Replacement of the rod in the handle Xiaomi: instructions with photos, videos and repair tips

Xiaomi's smart pens are not just stationery accessories, they're high-tech devices with pressure sensors, Bluetooth modules, and even built-in batteries. But even the most advanced pen can fail because of a trivial problem: the ink is out or the rod is clogged. Unlike conventional ballpoint pens, you can't just pull the cap out and insert a new rod — the design is more complicated, and errors in disassembling can lead to electronics breakdown.

In this article, we will discuss how to replace the rod in the pens of Xiaomi Mijia Smart Pen, Xiaomi AIRDOTS Pen and other popular models. You will learn what tools you need, how to avoid typical errors (for example, damage to the contacts of the pressure sensor), and where to buy original rods. And if your pen stopped writing after falling or getting water, at the end of the article there is an FAQ with solutions to common problems.

Which Xiaomi pens support replacement rods?

Not all Xiaomi smart pens allow you to replace the rod yourself, for example, in budget models like the Mi Smart Ballpoint Pen, the rod is soldered into the case and cannot be replaced.

If your model is not in the table, check the documentation or take apart the pen according to the instructions below. The main sign of the rod being replaced is the presence of a thread or latch at the top of the body (under the cap).

Replacement tools and materials

You will need to work:

• ✅ Screwdriver. T4 or T5 — for screws in the case (90 percent of models are used them).
• ✅ Plastic mediator or guitar mediator – to gently separate plastic latches.
• ✅ Tweezers - for extraction of small parts (for example, springs in the mechanism of extension of the rod).
• ✅ Alcohol wipes – to clean the contacts of the pressure sensor.
• ✅ New rod - original (see article on rods) or compatible.

Important: Never use metal tools to unplug plastic parts, they leave scratches and can break latches, and if you don't have a mediator on hand, an old bank card will do.

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Before disassembling, take a photo of each stage on your phone, which will help you put the handle back together correctly, especially if you're doing electronics repair for the first time.

Step-by-step dismantling of the Xiaomi pen

The disassembly algorithm is the same for most models, but there are nuances. Below is a universal instruction:

1. Remove the cap and push the rod to the maximum (if the mechanism is working). In some models, the screw is hidden under the cap - it must be twisted out first.
2. Unscrew the screws in the upper part of the body (usually 2-3). In the Mijia Smart Pen 2nd Gen, the screws are hidden under rubber plugs - tweez them.
3. Separate the body into two halves. Start at the top where the power button is located. Use the mediator to gently snap the plastic locks.
4. Remove the battery board. It's mounted on latches or double-sided tape. Don't pull the wires!
5. Take out the rod mechanism. In some models, it's fixed by a screw from the bottom.

If the rod is not removed, do not apply force! It may be fixed with an additional screw or glue. In AIRDOTS Pen, for example, the rod is glued to a pressure sensor. To remove it, carefully warm the body with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 60 ° C) and tweez the rod with tweezers.

⚠️ Note: In pens with a tilt sensor (for example, Mijia Smart Pen) 2nd Gen) there's a miniature gyroscope inside the rod mechanism, so don't drop it or vibrate it, it'll knock the sensor out of action!

Where to buy rods for Xiaomi and which ones to choose?

The original rods for Xiaomi smart pens are sold under the following articles:

• 📌 MDZ-06-DG — gel, 0.5 mm, for the Mijia Smart Pen 1st Gen.
• 📌 MDZ-08-DG — gel, 0.35 mm, for the Mijia Smart Pen 2nd Gen.
• 📌 MDZ-09-DB — ball, 0.7 mm, for AIRDOTS Pen.

The cost of the original rod - from 300 to 800 rubles, depending on the model.

• 🛒 Official Xiaomi store (section "Accessories").
• 🛒 AliExpress (sellers rated 98%+ and feedback on compatibility).
• 🛒 Xiaomi Service Centers (sometimes sell parts separately).

If the original rod could not be found, you can use compatible analogues:

• 🖊️ For the Mijia Smart Pen 1st Gen's good for Pilot. G2 0.5 mm (you need to undermine the plastic tip with a file file).
• 🖊️ For AIRDOTS Pen - Zebra Jimnie Gel 0.7 mm (requires to trim the spring inside the mechanism).

⚠️ Attention: Compatible rods may not work properly with the pressure sensor! for example, in the Mijia Smart Pen 2nd Gen non-original rod can give false positives when pressed. Test the pen after replacement in the Mi Smart Pen app.

Assembly of the handle after replacement of the rod

You need to collect the pen in reverse order, but there are critical moments:

1. Make sure the contacts of the pressure sensor are clean and not bent.
2. Check that the spring of the mechanism is in place, and if it's lost, the handle won't fix the rod.
3. Twisting the screws cross-cross to avoid skewing the body.
4. After assembly, do not turn on the handle immediately - first check the mechanics: whether the rod is pushed out, whether there are backlashes.

If the handle is not switched on after assembly:

• 🔋 Check if the battery is disconnected (in the Mijia Smart Pen) 2nd Gen, it's attached to the connector).
• 📶 Reconnect the pen to your phone via Bluetooth (sometimes settings get lost).
• 🔄 Reset the settings in the Mi Smart Pen app (Settings) → Reset → Restore the factory).

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If you've got a pen that's writing intermittently after you've replaced the rod, it's not the rod, it's the pressure sensor, so try to clear the contacts or contact the service.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes when replacing the rod.

If you break the latch, don't panic! You can glue the body with cyanoacrylate glue (superglue), but you need to apply it point-by-point, avoiding hitting the board. For reliability, wrap the glue area with thin tape.

FAQ: Questions and answers on replacing the rod