What batteries are needed for Xiaomi scales: types, replacement and tips for choosing

Xiaomi’s smart scales have become an integral part of a healthy lifestyle for millions of users, measuring weight, fat percentage, muscle mass and even bone density precisely, but only if they work properly. And the key to stable operation lies in the batteries. Inappropriate batteries will cause measurement failures, rapid discharge or complete failure of the device.

Many users are faced with confusion: what batteries are needed for a particular model? Can you use analogs instead of the original? How to extend their life? In this article, we will analyze all Xiaomi smart scales, official manufacturer recommendations and life hacks for savings. You will learn why the scales of the Mi Body Composition Scale 2 require low self-discharge batteries, and even budget ones will suit the Mi Scale 2.

We've analyzed the technical specifications, user feedback and test results so you can choose the best option without experimenting, and we'll also tell you how to replace batteries correctly without damaging the contacts, and what to do if the scales don't turn on after you've replaced them.

What Xiaomi Weight Models Are and How They Differ

Xiaomi has released several generations of smart scales, each with its own power features, with the main models being up to date for 2026:

  • πŸ“± Mi Scale (1st generation) - basic model with weight measurement and IMD (Body mass index: 4 batteries running AAA.
  • πŸ“Š Mi Body Composition Scale - adds body composition analysis (fat, muscle, water) AAA, but with increased capacity requirements.
  • πŸ”‹ Mi Scale 2 - An improved version with accurate weight sensor and support for Mi Fit. Powered by 4 batteries AAA, but compatible with batteries.
  • πŸ’‘ Mi Body Composition Scale 2 is a flagship model with 13 body analysis parameters. AAA Low-discharge (e.g. Duracell Procell or Energizer Ultimate Lithium).
  • 🌐 Xiaomi Smart Scale 2 is a global version for foreign markets. Similar to Mi Scale 2, but with different firmware.

Important: Models with the index "2" (Mi Scale 2, Mi Body Composition Scale 2) have updated electronics that are sensitive to power quality. Using cheap batteries with high self-discharge can lead to false readings or synchronization failures with the application.

If you are unsure of your weight model, check the sticker on the underside of the device or find information in the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app in Devices β†’ Settings β†’ About Weighs.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Weight Model Are You Using?
Mi Scale (1st generation)
Mi Body Composition Scale
Mi Scale 2
Mi Body Composition Scale 2
Another model

Xiaomi's official requirements for batteries for weights

The manufacturer clearly indicates in the instructions for the devices, which batteries are recommended for stable operation, the General requirements for all models:

  • πŸ”‹ Type: Batteries of format only AAA (finger-like, LR03). Use of other types (AA, CR2032 etc.) will cause damage to the contacts.
  • ⚑ Voltage: nominal voltage of one battery - 1.5 V. Total voltage for 4 cells: 6 V.
  • πŸ“‰ Self-discharge: For models with body composition analysis (Mi Body Composition Scale 2), low self-discharge batteries (no more than 10% per year) are recommended).
  • πŸ”„ Rechargeability: only disposable alkaline or lithium batteries are officially supported. Ni-MH batteries can be used, but with reservations (see section below).

The documentation for the Mi Body Composition Scale 2 has a special note: do not use batteries with an expired shelf life. Even if they are new, but have been in storage for more than 2 years, their capacity could decrease by 20-30%, which will affect the accuracy of measurements.

⚠️ Warning: Heavy Duty batteries (such as the Zinc-Carbon) are not suitable for Xiaomi smart scales, but have low capacity and discharge rapidly at high loads, causing sensor malfunctions.

Model of weightsRecommended type of batteryMinimum capacity (mAh)Model brands
Mi ScaleAlkaline AAAs800Duracell Basic, Energizer Max
Mi Body Composition ScaleAlkaline or lithium AAA1000GP Super Alkaline, Panasonic Evolta
Mi Scale 2Alkaline or Ni-MH batteries900Energizer Recharge, Eneloop
Mi Body Composition Scale 2Lithium AAA with low self-discharge1200Duracell Procell, Energizer Ultimate Lithium

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For the Mi Body Composition Scale 2 models, lithium batteries are a priority, providing a stable voltage to full discharge, which is critical for accurate sensors.

Can batteries be used instead of batteries?

Technically, yes, but with important caveats: AAA batteries (like Ni-MH or Li-ion) have a voltage of 1.2 V instead of 1.5 V for disposable batteries.

  • βœ… Pluses: πŸ”„ Repeated use (savings in the long run). 🌱 Environmentally friendly (less waste).
  • ❌ Cons: πŸ“‰ Lower voltage (1.2 V vs 1.5 V), which can lead to inaccurate readings in sensitive models. πŸ”‹ They discharge faster at high loads (for example, when synchronizing over Bluetooth). ⚠️ Risk of damage to contacts with frequent replacement (batteries may vary slightly in size).

If you decide to use batteries, follow these rules:

Choose Ni-MH batteries with a capacity of at least 900 mAh |

Use only fully charged batteries (voltage not lower than 1.35 V) |

Check the balance contacts for no oxidation once every 3 months |

Do not use batteries of different brands or with different degrees of charge in the same set-->

Battery use is not recommended for Mi Body Composition Scale 2 models, because the voltage difference can distort the bioimpedance analysis. If you want to switch to batteries, test them for accuracy over a week.

What happens when you use the battery in the Mi Body Composition Scale 2?
At voltages below 1.4 V, body composition sensors can show an overestimated percentage of fat (2-5%) and underestimated muscle mass, and there may be problems with synchronizing data in the Mi Fit application, especially when the charge is low.

How to replace batteries: step-by-step instructions

Replacing the power in Xiaomi’s scales seems like a simple procedure, but many users make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.

  1. Preparation: Turn the scales over and find the battery compartment (usually in the center of the bottom panel), use a plastic card or a special key (included) to gently open the lid. Don't use metal objects - they can scratch the contacts.
  2. Removing old batteries: If batteries are "acid" or oxidized, don't try to pull them out by force. gently swing them from side to side, and if strongly oxidized, use vinegar or citric acid to clean the contacts (see tip below).
  3. Installation of new batteries: Insert the batteries strictly by polarity (Β«+Β» and Β«βˆ’Β» Start with the extreme batteries to avoid skewing. Mi Body Composition Scale 2 models are recommended to use the same battery pack, which ensures the same level of charge.
  4. Checking performance: After replacing, put the scales on a flat surface and turn them on (click on the platform or on the on button, if any: πŸ”Œ Properly Installed Batteries (Flip them and try again). 🧹 Clean contact (oxidation or dirt may prevent contact). πŸ”‹ Battery quality (try another set).

⚠️ Warning: If after replacing the batteries, the scales show an error "Err" or are not synced with the application, reset the settings. To do this, hold the on button (if any) for 10 seconds or reset the scales through the Mi Fit application (Devices). β†’ Settings β†’ Reset).

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If the contacts in the battery compartment are oxidized, clean them with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar or alcohol. After cleaning, dry the compartment with a hair dryer (cold mode) for 2-3 minutes.

Top.-5 Batteries for Xiaomi scales: rating 2026 year-end

We tested 12 popular AAA battery models for compatibility with Xiaomi weights and ranked them according to the following criteria: voltage stability, service life, price and impact on measurement accuracy.

Place.Model batteryTypeCapacity (mAh)Duration of service (month)*Price for 4 pcs. (β‚½)Better for models.
1Energizer Ultimate Lithiumlithium125018–24400–450Mi Body Composition Scale 2
2Duracell ProcellAlkaline (professional)110012–15250–300All models.
3Panasonic EvoltaAlkaline100010–12200–220Mi Scale 2, Mi Body Composition Scale
4GP Super AlkalineAlkaline9508–10150–180Mi Scale (1st generation)
5Kodak MaxAlkaline9006–8120–150Budget option for rare use

*Duration indicated for daily use (2-3 weighings per day).

The ENERGizer Ultimate Lithium battery performed better in tests, holding 1.5V voltages to the very end of the discharge, which is critical for accurate measurements. The Duracell Procell (Panasonic Evolta) battery is also suitable, but its capacity declines faster with frequent Bluetooth synchronizations.

Budget options (Kodak Max, Cosmos) can be used for Mi Scale (1st generation), but for models with body composition analysis they are not suitable - due to unstable tension, the readings can "float" by 3-5%.

Frequent mistakes in choosing and replacing batteries

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to weight breakdowns or inaccurate measurements, and the most common of these are:

  • πŸ”„ Mixing batteries of different types or brands: Using alkaline and lithium batteries (or batteries with different capacities) in a single set results in uneven discharge. One battery can land faster, leading to malfunctions.
  • ⏳ Ignoring the expiration date: Batteries that were in storage more 2 years, lose up to 30% Check the date of production on the package, which is usually in the format of GG-MM (for example, the product is not manufactured, 23-05 = may 2023).
  • 🧲 Battery storage in the refrigerator: It's a myth! cold slows down self-discharge, but when returned to room temperature, batteries can form condensation, leading to contact oxidation in the scales.
  • πŸ”‹ Using batteries without fully charging: If you decide to switch to batteries, charge them before 100% Partially charged batteries before the first installation (<1.35 B) may not provide sufficient voltage for sensors.
  • 🚫 Batteries from the TV remote or children's toys are often discharged to 1.2-1.3 V. For Xiaomi scales, this is critical - they may not turn on or show an error "LoLoΒ».

⚠️ Warning: If the scales start to show an overweight after replacing the batteries (by 1-2 kg more than the real one), the problem is most likely unstable voltage.

πŸ’‘

Before buying batteries, check them for counterfeit. The original Duracell or Energizer have holographic stickers, a clear font on the package and a single battery weighing at least 11 grams. Counterfeiting is often lighter and has a blurry print.

How to extend the life of batteries in Xiaomi scales

Xiaomi’s average battery life in scales is between 6 and 18 months, depending on model and usage, but there are ways to extend that by 20 to 30 percent.

  • πŸ“΄ Turn off Bluetooth after weighing: If you don't use automatic sync with Mi Fit, turn off Bluetooth in the balance settings.Constant connection search consumes up to 15% of battery charge per month.
  • 🧘 Store scales in a dry place: Humidity accelerates contact oxidation and battery self-discharge. Avoid putting scales in the bathroom (unless it's ventilated) or near steam sources.
  • πŸ”Œ Remove batteries in prolonged downtime: If you don’t use the scales for more than 2 weeks (e.g. on vacation), remove the batteries.
  • πŸ”„ Use Power Saving Mode: Some models (such as the Mi Body Composition Scale 2) have an option called β€œEconomic Mode” in the app settings, which turns off the display backlight and reduces the sensor activity time.
  • πŸ“Š Keep an eye on the charge level in the app: Mi Fit or Zepp Life displays battery charge levels (in percentages). When it drops below 20%, replace the batteries - this will prevent voltage surges and measurement errors.

Another life hack: if the batteries start to sit down, but the scales are still working, move them in places in the compartment, which temporarily equalizes the voltage and prolongs the life of the batteries by 1-2 weeks.

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For maximum battery life in the Mi Body Composition Scale 2, use lithium cells and turn off automatic synchronization, which will increase their life to 2 years with daily use.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you use rechargeable Ni-MH batteries in Xiaomi scales?
Yes, but with reservations: For Mi Scale and Mi Scale 2, batteries with a capacity of 900 mAΒ·h are suitable. For Mi Body Composition Scale 2, it is not recommended - due to the lower voltage (1.2 V vs 1.5 V), errors in body composition measurements are possible. Use only fully charged batteries (voltage at least 1.35 V). The battery life will be about 300-500 charging cycles, which ultimately is cheaper than disposable batteries.
Libra shows a "Lo" error after replacing batteries. What do you do?
A "Lo" error means low charge. Causes and solutions: πŸ”‹ Batteries are discharged or low-quality - try another kit (preferably lithium). 🧹 Oxidized contacts - clean them with a cotton swab with vinegar. πŸ”„ Incorrect polarity – check if it is set correctly Β«+Β» and Β«βˆ’Β». πŸ“± Firmware failure – perform weight reset via the Mi Fit app (Devices) β†’ Settings β†’ If the error persists, try to wake up the scales by pressing the platform and holding it for 10 seconds.
How many batteries do you need for Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2?
This model requires 4 AAA batteries. The manufacturer recommends using lithium cells (e.g. Energizer Ultimate Lithium) for maximum measurement accuracy. Alkaline batteries are also suitable, but they will have to be changed more often (every 8-10 months with daily use).
Can I use AA batteries instead of AAA batteries with an adapter?
No, you can't. Xiaomi scales are designed to run 6V (4Γ—1.5V). AA batteries have the same voltage, but: Adapters can break contact because of the difference in size. AA batteries are heavier, which can affect the accuracy of weight sensors. Short circuit risk due to unstable mounting. If you need batteries urgently, you better buy AAA - they are inexpensive and sold in any store.
How to dispose of old batteries from scales?
Batteries are hazardous waste and should not be disposed of in ordinary garbage: πŸ—‘οΈ Reception points: Most hypermarkets (e.g. Auchan, Leroy Merlin) have special containers for batteries. πŸ“¦ Fees back: some manufacturers (e.g. Duracell) offer discounted exchange programs for new batteries. ♻️ Ecocentres: each city has a hazardous waste collection facility (you can find it through Ecocard) and keep used batteries in a separate box with tape tape to avoid short circuits.