Xiaomi mini-printer refueling: from thermal paper to ink (instruction with photo)

Xiaomi portable printers like Mi Pocket Photo Printer, Mi Mini Printer or Xiaomi PrintGo have become popular because of their compactness and ability to print photos or checks on the road. However, many users face difficulties when first filling up: how to insert thermal paper correctly, how cartridges differ for different models, and why the suddenly printer stops printing after replacing consumables. This article will help you understand everything from choosing original and compatible cartridges to step-by-step instructions for filling up with the characteristics of each model.

We analyzed the feedback from owners, official manuals (including Chinese versions, which often contain more details) and the results of tests of third-party consumables. Unlike the general tips from the instructions, here you will find specific recommendations for eliminating errors such as: E-02 (paper-clogging) or E-05 (Incompatible cartridge, and unique data on the resource of printed heads in Xiaomi printers after 2022.If your device refuses to work after refueling, at the end of the article there is a section with the diagnosis of malfunctions.

What Xiaomi mini printers require refueling: a review of models

Not all Xiaomi portable printers are refueled the same way, the main differences are related to the type of printing and consumables used:

• 📸 Photoprinters (Mi Pocket Photo Printer, Xiaomi Photo Printer 2): use ink cartridges and special photo paper. ZINK (free of ink) or thermosublimation.
• 📄 Documentary printers (Mi Mini Printer, Xiaomi PrintGo): run on thermal paper (rolls 58 mm or 80 mm wide). No ink required - the image manifests itself when heated.
• 🖨️ Hybrid models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Portable Printer): support both thermal printing and color printing on photo paper (depending on the cartridge).

Important: Xiaomi PrintGo and Mi Mini Printer look similar, but they use different feeding mechanisms. If you buy the wrong roll, the printer will either not grab the paper or start tearing it. Original consumables are labeled with the printer model code, for example, MJCTD02QA PrintGo.

Before refueling, check the serial number on the back of the printer to help determine the exact model. For example, Mi Mini printers with numbers starting at 2208 only support 58 mm wide thermal paper, and models with 2301 already support 80 mm.

Thermopaper vs. ink: what to fill in your printer

The biggest mistake newcomers make is buying the wrong consumables, so let's see what's right for each model.

⚠️ Note: Thermal paper for PrintGo and Mi Mini Printer is visually similar, but has different coating density. If you use PrintGo paper in the Mi Mini, the printing will be pale, and the life of the printing head will be reduced by 30-40%.

For photo printers (Mi Pocket, Photo Printer 2), the ink composition is critical. Cheap analogues often contain pigments that clog the nozzles of the print head. Xiaomi's original cartridges have a chip that blocks printing at low ink levels - this can only be avoided by flashing the printer (risky!).

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Before buying thermal paper, check its sensitivity to temperature.The optimal range for Xiaomi printers is 180-220°C. This information is shown on the packaging in the Sensitivity section.

Step-by-step: how to fill thermal paper in Xiaomi PrintGo and Mi Mini Printer

The process of filling thermal paper is the same for most Xiaomi document printers, but there are nuances for each model.

1. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cable (if it's connected) to prevent automatic paper from being fed when the lid is opened.
2. Press the cap locker (located on the right at PrintGo or on top at the Mi Mini) and gently lift it.
3. Remove the plastic holder for the roll (in some models it is integrated into the case - then skip this step).
4. Install a new roll of thermal paper so that the paper is coiled from top to bottom (there is an arrow or an inscription on the roll). THIS SIDE UP).
5. Snap the end of the paper under the clamping roller and bring it out through the slit in the front panel.
6. Close the lid before you click. The printer automatically grabs the paper and pushes it 2-3 cm.

Make sure the paper isn't skewed|Check that the roll is rotating freely|Clean the clamping roller from dust with a dry napkin|Connect the printer to power

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⚠️ Note: If the printer makes an error after refueling E-02 (And you can get the paper crumpled, don't try to pull the paper back, because it can break it inside the machine:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Open the lid and gently spin the roll clockwise to ease the tension.
3. Close the lid and turn the printer on again.

For the Xiaomi Mi Mini Printer (2023 model), a paper position sensor has been added. If the roll is curved, the printer won't print until you fix it. Make sure the edge of the paper doesn't protrude beyond the guides.

Filling ink into Xiaomi photo printers: Mi Pocket and Photo Printer 2

Xiaomi photo printers use two types of printing systems:

• 🖼️ ZINK (No ink: Mi Pocket Photo Printer, where refueling is about replacing photo paper with integrated dye crystals. No cartridges, just rolls of paper.
• 🎨 Thermosublimation: used in Xiaomi Photo Printer 2. Requires replacement of ink cartridge (article) MJXJD02QA) and photopaper format 4×6 inch.

For Photo Printer 2, instructions for replacing the cartridge:

1. Press the power button and hold it for 5 seconds to put the printer in maintenance mode (yellow indicator will light up).
2. Open the top cover – the carriage with the cartridge will automatically move to the center.
3. Press the cartridge locker (lever on the right) and remove it.
4. Install a new cartridge by matching the tags on the case with guides. The cartridge should stand with a slight click.
5. Close the lid. The printer will do a self-test. ~30 seconds).

⚠️ Warning: Don't touch the chip contacts on the cartridge - this could lead to an error E-05 (If the printer doesn't recognize the new cartridge:

• Try to remove and insert it again.
• Wipe the chip contacts with an alcohol tampon (do not use wet wipes!).
• Update the printer firmware through the Mi Home app.

Frequent mistakes in refueling and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause the printer to break down.

• 🔄 Wrong direction of paper: if you put the roll upside down, the printer will pull the paper back, which will lead to a jam. Always keep an eye on the arrow on the roll.
• 🧴 Using alcohol-containing wipes to clean rollers: alcohol corrodes the heat coating of paper and can damage the printing head. Use only dry lilaless wipes.
• 🔋 Refill with power on: this can cause calibration of the paper sensors to fail. Always turn off the printer before replacing the consumables.
• 📏 Using rolls of non-standard width: for example, trying to insert 80 mm paper into PrintGo, designed for 58 mm, will lead to jamming of the mechanism.

Another common problem is drying out thermopaper, and if the roll has been in open packaging for more than 6 months, it can lose its heat sensitivity, and to check this out, you can just use your nail to run it over the surface of the paper -- if there's a dark trace, the paper is still usable. If there's no trace, the roll should be replaced.

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The most common reason for Xiaomi mini printer failures is to ignore errors E-02 and E-03. If they occur, turn off the printer immediately and check the mechanism for clamping. Continuing to print with an error in 80% of cases leads to damage to the print head.

For photo printers (Mi Pocket, Photo Printer 2), humidity is critical. If you store photo paper in a damp room, it can deform, leading to uneven printing. Optimal storage conditions: temperature 15-25°C, humidity not above 60%.

How to prolong the life of a printer: tips for care

The life of Xiaomi’s mini printer depends not only on the quality of the consumables, but also on the proper care.

• 🧹 Cleaning rollers: wipe the roller with a dry wipe every 500 prints to remove paper dust. Use special cleaning cards for photo printers (article) MJXJD03QA).
• 🔄 Regular use: If the printer is idle for more than 2 weeks, run the test print every 10 days to prevent the ink from drying up in the nozzles.
• 📦 Consumer storage: Keep thermal paper and cartridges in sealed silica gel bags, which will prevent the thermolayer from oxidizing and ink drying out.
• 🔌 Power: Use only the original power supply. Cheap charging can cause power surges that will damage the control board.

For models with a printed head (Photo Printer 2), it is critical to avoid deep battery discharge. If the printer runs to 0%, it can reset the calibration settings of the head, and it will have to be refashioned in the service. The optimal charge level for storage is 40-60%.

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press the power button for 10 seconds (until the red indicator flashes).

3. Release the button and turn the printer back on.

This will reset the paper feed settings to the factory.-->

For photo printers, it's helpful to run preventive head cleaning once a month through the printer menu.This procedure uses a little ink but prevents nozzles from clogging. In Xiaomi Photo Printer 2 models, cleaning is available along the way: Settings → Service → Deep cleaning.

Diagnostics of malfunctions after refueling

If the printer does not work after replacing the consumables, use this table for diagnosis:

If the printer makes a mistake E-01 (general failure, try resetting it to factory settings:

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Press the power and print buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds.
3. Release the buttons and turn the printer back on.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting will remove all stored print patterns and connected devices. After the procedure, the printer will need to be re-synchronized with the smartphone via the Mi Home app.

If none of these methods worked, check the warranty status of the printer. Xiaomi models have a warranty of 12 months from the date of purchase.

1. Find the serial number on the back of the printer.
2. Go to mi.com/global/verify.
3. Enter the serial number and date of purchase.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions