How to set up Xiaomi humidifier in the Mi Home app: a complete guide with pictures and secrets

Xiaomi’s humidifiers have long been the smart home standard thanks to their combination of affordable price, high functionality and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. However, even experienced users have difficulty configuring the device through the app — especially when it comes to finer parameters like calibrating a humidity sensor or creating automation with other Xiaomi gadgets.

This article will not just repeat the basic instructions from the official manual, but will break down the hidden features that the manufacturer does not advertise: how to avoid a connection error over Bluetooth. LE, Why the humidifier may not respond to commands from the app after a firmware update, and how to set the night mode so that it really saves water, rather than just mute the backlight. You will also learn which models (Smartmi Evaporative Humidifier 2, Mi Air Humidifier Pro, etc.) support advanced automation scenarios, and which are limited to basic functionality.

Important: All screenshots and menu paths are up to date for Mi Home 6.5.400 (April 2026). If you have an older version, update the app via Google Play or the App Store, otherwise some features may not be available.

1. Preparation of the humidifier for the first connection

Before you open the Mi Home app, make sure the device is ready to configure, and skipping this step is the main cause of errors like "Device not found" or "Disconnected".

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:

Install the device on a flat surface (check the level!)

Pour water into the tank (minimum level is 1.5 liters for most models)

Connect the power supply to the socket (do not use it) USB-hub!)

Make sure the power indicator is blue (red/orange is a mistake!)

Turn it off. VPN Proxies on your smartphone (they block Xiaomi servers)

-->

Pay special attention to water quality. Xiaomi's instructions say that tap water can be used, but in practice, this leads to rapid scale formation on the ultrasonic membrane. The best option is distilled water or water after reverse osmosis. If this is not possible, use filtered water with a hardness of not more than 120 mg / l.

💡

To check the hardness of water at home, buy test strips for aquariums (stand). ~100 They will show the exact value in mg/l dH.

If the humidifier has been used before, reset to the factory settings.

1. Disconnect the device from the network.
2. Press the power button on the body for 10 seconds.
3. Without releasing the button, connect the power back.
4. Wait for the indicator to flash red-blue-red (this is a signal of a successful reset).

2. Step-by-step instruction: connecting the humidifier to the Mi Home

Now, to the most critical stage, the device-app bundle, there are two possible scenarios: Wi-Fi (for most models) and Bluetooth. LE (For new devices like the Smartmi Air Humidifier S, we'll look at both.

Method 1: Connecting via Wi-Fi (main method)

1. Open Mi Home and tap on "+" top-right.
2. Select the category "Smart Home" → "Humidifiers".
3. Find your model on the list. If it's not available, select "Other Humidifier" (suitable for most devices). Xiaomi/Smartmi).
4. Make sure your smartphone is connected to a 2.4GHz network (Xiaomi humidifiers don’t work with 5GHz!).
5. Press "Connect" and wait for the sound signal from the humidifier (one long horn).
6. Enter your Wi-Fi password (if it contains Cyrillic or special characters, change it to Latin).

Method 2: Connecting via Bluetooth LE (new-model)

This method is used for devices with support BLE Mesh, for example, Smartmi Air Humidifier S or Mi Air Humidifier CA1. The algorithm is a little different:

1. Turn on Bluetooth and Geolocation on your smartphone (required!).
2. In Mi Home, select "Add Device" → "Nearby".
3. Wait for the app to find the humidifier (it can take up to 30 seconds).
4. Confirm the connection by pressing a button on the device body.
5. Select a room for the device (e.g., "Bedroom" or "Children's").

If you have a “Device Failed to Add” error during the connection step, try the following solutions:

• 🔄 Restart your router – sometimes DHCP-server forgets to issue IP-addresses to new devices.
• 📶 Change your Wi-Fi channel to 1, 6 or 11 (in router settings). Xiaomi humidifiers don't work well on congested channels.
• 📱 Turn off power saving for the Mi Home app (in settings) Android/iOS).
• 🔌 Try another power supply - some models are sensitive to voltage surges.

