Why itβs important to understand the difference between PSI and bar when working with Xiaomi pumps
If you own a Xiaomi car or bicycle pump (such as the Mijia Portable Air Compressor, Deerma DX700 or Mi Electric Air Pump), youβve probably encountered a problem: a pressure gauge shows the pressure in PSI, and the instructions for the tires or bicycle indicate the values in bars (or atmospheres), an error in the translation of units can lead to improper pumping of the wheels β from insufficient pressure (deterioration of handling) to critical excess (risk of camera explosion).
In this article, we will not only discuss the formula for converting PSI to a bar, but also the nuances of working with Xiaomi pumps: how to change the units of measurement in the Mi Home application, where to find the correspondence table for popular models, and what to do if the pressure gauge readings do not match the real pressure.
The formula for transferring PSI to the bar: a simple calculation
Basic formula for pressure conversion:
1 bar β 14.5038 PSI (more precisely, 1 bar = 105 Pa, and 1 PSI β 6894.76 Pa).
To transfer the PSI to the bar, use:
Pressure in bars = Pressure in PSI Γ 0.0689476For the reverse translation (bar β PSI):
Pressure in PSI = Pressure in bars Γ 14.5038In practice, Xiaomi pumps are more convenient to use a simplified ratio: 1 bar β 14.5 PSI. This value is suitable for most household tasks (pumping tires, balls, bicycles), where the error of 0.01-0.02 bar is not critical.
Examples of calculations for popular scenarios
- π Car tires: Recommended pressure 2.2 bar β 2.2 Γ 14.5 β 31.9 PSI.
- π² Cycling tires: Pressure 45 PSI β 45 Γ 0.0689 β 3.1 bar.
- β½ Football ball: Standard 0.8 bar β 0.8 Γ 14.5 β 11.6 PSI.
π‘
In the Mi Home app for Xiaomi pumps, you can save pressure presets in both units, for example, create a Bicycle profile with a value of 45 PSI (3.1 bar), so you do not count every time.
Table of transfer of PSI to the bar for Xiaomi pumps
Here's a table with 5 PSI increments, which is enough for most tasks. If your value isn't on the list, use the formula from the previous section.
| PSI | Bars. | Example of use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.69 | Children's inflatable toys |
| 15 | 1.03 | Volleyball balls |
| 30 | 2.07 | Cycling tyres (urban) |
| 40 | 2.76 | Car tires (winter tires) |
| 50 | 3.45 | Bicycle tyres (mountain) |
Note: In some Xiaomi pump models (e.g. Mi Portable Electric Air Compressor 1S), the pressure gauge is calibrated with an error of Β±0.1 bar. If you want high accuracy (e.g. for sports bikes), use an external pressure gauge to check.
Why is there no value above 50 PSI?
How to change the units of measurement at the Xiaomi pump: step-by-step instructions
Most Xiaomi pumps allow you to switch between PSI, bar and kPa via the Mi Home mobile app or physical buttons on the case.
Method 1: Through the Mi Home app
- Open Mi Home and select your pump from the device list.
- Go to Settings. β Units of measurement.
- Choose the format you want: bar, PSI or kPa.
- Save the changes β the pump synchronizes settings over Bluetooth.
Method 2: Buttons on the body
On models without a display (for example, Xiaomi Mi Compact):
- Hold the power button for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes.
- Press the button again and the units will change in the cycle: PSI β bar β kPa.
- Confirm the choice with a long press.
Make sure the pump is connected to the power supply.|Check the current units of measurement|Compare the recommended pressure with the table|Put the adapter on a nipple (if necessary)-->
Attention! On some models (e.g. Deerma DX700), the reset of the units occurs after the firmware update. If the pump shows PSI again after the update, repeat the setting.
Common Mistakes When Transferring PSI to Bar and How to Avoid Them
Even with a formula and a table, users often make mistakes, and here are the most common ones:
- π’ Decimal-mark confusion: 2.2 bar β 22 PSI. Right: 2.2 Γ 14.5 β 31.9 PSI.
- π Ignoring pressure gauge error: Xiaomi's cheap pumps can overstate readings by 5 to 10 percent. Always double-check with an external pressure gauge.
- β‘ Inconsistency of presets: If the application is saved preset "Auto" by 30 PSI, And you switched to bars, and the pump would pump to 2.07 bars, not 30 bars!
- π Battery discharge: With a low charge, the pump may not read pressure correctly. Charge the device before use.
β οΈ Warning: If after pumping the tire to the calculated value (for example, 2.2 bar) the pump shows 2.5 bars - do not flush the air immediately! Let the rubber cool for 10-15 minutes: when heated, the pressure temporarily increases.
Another common problem is that users try to convert kPa to PSI, even though the instructions indicate bars.
1 bar = 100 kPa β 14.5 PSIXiaomi pumps: what you need to know about pressure
Xiaomi pumps have several unique features that affect pressure measurement:
- Automatic shutdown: Most models (e.g. Mi Portable Air Compressor) stop when a set value of Β±0.1 bar is reached, meaning that if you set 2.2 bar, the pump can shut down at 2.1 or 2.3.
- Bicycle mode: Some firmwares have a separate profile for bicycles with error adjustment. Includes in Mi Home β Modes β Bicycle.
- Calibration: Deerma and Mijia pumps older than 2020 require manual calibration every 6 months. Instructions: Settings β Calibration β Follow the hints.
Xiaomi Mi Tire Pump pumps (models 2023) automatically determine the type of tire by air volume and adjust the target pressure, for example, for motorcycle tires, they add +0.3 bar to a given value.
π‘
If your Xiaomi pump (suddenly shuts off) is pumped, check not only the pressure, but also the body temperature. When overheated (>60Β°C), the protection is triggered, and the device is locked for 5 minutes.