You've stepped onto a Xiaomi Mi Scale or Mi Body Composition Scale, and instead of the usual numbers, a mysterious "OL" has been revealed on the screen? This error is one of the most common among the owners of the brand's gadgets, but its significance and ways of eliminating are not known by everyone. Unlike obvious malfunctions like a discharged battery, the OL code signals problems with the limit of measurement, calibration or even hardware failures.
In this article, we will not just list the possible causes, but analyze them with consideration of Xiaomiβs 2018-2026 scale models (including Mi Scale 2, Mi Body Composition Scale 2 and Smart Scale 2), you will learn how to distinguish a software failure from a mechanical failure, when it is enough to restart the device, and when it is time to carry the gadget into service, and also why an OL error can appear even on new scales right out of the box.
What βOLβ means on Xiaomi scales: code decryption
The OL acronym on Xiaomiβs smart scale screen stands for Over Load, which is a universal signal that the body mass (or other weighted object) exceeds the maximum permissible limit for a given model, but depending on the context, the error can have other reasons:
- π Physical overload: the userβs weight is above the manufacturerβs limit (usually 150-180 kg depending on the model).
- βοΈ Calibration failure: Weight sensors are miscalibrated after falling, impacting or prolonged inactivity.
- π Power problems: discharged or faulty batteries distort readings.
- π€ Software glitch: firmware error or conflict with the Mi application Fit/Zepp Life.
Interestingly, on some models (for example, Mi Body Composition Scale 2), OL error can appear even at weights of 80-90 kg, if the scales are on an uneven surface or the sensors are contaminated, this is due to the peculiarities of strain gauges, which respond not only to mass, but also to the distribution of load.
Maximum weight for different Xiaomi models: table of limits
Before you panic over an OL error, check to see if you are exceeding the technical limitations of your model.The table below is the official data from Xiaomi for popular weights (currently for 2026):
| Model of weights | Max. Weight, kg. | Minimum. Weight, kg. | Precision, d | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Scale 1 | 150 | 5 | Β±50 | Without a body composition analysis. |
| Mi Scale 2 | 150 | 5 | Β±50 | Support for Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Mi Body Composition Scale 1 | 150 | 5 | Β±100 | Measures fat, muscle, water |
| Mi Body Composition Scale 2 | 180 | 5 | Β±100 | Improved sensors, Mi Fit/Zepp support |
| Smart Scale 2 | 160 | 5 | Β±50 | Thin body, no lights |
β οΈ Note: If your weight is within the normal range for the model, but a mistake OL It appears systematically, the problem is not over the limit, but a hardware or software failure.
It is also worth considering that dynamic load (for example, if you stand abruptly on the scale or move on it) can temporarily distort the readings. Try to stand on the scale smoothly, spreading the weight evenly over both legs.
Reason. β1: Overloading the scales β how to check and what to do
The most obvious reason for OL error is to exceed the maximum weight, but how do you make sure that's the problem?
- Check passport details: find the Max Weight line on the box or in the weights instructions (see the table above).
- Weigh yourself on a mechanical scale: if the difference is β€5 kg, the problem may be calibration (see section 4).
- Try weighing another object, like a weight or a bottle of water of known weight, if the scales show OL and there's a hardware failure.
If your weight is above the limit, you have two options:
- π Buy a scale with a high limit: for example, Mi Body Composition Scale 2 (before 180 kg or models of Withings/Garmin (before 200 kilogram).
- π§ Distribute the load: stand on the scale alternately with each foot and summarize the results (an inaccurate method, but as a temporary solution).
π‘
If you weigh with a heavy backpack or bag, remove it β even 5-10 kg of extra weight can cause an OL error on models with a limit of 150 kg.
Reason. β2: Discharged or faulty batteries
Low battery charge is the second most common cause of OL error. The fact is that at a discharge below 20%, the weight sensors begin to work unstablely, and instead of correct readings you can see:
- OL at a weight of 70-100 kg;
- jumping numbers;
- spontaneous shutdown.
How to check the batteries:
- Turn the scales over and open the battery compartment (usually mounted on a latch or screw).
- Use a multimeter or tester to check the voltage: π AAA (LR03): norm 1.2β1.5 B, you need a replacement <1 V. π CR2032 (pill: normal 2.8β3.2 B, replacement with <2.5 V.
Pay attention to the corrosion of contacts β oxidation can block the supply of power.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi scales often use batteries CR2032 (Don't replace them with cheap ones, they discharge quickly and can leak, damaging the board.
βοΈ Replacement of batteries in Xiaomi scales
Reason. β3: Uneven surface or sensor contamination
Xiaomiβs weight sensors are extremely sensitive to external conditions. If the device is on a carpet, sloping tile or vibrating surface (such as next to a washing machine), the readings will be inaccurate, and the OL error can appear even at normal weight.
How to check and correct:
- Check the surface: π Use the level (a smartphone app or building tool). π§Ή Make sure there is no debris, villi or fat under the scales.
Clear the sensors:
Move the scales:
π The secret test is to put the scales on the table and apply a little pressure on each corner in turn, if you press one of the corners, the screen goes out or shows. OL, Problem in the sensor of this angle (requires repair).
Why Xiaomi scales can not be put on the carpet?
Reason. β4: Calibration Failure - How to Reset and Recalibrate
Calibration is the setting of the scale sensors to standard conditions. After a fall, transport or prolonged downtime (for example, after storage in the country), the calibration can go wrong, and the scale will begin to show OL even at a weight of 80-100 kg.
How to perform reset and calibration:
- Reset: Turn off the scales (press the button for 5-10 seconds). Remove the batteries for 1 minute. Set the batteries back and turn the scales on.
- Automatic calibration: Put the scales on a flat surface and turn it on. Wait 30 seconds, the device will perform the sensor test itself. If the screen blinks, the calibration is successful.
Manual calibration (for advanced):
Manual calibration instructions
β οΈ Note: If after calibration the scales show a knowingly incorrect weight (for example, 50 kg instead of 70 kg), do not use them for health control - this may be a sign of damage to the sensors.
Reason. β5: Software errors and conflicts with Mi Fit/Zepp Life
An OL error may be caused by firmware glitches or application sync problems, such as:
- π± Libra is connected to Mi Fit, but the app hasn't been updated for more than a year.
- π Conflict after updating the firmware of the scales (relevant for models 2022-2026.).
- π« Libras βhangβ in the memory of the smartphone (for example, after changing the phone).
How to fix it:
- Update the firmware of the scales: Open Mi Fit/Zepp Life β Profile β Your devices β Mi Scale β Software Update
- Reconnect the scales: Remove the device from the app. Reset the scales (press the button for 10 seconds). Run a device search in Mi Fit and reconnect.
Clear the app's cache:
On Android: Settings β Applications β Mi Fit β Storage β Clear cache
On iOS: Remove and reinstall the app.π‘
If the scales show OL only when synchronized with the phone, but work autonomously - the problem is precisely in the software, not the hardware.
When Xiaomi scales with an OL error are carried to the service
If you have tried all the methods in the article, but the OL error remains, most likely, the scales require professional repair.
- π§ Libra falls from a height > 50 cm (risk of sensor damage).
- π§ On the board visible traces of corrosion or oxidation of contacts.
- π After the battery replacement, the scales are not included or shown OL weightless.
- π Indications "jump" from 0 to OL reasonlessly.
The cost of repairing Xiaomi scales in 2026:
| Type of breakdown | Cost, β½ | Time, days |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of strain gauges | 1 500β2 500 | 3β5 |
| Toll repairs (after bay) | 2 000β3 500 | 5β7 |
| Glass replacement | 1 000β1 800 | 2β3 |
| Flip-flashing | 800β1 200 | 1β2 |
π‘ Tip: Before visiting the service, take a picture of the purchase check (if the scale is guaranteed) and write down the serial number (on the sticker under the batteries.