Update firmware robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: official and hidden ways

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners aren’t just home assistants, they’re complex devices with their own software that requires regular updates. Newer versions of the firmware fix navigation errors, add support for voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant), optimize battery consumption, and even improve cleaning algorithms for different types of coatings. However, a wrong update can turn your smart assistant into a useless brick.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update firmware for models Mi Robot Vacuum, Viomi V2/V3, Dreame D9 and others from the standard OTA-Update via Mi Home to manually flash through ADB or USB-We will pay special attention to recovery after a failed update and nuances for devices with modified software (for example, after installing Valetudo).

Why it is important to update the firmware of the robot vacuum cleaner

Manufacturers regularly release updates not only to fix bugs, but also to expand functionality. 3.5.8_004026 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro has support for Yandex Smart Home and in the version 1.8.5_001234 for Dreame Bot Z10 Pro added a schedule humidity-adjusted cleaning mode:

🔄 Lose communication with the Mi Home app after changing Wi-Fi;
🗺️ Incorrectly build a room map (especially relevant for models with LDS-scanner);
🔋 Discharge quickly due to unoptimized battery management;
🚫 Ignore virtual areas or cleaning restrictions.

In addition, devices running firmware older than 2022 may no longer be supported by Xiaomi servers, which will result in loss of access to cloud features (for example, management via Google Home or synchronization of maps between multiple users).

📊 How often do you update your robot vacuum cleaner?

Only when critical errors appear

Every time a new version is released

Six months

Never updated.

I don't know how to do that.

Preparation for the update: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start the process, make sure you meet all the conditions for a secure upgrade.Nevertheless, disregarding these rules can lead to a "brick" device or loss of warranty.

Check the current version of the firmware in Settings → About the device

Connect the vacuum cleaner to the power supply (charge ≥50%)

Ensure the stability of Wi-Fi (speed ≥10 Mbps)

Download the latest version of the software from the official website Xiaomi or Dreame

Shut down. VPN/Proxy (can block update servers)-->

Pay special attention to regional firmware versions. For example, if your Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P was purchased in China (CN) and you are trying to install European firmware (EU), the device may lock. To find out the current regional version, go to Settings → About device → Software version and look at the suffix (e.g., cn, eu, ru).

⚠️ Note: If your vacuum cleaner was purchased on AliExpress or Gearbest without official localization, an upgrade via Mi Home may result in a Chinese reset. RE.

Method 1: Automatically Update with Mi Home (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most secure method, which is suitable for 90% of users, and the instructions are relevant for the Mi Home app version 6.5.400 and later (for Android/iOS).

Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner from the device list.
Go to Settings → Firmware Update (or Firmware Update in English version).
If a new version is available, click Update, which takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet.
Do not interrupt the connection to the vacuum cleaner and do not turn it off until it is completed (the indicator on the case will flash blue).

After a successful update, the device will automatically restart and a notification will appear in the application. If the update hung during the Prepare to Install stage, try:

🔄 Reconnect the vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi;
📱 Reinstall the Mi Home app;
🔌 Connect the vacuum cleaner to another power source (sometimes it helps to change the socket).

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If the vacuum cleaner gets worse at building a map after the update, reset it manually: Settings → Map → Reset the map. This will cause the device to rescan the room with new algorithms.

Method 2: Manual USB Update (for power users)

This method will come in handy if the automatic update doesn’t work (for example, because of server locks in your area) or if you want to install custom firmware (for example, Valetudo to disable cloud dependency).

🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
🔌 USB-cable (usually Micro-USB or Type-C, depending on the model);
📁 Firmware file in.pkg (official) or.bin (castom) format).

The official firmware can be downloaded from the sites:

🌐 Official Xiaomi Portal (Subsection "Support");
🌐 Dreame website for Dreame Bot models);
🌐 GitHub Valetudo (for alternative software).

Step-by-step:

Download the firmware and unpack the archive. The file must have a name of the species. mirobo_{model} v{version}.pkg.
Connect the vacuum cleaner to your computer via USB. Some models (Viomi V3) will require a power button for 5 seconds to activate the firmware mode.
Copy the.pkg file into the root directory USB-vacuum cleaner storage device (it should be defined as a removable disk).
Turn off the cable and restart the vacuum cleaner. The update will start automatically (the indicator will burn orange).

⚠️ Note: Not all models support updates through USB. For example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S requires special ADB-access, and Dreame D9 Updated only through the application. Check compatibility in the table below.

Model	Support USB-firmware	Required file	Notes
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro	✅ Yes.	.pkg	You need to rename the file to update.pkg
Viomi V3	✅ Yes.	.bin	Activation of the DFU regime is required
Dreame Bot Z10 Pro	❌ No.	—	Only through the Dreamehome app
Mi Robot Vacuum 1S	⚠️ Partially.	.img	Need root and ADB rights

Method 3: Update through ADB (for advanced)

If the standard methods do not work, and USB-No firmware is supported, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for Android Things models (for example, some versions of Viomi or Dreame).

The work will require:

🖥️ Established ADB Tools (download from the official Android website);
🔌 On. USB-debugging on the vacuum cleaner (activated through the service menu);
📄 Firmware file in.zip format.

Commands for renewal:

adb devices # Checking the connection


adb shell mount -o rw, remount /system # Unmounting system




adb push update.zip /sdcard/ # Copying firmware




adb shell reboot recovery #Reboot to Restore Mode

Once the commands are done, the vacuum cleaner will restart and start the installation. USB-cable until the indicator lights up green!

What if the ADB can’t see the device?

If the adb device command returns a blank list, try: 1. Install drivers for your model (e.g. Qualcomm QDLoader for Snapdragon chips). 2. Switch USB mode to PTP (in vacuum cleaner settings). 3. Use another cable (preferably the original). 4. Run ADB on behalf of the administrator (on Windows).

Recovery after a failed update

If the vacuum cleaner doesn't turn on, if it's stuck on the logo, if it doesn't respond to commands, don't panic. In 80 percent of cases, the device can be brought back to life. Here's the algorithm for doing this:

Hard reset: Press the power button for 10-15 seconds. Some models (Dreame Bot) need to hold the power + home buttons at the same time.
Recovery through USB: Download the recovery firmware (usually called recovery.img) Repeat the steps from the section about USB-firmware.
Use the service menu: Connect the vacuum cleaner to your computer, start PuTTY or Terminal and type in the command: fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot reboot

If nothing helps, contact the Xiaomi service center with a check about the purchase. In most cases, the firmware is restored under warranty (unless there have been attempts to install custom software).

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Save a backup of your current firmware before experimenting! Use the adb backup -f backup.ab command (not working on all models).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and we've collected the TOP-5 errors and how to fix them:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Error: -20 (at Mi Home)	Disparity between the firmware region	Download the version for your region ( cn, eu)
Vacuum does not respond to Wi-Fi	Communication module failure	Reset network settings: Settings → Network → Forget the network
Staying 99% Free on Update	A damaged firmware file	Download the file and try again.
ADB: device unauthorized	Unconfirmed USB access	Confirm debugging on the vacuum cleaner screen (if there is a display)
Loss of card after update	Navigation algorithms have changed	Remove the old card and let the vacuum cleaner build a new one

If your error is not listed in the table, check the update log. To do this, connect the vacuum cleaner to your computer and type in the command:

adb logcat > update_log.txt

File. update_log.txt It will help diagnose the problem (you can upload it to the forums). 4PDA XDA-Developers for analysis).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I roll back the firmware to the previous version?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Xiaomi does not provide official downgrade packages, and using custom firmware can lead to loss of functionality (such as support for new maps or voice commands).If you are critical to return to the old version, look for backups on 4PDA or XDA, but be prepared for bugs.

How do I know which is the most recent for my model?

Official versions are published on the manufacturers' websites: Xiaomi: home.mi.com → Support section; Dreame: dreame-technology.com → Download files; Viomi: check through the Viomi Home app. Also, relevant information can be found in Telegram channels, for example, @mirobots.

Will the firmware update reset my settings?

Depending on the type of update: OTA (via Mi Home): settings will be saved, but the card may be reset; Manual firmware via USB/ADB: high probability of resetting to factory settings (recommended to make a backup). To save the settings, export them to the file before updating: Settings → Backup (not available on all models).

Can I flash a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner without a computer?

Yes, if it's official. OTA-You will need a computer for manual firmware 99% of the time (except for some Viomi models that support updates via the Mi Home). OTG-accumulator).

What if after the update the vacuum cleaner became loud noise?

This is a common problem after updates related to changing the algorithms of the fan. Try: Reset the settings to the factory (Settings → Reset); Clean the filters and turbine from dust (sometimes noise is caused by mechanical obstacles); Reverse to the previous version of the firmware (if the noise appeared immediately after the update). If the problem persists, contact the service - you may need to replace the fan.