How to turn on Xiaomi water dispenser: instructions for all models

Xiaomi water dispensers (including Viomi and Mijia sub-brands) are becoming increasingly popular due to the combination of smart features and affordable price. However, many users face difficulties when first switching on: the device does not respond to buttons, does not connect to the application or emits errors. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step launch algorithm for all current models (2020-2026), and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It is important to understand that the inclusion process depends on the type of dispenser: desktop (for example, Viomi Water Dispenser). V1), Floor (Mijia Smart Water Dispenser) and smart with heating/cooling (Viomi) V3 Pro! We'll cover all options, including touch-controlled models and mechanical buttons. If your dispenser doesn't respond to action, check the troubleshooting section.

Preparation of the dispenser for the first inclusion

Before you connect your device to the network, follow a few mandatory steps, which neglect can lead to malfunctions or even breakdown.

First, unpack the dispenser and check the equipment.

  • πŸ“¦ The dispenser itself with the lid
  • ⚑ Power cable (for models with electric heating)
  • πŸ“„ Instructions in Chinese/English (Russian version is rare)
  • πŸ”§ Fixed elements (if the model is wall-mounted)
  • πŸ’§ Filter (for models with water purification, for example, Viomi) V3)

Pay special attention to washing the system, even new dispensers can contain industrial dust or preservative lubricant inside.

  1. Pour 2-3 liters of pure water into the tank (without a filter!).
  2. Turn the dispenser on and wait for the system to fill up (usually takes 1-2 minutes).
  3. Pour the water through the tap, repeat the procedure 2-3 times.

πŸ’‘

If your model is equipped with a carbon filter (for example, Viomi). V3 Pro, first run without a filter – so you wash the remains of coal dust from the system.

For the Mijia Smart Water Dispenser, allow the device to stand in a room for 2-3 hours before first switching on, to stabilize the pressure in the cooling system.

2. Electrical connection and mechanical start

Now, to turn it on, the algorithm depends on the type of control your dispenser has.

Type of managementModels.Sequence of action
Mechanical buttonsViomi V1, Mijia Basic1.Put the plug into the socket. 2.Push and hold the Power button 3-5 seconds. 3.Past the sound signal (beep) or the indicator blink.
Sensory managementViomi V3, Xiaomi Smart Dispenser Pro1. Connect to the network. 2. Touch the touchpad for 2 seconds. 3. A welcome message will appear on the screen (for models with a display).
Smart (only via Mi Home)Mijia Smart Water Dispenser 21. Connect to the network. 2. The device will automatically go into pairing mode (blind flashing). 3. Further configuration only through the application.

For models with display (Viomi) V3 Pro: you may have a request to select a language after you turn on. Unfortunately, Russian is often not in the firmware, choose English. If the display does not respond, try a hard reboot: turn off the power for 10 seconds, then turn on again.

Make sure the tank is empty (for washing)|Check the voltage in the socket (220V)|Place the dispenser on a flat surface|Connect to the network without extension cords (to avoid voltage surges)|-->

Important: compressor-cooled models (such as the Mijia Smart Water Dispenser) can make loud noises when first turned on, which is normal. The compressor calibrates within 5-10 minutes.

3. Customization via the Mi Home app (for smart models)

If your dispenser supports Mi Home connectivity (e.g. Viomi) V3 Mijia Smart Water Dispenser 2, you can't do without the app:

1. Download Mi Home from Google Play or App Store (version at least 6.0).

2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (be sure to link your phone number!).

3.Push it. + β†’ Add the device in the upper right corner.

4. Select the category Smart Home β†’ Water dispenser.

Follow the instructions on the screen, and the device should flash blue, which means it's ready to pair.

  • πŸ”Œ Reconnect the dispenser to the network.
  • πŸ“± Re-launch the Mi Home app.
  • πŸ”„ Press and hold the reset button (usually on the back) for 10 seconds.

After successful connection, the main functions will appear in the application:

  • 🌑️ Temperature adjustment (for heated/cooled models).
  • ⏱️ Water supply timer.
  • πŸ“Š Consumption statistics.
  • πŸ”‹ Water level in the tank.
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Dispenser Do You Have?
Viomi V1/V2
Viomi V3 Pro
Mijia Smart Water Dispenser
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.