3. Basic humidifier settings in Mi Home

Once you've successfully connected, the humidifier will appear in the main menu of the app, tap it to open the control panel, and you can see the following options:

An important caveat: if you've chosen Auto mode, the humidifier will be guided by the built-in hygrometer. ±5-10%. To calibrate the sensor:

1. Place an external hygrometer next to the humidifier (e.g., Xiaomi Temperature and Humidity Sensor 2).
2. Compare the readings during 2-3 hours.
3. If the difference is greater than 5%, adjust the target humidity manually (add or reduce the difference).

For models with UV-The lamp (Mi Air Humidifier Pro, Smartmi Evaporative Humidifier 2) has a water disinfection option, turn it on no more than 1 time per week, as UV radiation reduces the membrane's life:

1. Go to the Device Settings → Additionally.
2. Choose "UV-sterilization".
3. Set your work time (30-60 minutes).

💡

If the humidifier suddenly stops responding to commands from the application, check if the baby lock (the button with the image of the lock on the case) is activated. In this mode, all functions are blocked except for mechanical control.

4. Advanced functions: automation and scenarios

The true potential of Xiaomi humidifiers is revealed when integrated with other ecosystem devices, for example, you can set the humidifier to automatically turn on when:

• 🌡️ Moisture in the room drops below 40% (data from the Mi Temperature Sensor);
• 🛏️ You go to bed (according to the Mi Band or schedule);
• 🚪 The window is closed (signal from Mi Window Sensor).

To create this scenario:

1. At Mi Home, go to Automation" → "Add".
2. Select "If..." and add a condition (e.g., "Humidity" < 40%").
3. In the "To..." block, select the humidifier and action ("Enable", "Install Auto mode").
4. Save the script and give it a name (e.g., "Dry Air - Moisturize!").

For models with HomeKit support (such as the Smartmi Air Humidifier S), Apple Home integration is available to activate it:

1. In Mi Home, go to the device settings.
2. Select "Working with HomeKit".
3. Scan it. QR-code from the humidifier body in the Apple Home app.
4. Confirm the link in both applications.

1. whether all devices in the script are connected to the same Mi Home account.

2. Are there any restrictions on the geofence (in the automation settings).

3. whether the firmware of the moisturiser is updated (see section 5).-->

An example of an advanced scenario: "Smart Night Mode"

Purpose: The humidifier only works when you are asleep, but turns off when you open the window (so you don’t waste water).

• 🕒 Condition 1: Time from 23:00 to 07:00.
• 🛏️ Condition 2: Mi Band in Sleep mode (optional).
• 🚪 Cancellation Condition: Mi Window Sensor shows "Open".
• 💧 Action: Insert the humidifier on level 2 with target humidity 50%.

5. Updating firmware and eliminating errors

Regular firmware updates fix bugs, add new features (such as voice assistant support) and improve stability. However, updating through Mi Home can cause user settings to reset (in particular, humidity sensor calibration).

1. Record the current settings (target humidity, operating modes).
2. Disconnect the humidifier from automation (to avoid conflicts).
3. Make sure the water level is not below 1 liter (in case of tests after the update).

To update the firmware:

1. Open the device card in Mi Home.
2. Slip on the "..." in the upper right corner. → "Settings of the device".
3. Select "Firmware Update."
4. If a new version is available, click "Update".

The process will take 3-7 Don't turn off the power or shut down the app at this time:

• The humidifier will reset (the indicator will flash green).
• All automation will have to be reconfigured.
• The calibration of the humidity sensor will need to be checked (see section 3).

Common errors after updating and solving them:

6. Optimizing work: tips for saving water and electricity

Xiaomi humidifiers consume between 20 and 50 watts depending on the model and mode, and when working around the clock, this can result in noticeable energy costs, and improper operation leads to water overruns.

1. Scheduled settings

Instead of working around the clock, set a timer for periods when hydration is really necessary:

• 🌅 Morning (7:00-9:00): humidity drops after sleep.
• 🌃 Evening (20:00-23:00): sleep-making.
• 🌙 Night (00:00-06:00): Only if the air is dry (humidity) < 40%).

2. Control of water levels

Many users add water to the eye, but this leads to:

• 💦 Overflow (risk of leakage).
• 🔋 Overuse of electricity (humidifier works idlely).
• 🧫 Rapid scale formation (if water is long).

