The Xiaomi Circle Joy is a compact and stylish device that transforms the process of opening bottles of wine into an easy and enjoyable experience, and it can help you forget about broken traffic jams, tired hands and torn labels. But like any technique, the electric corkscrew requires the right handling to last long and trouble-free.
In this article, we'll look at not only the basic steps of using an electric corkscrew, but also the nuances that are often overlooked in standard instructions: how to prepare a bottle for opening, what wines are best not to try to open with this device, and how to avoid the typical mistakes that lead to breakages, and also the secrets of care that will prolong the life of your gadget for years.
If you’ve just purchased the Xiaomi Circle Joy or have been using it for a long time but want to master it 100%, this guide is for you.
Preparing the electric corkscrew for work: charging and the first steps
Before first using the Xiaomi Circle Joy, you need to fully charge its battery.The device comes with a USB-C cable, but the power supply is not included - you will need an adapter with output 5V/1A or 5V/2A (It's a smartphone charger. It takes about a full charge. 2–3 clock, which is signaled by a green indicator on the body.
Important: Do not use adapters with voltage higher 5V — Also avoid charging in high humidity (such as in the bathroom) or in temperatures below 0.°C.
After charging, check the device's performance:
- 🔋 Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds – a white indicator should light up.
- 🔄 Press the button briefly to activate the spin of the corkscrew (in the air, without the bottle).
- 🔴 If the indicator flashes red, the device is discharged or an error occurs (see the section "Decoding the indicators").
Before first use, it is recommended to wipe the spiral with a wet wipe - it may remain factory lubricant. Also check that the protective cap (if included) tightly covers the needle when the device is not in use.
Next Next post: How to Open a Bottle of Wine
The algorithm for opening the bottle with the Xiaomi Circle Joy is simple, but requires carefulness.
- Remove the foil from the bottle neck, you can use a knife or a cutter (sometimes included), and don't leave any pieces of foil, they can get into the wine.
- Set the corkscrew strictly in the center of the cork. Press the power button and hold it, the coil will start spinning and sinking into the cork. Don't press the bottle with force, the device will do everything by itself!
- Wait for the click. When the spiral enters the traffic jam, the characteristic sound will sound, and the rotation will stop automatically (in models with a sensor).
- Remove the cork. Press the button again, the spiral will start to rotate in the opposite direction, pulling the cork. Hold the bottle with the second hand so that it does not overturn.
Remove foil from the neck|
Check the level of the corkscrew charge.|
Place the bottle on a flat surface|
Hold the bottle by the base, not the neck.-->
If the cork is stuck or doesn't come out completely, don't try to pull it out by force, it can damage the coil.
- 🔄 Turn on the reverse (reverse rotation) again.
- 💧 Drop a few drops of warm water on the cork - it will swell and come out easier.
- 🛠️ Use a hand-operated corkscrew if the electronics fail (see "When not to use an electric corkscrew" section").
After removing the cork, wipe the coil with a dry wipe to remove the wine residue and prevent corrosion.
Decoding of indicators and sound signals
Xiaomi Circle Joy is equipped with a light indication that helps to understand the status of the device.
| Color of indicator | Blinking mode | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | It's burning all the time. | Device on, ready to go. | You can open the bottle. |
| Green. | It's burning all the time. | The battery is fully charged | Turn off the charger. |
| Red. | Blinks fast. | Low battery charge (<10%) | Charge the device. |
| Red. | Blinks slowly | Traffic jam or engine overload | Remove the spiral, check the plug. |
| Blue | Blink 3 times | Sensor error (in models with hitchhiking) | Restart the device (hold the 10 sec button) |
Some models also emit sound signals:
- 🔊 One short signal - successful removal of the cork.
- 🔊 Double signal – the plug is stuck or the device overheated.
- 🔊 Long signal - battery discharge critical (<5%).
💡
If the indicator flashes red but the device is charged, try clearing the spiral of the remnants of the plug - sometimes they block the position sensor.
When you should not use an electric corkscrew
Despite its versatility, the Xiaomi Circle Joy is not suitable for all types of bottles and corks. Here are the cases when it is best to use a manual corkscrew:
- 🍾 Sparkling wines and champagne, and the pressure in the bottle can push the cork too sharply, causing the coil to splash or break.
- 🧀 Old wines (10)+ The corks in these bottles often crumble or stick to the neck.
- 🔧 Corks made of synthetic materials, which can melt or deform when the spiral is heated (if the device overheats).
- 🍷 Bottles with non-standard necks (for example, square or relief) The spiral can slip and damage the glass.
What happens if you open the champagne with an electric tailspin?
Also avoid using the device under the following conditions:
- 🌡️ Temperatures below 0°C or higher than 40°C – This reduces the battery life.
- 💦 In a humid environment (for example, in the kitchen during cooking with steam) – condensation can get into the mechanism.
- 🔌 Near sources of strong electromagnetic fields (microwaves, induction plates).
⚠️ Warning: If the plug starts to crumble during extraction, immediately stop the device and pull out the spiral. Continuation of work may lead to a jamming of the engine.
Care and storage: how to extend the life of the device
The life of the Xiaomi Circle Joy depends not only on the build quality, but also on proper care.
After each use:
- 🧼 Wipe the coil with a wet napkin, then dry it. Residues of wine can cause corrosion.
- 🔋 Check the charge level. If the light flashes red, charge it.
- 🔌 Keep the device with a closed protective cap (if it is included in the kit).
Once a month:
- 🛠️ Lubricate the spiral with edible oil (such as olive) – this will prevent rust and make it easier to spin.
- 🔍 Check the integrity of the sealing rubber bands (if any in your model).
What can't be done:
- 🚫 Wash the device under running water or immerse in a liquid.
- 🚫 Use abrasive cleaning products (they scratch the coating of the spiral).
- 🚫 Store near heating appliances or under direct sunlight.
If the device is not expected to be used for a long time (for example, several months), charge it to 50% and store it in a dry place at room temperature.
💡
Regular cleaning of the spiral and lubrication with edible oil prevent 90% of breakdowns associated with corrosion and overheating.
Typical malfunctions and ways to eliminate them
Even with careful use, the Xiaomi Circle Joy can fail. Let’s take a look at the most common problems and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The device is not switched on. | Battery discharged | Put it on for 2-3 hours. If it doesn't work, check the cable and adapter. |
| The spiral doesn't rotate. | Sticking of the plug or mechanical locking | Remove the spiral manually (scroll carefully). If you can't, contact the service. |
| The device is overheating. | Long-term operation (more than 5 bottles in a row) or high ambient temperature | Let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Do not use in temperatures above 30.°C. |
| The indicator flashes blue. | Helical position sensor failure | Restart the device (hold the 10 seconds button) If it doesn't work, it needs repair. |
| The spiral doesn't pull the plug completely. | Wear of the spiral or incorrect positioning | Check to see if the device is evenly mounted. If the spiral is bent, replace it. |
If the device falls from a height or is hit by liquid, do not turn it on immediately.Let it dry for 24 hours in a dry place (for example, next to a silica gel package).If the problem persists, contact an authorized Xiaomi service center.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble the device yourself, it voids the warranty. Inside are small parts that are easily damaged without special tools.
Comparison with analogues: why chose Xiaomi Circle Joy
There are models from different brands in the electric tailspin market: Secura, Oster, Cuisinart. What is the Xiaomi Circle Joy stand out for?
Advantages:
- 🔋 Capacity battery (up to 30 bottles on one charge vs. 10-15 for competitors).
- 📦 Compact size – easily fits into a bag or bar counter.
- 💡 Automatic stop with full immersion of the spiral (not all models have a).
- 🛡️ Overheating protection – the device shuts down at critical temperature.
Disadvantages (compared to premium models):
- 🔌 No removable battery – when failure requires replacement of the entire device.
- 🛠️ The spiral is not adjustable in length (unlike some professional models).
- 📶 No wireless charging (only) USB-C).
If you want a reliable electric tailspin for home use without frills, the Xiaomi Circle Joy is a great choice. For professional applications (for example, in restaurants), it is better to consider models with a metal case and removable spirals.