring calibration, which is normal behavior, since the controller needs to reset previous readings and tune in to new voltage parameters.
To perform calibration, perform the following actions:
- 🔋 Set the scales on a hard, flat surface (tile, laminate, parquet) carpet or soft coating will distort the readings.
- 👣 Stand briefly on the scales with one foot to turn on the screen, then immediately come off.
- ⏳ Wait until zeros or 0.00 appear on the display. Some models may flash the words CAL.
- ✅ Only after the appearance of zeros can you stand on the scales for weighing.
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Calibration is required after each battery change or weight shift, without which the measurement error can reach several kilograms.
If the scales are not turned on or immediately show an error, try to remove the batteries, wait. 10-15 And then you put them back in, and you make sure the contacts are clean, and sometimes the oxidized layer on the balance contacts interferes with the energy transfer.
Extension of the life of the batteries
Xiaomi’s smart scales have an energy-efficient architecture, but a number of factors can significantly shorten battery life, and understanding these factors will help you think less about buying new items.
Avoid placing the scales in places with direct sunlight or near heating appliances. High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions inside the battery, leading to its rapid discharge and possible deformation of the case.
Why do batteries go down so fast?
And also, it's worth considering that bioimpedance analysis (measuring the percentage of fat, muscle, and water) consumes more energy than just weighing. If you use just the weight function, the batteries will last longer. In standby mode, modern models consume microscopic amounts of energy, so they can be stored without retrieving the batteries for several months.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to not use the scales for a long time (more than 3 months), be sure to remove the batteries. Even when turned off, there is a risk of leakage of the electrolyte, which will destroy the contacts of the device.
Frequent problems and their solution
Even with the right batteries, users can face a number of typical problems, most often related to the quality of contacts or software failures that are easily fixed.
If the battery lights up immediately after replacement, check if you have removed the protective film from the new cells (if any), and make sure that the spring contacts in the compartment are not bent and fit tightly to the ends of the batteries, which can be gently bent upwards for better pressing.
In case the scales are turned on but do not transmit data to the smartphone:
- 📱 Make sure the right device is selected in the Mi Fit (or Zepp Life) app.
- 🔌 Check the permissions for the application: access to geolocation and Bluetooth should be allowed.
- 🔄 Try removing the device from the app and adding it again by following the instructions on the screen.
Sometimes it helps to completely reset the device, to do this, remove the batteries, press and hold the switch on (if you have one), or just wait a few minutes, then insert the batteries back, which will reboot the microcontroller scales.