Why You Might Need to Disassemble Xiaomi Dispenser and When It’s Safe
Xiaomi’s automatic liquid soap dispensers (such as the Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser or Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser) have become popular because of their convenience and integration into the smart home ecosystem. However, even such a simple device requires periodic maintenance: cleaning from soap plaque, replacing batteries or repairing the feeding mechanism. Disassembly of the dispenser is a simple task, but with a number of nuances that 90% of users ignore.
In this article, you will find a step-by-step photo instruction, a list of tools you need, and unique tips for disassembling plastic latches without damaging them (the main problem in self-repair), and we will also analyze the typical errors that lead to a sensor or motor breakdown, and give tips for preventing malfunctions.
We warn you right away that if your dispenser is still warranty-worthy, the disassembly may cancel it, otherwise, follow the instructions and you can save money on the service center.
What Xiaomi dispensers models can be disassembled independently
Not all Xiaomi dispensers are the same design, and below is a table with popular models and disassembly features:
| Model | Type of hull attachment | Difficulty disassembling (1-5) | Frequent problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser (2020) | Latches + 1 screw under the rubber leg | 3 | Plastic cap locks break down |
| Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser V1 | Only latches (no screws) | 2 | Sensor departs from the fee in a careless disassembly |
| Xiaomi Youpin Smart Dispenser (2022) | 2 screws under the sticker + latches | 4 | It is difficult to separate the top panel without damage. |
| Deerma DX700S (OEM for Xiaomi) | Perimeter clips + 1 screw | 3 | Problems with leakage after assembly |
If your model is not listed in the table, pay attention to the type of attachment of the bottom cover: usually it is either hidden screws under stickers / legs, or plastic latches. 80% of the time a flat screwdriver and a plastic mediator (for example, from guitar strings) are enough.
⚠️ Attention: Contactless sensor dispensers (infrared) require special care. When disassembling, do not touch the touch card with your bare hands - static electricity can disable it. Use an antistatic bracelet or at least touch a grounded metal object first.
Preparation for disassembly: tools and precautions
Before you start, prepare the following tools:
- 🔧 Plastic mediator (or guitar string) – to disconnect latches without scratches.
- 🔩 Cross screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH1) — for screws, if any.
- 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ — cleaning of contacts and machinery.
- 📸 Smartphone – to photograph the process (useful when reassembling).
- 🧤 Nitrile gloves – protection against residues of soap and static electricity.
We also recommend working on a soft surface (such as a towel) to avoid scratching the body. If you plan to clean the mechanism, prepare cotton swabs and toothpicks in advance to help you reach hard-to-reach places.
⚠️ Note: If the dispenser is connected to the Mi Home app, untie it from the account through the device settings before disassembling. Otherwise, after assembly, re-association may be required, which sometimes leads to firmware failures.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Step-by-step: how to disassemble the Xiaomi dispenser
Consider the universal disassembly algorithm on the example of Mijia Smart Liquid Dispenser (relevant for most models with minor changes).
Step 1: Remove the bottom cover
1. Turn the dispenser down the button (if any).
2 Find the rubber legs -- there's usually a screw underneath one of them. Carefully tuck the leg with a flat screwdriver and remove it.
3. unscrew the screw (if any) and set aside.
4. Insert a plastic pickup into the gap between the top and bottom of the case and gently guide the perimeter, snapping the clips. Start at the corner next to the button.
If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't force it -- you've probably missed a screw or a latch. There's no screw in the Viomi V1, but the clips are more fragile, so you're going smoothly.
Step 2: Unconnect the top panel
1.After removing the bottom cover, you will see the control board and the soap supply mechanism.
2. Disconnect the sensor plume (if any) - usually this is a connector with a latch that needs to be carefully lifted.
3. unscrew the screws that fix the board (usually 2-3 pieces).
4. Remove the top panel by pulling it up and slightly to the side (there may be guide grooves).
And the key to this is not to lose the little parts, but to put them on a magnetic mat or in a container of cells.
What to do if the latches break?
Step 3: Extract the feeding mechanism
1. The feeding mechanism is usually attached to 2-3 screw and plastic fixers.
2. disconnect the silicone tube leading to the pump (carefully so as not to break!).
3. Remove the mechanism with the motor. Pay attention to the position of the gears, they can not be knocked down.
If the purpose of disassembly is cleaning, now is the time to wash all the parts with warm water and soap (except electronics!). To remove lime plaque, use vinegar solution (1:1), but do not keep the parts in it for longer than 10 minutes.
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Before assembly, lubricate the gears of the mechanism with silicone lubrication (for example, WD-40 Specialist), which will reduce friction and prolong the life of the dispenser.
Typical Disassembly Problems and How to Avoid Them
Even with careful disassembly, users experience typical errors, and here are the most common ways to prevent them:
- 🔋 Battery contacts are damaged when you pull the lid without disconnecting the wires. Solution: always take a picture of the location of the wires first.
- 🛠️ Broken gears -- if the dispenser doesn't pump soap after assembly, check the teeth alignment. Solution: mark the markers as a marker before disassembly.
- 💧 Leakage after assembly - usually due to improperly installed gasket.Solution: lubricate the gasket with silicone sealant (for example, Moment Herment).
- 📱 Sensor is not working - if after assembly the dispenser does not respond to the arm, check the connection of the sensor plume.
If the dispenser does not turn on after assembly, check:
- Polarity of batteries (even if new)
- Integrity of wires from battery compartment to board.
- The presence of oxidation on the contacts (purified with a swallow or alcohol).
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90% of the breakdowns after disassembly are due to careless handling of plumes and gears, and if the dispenser stops working, check the mechanical connections first, not the electronics.
Cleaning and maintenance of the dispenser: what can be done independently
By disassembling the dispenser, you can not only fix it, but also carry out preventive maintenance that will prolong the life of the device.
Cleaning of the feeding mechanism
Take off the silicone tube and rinse it under warm water. Use:
- 🧽 Toothbrush - for cleaning gears.
- 🧪 Citric acid (1 tsp per glass of water) – soak the parts for 15 minutes.
- 💨 Compressed air - for blowing out hard-to-reach places.
Replacement of batteries
If the dispenser gets worse, check the battery voltage; use alkaline batteries (like Duracell or Energizer) to keep the charge longer; avoid cheap salt batteries that can leak and damage the board.
3. Lubrication of moving parts
It's good for lubrication.
- 🛢️ Silicone lubricant (e.g, WD-40 Specialist - for gears.
- 🧴 Vaseline oil - for sealing rubber.
Don’t use WD-40 standard oils or oils based on oils – they corrode plastic!
⚠️ Warning: If the dispenser starts to give out too much soap after cleaning, check the return spring in the feeding mechanism, it may stretch or jump. In this case, you will need to replace the spring (you can take from an old ballpoint pen the appropriate diameter).
When the disassembly will not help: signs of serious breakdowns
Not all dispensing malfunctions can be fixed by yourself.
- 🔥 Control board burned - noticeable blackened elements or the smell of burning.
- 🔄 The motor hums but doesn't rotate - maybe the winding burned or the gearbox jammed.
- 📡 It's not working. Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Module – if the dispenser is not connected to the Mi Home application.
- 💦 Leaks the case in several places – cracks in the plastic are usually not repaired.
The cost of repairs in the service center Xiaomi varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the breakdown. If the dispenser is older than 3 years, it is often cheaper to buy a new one - prices for models 2023-2026 start from 1500 rubles.
Before visiting the service, check whether your model is covered by an extended warranty (for example, through Mi Protect), sometimes repairs under the warranty cost only the cost of spare parts.