Xiaomi’s liquid soap touch dispensers are not just a stylish solution for the bathroom or kitchen, but real smart assistants that save money and maintain hygiene at the highest level. However, many users face difficulties when first refueling: the device does not recognize fluid, emits errors or works in jerks, it is all about the wrong pouring technique, incompatibility of detergents or ignoring the nuances of design.
In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step refueling algorithm of Xiaomi Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser dispenser (including Mijia and Viomi models), which tools are best suited and which can bring the device down, and how to reset the E1 error after improper refueling and prolong the life of the mechanism, the manual is suitable for both beginners and those who have already encountered problems in operation.
What Xiaomi dispensers support filling with liquid soap
Not all Xiaomi touch dispensers are universal, for example, foam models (such as Xiaomi Viomi Foam Soap Dispenser) require special foaming agents, and classic liquid soap dispenser (Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser) are more versatile.
| Model of the dispenser | Type of instrument | Volume of the reservoir | Features of refueling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser | Liquid soap, hand gel, antiseptic | 300 ml | Suitable for products with viscosity up to 500 mPa·s |
| Xiaomi Viomi Foam Soap Dispenser | Foaming agents only | 250 ml | Requires water dilution (proportion 1:3) |
| Xiaomi Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser (2023) | Liquid soap, lotions, antiseptics | 400 ml | Automatic viscosity calibration |
If your model is not listed in the table, check the manufacturer's instructions or the labeling on the case. For example, dispensers marked FOAM ONLY are categorically not suitable for liquid soaps - their mechanism is designed to foam, and pouring a thick gel will lead to a breakdown of the pump.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi infrared sensor dispensers (such as Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser Pro) are sensitive to the composition of the product (>70% of sensors may be damaged.
What liquid soap is suitable for Xiaomi dispenser
The choice of the product is a critical stage. the manufacturer recommends using liquid soap with a viscosity of 100-500 mPa·s (about the same as shampoo).Too thick gels (for example, for showers) or too liquid (alcoholic antiseptic) can cause:
- 🔴 Mistake «E1»** — device doesn't recognize fluid.
- 🔴 Drinks - the pump does not have time to dose.
- 🔴 Clogging mechanism - thick means sticks in the tubes.
The best options are:
- ✅ Liquid soap without abrasives (e.g. Dove, Palmolive).
- ✅ Antibacterial gels marked "for dispensers" (viscosity up to 300 mPa·s).
- ✅ Special tools for smart dispensers (for example, Xiaomi Mi Soap Refill).
If you want to save money, you can dilute the thick soap with distilled water (a ratio of 1:1), but do not use tap water - it contains salts that settle on the mechanism. For models with FOAM function, dilution is mandatory (the ratio is indicated in the instructions).
💡
Before refilling the new product, wash the tank with warm water (no detergents!) and dry for 10-15 minutes. This will remove the residues of the previous gel and prevent mixing of the compounds.
Step-by-step: how to fill up the dispenser Xiaomi
The refueling process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires accuracy, and below is the universal algorithm for most models (except for dispensers with an automatic mixing system, for example, the Viomi V3).
Preparation of the device
Before gas:
- 🔌 Turn off the meter from power (if it is running from the network).
- 🧼 Make sure the tank is empty (if not, use the remaining remedy or drain it).
- 🧽 Wipe the neck of the tank with a napkin soaked in an alcohol solution (for disinfection).
Disassembly of the dispenser
Xiaomi models are understood differently:
- 🔧 Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser: Click on the bottom of the tank and pull up.
- 🔧 Viomi Foam Dispenser: Turn the tank counterclockwise.
- 🔧 Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser: Press the button UNLOCK back-panel.
Turn off the meter from the power |
Checked the compatibility of the tool |
Prepared napkins and alcohol for cleaning |
Made sure the tank was empty.-->
If the lid is not amenable, don’t apply force – check if there is a latching tongue (often hidden under a sticker). In touch-locked models (such as Mi Soap Dispenser 2), unlocking occurs by holding the sensor for 3 seconds.
3. Filling of funds
Fill the tank slowly, avoiding liquid from entering the electronic components:
- Pour the product to the MAX mark (usually 250-400 ml).
- If you use diluted soap, shake the container first.
- For models with FOAM, first pour water, then add concentrate (see the proportions in the instructions).
Avoid air entering the pump, which leads to dry running and E2 error. After pouring, wait 1-2 minutes for the air bubbles to rise.
4. Assembly and testing
Put the tank back in place and turn on the dispenser.
- Bring your hand to the sensor – the device should give a portion of 0.5-1 ml.
- If the dose is too small/large, adjust the settings in the Mi Home app (for smart models).
- Check if there's any slack on the body.
💡
After the first refueling, the dispenser can give out unstable portions for 2-3 uses. This is normal - the pump takes time to adapt to the viscosity of the new product.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns.
| Mistake. | Reason. | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| E1 error | Incompatible means or air in the pump | Pour the liquid, rinse the tank, fill with the appropriate soap |
| The hull's slacks. | Overflow or thickener | Reduce the portion in the settings, dilute the soap with water |
| The dispenser does not respond to the arm | Sensor contaminated or batteries drained | Wipe the sensor with alcohol, replace the batteries (if applicable) |
The most dangerous mistake is the use of abrasives (such as hand scrubs), particles scratch the internal tubes and pump, which leads to irreversible failure of the dosage mechanism, and avoid high-oil products (such as liquid soap with care additives) - they leave a sticky plaque on the sensors.
⚠️ Note: If after refueling the dispenser issues an error E3, This means that you short-circuit because liquid hits the board. You disconnect the device immediately and dry it upright for 24 hours.
How to care for a dispenser so that it lasts longer
The life of Xiaomi’s touch dispenser depends not only on build quality, but also on care.
- 🧼 Cleaning the tank: once every 2 weeks, wash the container with warm water (without detergents!).
- 🔋 Batteries: In battery-powered models (such as Mi Soap Dispenser Lite), replace the batteries every 3-4 months.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Do not put the dispenser next to the heating appliances - this changes the viscosity of the product.
- 📱 Software Updates: For smart models, check for updates in Mi Home regularly.
For deep cleaning of the pump, use special solutions (for example, Xiaomi Dispenser Cleaner) or a mixture of water and vinegar (proportion 10:1). Pour the solution into the tank, turn on the dispenser for 1-2 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Repeat the procedure every 3 months.
What if the dispenser stopped dispensing soap?
How to Reset Mistakes After Incorrect Refueling
If the dispenser gives an error (E1, E2, E3), don't panic - in 80% of cases, the problem can be solved independently.
- Turn off the power (remove the batteries or plug from the socket).
- Pour the liquid and rinse the tank.
- Dry the device upside down for 1-2 hours.
- Fill with the appropriate means (see section above).
- Turn on the dispenser and wait for automatic calibration (it will take up to 30 seconds).
For smart models (such as Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser), error resets can be done via the Mi Home app:
- Open the app and select your dispenser.
- Go to Settings. → Resetting errors.
- Confirm the action and wait for the device to restart.
If the E3 error does not disappear, do not turn the device back on again – this can lead to fire.