How to connect to the camera of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi’s surveillance robot vacuum cleaners are not just cleaning assistants, but also extra eyes in your home. However, access to the camera often raises questions: how to turn it on, where to watch it, and can you use video for security? In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to connect to the camera of the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner, from official methods through the Mi Home to alternative solutions for advanced users.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models are equipped with cameras. For example, the video feature is available in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra, and some versions of DreameBot (a Xiaomi brand). If your model does not support the camera, further instructions will not work. To check the presence of the camera, look into the characteristics of the device or find a lens on the body of the robot (usually in front under the lid).

Also note that access to the camera may be restricted for regional reasons, and in some countries (e.g. the EU) video surveillance is disabled due to privacy laws, which will require workarounds, which we will also discuss.

What Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Models Support Camera

Before you try to connect to the camera, make sure your model has one at all. Here is the current list of Xiaomi and Dreame devices with video streaming support:

• 📷 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro – camera with resolution 720p, night-time shooting, motion detection.
• 📷 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra – improved camera, integration with the base of the auto emptying.
• 📷 DreameBot L10 Pro/L10 Ultra is a camera with 1080p, support RTSP (for advanced users).
• 📷 DreameBot D9 — base camera, broadcast only through official software.

If your model is not on the list, it probably doesn’t have a camera, except for some regional versions where the feature can be turned off software. For example, the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 (without the Pro console) is not equipped with a camera as standard, but in China, there were modifications with a video surveillance module.

To determine the camera’s presence, inspect the robot: the lens is usually located under a transparent cover in the front of the body, and check the specs in the Mi Home app – the device section should have a Camera or Video tab.

Official way: Connect via the Mi Home app

The easiest and safest method is to use the Mi Home app, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills.

1. Make sure the robot vacuum cleaner is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone.
2. Open the Mi Home app and select your device.
3. Go to Camera or Video (the name may vary depending on the model).
4. Click on “Start broadcast” or “Real-time viewing”.

If there is no "Camera" tab, check:

• 🔄 Update the firmware of the robot through Mi Home (Settings section) → Update of the PO»).
• 🌍 Region of the device in the application (should coincide with the region of purchase).
• 📶 Internet connection stability (robot must be online)

In some cases, the initial setting is required to activate the camera:

1. In the Mi Home app, go to Device Settings → Additional functions.
2. Find the "Video Surveillance" or "Camera" item and turn it on.
3. Please agree to the terms of use (if requested).

Note that Mi Home only broadcasts when the robot is on base, that if the vacuum cleaner is away for cleaning, the video can be turned off to save battery, and that the app has a time limit of 10-15 minutes per session.

Robot connected to Wi-Fi|Mi Home app updated|Online device on the web|The region in Mi Home corresponds to the region of purchase-->

Alternative means: RTSP-stream and third-party applications

If the official method doesn’t work (for example, due to regional restrictions) or you need advanced features (recording, motion detection), you can use the protocol. RTSP. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires some technical knowledge.

First, check if your model supports RTSP. You can do it in two ways:

1. View the characteristics of the model on the manufacturer's website.
2. Try to connect to a standard address (see table below).

To connect to RTSP:

1. Find out locally. IP-Robot address (can be found on the router or via the Fing app).
2. Enter the stream address in a compatible application, for example: 📱 TinyCam Pro (Android) 🍎 iSpy (iOS/Windows) 🖥️ VLC Player (any platform)

admin

admin

123456

If the stream does not open, try:

• 🔧 Reboot the robot and router.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🔒 Disable the firewall on the router (it may be blocking it) RTSP-traffic).

⚠️ Attention: Use RTSP It may violate the warranty of Xiaomi, and open stream without password protection is vulnerable to hacking!

Set up video surveillance via Home Assistant or other smart home systems

If you use Home Assistant, OpenHAB or other automation system, the robot vacuum cleaner camera can be integrated into it, allowing you to record video on a schedule, adjust motion notifications, and control voice broadcasts (for example, via Alice or Google Assistant).

Home Assistant will require:

1. Install the Xiaomi Miio component (via the HACS manually).
2. Add the device to configuration file configuration.yaml: camera: - platform: miio host: [IP_robot: YOUR_TOKEN name: “Robot vacuum camera"
3. Get token devices (e.g., through the Mi Home Token Extractor app).

Once set up, the camera will appear in the Home Assistant interface as a separate device.

• 📹 Watch the live broadcast in real time.
• 🔔 Set up automation (for example, recording when motion is detected).
• 🗣️ Control your camera with your voice (if you connect to Google Assistant or Alice).

Other systems (like OpenHAB) have a similar process, but you’ll need a plugin to work with Xiaomi devices. Note that not all models support integration – check compatibility in advance.

💡

If Home Assistant can't see the camera, try manually specifying the device model in the configuration. L10 Ultra add the line model: dreame.vacuum.p2046.

Solving the problem: why the robot vacuum cleaner camera doesn't work

If the camera doesn't turn on or the broadcast is interrupted, the reasons can vary from the usual to the technical, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the robot settings:

1. Press the power button on the body for 10 seconds.
2. Connect to the robot again via Mi Home.
3. Check for the Camera tab after reconfiguring.

For DreameBot models, hand-held firmware with support can help RTSP. However, this is a risky process that can lead to the loss of warranty. If you are not confident in your abilities, you should contact the service center.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the robot may require re-association with the Xiaomi account. Make sure to remember the login details, otherwise access to the device will be lost!

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

Using a robot vacuum cleaner camera for surveillance raises privacy concerns, and here are the key points to consider:

• 🔒 The broadcast data can be stored on Xiaomi servers (if you use Mi Home), in the application settings you can turn off video upload to the cloud.
• 🚫 It is forbidden to shoot in places where it violates the law (for example, in bathrooms or bedrooms without the consent of residents).
• 🔑 In the case of RTSP Always change your standard password to avoid being hacked.
• 📡 If you are streaming video over the Internet (for example, for remote viewing), set up VPN cipher.

In some countries (e.g. Germany), the use of cameras in robot vacuum cleaners is restricted by law. Before setting up video surveillance, check local regulations to avoid fines.

If you are concerned about privacy, consider alternatives:

• 🛡️ Turn off the camera in the settings and use the robot only for cleaning.
• 📌 Stick a sticker on the lens (if the video function is not needed).
• 🔄 Check regularly what data the robot sends (via Mi Home) → Settings → Confidentiality).

💡

Even if the camera is software-enabled, it's still physically in the device, and for complete privacy, you'd better choose a model without a video module.

Conclusion: which way to connect to choose

The choice of method depends on your goals and technical skills:

• 🏠 For home use, the official Mi Home app is simple and safe.
• 🛠️ For advanced functions (recording, integration with a smart home) is suitable RTSP or Home Assistant.
• 🔍 If the camera doesn’t work, check the firmware, region in Mi Home and Wi-Fi stability.

Remember, robot vacuum surveillance is an extra feature, not a complete replacement for security cameras, and it has limitations in viewing angle, resolution and operating time. If you want a reliable surveillance system, you should consider specialized surveillance. IP-camera.

If you have any questions after reading the article, check it out. FAQ Below are the answers to the most common problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the camera robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi