Replacement of soap in Xiaomi devices: from dispenser to smart dispenser

Xiaomi’s smart devices have long gone beyond smartphones and routers, and now the brand offers innovative solutions for the home, including automated dispensers of soap, liquid soap and even smart soapboxes with level sensors. However, even the most reliable technology requires maintenance: over time, the soap tank gets dirty, the mechanism clogs or you just want to change the flavor. In this article, we will analyze how to replace soaps in different Xiaomi devices, from simple dispensers to smart systems with a connection to Mi Home.

It is important to understand that the procedure depends on the model: for example, in Xiaomi Viomi Automatic Soap Dispenser, it is enough to remove the top cover, and in Mijia Smart Foaming Soap Dispenser you will have to disassemble the case for cleaning internal tubes. We have collected universal instructions that are relevant for most devices in 2020-2026, and also added tips for choosing alternative liquids and caring for equipment. If your model is not mentioned, check it in the official Mi Home app or on the manufacturer’s website.

We warn you right away that if you change the soap incorrectly, you can break the pump, leaks, or sensor failures, especially with automatic dosing devices, because it's important not only to pour the liquid, but also to properly reset the level counter in the application. Let's start with preparation!

1.What Xiaomi devices support soap replacement?

Not all Xiaomi smart accessories are designed to replace soap — some are designed for disposable cartridges or have a non-shattered design. Here is a list of popular devices that can replace soap yourself:

• 🧼 Xiaomi Viomi Automatic Soap Dispenser – a classic dispenser with touch control and a capacity of 300 ml.
• 💦 Mijia Smart Foaming Soap Dispenser - model with foam generator and support for Mi Home (volume 250 ml).
• 🚿 Xiaomi Youpin Smart Bathroom Soap Dispenser – waterproof version for the bathroom with motion sensor.
• 🧴 Viomi Smart Liquid Soap Dispenser Pro is a premium model with adjustable portion size and UV-sterilization.
• 🔋 Xiaomi Mijia Portable Mini Soap Dispenser – compact version on batteries (100 ml).

But in these devices, soap replacement is not provided or requires specialized service:

• ❌ Xiaomi Mi Smart Antibacterial Soap – Uses disposable cartridges with antibacterial gel.
• ❌ Viomi Smart Toilet Soap Holder – Soap is built into the case and cannot be replaced.
• ❌ Older models until 2019 (e.g. Xiaomi MiJia Soap Dispenser) 1st Gen) - indissoluble tanks.

If your model is not listed, check its name on the box or in the Mi Home settings. Devices marked Refillable or Reusable in the description accurately support the replacement.

Preparation for replacement: tools and materials

Before you start, prepare everything you need. For most Xiaomi models, you will need:

• 🧴 New soap: liquid soap, gel or foam with a viscosity similar to the original liquid (recommended density of 1.0–1.2 g/cm³).
• 🔧 Tools: screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH1), Tweezers, cotton swabs, microfiber wipes.
• 💧 Cleaners: medical alcohol (70%), acetic solution (1:1 with water) or a specialized product for cleaning dispensers.
• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home app installed (for smart models).

Important! Do not use soap with abrasive particles (scrabs) or aggressive chemical additives (such as chlorine) This can damage the internal tubes and pump. The best option is neutral hand gels with pH 5.5-7.0.

⚠️ Note: If you use homemade soap (such as diluted hard soap), filter it through gauze beforehand to avoid clogging the tubes with undissolved particles.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to replace soap in Xiaomi dispenser

Consider a universal algorithm for example Xiaomi Viomi Automatic Soap Dispenser. For other models, the steps may differ slightly - see the section "Features of specific models".

1. Turn off the power. If the device is powered, remove the plug from the plug. For battery models, remove the batteries.
2. Remove the top cover. Most dispensers have latches on them -- press the side slots carefully and pull up. Some models, like the Mijia Smart, have counterclockwise lids.
3. Remove the soap tank. You'll see a removable tank inside. If there's still soap left, pour it into a separate container (you can reuse it).
4. Rinse the tank. Fill it with warm water on top of it. 1/3, add 10 ml of acetic solution and shake. 5 minutes, then rinse under running water.
5. Clean the tubes and pump. With a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, clean the outlet and internal ducts. In models with a foam generator (Mijia Smart Foaming), additionally blow the tube with compressed air (for example, a pear).
6. Fill the tank with 80 percent of the soap, which will prevent overflows when the pump is running, and use the funnel to avoid the spills.
7. Put the tank back in place, close the lid before you click. For models with level sensors (like the Viomi Pro), wait for the confirmation beep.
8. Reset the counter in the app. In Mi Home, go to your device settings and select Soap Level Reset (or Calibrate in English).

A critical mistake many users make is ignoring calibration after changing the soap, without which the level sensor will show incorrect data, and the device may produce too much or little soap when pressed.

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If the dispenser produces foam instead of gel after replacing the soap (or vice versa), check the viscosity of the liquid. For foam generators (Mijia Smart Foaming), only a special soap marked "foaming" is suitable.

4. Features of soap replacement in different models

Each Xiaomi device has its own nuances. Let's take a closer look at them.

Xiaomi Viomi Automatic Soap Dispenser

This model is equipped with an infrared motion sensor that can work during soap change, to avoid false positives:

1. Before disassembling, cover the sensor (located under the dispenser) with opaque tape.
2. After assembly, remove the tape and wait for automatic calibration (takes a loan). ~30 seconds).

Mijia Smart Foaming Soap Dispenser

The main problem here is the foam generator, and if you change the soap, the foam is too liquid:

• Check if you use soap marked Foaming or For Foam Dispensers.
• Make sure that the foam generator tube is not clogged - blow it with compressed air.
• In the Mi Home app, adjust the Foam Density setting.

Youpin Smart Bathroom Soap Dispenser

This model has a waterproof body (standard) IPX4), But when you change soap, it's important:

• Do not immerse the base of the device in water - just wipe it with a wet wipe.
• After washing the tank, dry it with a hair dryer (cold air) for 2-3 minutes.

5. Alternative liquids: what can be poured instead of the original soap?

The manufacturer recommends using original cartridges or soap from Xiaomi, but in practice other options are suitable.

For models with a foam generator (Mijia Smart Foaming Soap Dispenser) suitable only specialized liquids, for example:

• 🧼 Xiaomi Mijia Foaming Hand Soap Refill (Original).
• 🧴 Simple Human Foaming Soap Refill (compatible with viscosity).
• 🌿 Ecover Zero Foaming Hand Wash (Eco-Variant).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use liquids with oils (such as olive soap) - they leave a sticky plaque on the inside that is difficult to remove.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when changing soaps, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

• 🔴 Dispenser does not give out soap after replacement: Check if the tank is installed correctly (should be clicked). Make sure the soap is not popało on the pump contacts (wipe them with alcohol). In the Mi Home app, reset settings (Reset).
• 🔴 Soap flows out by itself: Check the integrity of the sealing ring on the tank. Don't overflow the tank - the maximum level is marked inside. If the device is old, it may be worn out by the pump membrane (requires replacement).
• 🔴 Too much or little soap when pressed: Calibrate the device in Mi Home (Calibrate).Check the viscosity of the soap - if it's too thick, dilute with water (1:1).
• 🔴 The foam turns watery: Use only soap for foam generators. Clean the foam generator tube with a cotton swab.

If after all the manipulations the problem remains, try to reset the device to the factory settings:

1. In the Mi Home app, go to the dispenser settings.
2. Select Factory Reset (Factory Reset).
3. Wait 1-2 minutes and repeat the setting from scratch.

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If the dispenser stopped working after the soap was replaced, 90% of the time the problem is a clogging pump or incorrect calibration. Don't rush to bring the device to the service - check these two points first!

7. Care and prevention: how to prolong the life of a dispenser?

To make the device last longer, follow simple rules:

• 🧽 Cleaning once a month: wash the tank and tubes with acetic solution (1:1 with water).
• 🔋 Battery replacement: In battery-powered models (such as the Mijia Portable), change the cells every 3-4 months, even if the device is still working.
• 🌡️ Temperature: Do not place the dispenser near heaters or under direct sunlight – this accelerates the evaporation of soap.
• 📱 Software Update: Check for updates in Mi Home regularly – the manufacturer often improves dosing algorithms.

For models with UV-sterilization (e.g. Viomi Pro):

• Turn on the sterilization function no more than 1 time a week - this will prolong the life of the lamp.
• Don't look at the working one. UV-Lamp – This can damage your eyesight.

If the dispenser is used by the whole family, we recommend keeping a soap replacement log (for example, in phone notes), fixing the date of replacement, type of fluid and reaction of the device - this will help to quickly identify patterns in breakdowns.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions