How to connect a Xiaomi Mijia photo printer to your phone: full instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Mijia is a compact device for instant photo printing from a smartphone, which has become popular due to the combination of affordable price and high quality. However, many users face difficulties in connecting the printer to the phone for the first time. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from preparing devices to printing the first picture, and also consider the typical errors and how to fix them.

It is important to understand that the connection process may vary depending on the printer model (Mijia Photo Printer). 1S, 2S We will cover all options so you can customize the device regardless of its version, if you already have experience with portable printers from other brands (for example, Polaroid or iOS). HP Sprocket, you’ll notice that Xiaomi offers a more intuitive interface, but with some nuances.

Before you start, make sure your phone meets the minimum requirements. Android will require a version at least 6.0 Marshmallow, and iOS at least 10.0. Also check that the printer has enough charge (at least 20%), otherwise the connection may be interrupted.

1. Preparation of the Xiaomi Mijia photo printer for connection

Before you connect the printer to the phone, you need to turn it on correctly and put it into pairing mode, which is often missed, which is why the device is not detected by the smartphone.

Here's the step-by-step action:

• 🔋 Printer Charging: Connect the device to the network using the original cable USB Type-C (for models) 1S/2S) Wait until the indicator lights up green (full charge) or at least blue (sufficient level to work).
• 🔄 Turn on: Press the power button for 3 seconds until the white LED flashes. 2S Pocket button can be touch-sensitive – in this case, one short press is enough.
• 📶 Pair mode: Hold the power button for another 5 seconds until the indicator flashes blue and red quickly. This means that the printer is ready to connect over Bluetooth.

If the light flashes only red, it indicates an error, most often due to a discharged battery or mechanical locking of paper, try to restart the printer by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Mijia models (e.g, 1S) automatically exit the pairing mode after 2 minutes if the connection failed.In this case, repeat the step with the power button holding.

Charge the printer to level ≥20%|

Turn on the printer (white indicator)|Transfer to pairing mode (blind/red flashing)|

Make sure there's paper in the tray.|Check: the indicator does not burn red (error)-->

2. Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Print app

A photo printer requires a special application to work properly, and Xiaomi offers two options:

• 🏠 Mi Home is a universal application for all Xiaomi devices, including printers.
• 🖨️ Xiaomi Print – specialized software with advanced functions (photo editing, templates, printing) QR-Recommended for models 2S Pocket.

Download the application from official sources:

After installation:

1. Open the app and allow access to photos, camera and Bluetooth.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required for template synchronization and print history).
3. In the main menu, select Add the device (+) → printer → Photoprinter Mijia.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Print is not available on iPhone, iOS users will have to use Mi Home, but with limited functionality (for example, without collage templates).

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If the application does not find the printer, try to disable it. VPN or switch from mobile to Wi-Fi. Some regions (e.g. Europe) require selecting a China Mainland server in the Mi Home account settings.

3. Connecting the photo printer to the phone via Bluetooth

The main way to connect is via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This protocol provides stable communication and low power consumption. Let's look at the process with Android:

Steps for connection:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your phone (in the notification panel or in Settings) → Connections).
2. Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Print app and click Add Device.
3. Select the Mijia Photoprinter from the list. The app will automatically start searching for devices.
4. When the printer appears in the list (the name will be the type of printer). MIJIA_XXXX), tap him.
5. Confirm the pairing on the phone (entry may be required) PIN-code - by default 0000 or 1234).

For iPhone, the algorithm is similar, but with nuances:

• 📱 B Settings → Bluetooth Find the Printer Manually and Connect to It Before Launching the Mi Home App.
• 🔗 In the application, select Already connected devices and add a printer from the list.

If the connection is not established:

• 🔄 Restart the printer (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
• 📱 On your phone, clear the Bluetooth cache in Settings → Annexes → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔌 Try connecting from another phone to rule out a printer hardware malfunction.

Alternative Wi-Fi connectivity (for supported models)

Some versions of the printer (e.g. Mijia Photo Printer) 2S) Support Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, which is easy to print without a permanent Bluetooth connection, but requires additional setup.

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Turn on the printer and put it into Wi-Fi mode, holding the power button for 7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing yellow.
2. On the phone, open Settings. → Wi-Fi and find a network called MIJIA_PRINTER_XXXX.
3. Connect to this network (the default password is 12345678 or empty).
4. Launch the Mi Home app and select the printer in the Local Devices section.

