How to add soap to a disposable Xiaomi cartridge: instructions with photos and tips

Disposable cartridges for Xiaomi automatic dispensers (for example, Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser or Viomi) V3 Pro) designed to 300-500 It's a ml of liquid, but often it runs out before you can buy the original consumable, and instead of buying a new cartridge, many users prefer to refill it, which saves them up to a few years. 70% However, the manufacturer does not provide such a possibility: the covers are sealed tightly, and improper filling can lead to leaks or breakage of the dispenser.

In this guide, we will break down 3 proven ways to add soap to Xiaomi disposable cartridges (including models with a chip). RFID), We'll tell you which fluids are compatible with the system, and we'll give you safety tips, and we'll tell you how to bypass reuse protection and avoid errors. E02 (cartridge failure) on the display of the device.

What Xiaomi cartridges can be refilled?

Not all Xiaomi consumables are upholstered, but here are the key compatibility criteria:

  • βœ… Models without RFID-The Mijia Soap Dispenser (1st Gen), Viomi V1 β€” They can be refilled without restrictions.
  • ⚠️ Models with RFID: Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser 2, Viomi V3 Pro – require circumvention of protection (see section below).
  • ❌ Cartridges marked "Bio" or "Eco" - their inner coating decomposes upon contact with non-original liquids.

To determine the type of cartridge you have, examine the bottom of it:

  • πŸ” If there is a circular plastic disc with a metal ring, it is RFID-chip.
  • πŸ“¦ If the bottom is smooth with the inscription MIJIA or VIOMI β€” chipless.
πŸ“Š What is Xiaomi’s soap dispenser you have?
Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser
Viomi V3 Pro
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi.

What liquid can be poured into the cartridge?

Manufacturer recommends using only original Xiaomi liquids (articles: DJC01ZM, DJC02ZM), But in practice, analogues are also suitable. The main thing is to follow the 4 rules:

  1. Viscosity: The liquid should be gel-like (like the original) or slightly thinner. Watery solutions flow through the valve.
  2. Temperature: not above 30Β°C when refueling - hot liquid deforms plastic.

Here are the proven analogues of the original soap:

BrandName of nameCompatibilityNotes
EcoverZero Liquid Soapβœ… 95%Requires dilution with water (1:1)
FroschAloe Vera Gelβœ… 90%It can foam more than the original.
SynergeticLime hand gel.βœ… 85%Suitable only for models without RFID
Homemade recipeCastor soap + water⚠️ 70%Risk of crystallization during storage

⚠️ Note: Do not use liquids with chlorine (such as Domestos) or hydrogen peroxide – they destroy the plastic cartridge for a long time. 2-3 filling-up.

Method 1: Filling the cartridge without RFID (simple)

This method is suitable for Mijia Soap Dispenser models (1st Gen) and Viomi V1. You'll need it:

  • πŸ”ͺ Sharp knife or scalpel
  • 🧴 Syringe on 20-50 squirt
  • 🧼 Refilling fluid (see table above)
  • πŸ”₯ Lighter or soldering iron (for sealing)

Step-by-step:

  1. Cut the lid: Carefully cut the top of the cartridge at the seam with a knife. Don't puncture - this will damage the inner membrane.
  2. Removal of residues: Wash the cartridge with warm water (no higher) 40Β°C) and dry with a hair dryer 2-3 minute.
  3. Gasing: Put the liquid in the syringe, remove the needle and pour through the hole. Fill up to 80% - leave room for air.
  4. Seal: Warm up the edges of the lid with a lighter (don't melt!) and press them against each other. Wrap them with tape for safety.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for refueling

Done: 0 / 4

Critical: If after refueling the dispenser issues an error E01 (low fluid level, so you pressed the valve when you pressed it.

Method 2: Bypass RFID-chips (for smart dispensers)

Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser 2 and Viomi V3 Pro equipped RFID-There are 2 working methods to get around the protection:

Method A: Cloning a chip (for advanced users)

It will require:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone with NFC (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro)
  • πŸ’³ Annex NFC Tools (Android) or NFC TagReader (iOS)
  • πŸͺͺ Empty. RFID-sticker (buy on AliExpress, article: 1005004964321458)

Algorithm of action:

  1. Count the original chip through the app (save the dump).
  2. Write the data down on an empty sticker.
  3. Stick the sticker to the bottom of the tucked cartridge.

Method B: Software deception (without soldering iron)

If it's hard to clone a chip, you can turn off the check. RFID smack-drive:

  1. Download the patch for Mi Home (version 6.0.100)+).
  2. Connect the dispenser to the Mi Home app.
  3. In the device menu, select Settings β†’ Developer mode β†’ Turn off the cartridge check.

⚠️ Attention: After disconnection RFID The dispenser will issue a warning "Non-original cartridge" at each use, but will work normally).

What if we don't get around RFID?
Without bypassing the chip, the dispenser will either refuse to work (error) E02), Or it will give out soap in portions 2 times less than the intended volume, in some cases the device is locked for 24 hours after 3 attempts to use the "unoriginal" cartridge.

Method 3: Alternative valve refueling (without opening)

This is a method that works for all models, but it requires care, and the idea is to pour the liquid through a return valve, which is located at the bottom of the cartridge.

Tools:

  • πŸ’‰ Syringe with a thin needle (diameter) 0.5-0.7 mm)
  • 🧴 Liquid with a viscosity not higher than 1500 cPz (for example, Ecover Zero)
  • 🧲 Magnet (for valve fixation)

Step-by-step:

  1. Remove the cartridge from the dispenser and rinse it under warm water (holding the hole down).
  2. Find a small recess at the bottom with a rubber plug - this is a return valve.
  3. Apply the magnet to the valve to lock it in the open position.
  4. Slowly inject the liquid with a syringe, speed is no more than 5 ml per minute, otherwise bubbles form.
  5. After refueling, hold the cartridge vertically for 10 minutes so that the liquid is distributed.

πŸ’‘

If the liquid does not enter the syringe, heat it to 35.Β°C is going to reduce the viscosity. But don't overheat: at 40.Β°C+ soap may curl up.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right fueling, users are facing problems. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The dispenser doesn't recognize the cartridge (E02)Damaged. RFID-chip or improperly sealed coverGlue the cover with heat glue or use the method of bypassing RFID
The fluid flows through the valve.Too liquid soap or damaged membraneReplace the liquid with a thicker one or install a new valve (articular: MD007-XM)
The dispenser gives out soap in portions 2 times lessAir traffic jam in the cartridgeShake the cartridge for 10 seconds or make a "control bay" (press the dispenser button 5 times in a row)
On the display flashes. E01Low fluid level (sensor cheating)Doleit. 10-15 ml of water through the valve or reset an error in the Mi Home app
The soap is foaming too muchIncompatible composition (high content of surfactants)Dilute the liquid with water (1:1) or replace it with another brand

If after filling the dispenser starts to hum or vibrate, it means that the liquid has entered the pump mechanism.

  1. Remove the cartridge.
  2. Turn the dispenser over and shake it.
  3. Wipe the contacts with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

πŸ’‘

90% of the problems with refilled cartridges are due to two factors: improper viscosity of the liquid or leakproofness. Always test the soap for compatibility before filling it up!

How to prolong the life of the cartridge: 5 life hacks

Average service life of the original cartridge β€” 3-4 But with these tips, you'll be able to increase it to 8-10 cycle:

  • 🧼 Valve cleaning: Once a month, wash the return valve with vinegar solution (1:10 with water.
  • 🌑️ Storage: Do not leave the cartridge in direct sunlight – UV radiation makes plastic brittle.
  • πŸ”„ Alternating fluids: After each 3rd use, fill the cartridge with citric acid water (1 tsp per 200 ml) for disinfection.
  • πŸ› οΈ Seal: Instead of scotch, use heat-glue (for example, UHU Hot Melt – it keeps the leaks longer.
  • πŸ“± Firmware update: Devices on firmware 1.3.7 and below are less sensitive to "unoriginal" cartridges. Do not update the dispenser unless necessary.

If the cartridge is still in disrepair, do not rush to throw it away. The plastic case can be used as a dispenser for shampoo in the bathroom - just drill a hole in the lid and insert a pump from the old bottle.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you fill a Xiaomi cartridge with a regular liquid soap (like Dove or Palmolive)?
No, most mass-market liquid soaps have a pH. 9-10 They contain aggressive surfactants that destroy cartridge seals β€” 2 It is better to use specialized gels with a neutral pH (see the table in the section). 2).
After refueling, the dispenser gives an error E03. What do you do?
Mistake. E03 It means clogging the sprayer. Take the cartridge off, put warm water in the syringe, and pressurize the sprayer hole (under the metal grid). 3-4 If it doesn't work, disassemble the dispenser and clean the pump).
How much does the original cartridge cost for Xiaomi, and where to buy it cheaper?
Xiaomi’s original cartridges are: Mijia DJC01ZM (300 millimeter) β€” 400-500 β‚½ In Mi Store. V3 Pro (500 millimeter) β€” 600-700 β‚½ The cheapest way to buy from Chinese stores (like PandaHall or Taobao) is to buy wholesale, the price drops to the bottom of the market. 250 β‚½ piece-by-piece 5 Also keep an eye on Ozon's homeware sales - sometimes you get cartridges. 300 β‚½.
Can I fill the cartridge with a dishware product (for example, Fairy)?
Absolutely not. The dishes contain enzymes and fragrances that: Eat the plastic of the cartridge for a while. 1-2 They clog the dispenser (due to its high foaming capacity), they can cause allergies if they hit the skin (because they are not for hands), and if you want to use a dispenser for the kitchen, buy a special cartridge for the detergent (article: DJC03ZM).
How to reset the counter of using the cartridge in the dispenser?
The meter is reset only when installing a new cartridge with RFID-However, there is a workaround for models with firmware up to 1.4.1: Remove the cartridge. Press and hold the dispenser button for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes. Put the cartridge back in and wait for the double signal. New firmware will require a Mi Home patch (see the bypass section). RFID).