Optimal algorithm:

1. Then, make sure to fill the humidifier in the morning.
2. In the evening, drain the remaining water and dry the tank.
3. Use distilled water (saving up to 30% of electricity due to the lack of scale).

Cleaning and maintenance

A contaminated membrane or filter increases energy consumption by 15-20%. Recommended service schedule:

💡

If the humidifier starts to work noisily or emit an unpleasant odor, this is a sure sign that the membrane is covered with plaque, in this case, ordinary cleaning is not enough: you will need a deep disinfection (soak the membrane in a solution of citric acid for 1 hour).

7. Integration with voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant, Siri)

Xiaomi humidifiers support voice control via Yandex Alice, Google Assistant and Siri (for models with HomeKit), but you need to set up the bundle correctly.

Connection to Yandex Alice:

1. Open the Yandex application on your smartphone.
2. Go to Devices" → "Add the device".
3. Select “Xiaomi” and log in through your Mi Home account.
4. Allow access to the data.
5. After synchronization, the humidifier will appear in the list of devices.

You can now use voice commands:

• 🎤 "Alice, turn on the moisturiser on Level 2"
• 🎤 "Alice, set humidity at 50 percent"
• 🎤 "Alice, turn off the humidifier in an hour"

Connection to Google Assistant:

1. At Mi Home, go to Profile → Settings → Mi Home App → Xiaomi account.
2. Select "Works with Google".
3. Follow the instructions for linking accounts.
4. In the Google Home app, the humidifier will appear automatically.

Limitations of voice control:

• ❌ You can’t set the target humidity for a particular room (only globally).
• ❌ Commands like "set the car mode" are unstable (it is better to use specific parameters).
• ❌ For models without HomeKit, Siri only supports on/off.

1. The device is tied to the Russian Mi Home server (in profile settings).

2 Alice's settings include access to geodata and microphone.

3. Humidifier is not offline (check Wi-Fi connection).-->

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi humidifiers can behave unstable. TOP-5 Problems and proven ways to solve them.

Problem 1: The humidifier doesn’t turn on from the app, but works from a button

Reasons:

• 📶 Poor Wi-Fi connection (slighter signal) -70 dBm).
• 🔄 Conflict IP-web-address.
• 🔌 Firmware failure after update.

Decision:

1. Reconnect the humidifier to the network (forget the network on the router and connect again).
2. In the router settings, fix the device static IP.
3. Reset and reset (Section 1).

Problem 2: Water runs out quickly (consumer) > 5 l/day)

Reasons:

• 💧 Leakage through the tank sealing ring.
• 🌬️ Operating at maximum power level (3rd level) without need.
• 🧊 Using too hard water (accelerates evaporation).

Decision:

1. Check the tightness of the tank (please put the dry napkin for 10 minutes).
2. Set a power level 2 and a target humidity of 50%.
3. Use distilled water or add antinakipin.

Problem 3: The humidifier makes gurgling sounds

Reasons:

• 💦 Air in a water pump.
• 🧽 Pollution of the ultrasonic membrane.
• 🚰 Low water level (the pump is running idle).

Decision:

1. Turn off the device, drain the water and refill it.
2. Clean the membrane with citric acid (Section 6).
3. Reduce the water to a minimum level (1.5 liters).

Problem 4: App shows incorrect humidity

Reasons:

• 📊 Sensor calibration failure.
• 🏠 The humidifier is next to the heat/cold sources (radiator, air conditioner).
• 🕰️ Sensor contaminated (dust, condensate).

Decision:

1. Recalibrate the sensor (Section 3).
2. Move the device at least 1 m away from the batteries/windows.
3. Clean the sensor with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

Problem 5: The humidifier does not respond to automation

Reasons:

• 🔗 The script is linked to another Mi Home account.
• 📵 Device in "Do not disturb" mode".
• 🔄 Conflict with other automation systems.

Decision:

1. Make sure that all devices in the script are connected to a single profile.
2. Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode in the humidifier settings.
3. Remove and recreate the script.

💡

If none of the solutions worked, check the server region in Mi Home. Russia should be chosen (not Mainland China or Outer).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions