How to Upgrade Xiaomi Vacuum: Official and Alternative Ways

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners regularly receive firmware updates that improve cleaning algorithms, add new features (such as carpet recognition or zoning), and fix bugs. However, the upgrade process can vary depending on the model, the version of the Mi Home app, and even the region of the device’s purchase. Incorrect actions when upgrading can lead to “bricking” of the device — when the vacuum cleaner stops responding to commands or does not turn on at all.

In this article, we will discuss all the current upgrade methods for the Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame and Viomi lines (including HDL scanner models and hybrid vacuum mop models), as well as how to avoid typical errors. We will focus on manual updates via USB, the only method if automatic updates through the application do not work. All instructions are relevant for firmware in 2026 and later.

1.Preparation for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start upgrading, make sure your vacuum cleaner is ready for the procedure.Neglect of preparation is the main cause of failures.

First, check the current firmware version.

1. Open the Mi Home app (or Dreame Home for Dreame devices).
2. Select your vacuum cleaner from the list of devices.
3. Go to Settings → About the device → Firmware version.

Second, make sure the battery is at least 50 percent, and the low-charge update can be interrupted, causing software failure, and the optimal option is to connect the vacuum cleaner to the dock during the procedure.

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If your Xiaomi vacuum cleaner is released before 2020 (such as Mi Robot Vacuum 1S), reset it to factory settings before upgrading via Settings → Reset. This will reduce the risk of conflict of old data with new firmware.

Also prepare:

• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (to be updated via the app) If the signal is weak, the vacuum cleaner may lose communication with the server.
• 🔌 Charger and docking station at hand (in case of emergency recharging).
• 📁 Backup of cleaning cards (if saved in the Mi Home cloud) may be reset after updating.

Method 2: Automatic update via Mi Home (recommended method)

This is the easiest and most secure way to do it, and it’s suitable for most users.The update algorithm is controlled by Xiaomi servers, which minimizes the risk of errors.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

During the vacuum cleaner upgrade:

• 🔄 Reboot 1-2 times (this is normal).
• 📡 May emit audible signals or flash indicators.
• ⏳ Will not respond to teams until the process is complete.

Battery charge ≥50% |Vacility connected to Wi-Fi |Mi Home app updated |Backup of cleaning cards saved-->

Important nuance: If after the update the vacuum cleaner began to behave incorrectly (for example, does not build a map or constantly loses communication), try resetting the network settings.

1. Press the Home button on the vacuum cleaner for 5 seconds.
2. Connect to the vacuum cleaner access point (type name) MiRobot_XXXX).
3. In the Mi Home app, add the device again.

Method 2: Manual update via USB (for power users)

This method is required if:

• 🚫 Automatic update does not work (error "Failure to download firmware failed to load").
• 🔄 You want to revert to the previous version of the firmware.
• 🛠️ You need to flash the modified firmware (for example, to unlock additional features).

Warning: Selecting a firmware file or interrupting the process can cause the vacuum cleaner to fail. Use only official files from Xiaomi’s website or trusted sources (e.g., the 4PDA forum).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Support section). The file must have the.pkg extension.
2. Format the flash drive in FAT32 (up to 32 GB in size).
3. Place the firmware file in the root directory of the flash drive (not in the folder!) and rename it miio.pkg.
4. Put the flash drive in. USB-vacuum cleaner port (usually located under the lid next to the reset button).
5. Press the Reset button for 3 seconds - the vacuum cleaner will emit an audible signal and begin the update.

It takes 10 to 20 minutes, and when it's done, the vacuum cleaner will reboot and emit a long beep.

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Manual USB updates are the only way to restore a vacuum cleaner if it has “burst” after a failed automatic update, but you need the right firmware file for your model and region.

Update via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for vacuum cleaners based on Android Things (for example, some Dreame models) or if you need root access.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (usually micro-USB or Type-C).
• 📄 Firmware in.img or.zip format.

Instructions:

1. Connect the vacuum cleaner to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
3. Transfer the vacuum cleaner to firmware mode: adb reboot bootloader
4. Images from the fastboot flash system system.img

⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This method is recommended only for advanced users or if other methods have not worked.

5.Typical Update Errors and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

Error 1: “I couldn’t download the firmware” in the Mi Home app.

• 📶 Check your internet connection (vacuum cleaner should be on the same network as your phone).
• 🔄 Reboot the router and vacuum cleaner.
• 📱 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.

Error 2: The vacuum cleaner does not respond after the update.

• 🔋 Connect it to charging for 30 minutes.
• 🔄 Press the Reset button for 10 seconds for forced reboot.
• 📁 Try to re-sweeten the firmware through USB.

Error 3: After the update, the card settings were reset.

• 🗺️ Run the vacuum cleaner in mapping mode (Settings) → Map. → Reset and recreate).
• 🔄 If the card is not saved, check if cloud sync is enabled in Mi Home.

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If after the update, the vacuum cleaner becomes worse at cleaning (for example, misses spots), reset the sensor settings. To do this, in the Mi Home app, go to Settings → Additional → Sensor Reset.

6. How to roll back firmware to the previous version

Sometimes new firmware versions contain bugs (such as misrecognition of carpets or frequent navigation errors), in which case you can return the old version, but with reservations:

For Xiaomi models:

• 🔙 Recoiling is possible only through manual updates USB.
• 📁 You need to find the archive firmware on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
• ⚠️ After rollback, some features may stop working (for example, integration with Apple HomeKit).

For Dreame models:

• 🔄 Use the official Dreame Home app – it has a rollback option in Settings → Update → History of versions.
• 📌 Only the latest 2-3 versions of the firmware are available.

Important: Xiaomi vacuum cleaners with HDL scanners (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) may lose laser calibration after rollback, in which case you will need to reconfigure through the service menu (available only in authorized centers).

7. Where to download firmware for Xiaomi and how to verify its authenticity

The official firmware can be downloaded:

• 🌐 On the Mi Home website (Support section) → Downloads").
• 📥 Through the Mi Home app (in the Update section there is a link to download).
• 💬 Forums 4PDA Xiaomi Community (for modified firmware only).

How to verify the authenticity of the file:

1. Compare the hash amount (MD5 or SHA-1) of the file with the official one.
2. Check the extension: official firmware for Xiaomi is.pkg, for Dreame –.bin or.img.
3. Make sure the file name contains the vacuum cleaner model (e.g, mop2_pro_3.5.8_0123.pkg).

⚠️ Note: Firmware from unknown sources may contain malicious code or be assembled for another region, such as the firmware for the European version of Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 will not be suitable for the Chinese model, this will lead to a navigation error.

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating Xiaomi vacuum cleaners