Where to pour water in the vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: detailed instructions with photos and tips

You bought a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner with wet cleaning function, but you can't find where to pour water? Or you wonder if you installed the tank correctly? This problem is familiar to many beginners - the manufacturer often hides the water tank under the removable panels or makes it look like a dust collector, as a result, users risk pouring liquid into an undesigned compartment, which leads to engine or sensor breakdowns.

In this article, we will analyze all possible options for the location of the water tank in vacuum cleaners Xiaomi, Dreame and Viomi (including popular models such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Dreame). D9 viomi V3). You'll learn how to distinguish a water tank from a dust collector, what fueling errors lead to leaks, and what to do if the vacuum cleaner doesn't spray water after pouring — FAQ answers to the most frequent questions and table of accessories compatibility.

1. How to distinguish a water tank from a dust collector: 3 key features

Many users confuse a water container with a garbage bay, especially in models with combined cleaning systems.

• 🔍 Labeling on the case: The water tank usually has a wave symbol (~) lettering WATER TANK (The dust collector is marked with a garbage icon (🗑️) or DUST BIN.
• 🎨 Cover color: Most Xiaomi models have a water tank with a blue or blue cover, and the dust collector has a black or gray one. V2, where both containers are white, but with different pictograms.
• 💧 Filter: A microfiber filter or mesh is often installed in the water tank inside to prevent debris from entering the pump. HEPA) located outside, under the cover.

If you're in doubt, look at the connectors at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner, and the water hole is always smaller in diameter and closer to the center of the housing, whereas the garbage chute is wider and shifted to the edge. In automatic-change models like the Dreame W10, the water tank is additionally equipped with an electronic valve that can be seen through the transparent wall.

2.Where is the water tank in popular Xiaomi models

The tank's location depends on the vacuum cleaner series, below are the diagrams for the most common lines. If your model is not on the list, use the universal rule: the water tank is always removable and is either on the top panel (under the lid) or on the back of the case (near the switch).

In Xiaomi models older than 2020 (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1S), the water tank is often integrated into the dust collector and is a removable tray inside the main container. To extract it, press the lock at the front of the compartment and pull the tray over yourself. In new versions (2022-2026), the tanks are separated and attached independently.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to properly pour water

Even if you find a tank, improper refueling can lead to leaks or inefficient cleaning.

1. Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and flip it over (if the model does not support vertical refueling).
2. Remove the tank: Press the lock button (usually indicated by the arrow) and pull the container up.
3. Rinse the tank with warm water if this is not your first refill. Use a soft sponge, and abrasives will damage the sealing gums.
4. Pour water to the MAX mark (usually 200-300 ml). For models with detergent (Dreame W10), first pour water, then add 10-15 ml of liquid to a separate compartment.
5. Put the tank back in, make sure it's firmly on the guides.
6. Check the leaks: flip the vacuum cleaner over and shake it a little, and if the water doesn't leak, you can start cleaning.

Remove the dust collector and clean it of garbage |

Wash the water tank and dry |

Pour water to the mark MAX (higher!)|

Make sure the cleaning rag is clean and properly secured |

Check the tightness of the tank after installation-->

For models with electronic water level control (Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, Dreame L10 Pro), after refueling on the Mi Home app, a notification will appear on the screen of the cleaning readiness. If the indicator shows an error (for example, Low Water), repeat steps 4-5 - perhaps the tank is curved or the sensor is contaminated.

⚠️ Never use hot water (over 40)°C) - this will deform the plastic of the tank and damage the seals. Also avoid mineral or hard water - salts will clog the sprayers. For best results, use distilled water or special liquids for robot vacuum cleaners.

4. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

About 30 percent of Xiaomi’s wet vacuum cleaners fail due to improper water tank operation, and here are the most common mistakes and their consequences:

• 🚫 Water overflow: if poured above the mark MAX, The liquid will get into the ventilation holes and cause an error E3 (overheating of the engine in some models (Viomi) V3) This leads to automatic shutdown of cleaning.
• 🚫 Use of aggressive detergents: bleach or chlorine-laden liquids corrode rubber pads and tubes. Only products labeled for robot vacuums are allowed.
• 🚫 Flawed tank cover: If the locker doesn't click, the water will leak out as the vacuum cleaner moves, leaving wet marks. Check the lid by pulling it up, it shouldn't move.
• 🚫 Refueling with the vacuum cleaner on: in models with a pump (Dreame) D10) This can cause a hydraulic shock and a pump failure. Always turn off the device before pouring.

Another common problem is that the vacuum cleaner doesn't spray water even though the tank is full.

• 🔧 Clogged sprayers (clean them with a toothpick).
• 🔧 Broken electronic valve (replacement required).
• 🔧 In the Mi Home app settings, wet cleaning mode is turned off (check the Mop Mode setting).

💡

If the vacuum cleaner starts to leave a dent after cleaning, add 1-2 drops of vinegar (200 ml) to the water, which will help remove the lime plaque from the sprayers and improve the sliding of the cloth. After cleaning, wash the tank with clean water.

5.How to care for a water tank: tips for extending the life of

To make the water tank last longer, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Wash the tank after each cleaning: the residue of water contributes to the reproduction of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Use a soap solution (1 tsp. of a remedy per 1 liter of water).
• ☀️ Dry in the air: do not close the tank lid immediately after washing. Leave it to dry for 1-2 hours in a ventilated place.
• 🔄 Change the sealing gums every 6 months, they wear out from constant contact with water and stop sealing the tank.
• ❄️ Store the vacuum cleaner in a dry place: if you leave it in a wet room (for example, in the bathroom), corrosion will appear on metal parts.

For models with a self-cleaning system (Dreame W10, Xiaomi Mop 2 Ultra), run the Tank Cleaning function in the app once a month. It flushes the tank and pipes with clean water, removing scale and residues of detergent. If this option is not available in your model, use citric acid (1 tsp per 1 liter of water) for disinfection.

⚠️ Warning: If you smell plastic after washing the tank, it's a sign that the seals are starting to decompose. Replace them immediately, or water will seep into the vacuum cleaner's case, which will corrosion the charging station contacts.

6.Tank compatibility: can tanks from other models be used?

Many users try to save money by buying tanks from older models or third-party manufacturers. However, this is fraught with problems: mismatch in size or shape can lead to leaks or sensor errors. In the table below, data on the interchangeability of tanks for popular Xiaomi vacuum cleaners.

If you decide to buy a non-original tank, pay attention to:

• 📏 Exact dimensions: compare dimensions with the old tank (permissible deviation — ±2 mm).
• 🔌 Type of mounting: in models Xiaomi 2023+ In the year magnetic fixers are used, and in the old ones - latches.
• 💧 Material: cheap, thin plastic tanks deform when heated. ABS-plastic.

💡

Never use vacuum cleaners from other brands (such as Roborock or Ecovacs) – their design is incompatible with Xiaomi systems, even if they look the same.

7 What to do if the vacuum cleaner does not recognize the water tank

If the vacuum cleaner fails after installing the tank (e.g., E4 – “No Water Tank”) or does not go into wet cleaning mode, follow the following steps:

1. Check the contacts: there are metal plates at the bottom of the tank that should be in contact with the sockets in the vacuum cleaner body.
2. Update the firmware: in some models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) bugs with tank recognition are fixed via the OTA-Check the version of the software in the Mi Home app.
3. Reset: From the vacuum cleaner menu, select Reset to Default (usually in the Settings → Advanced section).
4. Check the water level sensor, if it's contaminated, the vacuum cleaner will "see" the tank empty. Clean the sensor with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

If the error persists, the problem may be that the tank controller is broken, and if you do, you can contact the service center, and you can use the test mode to diagnose it.

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner.


2. Press the home and spot buttons for 5 seconds.




3. The vacuum cleaner will emit an audible signal and go into diagnostic mode.




4. Press the "Power" button 3 times - the tank error code will be displayed on the display.

Error codes associated with the water tank:

• E4 - no tank detected;
• E5 - contamination of the sensor;
• E8 - failure of the pump;
• E9 is a leak in the system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions