How to set up Xiaomi electric carnival: a complete guide from installation to integration with Mi Home

Xiaomi’s electric carnival is not just a stylish solution for your curtains, but a full-fledged smart home device that can be controlled from your smartphone, voice or even on a schedule. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup, from problems with connecting to Wi-Fi to malfunctioning with the Mi Home app. In this article, we will examine the entire process — from unpacking the device to fine-tuning automation — to make your electric carnival work like a clock.

Xiaomi Curtain Motor models (e.g. Aqara Curtain Motor) E1 Mi Smart Curtain Motor may differ in functionality and installation method, but the general principles of configuration remain similar. We will focus on both basic actions (network connection, calibration) and advanced chips – integration with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit (through hubs) and creating complex scenarios in Mi Home Automation.

If you just purchased an electric eavesdrop and don’t know where to start, or your device is already installed but is unstable, this guide will help you understand all the nuances. We will also look at common errors (for example, improper calibration or loss of connection with Wi-Fi) and how to fix them without going to the service center.

1. Preparation for setup: what to check before installation

Before you start installing and setting up, make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Electric Carnival requires not only a physical installation, but also the right infrastructure preparation.

First, check your engine cornice compatibility. Xiaomi devices usually support curtains weighing up to 8-10 kg (depending on the model). If your curtains are heavier, the engine may fail. Also pay attention to the type of mounting: some models are only designed for round pipes with a diameter of 25-50 mm, others are for flat cornices.

Second, prepare the tools and accessories:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (usually included, but may need a cross)
• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home app installed (version no lower than 6.0)
• 🔌 power supply 5V/1A (Adapter included, but you can use any compatible)
• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection at 2.4 GHz (5 GHz not supported!)

If you plan to integrate the eaves into your smart home system, install the necessary hubs (such as the Xiaomi Mi Smart Home Hub or Aqara Hub) beforehand. Without them, some features (such as managing Apple HomeKit) may not be available.

Installation of the motor on the eave: step-by-step installation

The physical installation of the motor is the most critical step, and if you do it wrong, the cornice will not work properly or will not budge at all. E1 (Similar to other Xiaomi devices).

First, remove the old eave (if any) and fasten the new one to the wall or ceiling. Make sure it is strictly horizontal - even a slight skew can lead to jamming of the curtains.

1. Attach the motor to the eaves. Most models have a latch or screw mount. For example, in Mi Smart Curtain Motor, the motor is put on the pipe and fixed with a bolt.
2. Put the power adapter on. Place it so that the wire doesn't interfere with the curtains, and some users hide the adapter in a box under the eaves.
3. Install the limiters (if any) to prevent the curtains from slipping off the pipe.

After installation, manually check whether the curtains move freely. If they cling or jerk, loosen the engine mount or adjust the position of the pipe.

3. Connection to the Mi Home application: registration and initial setting

Now, to the software part, you need to connect it to the Mi Home app to manage the e-carniz, download it from the App Store or Google Play and register (if you haven't already), and it's important to link the device to the same region as your Xiaomi account (usually China Mainland, Russia or Europe).

To add a cornice:

1. Open Mi Home and press + → Add the device.
2. Choose the category of Smart Home → Curtains/Bullets.
3. Click on your cornice model (e.g. Aqara Curtain Motor).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: turn the motor into the socket and wait for the indicator to flash (usually blue or green).
5. Connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and enter a password.

If the device is not located, try:

• 🔄 Reset the motor (remove/insert the power plug).
• 📶 Move the router closer to the eaves.
• 📱 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.
• 🔧 Reset the engine to factory settings (press the button on the body for 5-10 seconds before blinking).

If your router is only running on a frequency 5 GHz, Xiaomi electric carnival will not connect.Solution: turn on compatibility mode (2.4 + 5 GHz) or use a separate 2.4-gigahertz router.

Calibration and adjustment of curtains

Once connected to the app, you need to calibrate the motor so that the cornice can accurately determine the position of the curtains (open/closed/partial) without calibration, the curtains may not reach the end or, conversely, they may fall into a pile.

Calibration process:

1. In the Mi Home app, select your eaves and go to Settings → Sizing.
2. Click Start Calibration and wait until the curtains are fully closed (the motor will determine the extreme position).
3. Then the curtains will automatically open to the end - the engine will remember the second extreme position.
4. If the curtains are not finished, manually adjust the position using the Open/Close buttons in the application and repeat the calibration.

After calibration, check the curtains in different modes:

• 🎛️ Full opening/closing (buttons in the appendix).
• 📏 Partial opening (e.g., 30% or 70%).
• ⏸️ Stop in (press Stop while driving).

If the curtains move in jerks or make creaks, lubricate the cornice pipe with silicone grease (do not use oil-based oils!). Also check if the pipe is skewed - this is a common cause of uneven stroke.

5. Smart Home Integration: Scenarios and Voice Control

One of the key benefits of Xiaomi’s electric eaves is the ability to automate, so you can set the curtains to open on a schedule, sync them with other devices (like a light sensor), or control your voice.

Let’s look at the main ways of integration:

To set up automation:

1. In Mi Home, go to Automation → Create a script.
2. Select a condition (e.g. Time or Device).
3. Add Action - Manage curtains (open/close/set position).
4. Save the script and test it out.

For voice control via Google Assistant or Alice:

• 🔗 Connect your Mi Home account to the appropriate assistant in its settings.
• 🎤 Say a command, such as, "Alice, open the curtains in the kitchen at 50:00%".

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If the voice assistant doesn't find your eaves, make sure the device is added to the same room in the Mi Home as other smart gadgets. Sometimes reconnecting your Xiaomi account in the assistant settings helps.

6. Solving typical problems: what to do if the cornice does not work

Even after the electric carnival is properly set up, Xiaomi may not behave properly. Let's look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.

⚠️ Warning: If the motor is making a rattle or a hum, immediately disconnect it from power! This may indicate a mechanical lock that will overheat and break.

Problem 1: The cornice is not connected to Wi-Fi

• 📶 Make sure the router is running at 2.4 GHz (5 GHz not supported).
• 🔄 Reboot the router and motor.
• 📱 Check that the right region is selected in Mi Home (e.g. Russia).
• 🔧 Reset the engine to factory settings (press the button for 10 seconds).

Problem 2: Curtains move unevenly or get stuck

• 🛠️ Check if the cornice tube is skewed.
• 🧴 Lubricate the pipe with silicone lubrication.
• 🔄 Recalibrate the application in the application.
• 📦 Make sure that the weight of the curtains does not exceed the permissible (8-10 kg).

Problem 3: Mi Home app doesn't see cornices

• 📱 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🔌 Connect the motor to another outlet (possibly power problem).
• 🌐 Check if the firewall or antivirus is blocking the connection to Xiaomi servers.
• 🔧 Remove the device from the app and add it again.

If none of these methods worked, please contact Xiaomi with error logs (you can export them to Mi Home in the Settings section). → Revocation).

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Most of the problems with Xiaomi’s e-carniz are due to poor Wi-Fi or mechanical obstacles.Always start your diagnosis by checking the network and the physical condition of the eaves.

7. Advanced settings: fine customization and alternative firmware

For power users, Xiaomi offers additional features that are not obvious at first glance, such as changing the speed of the curtains, adjusting intermediate positions, or even flashing alternative software for advanced automation.

Change in speed

By default, curtains move at a fixed speed, but in some firmware (for example, for Aqara Curtain Motor) you can change this setting through Settings. → Additionally. → Speed: Optimal 50-70% for silent operation.

Configuring intermediate positions

In Mi Home, you can save your favorite curtain positions (for example, "morning" by 30% or "evening" by 80%).

1. Open the device card in the application.
2. Manually set the desired position of the curtains.
3. Click Save Position and assign it a name.

Alternative Firmware (for Advanced)

Some enthusiasts are stitching Xiaomi electric eaves on Tasmota or ESPHome to integrate with Home Assistant without the cloud. ESP8266, It gives you complete control of the device.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party firmware voids warranty and can cause engine failure!

If you’re not ready for firmware experiments but want more automation, consider buying an Aqara Hub hub – it lets you create complex scenarios involving other devices (e.g., closing curtains when you turn on the air conditioner).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)