Xiaomi’s smart kettles aren’t just water boilers, they’re full-fledged Mi Home devices that integrate into the smart home system, are voice-controlled, and save you time. Models like the Viomi Smart Kettle, Mijia Electric Kettle Pro, or Xiaomi Smartmi Kettle support remote switching on, temperature tuning, and even automatic heat maintenance. But how do you properly set up a kettle, plug it into an app, and use all the features? This article provides a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions, operating tips, and solutions to problems.
If you've just unpacked Xiaomi's new smart kettle, don't rush to boil the water. First, you need to get the device ready right: check the kit, install the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new versions), and perform the initial setup. We'll take a look at all the steps from connecting to Wi-Fi to creating automatic scripts in a smart home. And if you're already using the kettle but don't know about hidden features (like Baby Mode for baby food or alarm settings), you'll find them below.
Package and preparation for first use
Before you turn the kettle on, make sure that the box contains all the necessary elements. Most Xiaomi models come standard with:
- 🔌 The smart kettle itself (with a lid and base)
- 📄 Instructions in Chinese/English (Russian version is not usually available)
- 🔋 Network cable (sometimes removable, sometimes built-in)
- 📱 QR-code for downloading the Mi Home app
- 🔧 Water filter (in models with cleaning function, for example, Viomi) V-KETTLE1)
If something is missing (such as a filter or cable), contact the seller - it can be a marriage or a partial delivery. Also note the marking of the voltage on the bottom of the kettle: most Xiaomi models are designed for 220–240V, Some versions for the Chinese market may require an adapter.
Before first inclusion:
- Wash the kettle inside with warm water with soap (no abrasives!).
- Pour the water to the maximum mark and boil 1-2 times, draining the water after each boiling - this will remove factory odors.
- Install the filter (if it is included) according to the instructions.
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Do not use hard sponges or metal scrapers to wash the kettle - this will damage the non-stick coating of the heating element.
Connecting Xiaomi’s Smart Kettle to Wi-Fi and Mi Home
Without connecting to the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new devices), the kettle will work as normal, with no remote control. To activate all the features, follow the following steps:
- Download the app: 📱 For Android: Mi Home on Google Play 🍎 For iOS: Mi Home in the App Store
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (if not, create it via email or phone number).
- Add the device: Press + → Add the device in the upper right corner. Select the Kitchen category → The teapot, scan it. QR-code from the bottom of the kettle or select the model manually.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your smartphone is connected to a 2.4 GHz network (Xiaomi kettles don't work with 5 GHz!). Put the kettle in the socket and hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes. In the application, confirm the connection - the kettle will emit an audible signal.
If the kettle is not connected, check:
- 🔌 Is the region in the app correctly selected (China or Russia, depending on the firmware of the device).
- 📶 Wi-Fi signal: kettle should be no further than 5-7 meters from the router.
- 🔄 Reboot the router and kettle (remove the plug from the socket for 10 seconds).
Management of the kettle through the application: basic functions
Once connected to the Mi Home app, the kettle control panel will open.
- 🔥 Turn on/off the kettle (button) ON/OFF).
- 🌡️ Select the heating temperature (from 40)°C to 100°C in step 5°C).
- ⏱️ Set a timer (for example, to keep the water hot for your wake-up).
- 🔄 Turn on the heat maintenance mode (water will be heated to the selected temperature for 1-12 hours).
- 👶 Activate Baby Mode (special mode for preparing baby food, heating to 40-60)°C).
In models with the function "Smart boiling" (for example, Viomi) V-KETTLE1) The app automatically selects the temperature depending on the type of drink: green tea - 80°C, black tea - 95°C, coffee - 90°C. This feature is only available after a firmware update (see section below).
Also in the kettle settings (⚙️ → Device parameters) may be:
- 🔔 Set up sound alerts (turn on/off the signal when boiling).
- 🔋 View usage statistics (how many times the water was boiled, average heating time).
- 🔄 Update the firmware (if a new version is available).
Connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi|Update firmware|Choose the optimal temperature for drinks|Set a timer for the morning|Activate Baby Mode (if necessary)-->
Modes of operation and hidden functions of Xiaomi smart kettles
Most users use the kettle only to boil water, but Xiaomi devices have useful modes that few people know about:
| Regime. | Description | How to turn it on | Supported models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Mode | Heating water to 40-60°C for the preparation of infant formulas. | Annex: Regimes → Baby Mode. | Viomi Smart Kettle, Mijia Electric Kettle Pro |
| Keep Warm | Maintaining water temperature for 1-12 hours. | After boiling, select the time in the application. | All models with Wi-Fi |
| Smart Boil | Automatic temperature selection for tea/coffee. | Annex: Drinks → Choose the type. | Viomi V-KETTLE1, New versions of Mijia |
| Schedule | Timer of inclusion (for example, to wake up). | Timer. → Set the time. | All models. |
One of the most useful modes is Smart Boil, which saves energy and preserves the taste of drinks, for example, green tea is not recommended to pour boiling water (optimally 75-85).°C), and in a Xiaomi smart kettle, you can set an exact value to activate this mode:
- Open the Mi Home app and select your kettle.
- Press the Drinks (or Smart Boil).
- Choose the type of drink: Green tea, Black tea, Coffee or Cocoa.
- Press Start – the kettle will heat the water to the desired temperature.
How to reset the Xiaomi kettle to factory settings?
Updating the firmware and eliminating errors
Xiaomi’s smart kettle firmware is responsible for stability, adding new features (like Smart Boil) and bug fixing.
- Open Mi Home and select your kettle.
- Move to the ⚙️ → Firmware update.
- If a new version is available, click Update.
- Do not turn off the kettle during the process (it will take 2-5 minutes).
If the update has stopped or the kettle has stopped responding:
⚠️ Attention: If the kettle indicator flashes red for more than 10 minutes during the upgrade, it means a failure.Put the plug out of the socket, wait 30 seconds and try again.If the problem persists, reset (see spoiler above).
Common mistakes and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The kettle doesn't connect to Wi-Fi | Mi Home region or weak signal | Change region to China, reboot router |
| Doesn't heat the water. | Protection against overheating or malfunction of TENS | Check the water level (should be above the minimum level) |
| App doesn't see kettle | The device is not on the network or reset settings | Re-add by adding the device |
| Orange light flashes | Standby mode or connection error | Press the power button to exit the mode |
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If the kettle has stopped responding to commands from the app, first check the Wi-Fi connection, then restart the device (take the plug out for 10 seconds), 90% of the time this solves the problem.
Integration with smart home and voice control
Xiaomi’s smart kettle can be linked to other ecosystem devices (e.g., Xiaomi Smart Speaker or Redmi AirDots) and voice control via Alice, Google Assistant or Siri.
- Connect the kettle to the smart home: In Mi Home, go to Profile → Create a new room (like a kitchen) and add a kettle to it.
- Set up voice assistant: For Alice: link Xiaomi account with Yandex.Smart home in the Yandex app. For Google Assistant: in Google Home add Mi Home service.
- Examples of voice commands: “Alice, turn on the kettle in the kitchen” “OK Google, heat the water to 80 degrees” “Siri, turn off the smart kettle” (requires settings via HomeKit)
You can also create automatic scripts, like:
- 🕖 If the alarm goes off at 7:00. → kettle.
- 🏠 If everyone left home → Turn off the kettle (for safety).
- 🌡️ If the temperature in the kitchen is below 15°C → warm up.
To create a script in Mi Home:
- Go to Automation. → Create a script.
- Select a condition (e.g. Time or Geolocation).
- Add the action: Device management → Teapot → Enable.
- Save the script.
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If the kettle does not respond to voice commands, check that it is added to the same "room" in the smart home as the speaker (for example, both devices must be in the "Kitchen").
Cleaning and cleaning: how to extend the life of the kettle
Even the smartest kettle requires regular maintenance.
- 🧼 Scale cleansing: Use citric acid (1 tbsp. spoon per 1 liter of water) or special remedies. Boil the solution 1 time a month, then rinse the kettle.
- 🚫 What you can't do: Pour water above the maximum mark, turn on the kettle without water, use metal objects for cleaning.
- 🔋 Storage: If the kettle is not used for long, drain the water and dry it to avoid mold.
For models with a water filter (e.g. Viomi) V-KETTLE1):
- Change the filter every 2-3 months (or after 100 boiling cycles).
- Wash the filter under running water once a week.
⚠️ Attention: If the kettle starts to make more noise than usual or heats the water longer, this is a sign of scale. Do not ignore the problem - a thick layer of scale can lead to overheating and breakage of the TENS.