Modern robot vacuum cleaners from Xiaomi and sub-brands like Roborock or Vacuum have a wide range of functionality, but often come with Chinese or English voice. For many users, this becomes a barrier, as commands in an unfamiliar language can be incomprehensible, and the mechanical timbre of voice is annoying. Fortunately, the software shell of these devices allows you to replace standard audio files with any other, including Russified versions.
The voice-change process doesn't require complex engineering equipment or soldering chips, and most models are built to have audio files stored publicly inside the device's file system, USB-cable and some free time. In this article we will discuss all the nuances of replacing audio files for popular models.
It’s worth noting that the procedure can vary depending on the operating system version and your janitor’s specific model. Some newer models with closed Android may require more complex manipulations, but classic models (S50, S55, Mijia 1S) are easy to modify. We’ll look at universal methods that cover 90% of cases.
Preparation of equipment and software
Before you start modifying system files, you need to organize the workspace and prepare the tools. You need a robot vacuum cleaner, preferably with a charged battery, so that the process does not stop in the middle. You also need a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux, because it is the PC that is most convenient to work with the file system of the device.
The key element for the connection is USB-It's important to use a data cable, not just a charging cord. Often, cheap cables only have two power contacts and don't allow the computer to "see" the device. Check the cable beforehand by connecting another gadget, such as a phone.
☑️ Checklist before the start of work
Software also plays an important role. To interact with the file system, you often use the ADB utility (Android Debug Bridge) or specialized scripts that automate the process. You also need an archiver to unpack downloaded voice packets. Make sure that antivirus software does not block the file replacement script, considering it suspicious.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party files can cause your device to malfunction.Make sure you only download voice packets from trusted sources, such as the official Xiaomi forum or GitHub, to avoid introducing malicious code.
Definition of the model and firmware version
Not all robot vacuum cleaners are the same, and the first step is to accurately identify your device. The Vacuum series (SDJ03YM, STYTJ01YM) and Roborock (S50, S5 Max) have different file structures. An error in file selection can cause the device to stop making sounds at all or start producing errors.
There are two ways to find out the exact model: One is to look at the sticker on the bottom of the case where the Model is listed; the other is through the Mi Home app. Go to the device settings, scroll down to "About the device" or "Information," and it will show the exact model and the firmware version.
The firmware version is critical. If you have a very recent version of software that was released recently, the old methods of replacing voice through a simple file reset may not work, because the system partition can be blocked from recording. In such cases, sometimes a downgrade version is required, but it is a complicated procedure.
| Model vacuum cleaner | Type of voice packet | Method of installation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Vacuum 1 (SDJ03YM) | .pkg /.pkg.gz | Through the miio folder | Low. |
| Xiaomi Vacuum 2 (S50/S55) | .pkg /.pkg.gz | Through the miio folder | Low. |
| Xiaomi Vacuum Mop (P) | Specific format | ADB/Script | Medium |
| Roborock S5 Max / S6 | Online/local | App settings | Low. |
| Xiaomi Vacuum 3C | Not supported | — | Tall. |
Finding and downloading the right voice packet
The easiest and safest way to get Russian or another language is to find a ready-made audio package. The enthusiastic community has created a variety of voice options, from the standard female voice to the voices of celebrities or cartoon characters. The most popular resource is a repository on GitHub called "vacuum-z voces" or similar projects.
When searching, look for the file format. For classic models, these are usually files with the extension.pkg or.pkg.gz. Inside the archive, you can have files ru.pkg (Russian), en.pkg (English) and cn.pkg (Chinese), and you need the file that matches the desired language.
If you have audio editing skills, you can create your own package. WAV-Files with commands (“start cleaning”, “get back to base”, “error”) and package them into a structure that the vacuum cleaner understands.
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When downloading files, pay attention to the date of publication of the comment or file. Voice packets created 5 years ago may not work correctly on new firmware versions.
Once you download a file, save it in your computer's root directory or in a specially created folder to avoid losing it. Don't rename the file unless the instructions for a particular package state otherwise. Often, the file name is a trigger for the update system.
Instructions: Install voice through file manager
This method is suitable for most classic Xiaomi and Roborock models. The essence of the method is to directly copy the voice file to the internal memory of the device. USB-You need to activate debugging mode on the device if it's not on by default.
To get into the engineering settings menu, it is often necessary to press and hold two buttons on the body at the same time (usually the on button and the home or spot button). On the screen or via a voice message, the device will report the transition to debugging mode. The computer must identify the new device.
Using a terminal program or a file manager with ADB support, go to /mnt/UDISK/miio or /data/roborock/voices (the path may be different). This is where you need to put the downloaded file ru.pkg. Old file with the name en.pkg or cn.pkg is better to rename or delete beforehand to avoid conflicts.
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete system files unless you are sure of their purpose. Deleting critical libraries can lead to a “bricking” of the device, after which only the service center can restore it.
Once you copy the file, you need to restart the device, either through the menu in the app or by pressing the power button long enough, and after you turn it on, the vacuum cleaner has to pick up the new file and start speaking the language you want to use. If that doesn't happen, check the file permissions, which should be read and executed.
What to do if the computer can’t see the vacuum cleaner?
Alternative method: Change language through the Mi Home app
For newer models like the Roborock S6, S7 or Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2, the process is simplified by developers, and in these device packages can be changed directly through the Mi Home or Roborock application interface, without having to climb into files, which is the most secure and recommended way.
Open the app on your smartphone, select your vacuum cleaner. Go to settings (three dots in the corner). Find the Voice Pack or Voice Pack section. There will be a list of available languages. If Russian is not on the list, click Download or More voices.
In the list that opens, select "Russian" or "Russian." Press the download button. The file will be downloaded over the Internet and automatically installed on the device. The vacuum cleaner will reboot and confirm the change of language with the phrase. This method ensures that the file is fully compatible with your version of the software.
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Online downloading through the app is the only officially supported method, it eliminates the risk of system damage and does not require a computer or a computer. USB-cable.
If you don't have Russian in the list of available languages, but you know it exists for your model, try changing the region in the application settings. Sometimes language packs are tied to the server region (for example, China or Europe), changing the region to "Europe" or "Russia" can unlock the desired language.
Solving problems and errors
Users may encounter various difficulties during the installation process, and one of the common problems is that the vacuum cleaner is silent or makes strange sounds instead of words, which means that the file is damaged or does not fit in bitrate/format, so that the package can be downloaded from another source.
Another common mistake is that the device restarts endlessly or writes "Error 12" (or other code), which is a sign that the system files have been affected incorrectly, in which case a full reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset) helps, usually done by simultaneously clamping the power and cleaning buttons for 10-15 seconds.
Sometimes, after installing a Russian voice, the app stops displaying text notifications in Russian, even though the voice sounds correct, because the interface and voice engine localization are different components, and changing one does not automatically ensure the other is switched.