How to connect Xiaomi smart towel warmer to the heating system and Mi Home: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s smart towel warmers are not just functional bathroom accessories, but full-fledged devices in the Mi Home ecosystem that allow you to control temperature, humidity and even save energy through a mobile app. However, their connection often raises questions: how to integrate the device into the water system, synchronize with the Mi Gateway hub and avoid typical installation errors?

In this article, we will look at all stages of installation, from the choice of model (Xiaomi Viomi Smart Towel Rack, Mijia Towel Dryer, etc.) to the setup of automation in the application. We will focus on compatibility with Russian heating systems, as Chinese standards may differ from domestic ones. You will also find a table of errors and their solutions, relevant for firmware 2023-2026.

1. Model Choice: Which Xiaomi Towel Radiator Is Right for Your Bathroom

Before buying, it is important to determine the type of connection and functionality. Xiaomi has three main lines of smart towel warmers:

• 🔹 Viomi Smart Towel Rack V1/V2 — water models with support for Mi Home and Apple HomeKit. Suitable for central heating, but require adaptation to Russian pipes (carving) G1/2" instead G3/4").
• 🔹 Mijia Towel Dryer (Electric) - Electric versions with thermostat. Easy to install, but dependent on the outlet (need waterproof, IP44+).
• 🔹 Yeelight Towel Rack – budget version with a RGB-It only connects via Yeelight App, without Mi Home support.

Key parameters for selection:

• 📏 Size: standard dimensions — 50×80 centimetre 60×100 See for small baths suitable Viomi V1 (40×60 centimeter).
• 💧 Type of connection: water models require insertion into the heating / hot water system, electric - only sockets.
• 📱 Compatibility: Check if your model supports your Mi Home regional server (Russia, Europe, Europe).

Water models Xiaomi designed for pressure up to 6 bar. in Russian homes with central heating pressure can reach 8-10 bar, so you will need a pressure reducer (installed at the entrance to the apartment).

Preparation for installation: tools and materials

For installation of water towel dryer will require:

For electric models additionally:

• 🔌 Grounded rosette (IP44 or above) at least 60 cm away from water.
• 📡 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router (smart features only work at this frequency).
• 🔋 UPS (optional) – if you want to keep the heat when the power is out.

Pressure warning! If old-style steel pipes are installed in your home, be sure to check their condition before you insert the towel warmer. Corrosion or thinning of the walls can cause the pipe to rupture when new equipment is connected.

Installation of water towel warmer: step-by-step instructions

The installation process of the water model consists of 5 key stages:

1. Dismantling an old towel dryer (if any) close the water in the riser, drain the remains through the tap and unscrew the old device. Be prepared for the thread to be "stammered" - use it. WD-40 or heat with a blowtorch (carefully!).
2. Bypass installation. It's a must-have for apartment buildings. Bypass allows you to turn off the towel warmer without overlapping the riser. Bypass diameter — DN20 (3/4 inch).
3. Install brackets. Use the level to avoid distortions. The distance between the mounts should coincide with the markings on the device (usually 50-60 cm).
4. Connect to the pipes. Wrap the linen clockwise (for right thread), then twist the fittings. Don't use a sealant, it can get into the system and clog the pipes.
5. Open the water and inspect all the connections, the pressure in the system must be at least 1.5 bar (checked by a gauge).

Critical error!Never connect Xiaomi's water towel warmer directly to a hot water system (HWS) without a thermostatic valve.Chinese models are not designed to run above 90 temperatures°C, and in the GWS it can reach 95°C, which will lead to deformation of the internal tubes.

4. Connection of an electric towel warmer

Electric models (Mijia Towel Dryer Electric) are easier to install, but require compliance with electrical safety regulations:

• 🔌 The socket must be allocated (not through the extension cord!) and have a ground².
• 📱 Wi-Fi module is located no closer than 1 meter from water sources (shower, bathtub).
• ⚡ UZO (device of protective shutdown) with a leakage current of 10 mA - mandatory for the bathroom.

Step-by-step:

1. Fix the brackets on the wall (use dowels for tile if the wall is lined with tiles).
2. Hang the towel warmer and level it up.
3. Connect the plug to the socket and turn the device on in test mode (Power button on the case).
4. Install the Mi Home app and add the device via Add Device → Towel warmer.

1. The presence of voltage in the socket (use a tester).

2. The position of the tumbler on the shell (must be in position I).

Condition of the fuse (in some models it is located under the back cover).-->

For models with thermostat (Viomi) V2) Additional settings are available in the Mi Home app:

• 🌡️ Temperatures: Eco (40)°C), Comfort (50)°C), Turbo (60)°C).
• ⏱️ Timer: Automatic shutdown in 1-12 hours.
• 📊 Energy monitoring: shows electricity consumption per day/week.

5.Setting up in Mi Home and Integration with a Smart Home

After the physical connection, you need to synchronize the device with the Xiaomi ecosystem:

1. Open the Mi Home app and log in.
2. Go to Profile. → Settings → Region and select Russia (if not selected).
3. Click Add Add the device (+) → Towel warmer.
4. Hold the button on the device for 3 seconds until the indicator blinks.
5. Connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (5 GHz is not supported!).

After adding the device in the application will be available:

• 📲 Remote management: on/off from anywhere in the world.
• 🤖 Automation: for example, switching on at humidity >70% or on schedule.
• 📈 Statistics: working time, energy consumption, temperature in the bathroom.

1. Use a router with support for 2.4 GHz (separate network or combined).

2. disable the "Smart Connect" function in the router settings (it automatically switches devices between 2.4 and 5 GHz).

3. Place Wi-Fi towel warmer module no further than 10 meters from the router (concrete walls reduce the range of action).-->

If the device is not connected:

• ❌ Unable to connect error: check that the correct region is selected in Mi Home.
• 🔄 Constant flashing of the indicator: reset the device (hold the button 10 seconds to the beep).
• 📶 No Wi-Fi network: temporarily shut down VPN firewall on the phone.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with proper installation, problems can arise, and here is a table of the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Attention! ⚠️ If after connecting the water towel dryer in the riser appeared a noise (water shock), immediately close the water and check:

• Correct installation of the bypass (it should be on 1 size already the main pipe).
• No inflections of supply pipes (they create turbulence).
• Pressure in the system (normal - 2-4 bar).

For electric models it is strictly forbidden:

• 🚫 Use extension cords or tees.
• 🚫 Close the ventilation holes on the body.
• 🚫 Connect to the network 380 V (only 220 V!).

7. Automation and use cases

With a smart towel dryer, Xiaomi can create convenient scenarios through Mi Home:

• ☁️ "Smart Bathroom: If humidity is present > 70% → VCL towel warmer for 30 minutes
• 🕒 "Economical mode": IF the time is 23:00-6:00 → set the temperature 40°C
• 🚿 "After shower: IF the motion sensor in the bathroom is triggered → turn on the towel warmer for 1 hour

To implement the scenarios will need additional devices Xiaomi:

• 🌡️ Temperature and Humidity Sensor (Aqara) TH Sensor).
• 👣 Motion Sensor (Mi Motion Sensor).
• 🔌 Smart socket (Mi Smart Plug) – if you want to control consumption.

1. Connected to one Mi Home account.

2. be on the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz).

3. Updated to the latest firmware (check in the settings of each device).-->

If the scenarios don't work:

• Check the permissions for Mi Home in your phone settings (geolocation, notifications).
• Update the app to the latest version (Google Play or App Store).
• Reboot the Mi Gateway gateway (if used).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi towel warmers