How to Upgrade the Xiaomi G1 Robot to the Latest Version: 3 Ways + Error Solving

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum G1 (or Xiaomi G1 in short) is a popular model with laser navigation, which regularly receives firmware updates. They improve cleaning algorithms, add new features (such as cleaning areas support or carpet recognition), and fix bugs. However, the update process can raise questions: where to download firmware, how to avoid errors, and what to do if the vacuum cleaner “hangs” during installation?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update (via the Mi Home app, manually via USB and using alternative firmware), as well as give recommendations for preparing the device. We will separately focus on common errors (codes 101-306, 502) and how to fix them. If your Xiaomi G1 after the update became worse, at the end of the article there is a manual on rollback to the previous version.

⚠️ Important: Before upgrading, check the battery charge (should be at least 50%) and the stability of Wi-Fi. Interrupting the process can lead to the “bricking” of the device – when the vacuum cleaner ceases to respond to buttons and does not turn on.

1. How to check the current firmware version on Xiaomi G1

Before you upgrade to the Xiaomi G1, make sure you really need a new firmware.

1. Through the Mi Home app: 📱 Open the app and select your vacuum cleaner. 🔧 Go to Settings. → About the device → Firmware version. 📝 Write down the number (for example, 3.5.8_002134).

• 🎤 Say, "Hello Siri/Alice."/Google, Ask Mi Home for the version of the vacuum cleaner».
• ⚠️ It only works when you connect to your Mi Account.

The latest firmware version for Xiaomi G1 can be found on official resources:

• 🛠️ Forum 4PDA (Xiaomi-themed G1).

⚠️ Note: If the firmware version in the app appears as 0.0.0 or Unknown, this is a sign of a software failure. In this case, first perform a reset to factory settings (Reset button on the case, hold 10 seconds).

2. Method 1: Automatic update via Mi Home

The easiest and safest method is an over-the-air update (OTA) that is suitable for most users if:

• 📶 Vacuum Connected to Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz Network).
• 🔋 Battery charge > 50%.
• 📱 Mi Home app updated to latest version.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Home and select your Xiaomi G1.
2. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Confirm the action and wait until the completion (usually 5-15 minutes).

During the vacuum cleaner upgrade:

• 🔄 Reboot several times.
• 💡 White indicator (blinks when loading, burns constantly - ready to work).
• 🚫 Does not respond to buttons (this is normal!).

⚠️ Warning: If the update has been stuck in the Prepare for Installation phase for more than 30 minutes, restart the vacuum cleaner manually (hold the power button for 10 seconds.

Method 2: Manual update through USB-accumulator

If the automatic update doesn’t work (for example, due to slow internet or regional restrictions), you can install the firmware manually.

• 💾 USB-flash drive (format) FAT32, volume).
• 🖥️ Computer for downloading firmware.
• 🔌 Cable USB-A → Micro-USB (to connect the flash drive to the vacuum cleaner).

Instructions:

1. Download firmware: The official version can be found on the Xiaomi website (Support section). Alternative firmware (for example, Valetudo) look at GitHub. Where to download firmware for Xiaomi G1?Official Firmware: [link to Mi Home](https://home.mi.com/). Alternative (e.g. Valetudo): [GitHub repository](https://github.com/Hypfer/Valetudo).
2. Prepare the flash drive: format it into FAT32 (use SD Formatter for reliability. Copy the firmware file (usually with the.pkg extension) to the root of the flash drive (not the folder!). miio_update.pkg (if required).

Update the vacuum cleaner:

• Turn off the Xiaomi G1 (hold the power button for 3 seconds).
• Insert the flash drive into the USB port on the case (usually under the cover).
• Hold the Power + Home button for 10 seconds until the orange light flashes.
• Release the buttons and the update will start (the process will take 10-20 minutes).

If the vacuum cleaner doesn’t respond to the flash drive, check it for errors (via chkdsk in Windows) or try another drive.

💡

Use flash drives from well-known brands (SanDisk, Kingston) and cheap drives often cause errors when reading firmware files.

Method 3: Update via alternative software (Valetudo, OpenMi)

For advanced users who want to unlock additional features (for example, local management without the cloud or integration with Home Assistant), custom firmware will suit.

• 🛠️ Valetudo – open source with a web interface.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Working without Xiaomi Cloud (more privacy).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” in case of installation error.
• ❌ No official support.

How to install Valetudo:

1. Download the firmware from GitHub.
2. Unpack the archive and follow the instructions for your model (Xiaomi G1 refers to the viomi.vacuum.v7 platform).
3. Switch via USB or SSH (root access required).

⚠️ Warning: Once you install custom firmware, you won't be able to return to the official version through the standard update. UART service-centre.

💡

Custom firmware is only suitable for advanced users, and for most tasks, there are enough official updates.

5. Common Update Errors and Their Solutions

Even when following the instructions, errors can occur.

Additional problems and solutions:

If the error repeats, please contact Xiaomi with the logs (you can get them through Mi Home in the Error Report section).

6. How to roll back firmware to the previous version

If the Xiaomi G1 gets worse after the update (for example, it doesn’t build a map well or often loses connection), you can go back to the old firmware version.

1. Find archive firmware: On forums (e.g. 4PDA) in Telegram thematic chats (search for "Xiaomi G1 firmware").

Install it via USB:

• Repeat the steps from Method 2, but use the older version.
• If you roll back to a version older than 3.5.0, you may need a complete reset.

⚠️ Important: Firmware rollback can lead to:

• Losing the stored maps of the premises.
• Incompatible with the new Mi Home features.
• Errors in subsequent updates (solved by installing intermediate versions).

If you are not sure, wait for a new official update that will fix the bugs.

7. Care Tips After Update

To ensure that the Xiaomi G1 works steadily after the update:

• 🔄 Update the Mi Home app: Older version of the app may not support new vacuum cleaner features.

What to do if after the update:

• 🗺️ Poorly builds a map: check the sensors (wipe the laser lens with a napkin).

💡

After the update, check the suction settings and cleaning modes - they can reset to factory ones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the update of the Xiaomi G1