Why to disassemble the stand of Xiaomi electric kettle and when it is necessary
The Xiaomi kettle stand (or base) is not just a support for the device, but a complex mechanism with contacts, thermal sensors and sometimes even control chips. Over time, dust accumulates inside, contacts oxidize, or power cells fail.
First, if the kettle stopped turning on, but the display light on the stand is on, the problem is most likely oxidized contacts or a damaged thermal fuse. Second, if mechanical damage (cracks, chips) is done, parsing will help assess the scale of the problem. Finally, some users are disassembling the modding base β for example, to install an LED light or replace the power cord with a longer one.
Itβs important to understand that parsing the Xiaomi Smart Kettle stand (or other brand models) takes away your warranty if itβs still valid, but for devices older than 1-2 years, itβs often the only way to bring them back to life without buying a new kettle.
What Xiaomi models have collapsible stands: a review of designs
Not all Xiaomi kettles are arranged the same way, the most common models with collapsible bases:
- πΉ Xiaomi Smart Kettle 1S β classic model with round base and hidden latches.
- πΉ Xiaomi Mi Smart Kettle Pro β stand with metal body and additional thermal sensor.
- πΉ Xiaomi Viomi Smart Kettle - base with backlight and touch control (the analysis is more difficult due to additional boards).
- πΉ Xiaomi Deerma Kettle β budget version with a simplified design.
Xiaomi Mijia Electric Kettle models (without the "Smart" prefix) often have indissoluble stands - their body is glued or soldered with ultrasound. Before disassembling, check the markings on the bottom of the device: if there are screws under rubber legs, the base is collapsible. If not, most likely, the body is monolithic.
Also, consider that the stands for kettles with wireless charging (for example, some versions of Viomi) have additional induction coils, their disassembly requires special care so as not to damage the winding.
Preparation for the review: tools and security measures
Before you start, prepare the workspace and tools.
- π§ Cross screwdriver (usually) PH1 or PH2) β hull-rotor.
- π§ Plastic mediator or guitar mediator β to separate latches.
- π§ Tweezers β to extract small details.
- π§ Multimeter β to check the integrity of the chains after disassembly.
- π§ Insulation or shrink tube - for isolating contacts during repair.
- π§ Alcohol and cotton swabs - to clean contacts from oxidation.
Be sure to disconnect the stand from the network 10-15 minutes before parsing, this will discharge the capacitors (if any are in the circuit).
β οΈ Note: If your model of kettle has touch buttons on the stand (like Viomi), there may be a lithium battery inside. CR2032 You don't break it when you take it apart, it'll cause you to reset or break the board.
If you've never been to a household appliance, practice on it -- like an old phone charger -- and it will help you understand how latches and screws work in plastic cases.
Step-by-step: how to disassemble the stand Xiaomi Smart Kettle
Consider the analysis on the example of the most popular model - Xiaomi Smart Kettle 1S. Instructions are suitable for other versions with minor changes.
Step 1 Removal of rubber legs
Turn the stand over and gently tuck the legs into a plastic mediator, and underneath them you'll find screws (usually 3-4 pieces), and in some models, the legs are glued, you can remove them with a screwdriver, but be careful not to break the rubber.
Step 2: Spinning the screws
The screws can be under a cross screwdriver or under a torx (T5-T8). Unscrew them and put them aside (preferably on a magnetic stand, so as not to lose them).
Step 3: Separation of the hull
Once the screws are removed, insert the mediator into the gap between the top and bottom of the stand. Carefully guide it around the perimeter, disconnecting the latches. Start on the side opposite the power cord, which is usually less wired.
Is the kettle off the grid?|Are rubber legs removed?|Are all screws unscrewed?|Is the latch-disconnection tool ready?-->
Step 4: Extracting the insides
After removing the top cover, you will see:
- Management fee (if the model is "smart").
Thermo fuse (small white or black cylinder).
Contact group (metal plates in contact with the kettle).
Transformer (in models with wireless charging).
Disconnect all the connectors by taking a picture of their location, and if the wires are soldered, don't pull them, you better solder them off with a soldering iron.
β οΈ Warning: In wireless charging models, there may be a high-voltage capacitor under the plastic cover that retains charge even after being disconnected from the mains. Don't touch it with your bare hands - use isolated tools.
Typical faults of the stand and how to fix them
Once you've done this, you might encounter a few common problems, and here's how to diagnose and fix them:
| Malfunction | Reason. | Elimination |
|---|---|---|
| The kettle is not turned on, the indicator does not burn. | Chain break, fuse burns. | Call the multimeter chain, replace the fuse (nominal is indicated on the case) |
| The indicator is on fire, but the kettle does not warm. | Oxidation of contacts or malfunction of the thermostat | Clean contacts with alcohol, check the thermostat (replace if necessary) |
| The stand sparkles when switched on | Poor contact in connectors or damaged power cord | Tighten the screws on the terminals, replace the cord (cross section of at least 0.75 mm2) |
| Unintentional shutdown during work | Thermometer is faulty or the fuse is triggered | Replace the thermosensor, check the heating element of the kettle |
If you find a burned resistor or capacitor on the board, you can replace it by soldering out the faulty element and installing a new one with the same parameters, and you need a soldering iron with a power of 25-40 watts and solder.
π‘
Before soldering, clear the board of flux residues with alcohol - this will prevent corrosion of contacts in the future.
In touch-controlled models (like the Viomi), a common problem is that the conductive tracks on the board are detached and can be repaired with conductive glue (like the Contac Cafe).
How to collect the stand back: tips and mistakes
Building is as much a process as disassembling, and here are the key points:
- Check the location of the wires. They should not bend or touch the heating elements (transformer, contacts).
- Make sure all latches are fixed. If the case doesn't close tightly, check if there's some wire or screw in the way.
- Tighten the screws cross-cross, it will prevent the hull from skewing.
- Check before the final assembly. Connect the stand to the network and make sure the indicator is on and the kettle is determined (if the model is in communication with the smartphone).
Mistakes that are often made when building:
- π« Tug screws - leads to cracks in plastic.
- π« Ignoring the thermopaste (if it was on the thermosensor) - impairs thermal conductivity.
- π« Improper stacking of wires - can cause short circuit.
If the kettle does not work after assembly, disassemble the stand again and check:
- Correct connection of the connectors.
Integrity of the fuse (sometimes it burns at the first turn on after repair).
- Absence of foreign objects inside the body (screws, pieces of plastic).
π‘
Always test the stand without the kettle before first turning on after repair β this will help to avoid damage to the heating element in the event of a possible short circuit.
Modding stand: what can be improved in Xiaomi Smart Kettle
If youβve taken apart the upgrade stand, here are a few ideas:
- π‘ Backlight: Install RGB-tape around the perimeter of the stand and connect it to the power supply 12V. You can sync color with water temperature through Home Assistant (if the kettle is smart).
- π Elongated cord: Replace the standard cable (usually 0.7-1 m) with a longer one (up to 2-3 m). Use a wire with a cross section of at least 0.75 mmΒ².
- π Wireless Charging for Phone: In a model without induction charging, you can build a Qi module (for example, from an old power bank).
- π± Additional USB-port: Connect USB-connector to the power board (if there is a power reserve) for charging gadgets.
Modding requires basic soldering skills and electricity. If you've never soldered, practice on unnecessary electronics (like an old keyboard).
How to connect RGB-lighting?
Remember that any modifications can affect the safety of the device, for example, installing a powerful light increases the load on the power supply. Always check the current consumed with a multimeter!