The advantages of Wi-Fi:

• 📶 More stable communication at a distance of up to 10 meters (versus 5 meters for Bluetooth).
• 📱 The ability to print from multiple devices at the same time (for example, from a phone and tablet).

Disadvantages:

• 🔋 Higher power consumption of the printer.
• 🌐 Requires manual reconnection when changing the Wi-Fi network on the phone.

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Wi-Fi Direct is convenient for printing a large number of photos in a row, but for single shots it is easier to use Bluetooth.

5. Printing settings: selection of photos and parameters

Once connected successfully, you can start printing. The Mi Home or Xiaomi Print app has the following options:

The main printing settings:

• 🖼️ Photo selection: You can upload a picture from a gallery, take a new one through the camera or choose from cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud).
• ✂️ Cutting and turning: The application automatically adjusts the photo to the paper format (54×86 mm 76×127 mm depending on the printer model).
• 🎨 Filters and effects: Preset styles (Vintage, C/B, Polaroid) and manual brightness/contrast tuning are available.
• 📌 Additional elements: Adding date, time, QR-code or text commentary.

Important: Xiaomi Mijia printers use thermal sublimation printing, so photos are sensitive to direct sunlight. Store them in an album or under glass to avoid burnout.

The printing process:

1. Select a photo and press Print.
2. Confirm the parameters (number of copies, quality – Standard or High).
3. Wait until the printer warms up (the indicator turns green) and starts printing.

Time of printing of one photo:

Typical errors and their elimination

Even with the right connection, there can be failures, and let's look at the most common problems and ways to solve them:

Mistake 1: The printer is not detected by the phone

• 🔍 Check that the printer is in pairing mode (blind/red flashing).
• 📱 On your phone, turn off Charge Savings mode - it can block Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

Error 2: Printing is interrupted or the photo is printed with stripes

• 📄 Check if the paper is properly installed in the tray (the stop should lie face upwards).
• 🧹 Clean the printed head with a napkin dipped in isopropyl alcohol (do not use water!).
• 🔋 Make sure the printer charge is at least 30% – low levels may not have enough power to warm up.

Error 3: The app gives a message "Device not supported"

• 📲 Update the Mi Home or Xiaomi Print app to the latest version.
• 🌍 In your Mi Home account settings, select China Mainland region – some features are only available for that region.
• 📱 Check your phone’s compatibility: Xiaomi Mijia printers don’t work with Windows Phone devices or older Android versions (5.0 and below).

7. Compatibility with other devices and alternative printing methods

Xiaomi Mijia photoprinter can be connected not only to smartphones, but also to other gadgets.

Connecting to a tablet or laptop

• 🖥️ On Windows or macOS, the printer is defined as a Bluetooth device, but printing will require an Android emulator (such as BlueStacks) with Mi Home installed.
• 📱 On tablets with Android or iPad, the connection process is similar to smartphones.

Printing from a computer through the cloud

• 🌥️ Upload a photo to Google Photos or Mi Cloud.
• 📱 Open the Xiaomi Print app on your phone and select a photo from cloud storage.

Use of third-party applications

If the official software is not satisfied, you can try alternatives:

• 📷 Printic – supports Xiaomi printers and offers advanced templates.
• 🖼️ FreePrints – allows you to print photos from social networks (Instagram, Facebook).

⚠️ Note: Third-party applications may not support all printer functions (e.g., printing) QR-They also often require payment for premium templates.

8.Photoprinter care and operating tips

To make the printer last longer, follow these guidelines:

Printing head maintenance

• 🧴 Clean the head every 50 prints with a special wipe (included in the kit).
• 🚫 Do not use alcohol wipes more than 1 time a month – this can damage the coating.

Storage of paper

• 📦 Keep paper in factory packaging or sealed container – it is sensitive to moisture.
• 🔥 Do not store paper near heat sources (for example, on a windowsill in the sun).

Charging and power

• 🔌 Use only the original cable and power adapter (5V/2A).
• 🔋 Do not discharge the printer completely – the optimal level for storage 40-60%.

Transportation

• 🚗 When transporting, remove the paper from the tray to avoid clumps.
• 🎒 Move the printer in a case or original box.

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Regular maintenance of the printing head and proper storage of paper will increase the life of the printer in the future. 2-3 once.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions