How to turn on and configure the camera on the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s camera-based robot vacuum cleaners are not just cleaning devices, but the full-fledged eyes of your smart home. They build maps of rooms, recognize obstacles, and even broadcast live video. However, many users face the problem that the camera either doesn’t activate automatically, or its functions are hidden in the depths of the Mi Home or DreameHome app menu. In this article, we’ll discuss how to properly turn on the camera on Xiaomi, Dreame and Viomi robot vacuum cleaners, which models support this feature, and what to do if the image is not transmitted.

It's important to understand that not all robot vacuum cleaners have cameras, for example, low-end models like the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite use only laser or infrared sensors, whereas flagships like the DreameBot are not equipped with cameras. X30 Ultra or Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro have full-fledged cameras with resolution up to 1080p. The camera features may also vary depending on the firmware region – Chinese versions often offer more features than global ones.If you are not sure if your model has a camera, check the specifications on the official website or in the documentation.

Before you start setting up, make sure that:

• 📱 Robot vacuum cleaner connected to Mi Home (or DreameHome for Dreame devices).
• 📶 The device is in the same Wi-Fi network with your smartphone.
• 🔄 Robot firmware updated to the latest version (check in Settings) → About the device).

What Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Models Have a Camera?

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with cameras, and in most cases, the camera is present in premium models with a function. LDS-scanning (laser rangefinder) or visual navigation: Below is a list of popular models with cameras and their key features:

If your model is not in the table, it does not mean that it is missing the camera.Some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop) P10) They use cameras only for navigation, but they don't provide access to the video stream to the user. → The device → Information about the model in the Mi Home app.

⚠️ Warning: Robot vacuum cleaners with cameras purchased in China (market versions) CN), They may have advanced features that are not available in global firmware. X30 Ultra CN live video is available, whereas in the European version this option can be disabled.

How to turn on the camera in the Mi Home app

If your robot vacuum cleaner supports the camera, it is activated through the official application. Consider the process using the example of Mi Home (for Xiaomi and Viomi devices):

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner on the home screen.
2. Go to the Map section (usually the home or globe icon in the bottom menu).
3. In the upper right corner, click on the icon. 👁️ (If you don't have one, your model doesn't support video streaming.
4. If the camera is available, a window will appear with a real-time image.

• 🔍 Increase the scale - gesture of fingers separation.
• 📹 Take a photo – the “Photo” button (if supported).
• 🔄 Switch mode – between day and night vision (for models with IR illumination).
• 📡 Turn on sound – if the robot supports two-way audio communication (e.g. DreameBot) X30 Ultra).

If you don't have a camera button, try updating the robot's firmware.

1. Go to Settings → About the device → Update firmware.
2. If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to be completed (the robot must be on base!).

Make sure the robot is connected to Wi-Fi|Update the firmware to the latest version|Check for the camera icon in the "Map" section"|Reboot the robot (turn off / turn on the power button)-->

If the camera never came out after the upgrade, your model may not support this feature, and you can try alternative methods, such as connecting via Tuya Smart (for some Viomi devices) or using third-party firmware (which we will discuss later).

Activation of the camera in DreameHome (for Dreame robots)

Devices of the Dreame brand (for example, DreameBot) X30 Ultra or L10s Ultra) use a separate app called DreameHome, and the process of turning on the camera is a little different:

1. Open DreameHome and select your robot.
2. Go to the Map tab (the card icon in the lower menu).
3. In the upper right corner, click on the icon. 📷 (camera).
4. If the camera is active, you'll see the robot image, and you can see additional features here.

• 🎥 Video recording – “Record” button (not available on all models).
• 🔊 Voice chat – if the robot supports microphone and speaker.
• 🌙 Night mode – automatic switching in low light.
• 📍 Marks on the map – you can add tags directly to the video.

DreameHome also has Patroling, which allows the robot to drive around the house and broadcast live video like a surveillance camera, to turn it on:

1. Go to Settings. → Cleaning regimes → Patroling.
2. Select areas to walk around or allow the robot to move around the entire map.
3. Press Start, and the robot will start broadcasting.

⚠️ Attention: Patrol is a very draining battery. Don't leave the robot in this mode for long without recharging. Also note that constantly streaming video can put a strain on your Wi-Fi, especially if you have slow internet.

I'm building a map of the room.|I am watching the live broadcast in real time.|Taking photos/video|I'm using it as a surveillance camera.|I don't use a camera.-->

Why the camera doesn't turn on: Typical problems and solutions

If you followed the instructions, but the camera still doesn't work, there are different reasons.

1.The camera does not appear in the appendix

Possible causes:

• 📵 The robot does not support the camera (check the model in the table above).
• 🌍 You have global firmware and the feature is only available in the Chinese version.
• 🔄 The firmware is outdated (update it).
• 📡 Wi-Fi connection problems (robot must be on the network).

2.The camera is turned on, but the image is not transmitted

What to do:

• 🔄 Restart the robot (hold the power button for 5 seconds).
• 📶 Check the speed of the Internet – to broadcast video requires at least 5 Mbps.
• 🔌 Reconnect the robot to Wi-Fi (forget the network and connect again).
• 📱 Update the Mi Home or DreameHome app to the latest version.

3.The camera is working, but the image is blurred or dark

Decisions:

• 🧹 Clean the camera lens of dust (use a soft napkin).
• 💡 Improve indoor lighting (for models without night vision).
• 🔧 In the camera settings, enable Autoexposure (if available).

If none of the methods did not help, try resetting the robot to the factory:

1. In the app, go to Settings → About the device → Resetting settings.
2. Confirm the reset and reconnect the robot.

How to use a robot vacuum cleaner camera to monitor your home

Many users want to use the robot vacuum cleaner not only for cleaning, but also as a surveillance camera.

• 🏠 Patroling – The robot can drive around the house and stream videos (available on DreameBot) X30 Ultra and similar models).
• 📡 Remote access – you can watch the broadcast from anywhere in the world through the application.
• 🔔 Alerts – Some models send notifications when motion is detected (configured in Settings) → Security).
• 🔒 Recording to a memory card – if the robot supports microSD (for example, Viomi) V3 Max).

However, there are limitations:

• ⚠️ The camera of the robot vacuum cleaner does not replace a full-fledged video surveillance system - the viewing angle is limited, and the video quality depends on the model.
• ⚠️ Continuous broadcast drains the battery – the robot can “sit” in 1-2 hours.
• ⚠️ In global firmware, surveillance functions are often cut down (e.g., no video recording).

If you want a full-fledged surveillance camera, consider specialized devices like the Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera, but for periodic monitoring (such as pets), a robot vacuum cleaner camera will do.

💡

To extend the robot’s time in patrol mode, fully charge the battery before activation and turn off the wet cleaning function (if it is on).

Alternative ways to turn on the camera (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, alternative approaches can be tried, and they're suitable for power users and require caution.

1. Change of the firmware region

Some camera features are only available in Chinese firmware, to change region:

1. Install the Chinese version of the Mi Home app (for example, via APKMirror).
2. In your account settings, select China (China).
3. Reconnect the robot vacuum cleaner to the app.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the region may cause the robot to be unstable or lose warranty, and some features (such as voice assistant) may stop working in languages other than Chinese.

2. Use of third-party firmware

For Rockchip based models or MTK (For example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S) There are custom firmwares that unlock the extra features of the camera:

• 🔧 Requires dismantling of the robot and connection to the PC.
• ⚠️ It can lead to the “bricking” of the device.
• 📛 Cancels the guarantee.

If you do, look for instructions on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers. The process usually involves:

1. Download custom firmware (for example, Valetudo).
2. Connecting to the robot through SSH or ADB.
3. Installation of alternative software.

💡

Custom firmware is an extreme method, and 90% of the time, the camera problem is solved by updating the official software or changing the region in the app.

Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know

The camera in a robot vacuum cleaner is not only a convenience, but also a potential privacy risk.

• 🔒 The broadcast data can be transmitted to Xiaomi servers (depending on privacy settings).
• 📡 Local area network – if the robot is connected to your Wi-Fi, in theory, the video can be intercepted by attackers.
• 🚫 Recording ban – in some countries (e.g. EU) the use of cameras in home devices is subject to data protection laws (GDPR).

To minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Use a complex password for Wi-Fi.
• 📵 Turn off the camera when it is not needed (in the robot settings).
• 📋 Check regularly what data the Mi Home app collects (Privacy section).

In some models (for example, DreameBot) X30 Ultra video is encrypted by default, but it doesn't guarantee 100% security. If you're paranoid about security, it's best not to use a robot vacuum cleaner as a surveillance camera.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions