Xiaomi’s modern robot vacuum cleaners are complex computing devices that require regular maintenance of software to work properly. Many users ignore notifications about the release of new versions of firmware, believing that these are only cosmetic changes, but in reality updates often contain corrections to critical navigation algorithm bugs. Ignoring updates can lead to incorrect map construction, reduced suction efficiency or problems with connecting to the home Wi-Fi network.
The process of software modernization has become much easier in recent years, but still raises questions among device owners of different generations. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to update the robot vacuum cleaner through the official application, what to do if the process freezes, and how to restore the device in the event of a failure.
It’s worth noting that the stability of the navigation system depends on the version of the installed software. Developers are constantly improving the algorithms of the obstacle avoidance and build more accurate maps of the premises, releasing patches for the models of the series Roborock, Mijia and Viomi. So timely installation of updates is not just a whim, but a necessity for the long life of your smart assistant.
💡
Regular firmware updates extend battery life and improve cleaning quality by optimizing motion algorithms.
Preparation for the installation of updates
Before you start the process of downloading and installing new software, you need to make sure that the equipment is ready. First of all, check the battery level: it should be at least 60-70%. If the battery is discharged, put the device on the base for charging and wait for the desired level, as interruption of the process due to lack of energy can lead to damage to system files.
The second critical point is a stable Internet connection: make sure that your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the vacuum cleaner. It is advisable to use a 2.4 GHz network, since many Xiaomi smart appliances do not support the 5 GHz standard or work with it unstablely.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t try to update your firmware from a distance from the router. A weak signal can cause a connection to break at the most critical moment, turning the device into a brick».
It is also recommended to clean the dust container and check the brushes for wound hair so that after updating you can immediately start the test cleaning.
☑️ Check before updating
Automatic updates via Mi Home app
The easiest and most common way to get the latest version of the software is to use the official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home), which usually notifies the user of the availability of a new version by displaying a red dot on the device icon or a pop-up when you log into the control menu.
To start the process, go to your vacuum cleaner card, click on the three dots in the upper right corner to enter the settings, and select Settings → About Update. If a new version is available, you will see an Update button. By clicking on it, you initiate the download of the data packet to the device.
- 📲 Make sure that the Mi Home app is also updated to the latest version via the App Store or Google Play.
- 🔌 The vacuum cleaner should be at the charging station during the whole process.
- 📶 Do not switch between apps on your smartphone so as not to interrupt the connection.
The installation time depends on the file size and speed of your Internet connection, usually taking 5 to 15 minutes, during which time the vacuum cleaner can emit audible signals or voice messages about the installation progress, as well as periodically restart.
Update through regional servers and change the region
Often, users from CIS countries do not receive updates because their account in the Mi Home app is tied to a region where the device is not officially sold. For example, if you bought a global version of the vacuum cleaner but registered in the Russia region, new firmware may come with a delay or not at all.
To solve this problem, you need to change the region in the application settings. Go to the user profile, select Settings, and change the country to China or the one your device is intended for (often indicated on the box or sticker at the bottom).
Once the device is linked to the correct region, update verification will be available, and it is important to understand that when you change region, some features, such as voice control or integration with other smart home services, can change.
⚠️ Warning: Change of region may result in resetting of stored room maps and cleaning schedules. It is recommended to take screenshots of important settings before performing this procedure.
Some users use special plugins or modified versions of applications to force firmware installation, however, this carries security risks and may deprive you of warranties.
Comparison of Update Methods and Firmware Versions
Different Xiaomi models can have different ways of interacting with update servers, and understanding the differences between methods will help you choose the most suitable one for your situation, especially if the standard method does not work.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk of failure | Recommended model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Mi Home (automatically) | Low. | Minimum | All modern models |
| Change of region | Medium | Medium (setting reset) | Global versions in RF/CIS |
| Local installation (ADB) | Tall. | High-pitched | For experienced users |
| Waiting for OTA | Low. | Low. | Stable systems |
Automatic updates via OTA (Over-The-Air) are the preferred option for 95% of users, guaranteeing file integrity and compatibility with the current hardware configuration, and manual methods should only be used in exceptional cases where automation has not worked for a long time.
Firmware versions are often marked with numerical codes, where the first digit indicates a major update and the subsequent minor fixes. For example, switching from version 3.5.x to 4.0.x can mean a major change in the interface or logic of the work.
What do the numbers in the firmware version mean?
Error Removal and Reset to Factory Settings
If the upgrade process is stuck at a certain percentage or the vacuum cleaner is not behaving properly after the reboot, a factory reset may be required.This is a radical measure that removes all user data, maps and Wi-Fi settings, returning the device to the "out of the box" state.
To perform a reset on most Xiaomi models, you need to simultaneously press two buttons (usually a power button and a return button to the base) for 5-10 seconds before the sound signal. On some models with a screen, such as Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro+, you can reset through the settings menu on the device itself: Settings → Reset.
After reset, you need to reconnect the vacuum cleaner to the Wi-Fi and link it to the account in the application. Only then the system will check for updates and suggest installing the current version of the software. Often, a full reset helps to "patt" the device that is stuck in the update cycle.
- 🔄 Reset removes all stored room maps.
- 🔑 You will need to re-enter the password from the Wi-Fi network.
- ⏱ The cleaning schedules will have to be re-configured.
In rare cases, when a software failure does not even allow you to enter the pairing mode, it may be necessary to disassemble the device to solder the memory chip or use a programmer, but this is already a task for the service center.
💡
If the vacuum cleaner doesn’t see Wi-Fi after reset, try handing out the internet from your phone with the same name and password as your home network so that the device updates your network settings.