Xiaomi fans are some of the most popular smart home devices thanks to their combination of affordable price, functionality and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. However, their first connection often raises questions: why the app does not see the device, how to choose the right server region or what to do if the indicator flashes red.
We’ll look at connecting all the current models, from the budget Mi Smart Standing Fan 1C to the premium Dreo Pilot Pro (which, despite the Dreo brand, uses the Xiaomi protocol), paying special attention to typical errors – for example, when the fan connects to the network but does not appear in the application, or when after resetting it requires reauthorization.
1.Preparation for connection: what to check before starting
Before you turn the fan on, make sure all the preconditions are met.This will save time and eliminate the need to reset the device settings.
- 📱 Install the Mi Home app. Download the latest version from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android). Alternatively, Xiaomi Home (for users from China).
If you connect a Dreo fan (like the Dreo Pilot Pro or the Dreo Polyfan 513S), use the Dreo app, not the Mi Home.These devices are compatible with the Xiaomi ecosystem via the Mi Home, but the initial setup is done in proprietary software.
⚠️ Warning: Do not connect the fan to the network through a multi-consumer extension cord (e.g., a tee with a refrigerator or a washing machine.
2. Step-by-step instruction: Connect to Wi-Fi via Mi Home
The connection process is the same for most models, but there are nuances for specific devices, so we'll look at the universal algorithm, and then we'll point out the features for popular fans.
- Launch the Mi Home app. Press + → Add device → Fan. If your model isn’t listed, select Other → Manual Search.
- Wait for the connection. The fan will sound and the indicator will flash green. If the connection is not established after 2 minutes, restart the device (remove the plug from the socket for 10 seconds).
For the Smartmi Fan 2S and Mi Smart Standing Fan 1C models, a firmware update request will appear after you connect. Do not cancel it - new versions fix synchronization errors with Xiaomi servers.
Wi-Fi network tested (2.4 GHz only)
Mi Home app updated to latest version
The fan is plugged in and is in pairing mode (flashes orange)
The device is not further than 2 meters from the router-->
3. Features of connecting popular models
Some Xiaomi fans require additional actions or have unique nuances.
| Model | Features of connection | Typical errors |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Smart Standing Fan 1C | Only China is supported in Mi Home, and after connecting, you need to manually change the server to Russia in the device settings. | Not visible in the list of devices when selecting Europe region, solution: change your account region to China. |
| Smartmi Fan 2S | It requires a firmware update after the first connection, and it has two options: touch buttons and mechanical. | Once you reset, it can request the Wi-Fi password again, so you can delete the device from Mi Home and add it again. |
| Dreo Pilot Pro | Connects via the Dreo app, but can then be integrated into Mi Home via Smart Home → Add Device → Dreo. | Voice control through Alice doesn't work unless it's tied to Mi Home.Solution: sync Dreo and Xiaomi accounts. |
| Mi Portable Fan 2 | Battery model. It only connects with a battery charge of >30%. It has Bluetooth for control without Wi-Fi. | It doesn't connect to the grid if the battery is under 20%, so you can charge the device for 1-2 hours. |
Important for the Smartmi Fan 2S: If the fan is only manually activated after the connection and does not respond to commands from the application, check the router settings. Turn off the Band Steering feature (automatic switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz), as it can break the connection.
4. Control setup: App, voice and automation
After connecting to Wi-Fi, the fan can be controlled not only from the remote, but also through:
- 📱 Mi Home app: adjusting speed, timer, direction of air flow.
- 🎤 Voice assistants: Alice (Yandex), Google Assistant, Siri (via HomeKit).
How to set up voice control through Alice:
- Open Mi Home, go to the fan settings → Smart Home → Yandex.
- Log in through Yandex account and allow access.
- Tell Alice, "Put the fan on in the bedroom at maximum speed."
For Google Assistant or Siri, use a similar algorithm, but choose the appropriate service in the Mi Home settings. Note: HomeKit requires a Xiaomi Mi Home Gateway hub (sold separately).
💡
If voice commands don't work, check that a fan is added to the same room in Mi Home as other devices (like light bulbs or sockets).Alice focuses on room names when performing scripts.
5. Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the right connection, there can be problems, and we've collected the most common and ways to fix them.
- 🔴 The indicator flashes red: Wi-Fi connection error. Check the network password or restart the router.If the problem persists, reset the fan settings (press the power button for 10 seconds).
- 🔄 Fan plugs in but shuts off after 5 minutes: Overheat protection is triggered.Make sure the blades rotate freely (no foreign objects) and the device is standing on a flat surface.
- 📵 Not visible in the Mi Home Device List: Check your account region (some models require China) and try connecting via another device (e.g., a tablet instead of a smartphone).
- 🔊 Voice control is not working: Make sure the fan is added to Yandex.Smart Home or Google Home.Recheck account synchronization.
If the Dreo fan doesn’t connect to the Mi Home, despite the fact that it works normally in the Dreo app, follow the following steps:
- In Mi Home, update the list of devices (pull the screen down).
⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware fan stopped responding to commands, try rolling back the software version. To do this, go to the device settings in Mi Home → Firmware update → Version history and select previous stable build.
6. Resetting and reconnecting
If the fan is not working properly or you want to transfer it to another user, reset to the factory settings.
- 🔄 Mi Smart Standing Fan 1C Smartmi Fan 2S: Press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and green alternately.
After reset, the fan will return to pairing mode (the indicator will flash orange).
If the device is not reset, check:
- Is it connected to the outlet (for battery models - the charge level).
- Does the button block the protective film (relevant for new devices).
- There's no physical damage to the control panel.
What to do if the reset does not help?
7. Additional Features: What Xiaomi Fan Can Do
In addition to basic speed and flow control, Xiaomi fans support a number of useful features:
- 📊 Sensor Integration: You can tie to a Xiaomi thermohygrometer (e.g., Mi Temperature and Humidity Sensor 2) for automatic switching on when the temperature rises.
For models with a display (for example, Smartmi Fan 2S) additional options are available:
- Display the current temperature and humidity (if the sensor is connected).
- Adjusting the brightness of the screen.
- Children’s blocking (protection against accidental button pressing).
How to adjust the automation by temperature:
- In Mi Home, go to Automation → Create → Smart Scene.
- Select Temperature > 25°C (use data from Xiaomi sensor).
- Add action: Turn on the fan at 3 speed.
- Save the script and activate it.
💡
For stable operation of automation, make sure that all devices (fan, sensor, hub) are connected to one Mi Home account and are on the same Wi-Fi network.