Disassembly of Xiaomi Dispenser: from the cross screwdriver to hidden latches

Xiaomi dispensers, from the compact Mi Smart Water Purifier desktop to the Viomi flooring systems, have become an integral part of smart kitchens, but even the most reliable appliances require maintenance: cleaning filters, replacing gaskets or repairing electronics. If the warranty period has expired or a service center is not available, disassembling the device with your own hands can save time and money.

In this article, you can find step-by-step instructions for popular models (including Xiaomi Mi Water Purifier). 1/2/3, Viomi V-AIOT01 And so on, a list of tools you need, and hidden pitfalls that are not mentioned in the standard manuals, and we'll figure out how to remove the case without damage, get to the filters, control boards and pumping system, taking into account the design features of Xiaomi.

⚠️ Warning: If your dispenser is still warranty, disassembling it yourself will cancel it. For models with sealed tanks (for example, Mi Smart Water Purifier 3) you will need a special key to unscrew the lid - it can be ordered from official dealers or make an analogue from improvised means.

1.Preparation: security tools and measures

Before disassembling the dispenser, make sure that:

• 🔌 The device is disconnected from the network (even if you disassemble the mechanical part - the risk of short circuit in contact with moisture remains).
• 💧 The tank is completely empty, and the residue of water can damage the electronics when the shell is turned over.
• 📸 You took a photo of the original state of all connectors and wires - this will simplify the reverse assembly.
• 🧰 There is an antistatic mat on hand (for boards) and silicone lubricant (for sealing rings).

The minimum set of tools for most models:

Important: If your dispenser is equipped with a UV lamp, don't look at it on, which is dangerous for vision. Before disassembling, turn off the lamp through the device's menu or physically disconnect the connector.

Disassembly of the shell: from the top cover to the insides

Xiaomi dispensers vary in design depending on the model, but the general disassembly principle is similar.

2.1. The Smart Water Purifier (Mi Smart Water Purifier) 1/2/3)

These devices have two parts: the top cover (with control buttons) and the base (with a tank and a pump).

1. Remove the water container (if it is removable).
2. Turn the dispenser and unscrew 4 screws on the bottom (under the rubber legs can be hidden 2 more screws).
3. Carefully tuck the plastic latches around the perimeter of the upper cover - they are fragile!
4. Disconnect the display plume (if any) and power wires from the board.

Critical detail: the Mi Smart Water Purifier 3 has a water level sensor underneath the top cover, which cannot be dropped or wet, and will cause a false alarm.

Floor dispensers (Viomi) V-AIOT01 analogue)

These devices are more difficult to disassemble because of the sealed tank and the integrated cooling system.

• 🔧 Unscrew the back panel (screws can be hidden under stickers).
• 🔌 Disconnect the compressor connector (if the dispenser with cooling function).
• 💡 Remove the front panel with a display - it is attached to the latches and one screw on top.
• 🚰 Carefully remove the water supply tubes, pre-marking them (for example, scotch with the inscription "in / out").

⚠️ Note: in models with hot water (for example, Viomi) V-AIOT02) There's a heating element inside the housing. Don't touch it right after you turn it off, it can be hot!

Power's off.|Drained the water from the tank.|Prepared the tools.|I took pictures of the connectors.|Checked for hidden screws.-->

3. Access to filters and pumping system

The main reason Xiaomi dispensers are disassembled is to replace filters or clean the pump. Let's look at both scenarios.

Replacement of filters

Most models have filters at the bottom of the case or behind the removable panel, and they can be removed.

1. Click on the unlock button (usually marked with an arrow or an inscription) PUSH).
2. Turn the counterclockwise filter 90.° and pull out.
3. Before installing a new filter, lubricate the sealing ring with silicone lubrication.

⚠️ Note: in reverse osmosis dispensers (e.g. Mi Smart Water Purifier) RO) after replacing the filters, you need to wash the system - run the device in drain mode (without a set of water) 5-10 minute.

Cleaning and repair of the pump

If the dispenser doesn't pump water or it's running with noise, the problem may be in the pump.

• 🔧 Unscrew the bottom panel of the case (screws can be under a sticker with a serial number).
• 🔌 Disconnect the pump power connectors (usually red and black wires).
• 🔄 Remove the pump, pre-marking its orientation (the case has a flow direction arrow).

To clean the pump:

1. Wash it with warm water with vinegar (1:1) to remove scale.
2. Check the impeller for debris (hair, filter particles).
3. Lubricate the engine axle 1-2 silicone-oil droplets.

Disassembly of control boards and sensors

The electronic “stuffing” of Xiaomi dispensers includes the main board, water level sensor, thermostat (in models with heating) and Wi-Fi module (in “smart” versions).

4.1. Extraction of the main board

The board is usually located under the top cover or behind the front panel, so you can take it off.

1. Disconnect all plumes (display, buttons, sensors).
2. Unscrew the charge from the body (screws can be with spring washers - do not lose them!).
3. Carefully remove the board, holding it by the edges (do not touch the tracks and chips).

Typical board malfunctions:

• 🔥 Burned resistors (blackened or bloated).
• 💧 Oxidized contacts (green plaque - a sign of moisture intrusion).
• 📶 Wi-Fi module dump (if the dispenser is not connected to the network).

Verification of sensors

The water level sensor is the most vulnerable, and Xiaomi models use two types of sensors:

• Float (mechanical) – check the integrity of the float and the purity of the contacts.
• Ultrasonic (in premium models) – requires calibration after disassembly.

For calibration of the ultrasonic sensor:

1. Fill the tank with 50 percent water.
2. Hold the Reset (or Wi-Fi) button for 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the sound signal (or the indicator flashing).

💡

If after disassembly the dispenser shows the wrong water level, try to "train" the sensor: completely drain the water, then fill the tank to the maximum and hold the reset button for 5 seconds.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced wizards sometimes make mistakes when disassembling Xiaomi dispensers, and these are the most common ones — and how to prevent them.

Damage to the latches of the shell

The plastic latches on Xiaomi dispensers are fragile, especially in glossy-coated models, so as not to break them:

• 🔹 Use plastic blades, not metal screwdrivers.
• 🔹 Heat the body with a hair dryer (temperature) 40-50°C) - plastic will become more elastic.
• 🔹 Start disassembling from less visible places (for example, from the back panel).

Tangled tubes and wires

In dispensers with cooling/heating to 7 tube 5-6 So you don't get confused:

• 📸 Take a photo of each step of the disconnection.
• 🏷️ Mark the tubes with colored tape (e.g., blue is cold water, red is hot).
• 📋 Make a connection scheme (can be by hand).

⚠️ Attention: if you confuse the input and output tubes in the reverse osmosis system, this will lead to membrane failure (the cost of replacing is up to 50% of the dispenser price!).

Moisture in electronics

Even a drop of water on a board can cause a short circuit.

• 🧽 Work on a dry surface (preferably on an antistatic mat).
• 🧻 Wash the details with a lilac-free napkin (not paper towels!).
• ⏳ Let's dry the board. 10-15 minutes before powering up.

💡

If the dispenser doesn't turn on after assembly, don't panic: check the fuse on the board (usually a glass tube with metal caps), and in 30% of cases, replacing it solves the problem.

6.Assemblying and testing after disassembly

Collecting the dispenser back is often more difficult than disassembling. Follow these rules to avoid mistakes:

Assembly procedure

The reverse assembly must be exactly the opposite of the disassembly.

1. Install internal components (pump, filters, tubes).
2. Connect all connectors (check to "click").
3. Set the control board and fix it with screws.
4. Install the body panels starting from the top cover.

Test launch

After assembly, perform a check:

• 🔌 Connect the dispenser to the network and check the indication (all lamps should light up).
• 💧 Dig and drain. 1-2 A liter of water will remove air from the system.
• 📱 Connect to the dispenser via the Mi Home app and check the sensor readings.
• 🔊 Listen to the pump - there should be no extraneous noises (squeaking, knocking).

If the dispenser is not operating properly:

• 🔄 Reboot it (turn off power for 30 seconds).
• 🔧 Check the density of the connections of the tubes (sweeping - a sign of leakiness).
• 📞 Contact the service if the problem recurs (electronics may be damaged).

💡

After replacing the filters, reset the resource counter in the Mi Home application: go to the Device → Settings → Reset the filter. That'll turn off the replacement reminders.

7. Models with disassembly features

Some Xiaomi dispensers have unique design solutions. Let's take a closer look at them.

Xiaomi Mi Smart Water Purifier 3 (with reverse osmosis)

This model is equipped with a 5-speed filtration system and a built-in clean water tank.

• 🔧 To access the reverse osmosis membrane, you need to remove the back panel and unscrew the metal bracket.
• 💧 The water tank is mounted on four screws and has two pressure sensors.
• 🔌 The control board is vertical – be careful when extracting.

7.2. Viomi V-AIOT01 (cooling-heating)

This dispenser has a compressor and a heating element, which complicates disassembly:

• 🧊 Before disconnecting the tubes, stratify the pressure in the cooling system (press the nupple on the back panel).
• 🔥 The heating element is attached to the thermal paste - when assembled, apply it again.
• 📡 Wi-Fi antenna is built into the top cover – do not damage it when disassembling.

7.3. Xiaomi Deerma Humidifier JSQ020 (humidifier)

Hybrid models require a special approach:

• 🌫️ The moisturizing unit is located separately from the dispenser - disassemble them separately.
• 💨 The fan is mounted on three screws and has spring latches.
• 💧 Water tank has a double bottom - carefully remove it so as not to damage the seals.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)