Xiaomi’s Rubik’s Cube: Complete Instructions for Configuring and Using

Xiaomi’s smart Rubik’s Cube is not just a puzzle, but a full-fledged device with Bluetooth, a mobile app and learning capabilities. Unlike the classic Cube, the Mi Smart Cube (also known as the Xiaomi Mijia SmartMagic Cube) syncs with a smartphone, tracks build statistics, offers training algorithms, and even integrates into the Mi Home ecosystem. However, many users face difficulties when first connecting or setting up — especially if the cube is purchased without the original instruction.

In this guide, we'll take you through the whole process, from unpacking and charging to fine-tuning your app to solving typical problems, and you'll learn how to calibrate sensors, update your firmware, reset your settings to factory settings, and even use a cube to teach you how to build speed, and if you have an Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant model, you'll find instructions on how to integrate with those systems.

Important: Xiaomi Cubes came in multiple versions (2018, 2020, 2022), and their settings may vary.

1. Preparation of the cube for the first use

Before setting up, make sure your Mi Smart Cube is ready to go.

• 📦 Unpack the device and check the kit: the cube itself, the USB-Type-C cable (in older versions - Micro-USB), the instruction in Chinese (it can be ignored).
• 🔋 Charge the cube for at least 30 minutes - even if the indicator is on. ~2 hours, but for the setup will be enough and partial.
• 📱 Install the app: for Android - Mi Home (version 6.0)+), For iOS, Mi Home or Apple Home (if supported).
• 🌍 Check the region in the app settings: select China, otherwise the cube may not appear in the list of devices.

⚠️ Warning: If the cube doesn't respond to rotations after charging, try resetting it to factory settings. To do this, hold any edge in the pressed state for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks. In models in 2022, the reset is performed through the application.

In older versions of the cube (2018), the Gateway Xiaomi was required to connect - this is not relevant now, but if you have such a model, you will have to buy a gateway or update the firmware manually (instruction below).

2. Connecting the cube to a smartphone

The pairing process depends on the cube model and the phone operating system. Let's look at both options:

For Android (via Mi Home)

1. Open Mi Home and press + → Add the device.
2. Select the Toys and Learning category (or Smart Home in older versions of the app).
3. Find the Mi SmartMagic Cube (or Mijia Smart Cube) in the list.
4. Hold any face of the cube for 3 seconds until the blue indicator blinks.
5. Confirm the connection in the application and wait for synchronization (can take up to 1 minute).

For iOS (via Mi Home or Apple Home)

The iPhone process is similar, but there are nuances:

• 🍎 If the cube supports HomeKit (Models 2022), it can be added through the app Home – scan QR-box-code.
• 🔄 Mi Home for iOS may require changing region to China (in user profile).
• 🚫 If the cube is not there, try turning off Bluetooth, restart your phone and try again.

⚠️ Warning: If the cube plugs in but shuts off immediately, the problem is the firmware. Update it manually (section 4) or reset the settings by holding the edge for 15 seconds.

Calibration of sensors and first setting

Once you've connected, you have to calibrate the cube, or it's not going to recognize the rotation correctly.

1. In the Mi Home app, go to the Cube Settings (Device) → Settings → Sizing).
2. Follow the instructions on the screen: you will be asked to spin each face clockwise and against it.
3. After calibration, check the sensitivity: if the cube does not respond to light movements, increase the sensitivity in the settings (Sensitivity parameter).

In the models of 2022 added the function of automatic calibration – just simply collect the cube (by any means), and the sensors will adapt to your style of rotation.

💡 Cubes Xiaomi 2020+ Support gestures: double touching any facet turns on/off the backlight, and triple touching reboots the device.

4. Update firmware and reset settings

If the cube is buggy, not connected, or is unstable, the first thing you need to do is update the firmware, and in most cases, this solves the sensor and synchronization problems.

Update via Mi Home

1. Open the cube card in Mi Home.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Firmware Update.
3. If the update is available, confirm the installation and wait until the completion (the cube will reboot automatically).

Manual update (if automatic does not work)

For models 2018-2020 may require manual firmware through ADB:

adb connect [IP- address of the cube]


adb install -r mijia_smartcube_firmware.apk

The firmware file can be downloaded from miuirom.org (Smart Home section).

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process, as this may cause the rotation sensors to break. If the cube is stuck in the Updating... stage, wait at least 15 minutes before the forced reboot.

5.Integration with smart home and voice assistants

The Mi Smart Cube can be used not only as a puzzle, but also as a smart home control panel, for example, rotating a certain edge can turn on light, trigger a robot vacuum cleaner, or activate a script in Mi Home.

Setting up scripts in Mi Home

1. Open the Automation tab in Mi Home.

Voice control (Google Assistant/Alice)

For integration with voice assistants:

• 🎤 In Mi Home, link your account to Google Home or Yandex.Smart Home.
• 🔗 In the Cube settings, turn on the Voice Assistant option.
• 🗣 Now you can say, "Alice, turn on the Rubik's Cube learning mode" or "OK Google, show the build statistics".

💡

If the cube does not respond to voice commands, check that the Mi Home settings have enabled Cloud Sync and the device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Alice speaker./Google Assistant.

6. Solving typical problems

Even after setting up correctly, users encounter bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the cube has completely stopped turning on, try:

1. Connect it to charging for 1-2 hours (even if the indicator does not burn).
2. Hold any edge for 15-20 seconds for forced reset.
3. If nothing helps, disassemble the cube (carefully pulling the upper edge) and check the contacts of the battery.

💡

90% of Xiaomi Rubik’s Cube problems are solved by rebooting, calibrating, or updating the firmware. If the device is warranted, don’t take it down yourself!

7 Additional functions: training and games

The Mi Smart Cube is not only a puzzle, it's also a learning tool.

• 🎓 Lessons for beginners: step-by-step build algorithms from simple to complex.
• ⏱ Speed build timer: Measures time and keeps statistics (best results, average time).
• 🎮 Multiplayer: Competing with friends via Bluetooth (up to 4 players).
• 🔄 Random scrambling: the cube itself is stirred for training.

For power users, there's a Blind Build mode, where the cube gives you voice cues, and you put it together with your eyes closed. Activates through Settings. → Additionally. → Blind Mode.

💡 In the models of 2022 added support AR-Learning: Through the phone camera, the app shows you how to rotate the edges in real time.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Rubik’s Cube