If the device is not in Mi Home, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Is the phone connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (smart dispensers do not work with 5 GHz!).
  • πŸ“ Is the dispenser in the range of the router (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
  • πŸ”„ Is the router firmware updated (older versions can block Xiaomi devices).

4. Operation modes and their activation

Modern Xiaomi dispensers support several modes of operation, let’s analyze how to turn them on and when they are needed.

πŸ”₯ Heating mode

Available in Viomi models V3 Pro and Mijia Smart Water Dispenser to activate:

  1. On mechanical models, hold the Hot button for 3 seconds.
  2. On the touch - touch the kettle icon (🍡) display.
  3. At Mi Home, go to Settings β†’ Temperature. β†’ Hot water.

The heating temperature is usually fixed - 90-95Β°C. Heating time depends on the volume of water (average 5-8 minutes).

❄️ Cooling mode

It is activated similarly to heating, but using a Cold button or snowflake icon (❄️). Cooling works to 5-10Β°C. Pay attention:

  • πŸ•’ The first cooling takes up to 30 minutes.
  • πŸ”‹ In cooling mode, the dispenser consumes more electricity.
  • πŸ’§ Do not pour hot water into the tank – it can damage the cooling system.

🚰 Child lockdown regime

Important function for families with children:

  • On mechanical models: Hold the power + Hot 5 seconds.
  • On the touch: pinch the icon of the lock (πŸ”’) 3 seconds.
  • At Mi Home: Settings β†’ Security β†’ Child lockdown.

In this mode, the dispenser will not respond to random pressing. To unlock, repeat the same combination.

What to do if the dispenser does not cool the water?
If the cooling mode is turned on, the water remains at room temperature, check: 1. Is the tank cover closed (in some models, the sensor blocks cooling when the lid is open). 2. Is there enough water in the tank (at least 1 liter to activate the compressor). 3. Is the dispenser overheated (let it cool for 1-2 hours). If the problem remains, there is a possible malfunction of the compressor or leakage of freon.

5. Typical errors and their elimination

Even when switched on correctly, the dispenser may not work properly, and we've collected some of the most common problems and ways to solve them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Dispenser's off-line.Power cable or power outlet is faultyCheck the voltage in the socket with a tester, try another cable
Blinking red lightLow water level or sensor errorReload the water, reset the device
Not connected to Mi HomeIncompatible Wi-Fi (5GHz) networkSwitch the router to 2.4 GHz mode or use a repeater
The water is not cooling.Filter clogged or compressor faultyRinse the system, check the fan on the back panel
Loud noises at workAir in the cooling systemTurn it off for 10 minutes, then turn it on again.

If the dispenser is making a continuous squeak, it's usually a critical error.

  • πŸ”΄ 1 Short Signal – Low Water Level.
  • 🟑 2 signals - error of the temperature sensor.
  • πŸ”΄πŸ”΄ 3 signals - failure of the heating element.
  • πŸŸ‘πŸŸ‘πŸ”΄ 1 long + 1 Short – Error of Wi-Fi connection.

πŸ’‘

If the dispenser beeps and does not respond to the buttons, try resetting to the factory settings: disconnect from the network, press the Power button and connect back, holding it for 10 seconds.

For models with display (Viomi) V3 Pro) error codes are displayed on the screen, for example:

  • E1 β€” water-level sensor problem.
  • E2 β€” heat-up.
  • E3 β€” cooling-out.

πŸ’‘

If the dispenser does not turn on after resetting, check the fuse on the power supply. In Mijia models, it is located under the back cover (a cross screwdriver is required).

Maintenance and care of the dispenser

To ensure that the dispenser lasts a long time, follow simple rules:

🧼 Cleaning the tank

Carry out deep cleaning at least 1 time per month:

  1. Disconnect the device from the network.
  2. Pour all the water and remove the tank.
  3. Wash the inner surfaces with a soft sponge with baking soda or a special dispenser remedy.
  4. Dry in the air (do not use a hair dryer!).

πŸ”§ Replacement of the filter

In models with filtration (Viomi) V3 Pro) the filter should be replaced every 3-6 months (depending on the hardness of the water:

  1. Buy the original filter (the article is specified in the manual).
  2. Unscrew the old counterclockwise filter.
  3. Install a new one, after washing it under running water for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Reset the filter resource counter in Mi Home (Settings) β†’ Filter β†’ Reset).

⚑ Saving electricity

Heated/cooled dispensers consume 300-800 watts per hour to reduce consumption:

  • πŸ•’ Turn off cooling overnight (unless you use cold water).
  • πŸ”Œ Use a timer socket to automatically shut down.
  • β˜€οΈ Install the dispenser away from direct sunlight (overheating increases the load on the compressor).

πŸ’‘

For models with display (Viomi) V3 Pro) activate Eco mode in the settings. It automatically turns off the heating if the water has not been used for more than 2 hours.

To make it easier for you to choose a dispenser, we have compiled a comparative table of current models (2023-2026).

ModelTypeVolume, lRefrigeration/heatingSmart governancePrice, β‚½
Viomi V1Tabletop4No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No/No.3 500–4 500
Viomi V3Floor-like8Yes (5-10)Β°C/Yes (90)Β°C)Mi Home8 000–10 000
Mijia Smart Water DispenserFloor-like10Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Yes/Mi Home + display12 000–15 000
Viomi V3 ProFloor-like12Yes (4Β°C/Yes (95)Β°C)Mi Home + voice assistant18 000–22 000

For most users, Viomi is the best choice. V3 β€” It combines good capacity, smart management and reasonable price. If you want an office dispenser, look at the 10 litre Mijia Smart Water Dispenser.

Models without heating/cooling (Viomi) V1) They're cheaper, but they require manual control of the water temperature.

Frequently asked questions

πŸ”Ή Xiaomi Dispenser does not turn on after connecting to the network?
First check: Outlet failure (plug in another appliance); Power cable integrity (whether there are any overflexes or melts); Power button position (on some models it must be pressed before clicking); If nothing helps, try resetting: disconnect the dispenser from the network for 15 minutes, then turn it on again; For models with a battery (rarely, but there are) - remove the battery for 30 seconds.
πŸ”Ή Can I use the Dispenser without connecting to the Mi Home?
Yes, but with limitations: Mechanical models (Viomi) V1) They're completely autonomous. Smart models (Viomi) V3 Pros will retain basic functions (water pouring, heating/cooling) but lose: Remote control, consumption statistics, firmware updates. Mi Home requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection - 5 GHz is not supported!
πŸ”Ή How often should you change the filter in the Viomi dispenser? V3 Pro?
The manufacturer recommends replacing filtered water every 6 months or after 1,500 liters (which comes first). However, the actual timeframe depends on: The hardness of the water in your area (check on the Mosvodokanal website or local water supply); the frequency of use (the office filter clogs faster); water temperature (hot water accelerates filter wear); Signs that it is time to change the filter: Water has acquired an unpleasant taste or smell. The pressure has decreased during pouring. Replace Filter notification appeared on the display.
πŸ”Ή Why Xiaomi Dispenser Makes a Lot of Noise When Cooled?
Noise during cooling is normal for compressor models (Mijia Smart Water Dispenser, Viomi) V3 However, if the noise is stronger than usual, check it out: πŸ“ Surface flatness – vibration increases if the dispenser is curved. 🧊 Water level - with a small amount of water, the compressor works with overload. πŸ”§ Whether all the details are fixed - sometimes the unrecorded back cover makes noise. πŸ•’ Operating time – if the dispenser cools the water for more than 1 hour without a break, let it rest for 20-30 minutes. If the noise is accompanied by knocking or creaking, this may indicate a malfunction of the compressor.
πŸ”Ή Can I pour boiled or mineral water into the Xiaomi dispenser?
Depends on the model: 🚫 Prohibited for models with cooling (Viomi) V3, Mijia Smart – Mineral water contains salts that can clog the system. βœ… Allowed for simple dispensers without refrigeration (Viomi) V1). πŸ’§ Boiled water is suitable for all models, but its temperature should not exceed 40.Β°C (for models with plastic tank) For models with filtration (Viomi) V3 Pro) use only tap or bottled water, and mineral water will disable the filter in 1-2 weeks.