Refueling a printer for Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with photos and videos

Xiaomi Portable Printers: Why They Are Needed and How They Work

Xiaomi's portable printers are compact devices that connect to a smartphone over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and allow you to print photos, documents or stickers anywhere. Mi Portable Photo Printer and Xiaomi PrintJoy are particularly popular models that work with thermal paper or ink-based cartridges. But sooner or later, owners are faced with the question: how to refill such a printer if the original consumables are running out and new ones are expensive?

In this article, we’ll look at all the steps of refueling, from the selection of inks to step-by-step instructions for different Xiaomi printers, learn what mistakes users often make, how to avoid breakdowns and prolong the life of the device, and compare the pros and cons of original cartridges and compatible counterparts so you can make an informed choice.

Before you get started, make sure your printer really needs refilling. Many Xiaomi models are equipped with ink or paper level indicators - for example, the Mi Home or Xiaomi Print app may display a low consumable warning. If the printer starts printing pale images or stripes - this is a sure sign that it is time to act.

What Xiaomi printers can be refueled independently

Not all Xiaomi portable printers are self-refillable, and here are the key models for which this process is possible:

• 📸 Mi Portable Photo Printer 2 – uses water-based ink cartridges, refuels through special holes.
• 🖨️ Xiaomi PrintJoy 1S/2 — thermal printer, does not require ink (works with thermal paper), but the paper must be chosen correctly.
• 🎨 Xiaomi MiJia Pocket Photo Printer – similar to the first model, but with a different cartridge mount.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi Mi Smart Photo Printer – refueling is possible, but requires accuracy due to the fragile design.

But Xiaomi Mi Laser Printer or office MFPs are not recommended to refuel at home - it is better for them to use original cartridges or contact service centers. It is also worth noting that thermal paper printers (for example, PrintJoy) are not filled with ink at all - here it is enough to replace the roll of paper.

If you're not sure about your printer's model, check the name on the case or in the Mi Home app, and you can also see the markings on the cartridge -- usually starting with letters. CL (colour BL (black) for coloured and black and white inks respectively.

Choosing ink and consumables: what can be used

The quality of the ink is not only the result of printing, but also the life of the printer. Cheap or inappropriate ink can dry up in the print head, cause leaks or damage the mechanism. For Xiaomi printers, the following types of consumables are suitable:

For the Mi Portable Photo Printer and MiJia, pigment ink is the best option — it retains color longer and clogs the print head less. From proven brands, you can distinguish InkTec, Lyson or Mitsubishi. But water-based ink is cheaper, but it burns out faster and can spread out when moisture is ingested.

⚠️ Note: Never use ink for office printers (e.g., ink, HP Or Canon, in Xiaomi handheld devices, which can damage the miniature print head, causing permanent failure.

If you're filling the cartridge for the first time, buy a small set of inks (e.g., 10 ml of each color) that will allow you to test the quality of the print at no great cost. Also pay attention to the color profile - some inks can produce warmer or cooler shades than the original.

💡

Before buying ink, check their compatibility with your printer model on the manufacturer's website. For example, Mi Portable Photo Printer 2 is suitable for ink with a label. CL-41 or CL-51.

Step-by-step: how to fill the cartridge in the Xiaomi printer

The refueling process may vary slightly depending on the model, but the overall scheme is the same. We will look at the universal algorithm using the example of Mi Portable Photo Printer 2.

• 🔧 Set of ink (black, blue, purple, yellow).
• 🩹 Gloves and wipes (ink is poorly washed).
• 🔍 Syringes with needles (volume 5-10 ml).
• 📦 Unnecessary paper for test printing.

Now we're going to gas:

1. Remove the cartridge. Open the printer lid (usually with a latch) and carefully pull out the cartridge. Some models require you to press a special lever.
2. Find the filling holes. They're located on the top of the cartridge and are usually covered with stickers or rubber plugs. For the Mi Portable Photo Printer, the holes are marked with colors: B (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow).
3. Fill the ink. Put the ink in the syringe, prick the cork with a needle, and slowly inject the liquid. Don't overflow the cartridge, which is the optimal level 1-2 mm below the top edge.
4. Remove the surplus. After filling, wet the holes with a napkin to remove the excess ink. Then seal the holes with original stickers or tape.
5. Put the cartridge back in. Put it in the printer before you click. Close the lid.
6. Run a test print. Run a test image print from the Xiaomi Print or Mi Home app to check the quality.

All tools and ink are ready.|Printer off-power|Workplace protected from ink|There's a test paper to check.|Photos of the original cartridge assembly-->

If the printer prints with stripes or pale colors after refueling, it's possible that the ink isn't evenly distributed across the cartridge sponge.

• 🔄 Carefully shake the cartridge horizontally (not vertically!).
• 🖨️ Run the print head cleaning function in the printer settings (if any).
• 📄 Do 2-3 test prints – sometimes it takes time for the ink to leak to the nozzles.

⚠️ Note: If the printer stops turning on or gives an error after refueling, check if the cartridge is installed correctly. Xiaomi models often use protection against unoriginal consumables, in which case resetting the printer settings through the application can help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make gas station errors that lead to breakdowns or poor print quality, and the most common are:

One of the most insidious mistakes is ignoring the color of the stickers on the cartridge, for example, if you confuse the holes for blue (C) and purple (M) ink, the print will be distorted colors, and to avoid this, take a picture of the cartridge before filling up or make notes with a marker.

Another problem is the ink drying out of the nozzles, and if the printer hasn't been used for a long time, the ink can thicken and clog the print head, and this will help:

• 💧 Washing the head with a special liquid (for example, InkTec Flushing Solution).
• 🔥 Warming of the cartridge with warm water (not higher than 40)°C) for diluting ink.
• 📱 Run the cleaning function through the application (if the printer supports).

Critical error: Filling a cartridge with a damaged print head can cause the printer to break permanently, and if the head shows scratches, dried ink streams or is deformed, the cartridge must be replaced.

How to prolong the life of a printer after refueling

Self-refueling is only half the battle, and in order for a printer to last, you have to follow a few simple rules of care:

• 📅 Print at least once a week – this prevents the ink from drying out in the nozzles.
• 🧴 Use a protective cover for the printer so that it does not get dust on it.
• 🌡️ Store your printer and cartridges at 15–25 temperatures°C, avoid direct sunlight.
• 🔋 If the printer is not in use for a long time, remove the cartridge and store it in a sealed bag with a wet wipe.

You should also pay attention to the printing settings. In the Xiaomi Print or Mi Home application, you can choose:

• 🖼️ Quality mode: "Draft" (saving ink) or "High" (for photos).
• 📏 Paper size: standard 10×15 cm or other formats.
• 🎨 Color profile: Sometimes helps to adjust the shades after refilling.

If you notice that the print quality has deteriorated over time, try calibrating the printer.

1. Open the Xiaomi Print app.
2. Go to Settings. → Sizing.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually print out the test sheet and choose the clearest option).

💡

Regular printing and proper storage extend the life of the cartridge by 2-3 times. Even if you rarely use a printer, run a test print once a month to keep the ink from drying.

Alternatives to gas station: what to do if you do not want to mess

If self-refueling seems too complicated, there are several alternatives:

• 🛒 Purchase compatible cartridges (e.g. from InkTec or LD They're cheaper than the original ones, but they don't require refueling.
• 🔄 Using a continuous ink system (CIP). Some Xiaomi models sell adapters that allow you to connect external containers with ink.
• 🏠 Many workshops offer filling cartridges for a small fee (from 300 rubles).
• ♻️ Buying used cartridges at sites like Avito or Yula, and you can refuel them.

One of the most convenient options is CNHR, which allows you to print large volumes without constant refueling, and the cost of a print is reduced by 5-10 times. However, for portable Xiaomi printers, such systems are rare, so check compatibility before buying.

If you're going to go to a service, go to a trusted workshop, look at the reviews, and ask them what ink they use, and some services save on consumables, which can cause the printer to break.

Finally, if your Xiaomi printer has already served its time, consider buying a new model. For example, the Xiaomi PrintJoy 2 does not require ink at all, and the Mi Portable Photo Printer 3 has an improved print head that is less clogged.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions