Connecting Xiaomi’s handheld printer to Android via Bluetooth: The Complete Guide 2026

Why Bluetooth is the best way to connect a Xiaomi printer to a smartphone

Xiaomi portable printers (such as the Mi Portable Photo Printer or Xiaomi Print Pocket AR) have become popular because of their compactness and ability to print directly from a smartphone. But many users face problems when connecting to each other for the first time via Bluetooth — devices can not find each other, the connection is broken or the application gives an error. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions with all the nuances from preparing the printer to printing the first photo.

Bluetooth connectivity is different from alternative methods (Wi-Fi, USB) for three reasons: first, it does not require a router or cables; second, consumes a minimum amount of battery printer; third, allows you to print even in the absence of Internet (for example, on a trip or in nature).

If you've previously connected other gadgets to your phone (earphones, fitness bracelets), the process will seem familiar. But printers have specific requirements for Bluetooth drivers and profiles, so standard pairing doesn't always work here. Next, details for different printer models and Android versions.

What Xiaomi printer models support Bluetooth connectivity

Not all Xiaomi portable printers are equipped with Bluetooth module, below is a table with the current models and their characteristics:

If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the documentation for the device.Printers without Bluetooth (for example, some early versions of the Mi Mini Printer) connect only via Wi-Fi Direct or cable.

Also pay attention to the Android version: for printers with Bluetooth 5.0+ Android 8.0 Oreo or later is required. Older smartphones may have pairing problems or limited functionality (e.g., lack of support) AR-print-out).

Preparing the printer and phone for connection

Before pairing devices, follow several mandatory steps:

• 🔋 Printer charging: Make sure the printer's battery level is at least 30%.The low charge can cause Bluetooth to automatically shut down while printing.
• 📱 Phone Software Update: Check for Android Updates in Settings → System system → Outdated versions of the OS often conflict with Bluetooth 5.0.
• 🖨️ Reset Printer: If the printer has previously connected to another device, reset settings (usually hold the power button for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes).
• 📲 Download the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Print app from Google Play. Alternative apps (like PrintHand) may not support all features.

Pay special attention to the permissions of the application: after installation, open Settings → Applications → Mi Home → Permissions and enable access to:

• 📷 Storage (for uploading photos)
• 📍 Location (for Bluetooth scanning)
• 📞 Contacts (optional, for printing business cards)

If you are using Xiaomi Print Pocket AR, additionally install the application AR Google's Core, which is essential for augmented reality, and without it, printing is possible, but without it. AR-effects.

⚠️ Note: On some smartphones (such as Samsung or OnePlus), built-in battery optimization tools can block Bluetooth from running in the background. To avoid a connection break, add the Mi Home app to the exception list: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Mi Home → Turn off optimization.

Step-by-step: how to connect a Xiaomi printer to Android via Bluetooth

Now, to the interface process itself, the instructions are universal for most models, but we'll give you some nuances for specific devices.

1. Turn on the printer with a long press of the power button (3-5 seconds). Wait until the indicator flashes blue, which means that the device is ready to pair. Some models (for example, Mi Smart Photo Printer S) may need to hold the button until the beep.
2. Activate Bluetooth on your phone: Open the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) and click on the Bluetooth icon. Alternatively, go to Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Start a device search: Your printer name should appear on the list of available devices (for example, MI_PRINTER_XXXX). If the printer isn't showing up, update the list (update button or swipe down). What to do if the printer isn't there?Try turning off and back on Bluetooth on your phone. If that doesn't work, reboot both devices. On some printer models (for example, Mi Mini Printer) to activate the pairing mode, you need to hold the power button. 10 seconds before double flashing of the indicator.
4. Connect to the printer: click on the device name in the list. The phone screen will request confirmation of the pairing code (usually 0000 or 1234), enter it and confirm the connection.
5. Open the Mi Home app: Once paired successfully, the printer will automatically add to the device list. Click on it to complete the setup (you may need to select a region and update the firmware).

If you have a “failed to connect” error during the connection stage, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot the printer (turn off and turn on again).
• 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices (headphones, watches) that may interfere.
• 🛠️ Update the printer firmware through the Mi Home app (Updates section»).

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If the printer connects but shuts down immediately, check battery saving settings: some manufacturers (e.g. Xiaomi in MIUI) aggressively turn off Bluetooth in the background. Add the Mi Home app to the list of "Secure Apps" in the battery settings.

Printing settings: from photo selection to first prints

Once connected successfully, you can start printing, and the process depends on the printer model and the application you use, but the general scheme is as follows:

1. Select a photo in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Print application. JPEG, PNG and BMP formats are supported. The resolution of the original does not matter - the printer automatically scales the image to the size of the paper (usually 54×86 mm or 76×130 mm).
2. Edit photos (optional): the application has basic tools – cropping, filters, adding text or stickers. For models with AR (for example, Print Pocket AR), you can add animations that will play when you point the camera on the print.
3. Set up the printing parameters: 🖼️ Quality: “Standard” (fast) or “High” (slower but clearer). 🎨 Color profile: "Bright" (saturated colors) or "Natural" (closer to the original). 🔄 Number of copies: 1 to 5.

Start the print: press the Print button and wait until it is completed. Print time varies from 15 to 40 seconds. Do not remove the paper until the print is fully released, this can lead to jamming.

For models with thermal printing (such as Mi Mini Printer), note that prints fade over time when exposed to sunlight. To save photos for a long time, use special protective stickers or store pictures in an album.

⚠️ Warning: If the printer says no paper, but you're sure it's loaded, check the paper sensor. Sometimes the sheets shift when you're transporting. Carefully remove the cassette and insert it back, making sure the paper is flat and not skewed.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right connection, users face typical problems, and here are a list of bugs and ways to fix them:

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the printer to factory settings.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press the power button and the print button simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the indicator to flash twice (on some models – the sound signal).
4. 🔌 USB-cable: for printers with port USB-C Micro-USB can be used as a cable. OTG. Connect the printer to your phone, then select it in the Mi Home app as a local device.
5. 🖥️ Printing via PC: If the printer supports a connection to the computer, you can transfer the photo to the PC and then print through standard drivers.

Each method has pros and cons:

• 👍 Wi-Fi Direct is more stable than Bluetooth, but consumes more battery power.
• 👍 USB It provides high speed transmission, but requires cable and is not always convenient.
• 👎 Both methods may conflict with other network connections (e.g., mobile internet).

However, the functionality may be limited (e.g., it will not work). AR-seal).