What is the name of the Xiaomi mini printer: a complete guide to models

The question of what exactly Xiaomi’s mini printer is called often puzzles even experienced users looking for a specific model to buy, because the Chinese giant does not release a device under the single name “Xiaomi Printer”, but uses a complex system of sub-brands and serial names. Depending on the year of release and the target audience, the device can be labeled as Mi Portable Photo Printer, Xiaomi Pocket Photo Printer or belong to the Mijia ecosystem. Understanding this nomenclature is critical, since different lines use different printing technologies and types of paper.

The main confusion is that these gadgets are technically pocket photo printers that work with ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, which means that there are no ink cartridges, which makes them ideal for mobile printing of photos from a phone. If you are looking for a device for printing documents of A4 format, then you need to look for models of the Mijia Inkjet series, which are formally also compact printers, but are structurally different from pocket photo cubes. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of the name so that you can accurately find the desired device in the catalogs.

It’s also worth noting that the correct model name is often required not only to buy, but also to find the appropriate software.The print management application can be called differently depending on the specific revision of the device.The compatibility of Android and iOS operating systems also varies: some older models require specific firmware versions that are only available in the original Chinese software, whereas the global versions work through the standard Mi Home.

The main series of portable printers Xiaomi

The first thing you need to know when searching is the generational division of devices. The most famous and popular series, which is usually referred to as a "mini xiomi printer" query, is called the Mi Portable Photo Printer. 1S. This device has become the de facto standard for mobile photo printing due to its optimal balance of price and quality, characterized by a white case with rounded corners and supports printing photos sized 3 inch (about) 7.6 × 10 The title of this series often contains a prefix"1S", This indicates an updated version with an improved Bluetooth module.

In parallel, there is a line known as Xiaomi Pocket Photo Printer, which is almost identical in appearance to the previous model, but often has minor differences in logo design or color of indicators, and the technical specifications are similar: printing resolution of 300 dpi and using ZINK technology. However, it is important to distinguish between them when buying consumables, since the packaging of paper can be differently labeled. Some users mistakenly believe that these are completely different devices, but in fact they are regional variations of the same product.

The Mijia series is also a more affordable or premium alternative depending on the year of release. Mijia-branded devices often have a more minimalist design and can support additional features such as: AR-In this case, you can capture a video memory in a printed photo that is played when you hover the smartphone camera, which makes such models popular for creating interactive albums.

Below is a table that helps you quickly identify the main models by their key features and official names:

Technical differences and model identification

When you hold a device in your hand or see a photo of it, the labeling on the bottom of the case helps you determine the exact name. This is usually where the model number starts with the letters MLH or XMK. For example, the MLH02ZM model corresponds to the classic Mi Portable Photo Printer. Knowledge of this code avoids errors when ordering cases or searching for drivers. Identification by code is the most reliable way to distinguish the global version from the Chinese one.

The differences between the models are not just in name, but also in battery capacity and connection speed.Newer models like the Mijia Portable Photo Printer 2, They are equipped with high-capacity batteries that allow printing up to 50-60 Older versions, known simply as Xiaomi Photo Printer, may require a connection to the network after the initial release. 20-30 New devices also support more stable Bluetooth protocol 5.0, This speeds up the transfer of large files with high resolution.

⚠️ Note: Pay attention to the package when buying. Some versions of the Mi Pocket Photo Printer are sold without cable USB-C in a box, relying on wireless charging or using third-party cables. Make sure you have the right wire to set up the initial setup.

Another important aspect is the software support for functions. In the Mi Home app, different models may have different editing interfaces. 1S There are many filters and templates available, but for specific OEM-The interface can be stripped down before buying a used device or importing from China, check if a specific serial number supports the global version of the app.

Compatible application and connection setting

Any Xiaomi mini printer needs special software to work. The main application is Mi Home (or Xiaomi Home), which serves as a single smart home control center. + The system will automatically scan the environment and suggest adding the printer that you found, and if the automatic search didn't work, you can either manually select the device from the "Printers" list or scan it. QR-bottom-code.

The pairing process requires Bluetooth on your smartphone. It is important to note that Wi-Fi printing is not required, as the connection is directly over the Bluetooth channel. However, to upload cloud photos or use online templates, you will need an Internet connection on your phone. In the application settings, you can calibrate colors, select field sizes and paper formats. AR-codes in the same menu activates the function of recording video binding.

• 📱 Download the Xiaomi Home app from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔌 Turn on the printer power button before the indicator lights up.
• 🔗 Click "Add device" and follow the instructions on the screen.
• 🖼️ Allow access to gallery and geolocation for full functionality.

Sometimes users encounter a problem when the application does not see the printer, in this case, resetting the device network settings helps, you need to press the power button and the paper feed button (if any) simultaneously for 5-7 seconds. After restarting, the device will go into pairing mode. Also make sure that the smartphone does not turn on the Flight mode and that the operating system version meets the requirements (usually Android 5.0+ or iOS 9.0+).

💡

For stable printing of large volumes of photos, turn off the power saving on the phone for the Mi Home app. This will prevent a Bluetooth connection from breaking during the transfer of a heavy file.

Expendables: How to Choose the Right Paper

The issue of consumables is directly related to the name of your mini printer. All Mi Portable and Pocket devices use 2x3-inch (50x76 mm) ZINK photo paper. Packages usually contain 20, 40 or 60 sheets. It is critical to know that ZINK paper has a specific structure: it contains dye crystals that are exposed to temperature. So the quality of the print is directly dependent on the quality of the paper.

The original Xiaomi paper has a water-resistant and fading-resistant coating. On the back of the sheet, there is always a color barcode that the printer reads before printing. This code contains information about the color calibration for a particular batch of paper. Using paper without code or with damaged barcoding will result in in incorrect colors being printed or the device failing completely.

⚠️ Warning: Never use regular printer paper or thermal cash register paper in Xiaomi photo printers.This will cause the mechanism to get stuck and the print head to melt, which is not a warranty case.

There are also compatible third-party paper counterparts, which are often cheaper than the original. These may be called "ZINK Paper for Xiaomi." The quality of such materials varies: colors can be paler or, conversely, overly saturated. For important pictures, such as wedding photos or documents, it is better to use the original consumables Xiaomi ZINK Photo Paper. The packaging of the original paper is sealed and contains moisture absorber, since the material is sensitive to moisture.

Comparison with analogues and alternatives

The portable print market is not limited to Xiaomi products, but the main competitors are Polaroid (Hi-Print and Zip), HP Sprocket and Canon Ivy. Compared to Mi Portable Photo Printer, Xiaomi devices often outperform in the price of the device and consumables. However, competitors may have their own advantages: for example, the Polaroid Hi-Print uses freeze-free printing, which gives a more durable and high-quality result, although it costs more.

HP Sprocket devices use the same ZINK technology, but their paper often has a sticky layer on the back, which turns a photo into a sticker out of the box. Xiaomi needs to buy a special paper "Sticker Paper", which is less common. Xiaomi ecosystem benefits by integrating with the smart home: you can set up a script where the printer prints a notification or a photo from the surveillance camera at certain events, which is not available in closed systems of competitors.

Choosing between Xiaomi and peers often comes down to the availability of paper in your area. If the original Xiaomi paper is difficult to find, it makes sense to consider Canon Ivy, whose consumables are more common in conventional electronics supermarkets. However, if you already own Xiaomi smart home devices, it makes more sense to stay in the brand ecosystem for easy management through one app.

💡

The main criterion for choosing a ZINK is not the price of the printer, but the availability and cost of ZINK compatible paper in your city in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)