How to connect Xiaomi multicooker to the phone: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi multi-warfare devices have long since ceased to be just kitchen appliances, they have become part of the smart home ecosystem that can be controlled from a smartphone. Remote start-up, recipe selection, monitoring the cooking process and even updating the firmware are all available once the device is synchronized with the phone. But how to properly connect to avoid errors and get the most functionality?

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to connect Xiaomi multicooker (including Mijia Smart Rice Cooker, Mi Smart Pressure Cooker and others) to Android and iOS smartphones. You will learn what applications you need, how to configure Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and what to do if the device “does not see” the network or refuses to sync.

If you just bought a multicooker and want to connect it quickly, go straight to the section with the step-by-step instructions. For experienced users, we have prepared a comparison of connection protocols (Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth) and a table of compatibility of models with Xiaomi applications.

⚡ Quick start: connect Xiaomi multicooker in 5 minutes

For most Xiaomi models, the synchronization process takes no more than 5-7 minutes, if you follow a clear algorithm.

1. Xiaomi multi-ware with support for smart control (check the presence of the Mi Home logo or Mi Smart on the case).
2. Smartphone on Android 6.0+ or iOS 12+.
3. Installed Mi Home (for older models) or Mi Smart (for newer ones).
4. Stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection (5GHz not supported!)

Follow the steps:

Install Mi Home or Mi Smart from the App Store/Google Play|

Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!)|

Connect the multicooker to the socket and press the power button|

In the appendix, tap «+» → «Add the device» → Choose the category "Kitchen»|

Follow the on-screen prompts (select a model, enter a Wi-Fi password)|

Wait for the synchronization to be completed (the indicator on the multicooker will stop blinking)-->

If the multicooker does not connect the first time, do not panic. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by restarting the router or changing the network from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Mijia Smart Rice Cooker) 3L) require you to reset your settings before you first connect, hold the power button for 10 seconds before the beep.

📱 Which app to use: Mi Home or Mi Smart?

Xiaomi is gradually moving all smart home devices to a new app, Mi Smart, but some multi-cookers still only work through Mi Home.

If your model is not in the table, check the information on the official Xiaomi website or in the instructions for the device. Importantly, when you first start the application, select the region "China" (even if you are in Russia) - this will increase the chances of successful synchronization.

Xiaomi multi-wares released after 2022 do not support connection via the Mi Home app – only Mi Smart. Attempting to sync through old software will lead to the error “Device not found”.

Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth: Which is the best way to connect?

Xiaomi multi-warfare supports two types of wireless connectivity, and each has pros and cons. Let's figure out which option to choose depending on your tasks:

• 📶 Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz): Allows you to control your device from anywhere in the world, receive notifications when you finish cooking and update your firmware. minus: requires a stable Internet connection and can slow down when you have a weak signal.
• 🔵 Bluetooth: No Internet, faster connection. minus: limited range to 10 meters, no access to cloud recipes.

Wi-Fi is optimal for most users, as it provides access to all the functions of smart control. Bluetooth is suitable for those who rarely use remote control or live in an area with unstable Internet.

💡

If your router does not support split 2.4 and 5 GHz networks, temporarily turn off 5 GHz in the router settings while the multicooker is connected.

Note: Some models (e.g. Mi Smart Pressure Cooker) 4L) They can work on both protocols simultaneously, in which case Wi-Fi is given priority, and Bluetooth is used as a backup channel.

⚙️ Setup of multicooker after connection

Once synchronized successfully, the device will appear in the main menu of the app, and you can now customize it to your needs:

• 🕒 Delayed Start Timer: Programm the start of cooking for the right time (e.g., to make the porridge ready for your awakening).
• 📊 Cooking modes: Choose from pre-installed programs (rice, soup, yogurt, stewing) or create your own recipe.
• 🔔 Notifications: Include warnings about start/end cooking, errors or low water levels.
• 🔄 Update firmware: Check for new versions of the software in the section "Device settings".

The Smart Recipes feature is especially useful. The Mi Smart app has a database of hundreds of dishes with automatic temperature and time settings, for example, if you make basmati rice, you choose the appropriate recipe, the multicooker will set the optimal parameters.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the process or turn off the multicooker from the outlet when you first update your firmware. This may cause the system to crash and need to be reset to factory settings.

🚨 Common Connection Errors and Their Solutions

Even if you follow the instructions carefully, users have problems syncing. TOP-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative method of connecting:

1. Remove the multicooker from the list of devices in the application.
2. Reinstall Mi. Home/Mi Smart.
3. Connect your phone to the mobile internet (3G/4G) and repeat the synchronization.

💡

Most of the connection errors are due to the router settings that are not correct. DHCP, Is there no filtering by MAC-address and whether your router supports the standard 802.11 b/g/n.

🔄 Firmware update: why and how to do it?

Regular firmware updates to Xiaomi's multicooker not only add new features, but also fix critical bugs. For example, in a March 2026 update for the Mi Smart Pressure Cooker, the temperature maintenance algorithm was improved and 15 new recipes were added.

To update the software:

1. Open the Mi Smart app and select your multicooker.
2. Go to the device settings → Update the firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (usually 3-5 minutes).

What do updates give?

• 🆕 New cooking modes (e.g., "Slow tormentation" or "Fermentation").
• 🛠 Correcting bugs with connection or overheating.
• 📱 Optimization of work with voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant).
• 🔒 Improved security (protection against unauthorized access).

⚠️ Note: After updating the firmware, some users note that they have reset their individual settings (such as favorite recipes). To avoid data loss, take screenshots of key parameters before the update.

🔍 Comparison of Xiaomi multicookers on the functionality of smart control

If you haven't bought a multi-cooker yet and you're choosing between models, look at their smart capabilities, and we compared three popular models:

For maximum comfort, we recommend Xiaomi Smart Multicooker 5L — It supports all modern smart home features, including integration with other Xiaomi devices (for example, you can start a multicooker on a signal from a smart motion sensor in the kitchen).

❓ FAQ: Answers to frequent questions