Xiaomi mini-printer refueling: from consumable selection to step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Portable Printers – Mi Pocket Photo, Printody S1 Xiaomi Mini Photo Printer, which is popular because it's compact and can print photos directly from your smartphone, but many users have difficulty refueling the first time: How to insert the cartridge correctly, how does the thermal film differ from the ink, and why the printer makes a mistake after replacing the consumables. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of filling up, from choosing compatible cartridges to solving typical problems.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi mini printers use different printing technologies: thermal sublimation (for color photos) and thermal printing (for bl/b labels). This depends on the type of consumables. For example, Mi Pocket Photo requires special cartridges with tape. CMYK, a Printody S1 We'll go into each model in detail and give you a checklist for safe refueling.

If you have never refueled a printer before, don’t worry: the process takes no more than 5-10 minutes, and our illustrations and video instructions (links at the end of the article) will help you avoid errors. The main thing is to take your time and follow the algorithm. Let’s start with preparation!

1.What consumables are suitable for Xiaomi mini printers

The first step is to determine the exact model of your printer.Expendables for Xiaomi Mi Pocket Photo and Printody S1 Not interchangeable! Below is the compatibility table:

⚠️ Note: Using non-original cartridges can lead to loss of warranty (this is prescribed in the terms of Xiaomi for Russia and the EU).However, many users successfully use consumables from Brother or Kodak - the main thing is that the article coincides with the supported format. For example, a cartridge is suitable for Mi Pocket Photo. LC3011BK from Brother, but you will need to manually update the printer firmware (instruction below).

Home News Economy Tips: Original Xiaomi cartridges cost 1,200–1,800 ₽, but they're good enough ~40 photos. The alternative is refillable cartridges (for example, from InkTec), which are 2-3 times cheaper).

Preparing the printer for refueling: what to do before replacing the cartridge

Before you open the printer, follow the 3 mandatory steps:

• 🔋 Charge the printer by at least 50%. If the battery runs out during the cartridge replacement, the printer may "forget" the calibration and require resetting.
• 📱 Update the firmware through the Mi Home app (Devices section) → Printer settings → Update of software: Older versions of firmware may not recognize new cartridges.
• 🧹 Clean the contacts inside the cartridge bay with a dry wipe.Dust or ink residue often causes error E02 ("Unidentified cartridge").

If you're filling up your printer for the first time, take a picture of the current position of the cartridge (or the label on it) to help you install the new one correctly.

• 📦 New cartridge or thermal film (in original packaging!).
• 🧻 Waxless wipes (for cleaning).
• 🔍 Lupu (to check contacts for damage).

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If the printer makes a mistake E01 ("No paper") after replacing the cartridge, try to take out and re-insert the paper tray - often the sensor just doesn't work the first time.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to refuel Xiaomi Mi Pocket Photo

This model uses thermosublimation printing, so the refueling process is more complicated than thermal printers.

1. Turn off the printer and flip it upside down. Press the latch of the cartridge compartment (on the right).
2. Remove the old cartridge by pulling it on you. Don't touch the gold contacts on the back!
3. Install a new cartridge by combining the tags on the case with the guides inside the printer. It should stand with a slight click.
4. Close the lid and turn on the printer. Wait for automatic calibration (the printer will emit a series of beeps).

⚠️ Warning: If the printer flashes red after replacing the cartridge and does not type, check:

• 🔌 Is the photo paper inserted correctly (it should lie face down).
• 🔄 Cartridge compatibility with your model (for Mi Pocket Photo label should be on the package).
• 📱 Is the firmware updated (in older versions there is a bug with cartridge recognition) MZB7164CN).

Check the battery level.|Make sure that the photo paper is properly filled.|Update the firmware through Mi Home|Wipe the cartridge contacts with a napkin-->

If the printer still doesn’t work, try resetting:

1. Press the power button for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing yellow.
2. Release the button and press it 3 times in a row.
3. Wait for the restart (the printer will emit a long beep).

4. Features of refueling Xiaomi Printody S1 and thermal printers

Xiaomi Thermoprinters (e.g. Printody) S1 Or Portable Label Printer, they don't require cartridges, they run on thermal paper:

• 📜 The width of the roll should match the model exactly: 57 mm for the Printody S1, 38 mm for label printers.
• 🔄 Polarity of paper: The heat-sensitive layer should be on top (usually marked with an arrow on the package).
• 🚫 Do not use regular paper – it will not change color when heated and clog the printing head.

Instructions for replacing thermal paper:

1. Open the top cover of the printer (on Printody) S1 it's magnetically fixed).
2. Remove the remains of the old roll and clean the rollers of dust with a soft brush.
3. Insert a new roll by combining the edge of the paper with a guide line (usually marked in red).
4. Close the cover and press the paper feed button so that the printer automatically calibrates the position.

⚠️ Warning: If after replacing the paper, the printer prints stripes or blank sheets, the problem is the printing head:

1. Turn off the printer and let it cool for 10 minutes.
2. Wipe the printed head (it is located under the lid) with a cotton swab soaked in distilled water.
3. Turn on the printer and run the test printer via Mi Home → Settings → Print test.

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Heat paper afraid of light and heat! Store rolls in their original packaging at temperatures not higher than 25°C, otherwise the paper will darken on its own.

5. Typical gas station errors and how to avoid them

Even the most experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause the printer to break down. TOP-5 problems and solutions:

The most common mistake is to force the paper to be pulled out, and in no case, do not pull it with your hands, it can damage the printing mechanism.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Carefully spin the roll of paper counterclockwise to ease tension.
3. Turn on the printer and press the paper feed button - the mechanism will push the clogging out.

Another common problem is that the cartridge is defined as empty, even though you just installed it, and it's related to the flow meter chip that the original cartridges have.

• 🔄 Restart the printer (sometimes the chip is reset after restarting).
• 🛠️ If the cartridge is rechargeable, reset the chip using a special device (sold on AliExpress for a charge). ~500 ₽).
• 📲 Update the firmware – in new versions Xiaomi has removed the rigid binding to the chips.

6. How to prolong the life of the cartridge and save on consumables

Original consumables for Xiaomi are expensive, but there are ways to cut costs without losing quality:

• 🖼️ Print in "Saving Ink" mode (in Mi Home, select Printing Settings). → Quality. → This reduces the tape consumption by 30%.
• ♻️ Use refillable cartridges from InkTec or Liene (worth it). ~600 ₽, refuel 5-7 times).
• 📦 Buy consumables in bulk: for example, a set of 3 cartridges + 100 sheets of paper on AliExpress costs 2 times cheaper than in Russian stores.
• 🛑 Do not print at maximum brightness – this consumes tape 2 times faster.

For thermal printers (Printody) S1) Have a life hack: if the paper began to pale, warm the roll with a hair dryer (temperature 50–60)°C) within 10 seconds, the heat-sensitive layer will regenerate and the printer will last longer.

⚠️ Warning: Don't keep Xiaomi cartridges in the fridge! Condensation will damage the chip and the printer won't recognize them. Optimum conditions are 15-25°C and humidity not higher than 60%.

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If you type rarely (once a month), run a test print every 2 weeks via Mi Home. → Settings → Print test, it'll prevent the printing head from clogging.

7.Where to buy consumables for Xiaomi mini printer

Original cartridges and paper can be purchased in several places:

• 🛒 Xiaomi official store (the most reliable option, but prices are 20–30 above the market%).
• 🌍 AliExpress (Look for sellers with a 98 rating%+ We recommend stores: Xiaomi Official Store, Mi Global Store.
• 🏬 M-Video, Citilink, Ozone (often there are stocks, but check the article before buying!).
• 🔧 Specialized shops (e.g, 4ink.ru or printzone.ru – here you can find compatible cartridges cheaper.

When buying, pay attention to:

• 📌 Article (must match your printer model).
• 📅 Production Date (cartridges older than 1 year may dry).
• 📦 Packaging (the original is always in the brand box with a hologram Xiaomi).

If you want to save money, look for alternative brands:

⚠️ Note: When buying non-original consumables, check if your printer model supports chip zeroing. For example, the first batch (2019) Mi Pocket Photo blocks non-original cartridges, and in 2021 models, for example, the Mi Pocket Photo blocks non-original cartridges.+ this restriction is lifted.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions