Xiaomi's automatic liquid soap dispensers are not just a stylish solution for the bathroom or kitchen, but also an example of how smart gadgets make everyday life easier. However, even such a simple device requires the right treatment, especially when it comes to first refilling or changing detergent. Many users face problems: the dispenser does not give out soap, drips too much or, conversely, almost nothing is distributed, most often the reason lies in the wrong filling or choosing an incompatible composition.
In this article, we will not only discuss the basic instructions for filling the Xiaomi Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser and other models of the brand, but also nuances that are not written about in the official manuals, for example, why you can not use thick gels with abrasive particles, how to avoid clogging the mechanism and what to do if the device stops working after a fluid change, and you will find a table of compatibility of detergents and a checklist for diagnosing malfunctions.
What Xiaomi Dispensers Models Are and How They Differ
There are several popular models of automatic dispensers from Xiaomi on the market, and although the principle of their operation is similar, there are important differences in design and refueling.
- 🔹 Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser - classic model with infrared sensor, tank volume of 300 ml. Suitable for liquid soap and antiseptics.
- 🔹 Xiaomi Mijia Smart Soap Dispenser – an improved version with the ability to connect to the Mi Home application for monitoring fluid levels.
- 🔹 Viomi V3 Soap Dispenser (a sub-brand of Xiaomi) - premium model with touch control and an enlarged tank (400 ml).
The main difference is the feed mechanism: budget models use a plunger pump that is sensitive to the viscosity of the liquid; premium models (like the Viomi V3) have a rotor mechanism that is less prone to clogging; this affects the choice of detergent: for the former, only liquid soap with the consistency of water will work, for the latter, you can experiment with gels.
The models also differ in the way of attachment:
Desktops (for example, Mi Automatic) – are installed on a flat surface.
Wall (for example, Viomi V3) – are attached to double-sided scotch or screws.
This is important to consider when refueling: in wall models, the tank is often removed from above, in desktop models - from behind.
What detergents are suitable for Xiaomi dispensers
Not all liquids are compatible with automatic dispensers, but the basic criteria for choosing are:
- 🧼 Consistency: optimal viscosity, like water. Dense gels (for example, for showers) can clog the mechanism.
- 🧪 Composition: free of abrasive particles (scrabs), aggressive acids or alkalis. They destroy seals.
- 🌡️ Temperature: The liquid should be at room temperature (15–25)°C) Cold soap can become thicker.
The table below shows the proven detergents and their compatibility with Xiaomi dispensers:
| Type of instrument | Examples of brands | Compatible with Mi Automatic | Compatible with Viomi V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid hand soap | Dove, Palmolive, Safeguard | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
| Antiseptic gel (alcohol) | Sanitelle, Asepta | ⚠️ Only diluted (1:1 with water) | ✅ Yes. |
| shower gel | Nivea, Garnier | ❌ No (too thick) | ⚠️ Liquid versions only. |
| Dish soap | Fairy, Sorti | ❌ No (eating seals) | ❌ No. |
Important: If you use a concentrated agent (for example, an antiseptic), dilute it with distilled water in a ratio of 1: 1. This will prolong the life of the pump.
⚠️ Warning: Never fill the dispenser with oil-based perfumes (such as essential oils in the gel) that leave a sticky coating on the sensors, which causes the device to stop responding to hand movements.
Step-by-step: how to fill up the dispenser Xiaomi
The refueling process seems simple, but there are nuances that affect how the device works.
- Turn off the dispenser from power (if it's powered by the grid or batteries, remove the power cells) and this will prevent the pump from accidentally operating.
- Remove the tank: - In Mi Automatic and Mijia Smart models, press the latch at the back and pull the tank up. - In the Viomi V3, turn the tank counterclockwise (like a jar lid).
- Wash the tank with warm water (no detergents!) if you fill the product of another type, for example, after the antiseptic, you need to remove the residue of alcohol.
- Pour the liquid to the MAX mark (usually 250-300 ml). Do not overflow - this can cause leaks.
- Set the tank back and make sure it's tightly fixed. In the Viomi V3, spin it to the point, but without effort.
- Connect the power and test the work: bring your hand to the sensor at a distance of 5-10 cm The dispenser should give a portion of soap in 0.5-1 second.
Tip: If the dispenser is producing too little soap, check the portion settings in the Mi Home app (for Wi-Fi-enabled models), and you can manually increase the volume to 2 ml at a single press.
Check the compatibility of detergent |Switch off the dispenser from power |Rinse the tank when changing the type of liquid |Do not exceed the mark MAX|Make sure that the tank is tightly fixed-->
What to do if the dispenser does not work after refueling
If the device does not produce soap after refueling or behaves incorrectly, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔋 Batteries are dead (in battery models) Try replacing them even if the indicator is on.
- 💧 The solution is: remove the tank, press the pump manually (if there is a dough button), or slightly shake the dispenser.
- 🧴 Inappropriate liquid: A thick gel or particle-containing agent clogs the valve.Rinse the system with water (see instructions below).
- 📡 Sensor failure: Wipe the infrared sensor with a wet wipe (no alcohol!).
If the problem is in the clogging mechanism, perform cleaning:
- Drain the remaining liquid from the tank.
- Pour warm water (you can add 1 tsp. vinegar per 200 ml) and turn on the dispenser in test mode (press the button from the back 3 times in a row - in most models this activates pumping).
- Repeat 2-3 times, then fill the clean detergent.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use needles or toothpicks to clean the nozzle of the dispenser! This will damage the soft silicone parts of the pump. If the clog is severe, contact the service center.
How to turn on the test mode in Viomi V3?
How to care for a dispenser so that it lasts longer
The life of Xiaomi’s automatic dispenser depends not only on the build quality, but also on regular maintenance.
- 🧽 Cleaning the tank: Rinse the tank every 2 weeks with warm water, even if you use the same product.
- 🔄 Fluid change: If the dispenser is used infrequently (such as in the guest bathroom), drain the soap and flush the system once a month.
- 🔋 Batteries: In battery-powered models (such as Mi Automatic) use alkaline cells AA — They hold the charge longer with frequent sensor activations.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Do not place the dispenser near heat sources (e.g., over the washing machine) and overheating causes the liquid to evaporate and precipitate.
Useful Life Hack: If you use an antiseptic dispenser, add 1-2 drops of glycerol (sold at a pharmacy) to the tank, which will prevent rapid evaporation of alcohol and prolong the life of the product.
For models with Mi Home support, set low fluid notifications to avoid running dry, which is harmful to the pump, and set the trigger threshold in the device settings in the app:
Mi Home → Devices → [Your dispenser] → Settings → Notifications → Liquid Levels (set 10–15%)💡
If the dispenser starts spitting with soap or dispensing portions unevenly, check the sealing ring on the tank. Over time, it can deform. Replace it with a new one (you can buy from a Xiaomi service center or use a medical syringe ring of the appropriate diameter).
Comparison of Xiaomi dispensers with analogues: what is better to choose
Many brands make automatic dispensers, but Xiaomi stands out for its price-to-function ratio.
| Characteristics | Xiaomi Mi Automatic | Viomi V3 | Simplehuman | Hokwang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume of the reservoir | 300 ml | 400 ml | 500 ml | 250 ml |
| Type of food | 4 AA batteries | USB-C or batteries | Battery (charging) | 4 AAA batteries |
| Smart functions | No. | Yeah (Wi-Fi, Mi Home) | No. | No. |
| Price (2026) | ~1 500 ₽ | ~3 000 ₽ | ~5 000 ₽ | ~1 200 ₽ |
The main advantages of Xiaomi dispensers:
Price: 2-3 times cheaper than premium analogues with comparable quality.
Ecosystem: Mi Home-enabled models are integrated into the smart home system (e.g., you can set up automatic on when motion is detected through the Xiaomi camera).
Repairability: Parts (pumps, seals) are easier to find than for brands like Simplehuman.
Disadvantages:
In budget models (Mi Automatic), the plastic tank can become cloudy over time.
There is no protection from children (unlike Hokwang, where there is a button lock).
💡
If you want to integrate with a smart home and have a large tank, choose the Viomi V3. For simple use in the bathroom or kitchen, you can use the Mi Automatic Soap Dispenser – it is cheaper and more reliable than its counterparts in the same price category.
Frequent mistakes in refueling and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause the dispenser to break, and here are the most common ones:
- 🚫 Using undiluted antiseptic.The alcohol corrodes the silicone parts of the pump.Always dilute it with 1:1 water.
- 🚫 Throat filler. When heated, the liquid expands and the dispenser can leak. Leave 5 to 10 mm of free space.
- 🚫 Ignoring cleaning. If the dispenser is used for fragrance gel, flush the tank every week - the aromatic oils settle on the walls.
- 🚫 Storage without liquid. If you leave the dispenser empty for a long time, the seals dry up. At least fill it with water.
Example: A user filled the Mi Automatic dispenser with an undiluted Nivea shower gel. A week later, the pump stopped working, the thick texture clogged the valve. I had to disassemble the device and flush the mechanism manually. At Xiaomi, it would cost 800 dollars to repair it. ₽ (cost of new pump).
⚠️ Note: If you use a dispenser in a public place (such as an office), avoid products with bright dyes. They can stain internal parts, and remove stains will be impossible.