Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 has become a popular gadget for weight and body composition control due to its accuracy and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. However, even such a simple device requires proper maintenance - especially when it comes to power supply. Many users are faced with the question: what batteries are needed for the Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2, how to replace them correctly and can you save on consumables without compromising the device?
In this article, we will look at everything from the official manufacturerβs recommendations to life hacks to extend the life of batteries, learn how alkaline batteries differ from lithium batteries in the context of weights, how to avoid replacement errors and what to do if the device does not turn on after installing new batteries, and also uncover myths about βeternalβ batteries and give a checklist for safe replacement.
Xiaomi: What batteries are needed for the Mi Smart Scale 2
The manufacturer clearly indicates in the instructions to Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 that the device is powered by 4 batteries of the type. AAA (However, not all elements are equally useful: the company recommends the use of alkaline (LR03) lithium (FR03) It's important that the total voltage is 6 volts, which is what the electronics of the scales are designed for.
Here are the key points from the official manual:
- π Type: Only AAA (don't confuse AA!). Diameter - 10.5 mm, height - 44.5 mm.
- π Chemical composition: alkaline (Duracell, Energizer) or lithium (Energizer Ultimate Lithium).
- β οΈ Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (voltage 1.2V is not suitable!).
- β‘ Service life: with daily use, alkaline lasts for 6-12 months, lithium - up to 2 years.
Why these requirements? It's about voltage stability: alkaline and lithium batteries hold 1.5 volts to almost full discharge, while Ni-MH batteries quickly sag to 1.2 volts, causing the scale sensors to malfunction. By the way, the batteries don't come with the device -- you have to buy them separately.
Alkaline vs Lithium: Whatβs Best for Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2
Choice between alkaline and lithium batteries AAA β It's not just a question of price, but also of how reliable the scales are. Let's compare them by key parameters:
| Parameter | Alkaline (LR03) | Lithium (FR03) |
|---|---|---|
| Average service life | 6β12 months | 18-24 months |
| Stability of voltage | Good (1.5 V to 80% discharge) | Excellent (1.5 V to 90% discharge) |
| Working at low temperatures | Medium (may lose capacity) | High (stable to) -20Β°C) |
| Price for 4 pcs (average) | 150-300 rubles. | 400-700 rubles. |
| Risk of leakage | Eat (with long storage) | Absent. |
Lithium batteries are great in every respect except price. They are ideal if you use scales daily or store them in a cool room (like a bathroom in the winter); Alkaline batteries are suitable for rare use, such as if you weigh once a week; salt batteries (like Cosmos) are strongly discouraged: they sit quickly and can leak, damaging the balance contacts.
β οΈ Warning: If after battery replacement, the scales show the wrong weight or don't turn on, check polarity "+" and -, but sometimes batteries may be installed incorrectly due to the non-obvious location of the plus/minus on the body.
How to replace batteries in Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2
Replacing the batteries in the Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 smart scale takes less than a minute, but there are nuances that will help avoid errors.
- Preparation: Turn the scales down with a glass panel, and in the center of the bottom you'll see a round battery compartment.
- Open the lid: Press the latch (closer to the edge) and pull the lid on you. Don't make an effort -- the plastic is fragile!
- Removing old batteries: Remove all 4 elements. If they leak, gently clean the contacts with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
- Installation of new batteries: Insert the batteries according to polarity (marked on the body of the compartment). Use elements of the same brand and degree of charge!
- Closing compartment: Make sure the lid is firmly set β otherwise the scales may show an incorrect weight due to vibrations.
Bought 4 batteries. AAA stamp
Checked the expiration date on the package.
Prepared alcohol and cotton swabs (in case of oxidation)
Make sure the scales are off (no indication)
I got acquainted with the polarity of contacts in the compartment-->
After the weight change, the indicator will automatically turn on (if it does not:
- π Check if the cover of the compartment is tightly closed.
- π Try to reinstall the batteries by swapping them (sometimes helps with oxidized contacts).
- π± Reset the scales through the Mi Home app: go to Devices β Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 β Settings β Reboot.
Frequent Battery Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even a simple procedure like replacing batteries can be a problem if you don't take into account a few things, and here are the typical user errors and their consequences:
1. Use of batteries of different degrees of charge or brands.
The Mi Smart Scale 2 scale is sensitive to voltage stability. If one battery is almost discharged and the rest are new, the device may not work correctly, either showing the wrong weight or turning off after a few days. Always use a set of 4 identical cells purchased in the same package.
2. Wrong polarity.
There's a marking in the battery bay "+" And the "-" is the one that users sometimes confuse, especially if the batteries don't have the poles marked explicitly, and the consequences range from no weight response to resetting!
3. Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries.
Despite the cost-effectiveness, these batteries have a voltage of 1.2 V instead of the required 1.5 V. This leads to:
- π Unstable readings (weight can "jump" on the Β±0.5 kg).
- β‘ Quick discharge (libras will discharge them in 1-2 months).
- β Loss of sync with Mi Home app.
β οΈ Warning: If the scales show an Err or Lo error after replacing the batteries, this is a signal of sensor malfunction, not power problems. In this case, a diagnosis is required at the service center - self-repair can damage the sensors.
π‘
If you often forget to replace batteries, turn on low charge notifications in the Mi Home app: Devices β Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 β Settings β Notifications β Low battery power. If the charge level is below 20%, push alerts will come.
How to extend the life of batteries in Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2
The average battery life in smart scales is 6-12 months, but it can be increased by 1.5-2 times, following simple rules:
1. Turn off the scales when not using.
Unlike mechanical scales, the Mi Smart Scale 2 consumes power even in standby mode (to maintain Bluetooth communication).
- π Press the on/off button on the back panel (near the battery compartment).
- π± Or turn off the scales through the app: Devices β Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 β Settings β Shut down.
2. Keep the scales in a dry place.
Humidity speeds up the corrosion of contacts and battery discharge. Avoid placing scales in the bathroom (especially if there is often steam), the best place is a bedroom or a corridor.
3. Use high-quality batteries.
Cheap salt batteries (for example, "Cosmos" or "Photon") discharge 3-5 times faster than alkaline. Saving 50-100 rubles will turn into frequent replacements and the risk of leakage. Optimal brands:
- π Duracell Procell (alkaline) β the best price/quality ratio.
- β‘ Energizer Ultimate Lithium β for maximum service life.
- π° GP Super Alkaline β budget option with good reviews.
4. Avoid extreme temperatures.
Storage of scales below 0Β°C or higher than 40Β°C reduces battery life by 30-40%, for example, if the scales are on the balcony in winter, the alkaline cells can run out in a month.
What to do if the batteries leak?
Alternative power sources: can you use batteries or power bank?
Many people are wondering if batteries can be replaced. AAA We're going to use rechargeable batteries, or we're going to connect scales to an external power source, like a power bank, and we're going to figure out what actually works and what's a myth.
1. Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries AAA.
As mentioned, their voltage (1.2 V) is lower than the required (1.5 V). However, some users have successfully used Ni-Zn batteries (voltage 1.6 V), but they are rarely sold and require a special charger.
- β οΈ Possible overheating of the scales when charging.
- π Unstable readings due to tension drawdown.
Lithium-ion batteries 14500.
These batteries are sized. AAA, But 3.7 V is 2.5 times the voltage, and it's strictly forbidden to use them, and it will burn the electronics of the scales.
External nutrition through USB.
On the Internet you can find instructions for rationing USB-The battery compartment contacts, but this:
- π§ Requires rations skills and risks voiding warranty.
- β‘ Can lead to short circuit when the wrong connection is made.
- π± Deprives the scales of mobility (you will have to keep them next to the outlet).
4. Power bank with adapter.
In theory, you can connect the scales to the power bank through a homemade adapter, but in practice this is not practical: the energy consumption of the scales is so low that it is easier to replace batteries once a year, and a constant connection to an external source can lead to overheating of the sensors.
π‘
The only safe and recommended Xiaomi way of power is 4 alkaline or lithium batteries. AAA. Any alternatives are fraught with unstable work or breakage of the device.
Where to buy batteries for Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2: review of proven places
High-quality batteries are the key to a long-lasting scale, and this is where you should buy them to avoid counterfeiting and overpayment.
| Place of purchase | Pluses | Cons | Average price for 4 pcs. (AAA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Xiaomi Stores (Mi Store) | Guarantee of original batteries, promotions for owners of Xiaomi devices | Limited range, not in all cities | 200-400 rubles (lithium) |
| Network hypermarkets (Lenta, Auchan, Magnet) | Convenient, you can buy when buying products | The risk of getting knocked off by fakes (especially Duracell) | 150-300 rubles (alkaline) |
| Online marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market) | Wide selection, customer reviews, frequent discounts | Long delivery, risk of counterfeiting from little-known sellers | 120-500 rubles (depending on the brand) |
| Specialized shops (Eldorado, M. Video, Citilink) | Consultants will help with the choice, there are often battery testers. | Prices are higher than online | 250-600 rubles (lithium) |
| Pharmacies. | Sometimes they sell high-quality batteries (for example, for example, GP) | Very limited choice, high price | 300-500 rubles. |
Buying tips:
- π Check the shelf life on the package β batteries older than 2 years lose up to 20% of capacity.
- π Online, choose sellers with a rating above 4.8 and the number of reviews >100.
- π‘ Pay attention to the packaging: original Duracell/Energizer have holograms and protection from autopsy.
- π¦ Buy batteries in factory packaging (not by weight!) β this is a guarantee that they do not discharge during storage.
If you buy batteries a lot, it's better to buy them in bulk, like a set of 20 alkaline batteries. AAA It costs 30-40% less than buying 4 pieces.