How to turn on and configure a Xiaomi vacuum cleaner camera: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cameras are not just a marketing ploy, but a complete tool for improving navigation, mapping, and even remote surveillance, but many users are faced with the problem of buying a robot vacuum cleaner with a camera, and how to activate it is unclear. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to turn on the camera on models Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, DreameBot L10s Ultra, Viomi V3 And we will tell you why this function is needed and how to use it effectively.

It is worth noting that not all vacuum cleaners Xiaomi equipped with cameras – in budget models often used laser sensors (LDS) If your device doesn't have a physical camera module (usually on top, under a transparent cover), you can't turn it on. To avoid wasting time, check the specifications of your model on the official website or in the Mi Home app first.

It is also important to understand the difference between a navigation camera (to build a map) and a surveillance camera (to broadcast live video), the first one works automatically when cleaning, and the second requires manual activation through an application. In this article, we will touch on both options, but we will focus on setting up a video stream, since this is the one with which the most questions arise.

Which Xiaomi models have a camera?

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners have a built-in camera, and here is a list of popular models where this feature is present:

• 📷 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro – a camera for navigation + video-broadcasting.
• 📷 DreameBot L10s Ultra — 3D-camera.
• 📷 Viomi V3 Max – camera for map building and remote viewing.
• 📷 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P – basic camera for navigation (without broadcast).
• 🚫 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S/1T — only LDS-sensor, no camera.

If your model doesn't make it to this list, check the specs on the Mi Home app or box. Usually, the camera is listed as Camera Navigation or Visual Mapping. You can also see the vacuum cleaner case: the camera is usually located in the center of the top panel under transparent plastic.

In Dreame models (for example, DreameBot) Z10 Pro) the camera can be hidden under the removable lid. If you're not sure if your vacuum cleaner has a camera, try running the cleaning and see if the app shows up. 3D-A map of the room is an indirect sign of the presence of visual navigation.

How to turn on the camera for navigation (map construction)

If your vacuum cleaner uses a camera for navigation (e.g. Viomi) V3 or DreameBot. L10s), It turns on automatically when you start cleaning, but sometimes you need to set up the initial setup or reset the cards:

1. Make sure the vacuum cleaner is connected to the Mi Home or DreameHome app (depending on the model).
2. Start the first cleaning in Map mode (usually this mode is selected automatically).
3. Wait for the robot to go through the room, and it can take 10 to 30 minutes.
4. After cleaning is completed, check the Map section in the application - a detailed scheme of your apartment should appear there.

If the map is not built or it turns out to be inaccurate, try the following:

• 🔦 Make sure there is enough light in the room (the camera does not work well in the dark).
• 🧹 Remove small objects from the floor that may interfere with movement.
• 📱 Update the vacuum cleaner firmware through the app.
• 🔄 Reset the current card in the settings and start cleaning again.

Remove small objects from the floor |

Close the doors to other rooms|

Provide good lighting|

Charge the vacuum cleaner to 100%|

Update the firmware through Mi Home-->

In DreameBot models (for example, L10s Ultra camera is paired with 3D-ToF-If the robot is starting to bump into objects a lot, maybe the camera is contaminated, wipe it with a soft wipe.

How to turn on the video from the vacuum cleaner camera

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro or Viomi) V3) It supports live video from the app, and it's useful if you want to remotely monitor your cleaning, or if you want to use the vacuum cleaner as a smart surveillance camera:

1. Open the Mi Home app (or DreameHome for Dreame vacuum cleaners).
2. Select your vacuum cleaner from the list of devices.
3. Go to the Camera or Video section (the name may vary depending on the model).
4. Click on the Start broadcast or view button.
5. If required, confirm access to the camera in the phone settings.

If the Camera button is not on the menu, then your model is not broadcastable, and then you can try alternative ways:

• 🔍 Check if the vacuum cleaner firmware is updated (sometimes the function appears after the update).
• 🌐 Connect the vacuum cleaner to Mi Home in China (some features are only available there).
• 📱 Install an alternative app, such as the Robot Vacuum App (for advanced users).

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Sometimes |

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Important! The video from the vacuum cleaner camera requires a stable connection to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If the signal is weak, the image will lag or not load at all. Also note that constant use of the camera drains the battery faster.

Camera problems and their solutions

If the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner camera doesn’t work, the causes can range from software failures to physical damage, and consider the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try dumping the vacuum cleaner to the factory settings.

1. Press the power button on the case for 5-10 seconds.
2. Wait for the beep and the lights to flash.
3. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the application again.

Note that in DreameBot models, the camera can shut down when the battery is low (less than 20%).If the broadcast suddenly interrupts, check the charging level in the application.

Set up notifications and security

A vacuum cleaner camera is not only a convenience, but also a potential privacy threat. If you use the broadcast feature, adjust the security settings:

• 🔒 Set a password to access the camera in the Mi Home app.
• 📵 Turn off the broadcast when you are not using it (this will also save battery power).
• 🌍 Set up geofences: for example, to automatically shut down the camera when you are at home.
• 📋 Check regularly which devices have access to your Mi Home account.

You can set up traffic notifications in the Mi Home app.

1. Go to the vacuum cleaner settings.
2. Select Security or Notifications.
3. Turn on the option of motion detection.
4. Set up sensitivity and detection zones.

Warning:

⚠️ Attention! If you use a vacuum cleaner with a camera in rooms where valuables or documents are stored, turn off the broadcast function. Attackers can access video through vulnerabilities in the Wi-Fi network or application.

For additional protection, it is recommended:

• Use a guest Wi-Fi network to connect the vacuum cleaner.
• Regularly update the device firmware.
• Turn off the camera when it is not needed (for example, at night).

Alternative ways to use the camera

Xiaomi vacuum cleaner camera may be useful for more than just cleaning, but here are some non-obvious ways to use it:

• 🐕 Pet observation: If you’re off to work, you can periodically turn on a live stream to check what your pet is doing.
• 👶 Child control: Some users use the vacuum cleaner as a temporary baby-camera (but it does not replace specialized devices!).
• 🏠 Checking for leaks or flooding: If you are afraid that you may break the pipe, you can start the vacuum cleaner in patrol mode.
• 📦 Finding lost things: turn on the broadcast and inspect the floor under the furniture.

However, keep in mind that a vacuum cleaner does not replace a full-fledged surveillance camera, which has a limited viewing angle (usually 120-150).°), There is no night vision, and autonomy depends on the level of charge. For constant monitoring, it is better to use specialized devices, such as Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera.

If you want to automate surveillance, you can create a schedule in the Mi Home app:

1. Go to the Automation section.
2. Create a new rule with a time-based condition.
3. Select the action Enable the camera broadcast.
4. Set the right time and days of the week.

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If you use a vacuum cleaner for observation, place it on a hill (for example, on a table or stand), which will expand the view and reduce the risk that the robot will move to another room.

Comparison of cameras on vacuum cleaners Xiaomi, Dreame and Viomi

Not all cameras are the same, they differ in resolution, viewing angle and functionality, and in the table below we compare the key models:

As you can see from the table, the best cameras in the Dreame models – they support Full HD-permission 3D-If you're interested in video detail, look at DreameBot. L10s Ultra or Viomi V3 Max.

In budget models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P), the camera is used only for navigation, and video streaming is not available. If this feature is critical for you, check its availability before buying.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the camera on the vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

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If your vacuum cleaner doesn't support video broadcasting, but it does have a camera for navigation, don't worry. The camera's main goal is to improve mapping and avoid obstacles, not surveillance. For video monitoring, you'd better buy a separate camera.