How to open the dispenser for Xiaomi soap: all models and life hacks

Xiaomi liquid soap dispensers are popular gadgets in the smart home ecosystem that combine stylish design, automation and convenience. However, many users face the challenge of how to safely open the case to fill a new cartridge, clean internal parts or fix a malfunction? Unlike traditional mechanical dispensers, Mijia, Viomi and other Xiaomi sub-brands have hidden latches, magnetic mounts or special locks that are not always obvious.

In this article, we will analyze all the current models of Xiaomi dispensers (including Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser, Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser and others), show step-by-step instructions with photos, talk about typical disassembly errors and give maintenance tips, and learn how to avoid breakages when opening and what to do if the dispenser stops working after refueling.

What Xiaomi Dispensers Models Are and How They Differ

Xiaomi and its sub-brands have produced several generations of automatic dispensers for soap, hand fluid, and even disinfectants, the main differences being the feed mechanism, the type of cartridge attachment, and the way the case is opened.

• 🔹 Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser (first generation) - classic model with infrared sensor, plastic case and removable tank for 300 ml. Opens by pressing a special button from below.
• 🔹 Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser 2 - An improved version with an increased volume (400 ml), a metal panel and a magnetic attachment to the top cover. Requires a careful shift of the cover to the side.
• 🔹 Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser is a premium model with touch control, backlighting and the ability to connect to the Mi Home app.The case opens after holding the touch button for 3 seconds.
• 🔹 Xiaomi Youpin Smart Foam Dispenser is a specialty model for foam, with a unique mechanism for mixing water and concentrate.

Important: Some models (such as the Viomi) have child protection that blocks accidental opening. If the dispenser does not respond to standard actions, check the instructions for Child Lock.

If you are not sure about your dispenser model, check the markings on the bottom or check the box, and you can also find the device in the Mi Home app (if it is connected) - it indicates the exact model.

How to Open Mijia Automatic Soap Dispenser (Gen. 1 and 2)

The first and second generation Mijia models are similar in appearance, but have different opening mechanisms, and below is a general-purpose instruction that will suit both versions, given their specific features.

For Mijia 1:

1. Turn the dispenser upside down (the soap hole) and you'll see a small circular button or notch on the bottom.
2. Press the button with one finger while pulling the bottom of the case down.Should feel a slight click.
3. After clicking, carefully remove the bottom cover - inside you will see a liquid tank.

For Mijia 2:

1. Look at the top of the case (where the soap hole is located) and the lid is attached to the magnets.
2. Take the cover with two fingers and move it to the left or right (depending on the side of the latch location).
3. After shifting, pull the lid upwards - it will detach, opening access to the tank.

Important! In the Mijia 2, there is often a problem with magnets "fitting"; if the lid does not move, try knocking slightly on the sides of the body or using a plastic blade (such as a mediator) to fit the lid on the side.

Turn off the power supply (if it is connected to the socket)

Prepare a container for draining the residues of soap (if the tank is full)

Check if there are any cracks or damages on the body

Use a napkin to avoid leaving prints on a glossy surface-->

⚠️ Warning: Do not use excessive force when opening the Mijia 2! The body is made of brittle plastic, and if pressed hard, cracks can appear. If the lid does not respond, try to heat it with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 50).°C) - this will weaken the magnetic attachment.

Features of opening the Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser dispenser

The Viomi Smart Soap Dispenser is one of the smartest models in Xiaomi’s lineup, but it’s also harder to make out because of touch controls, a feature that’s locked from children, which can interfere with opening if you don’t know the algorithm.

Instructions for opening:

1. Make sure the dispenser is disconnected from the network (if a network adapter is used).
2. Find a touch button on the top panel (usually marked with a lock icon or handprint).
3. Press the button for 3-5 seconds until you hear an audible signal (or an indicator lights up).
4. After the signal, move the top cover forward (towards the soap hole), then lift it up.

If the dispenser does not respond to the button retention:

• 🔋 Check the battery (at low charge, the sensor may not work).
• 🔄 Try restarting the device by holding the 10 second button.
• 📱 If the dispenser is connected to Mi Home, check the lock settings in the application.

A critical feature of Viomi is that if the lid does not lock back after opening, the wear of the magnetic latches may be the cause, in which case it is recommended to replace the sealing ring (article). VIO-MAG-01, It is sold in Xiaomi service centers).

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If the touch button doesn’t work, try to wipe it with an alcohol napkin – sometimes it’s the contact contamination.

How to open the Xiaomi Youpin Foam Dispenser (for foam)

Xiaomi Youpin Smart Foam Dispenser differs from classic dispensers in that it mixes water and concentrate to create foam, making the design more complex and requires caution.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn the dispenser over and find two latches on the bottom (located symmetrically on the sides).
2. Carefully press the latches at the same time (you can use two screwdrivers with a flat tip).
3. After clicking, remove the bottom panel - below it you will see a concentrate tank and a water compartment.
4. Then, put it in the sleeve and put it in the sleeve.

Features of the model:

• 💧 The water tank is located separately from the concentrate tank.
• ⚙️ To replace the cartridge with concentrate requires a complete disassembly (see video instructions below).
• ⚠️ Do not use concentrates from other brands – this can lead to clogging of nozzles.

⚠️ Warning: If the dispenser produces too liquid foam after assembly, check the ratio of water to concentrate. The optimal value is 1:10 (1 part concentrate to 10 parts water). You can change the settings in the Mi Home application (Foam Density section).

Typical errors when opening the dispenser and how to avoid them

Even with the instructions, many users make mistakes that cause the dispenser to break, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

Another common problem is the loss of magnetic mounting in the Mijia 2 and Viomi models, and if the lid is no longer fixed, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🧲 Weakening of magnets over time (solution – replacement with more powerful ones, for example, neodymium ones).
• 🩹 Damage to the sealing ring (you need to buy a new one, the article is indicated in the instructions).
• 🔧 Incorrect installation of the cover (check if the grooves match).

If the dispenser stopped turning on after opening, try resetting to the factory settings.

1. Hold the power button for 15 seconds.
2. Turn off and reconnect the power.
3. If it doesn’t work, check the battery contacts (possibly oxidation).

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If the dispenser does not open despite all efforts, do not try to disassemble it by force. Contact the Xiaomi service center - self-repair may not be warranty.

How to Clean the Dispenser After Opening: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once the dispenser is successfully opened, it must be cleaned properly to avoid blockages, unpleasant smells or breakages of the pump, especially if you use thick liquids (such as shower gel) or perfume concentrates.

Cleaning instructions:

1. Pour the remaining liquid from the tank into a separate container (if you plan to use it again).
2. Wash the tank with warm water (not higher than 40).°C) with a soft detergent (e.g. dishware liquid).
3. To clean the nozzle, use a toothpick or a syringe with water. Do not use needles or sharp objects!
4. Wipe the sensor (at Viomi) or IR sensor (at Mijia) with an alcohol napkin.
5. Before assembly, make sure all parts are dry (humidity can cause corrosion of contacts).

For models with automatic foam mixing function (for example, Youpin Foam) additionally:

• 🧼 Wash both tanks (for water and concentrate) separately.
• ⚖️ Check the ratio of liquids after cleaning - it may get lost.
• 🔄 Once a month, conduct a deep cleaning with acetic solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water).

What not to do when cleaning:

• ❌ Use abrasives (they scratch the plastic).
• ❌ Immerse electronic parts (such as sensors) in water.
• ❌ Dry the dispenser in the microwave or on a battery (risk of deformation).

Frequent faults after opening and their elimination

If the dispenser is not working properly after dismantling and cleaning, the causes may lie in improper assembly, damage to parts or failure of settings. Let's consider the most common problems and ways to solve them.

If the dispenser is leaking from the bottom, it's probably a tank damage or a loose lid.

1. Check the integrity of the plastic tank (sometimes cracks are almost invisible).
2. Make sure the sealing ring is properly installed and not twisted.
3. If the leak continues, replace the tank (parts can be ordered from AliExpress or a service center).

For models with a connection to the Mi Home (for example, Viomi) after disassembly, you may need to re-associate with the application.

1. Remove the device from the list in Mi Home.
2. Reset the dispenser settings (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
3. Add the device again through Add the device → Smart home. → Soap dispenser.

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If the dispenser is not working after all the manipulations, check if the settings of the motion sensor are lost. In the Mijia 2 model, the sensor sensitivity can be adjusted in the application (Sensor Sensitivity section).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions