How to Update Xiaomi Robot Vacuum in the Mi Home App: The Complete Guide 2026

Updating the firmware of Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner through the Mi Home app is not just a manufacturer’s recommendation, but a necessary procedure for the device to work steadily. New versions of the software fix navigation errors, add support for voice assistants, optimize battery consumption and even improve cleaning algorithms. However, many users face problems: the update “hangs” by 99%, the vacuum cleaner ceases to respond to commands, or after upgrading, there are glitches in the laser operation.

In this article, we will discuss all official and alternative ways to update (including forced reset and manual firmware installation), explain why you can not interrupt the process in the middle, and give a checklist to prepare the device, and also reveal the secret of how to roll back firmware if the new version worked worse than the previous one.

If you have a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame D9 viomi V3 It's slowing down, losing connection to the app, or building the map wrong -- it's probably the problem with the old software. The manufacturer is releasing patches regularly, but they're not always automatically installed. Next, you’ll learn how to check the current firmware version, run the update manually, and what to do if the process is stuck.

Important: the instruction is relevant for all models of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners running Mi Home or Mi Home Lite (including devices under the Dreame and Viomi brands). For vacuum cleaners with support for Home Assistant or third-party firmware (for example, Valetudo), the process may be different – we will discuss this in a separate section.

1. Preparation of the robot vacuum cleaner for the update: security checklist

Before you press the Update button, make sure your device is ready for the procedure. Failure to follow these rules can lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the vacuum cleaner or a malfunction of the laser rangefinder.

First, check the battery level. Updating the firmware requires at least 50% charge, but we recommend connecting the vacuum cleaner to the dock for the duration of the procedure. If the battery runs out during the upgrade, there is a high risk of damage to the system files.

Second, make sure that the Wi-Fi connection is stable. The robot vacuum cleaner downloads the firmware over the Internet, and if the connection is interrupted, the files may not be fully loaded. Better connect the device to a 2.4 GHz network (5 GHz many models do not support) and turn off the Band Steering function on the router if it is active.

Finally, free up space around the vacuum cleaner, which can be rebooted several times during the upgrade, and if there are obstacles (furniture, wires) nearby, the device can get stuck or fall from a height.

🔋 Battery charge ≥50% (better 100%)

📶 Stable connection to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi

🚫 Disabled. VPN/proxy on the phone and router

📱 Mi Home app updated to latest version

🧹 The robot is on a flat surface, there are no obstacles nearby.

🔄 Backup of maps and settings (if supported)-->

If your vacuum cleaner is connected to Mi Home via an account linked to China, you may need to change servers to Singapore or Russia before upgrading, due to restrictions on firmware distribution in some countries.

⚠️ Note: If your robot vacuum cleaner was purchased in China and runs on Chinese firmware, an update via a European server may block some features (e.g., a voice assistant in Chinese.

2. How to check the current firmware version in Mi Home

Before you update the software, you need to know which version is installed now, which will help you understand whether the firmware is relevant and avoid re-installing the same version.

Open the Mi Home app, find your robot vacuum cleaner in the list of devices and go to its menu (⚙️) → About the device → Firmware version.

The screen will display a line of view 3.5.8_000123 Or something like that. First numbers (like, for example, the first ones, 3.5.8) — This is the firmware version, and the numbers after the stress are the internal build number:

• 🌍 Xiaomi official website: Support section for your model (e.g, mi.com/support).
• 📱 User communities: forums 4PDA Xiaomi Community, where they publish lists of the latest firmware.
• 🤖 Bots in Telegram: for example, @MiHomeBot, Notify the new version of the software.

If your version differs from the last one by more than one major release (for example, you have a major release). 3.3.x, a relevant — 3.5.x), It is recommended to update gradually: first before 3.4.x, before 3.5.x. That'll reduce the risk of mistakes.

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If the menu doesn't have "Firmware Version," try telling the vacuum cleaner to say, "What kind of software do you have?" (for models that support Alice or Google Assistant).

3. Ways to update firmware: automatic vs. manual

There are two main methods of updating the software of the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner: through the Mi Home application (automatically) and manually (via the firmware file).

Automatic updates are the easiest way to do this, and the app finds the actual firmware and installs it, but there are limitations to this method.

• 🔄 Updates may be delayed (especially for Chinese models).
• 🚫 No way to choose a version, only the last one is installed.
• ⚠️ If the communication fails, the process can be interrupted, which will lead to errors.

Manual updates take more effort, but they give you control.

• 📥 Install a specific firmware version (for example, roll back to a stable one).
• 🌐 Use firmware from third-party developers (for example, Valetudo).
• 🔧 Update the device even without connecting to Mi Home (via the device) SD-map USB).

Below is a table of methods comparison:

If you’re a beginner, start with the automatic method, and for experienced users who want flexibility (like installing Valetudo to work without the cloud), a manual method will do.

I'm waiting for automatic updates.

I will install it manually as soon as the new version comes out.

I only update if something is broken.

Never update.-->

4. Step-by-step instruction: Automatic update via Mi Home

If you've chosen an automatic method, follow this instruction, and the whole process will take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the Internet speed and the vacuum cleaner model.

1. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the docking station and make sure it is charging.The battery charge should be at least 50%, but better 100%.

2. Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner from the device list.

3. Go to the device menu and find the Settings section (⚙️) → About the device → Firmware update. Some models may have different paths: Settings → Additionally. → System update.

4. The app will check for updates. If the new version is available, the Update button will appear. Press it.

5. Wait until the process is complete. The robot vacuum cleaner will reboot several times, which is normal. Don't cut off the power or interrupt the Wi-Fi connection.

6. Upon successful update, the vacuum cleaner will sound and a notification will appear in the app. Check the firmware version in the About Device menu.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and later, the account binding may reset after the update. If this happens, remove the device from the Mi Home and add it again, holding the Reset button on the case for 5 seconds.

5 Manual Update: How to Install Firmware Through File

If the automatic method doesn't work, or you need a specific version of the software, you can manually update the vacuum cleaner, which requires more action, but gives you complete control over the process.

You'll need:

• 📄 Firmware file (.pkg or.bin) for your model.
• 📱 Phone with Mi Home app or computer with Mi program PC Suite.
• 🔌 Cable USB (for some models or a memory card (for devices with support) SD).

Step 1. Download the firmware.

Firmware files can be found:

• 🔗 On the official website of Xiaomi in the support section.
• 📁 In thematic communities (e.g., on the 4PDA crochet).
• 🤖 Through the bot. @MiHomeBot in Telegram (team) /firmware).

Warning: Never download firmware from questionable sites! files must have the original name of the type mirobot_vacuum_v11_3.5.8_00123.pkg and the verified checksum (MD5).

Step 2. Upload the file to the vacuum cleaner

The method of loading depends on the model:

• 📱 Through Mi Home: In the firmware update menu, select Local File and specify the path to downloaded.pkg.
• 💻 Through Mi. PC Suite: Connect the vacuum cleaner to the computer USB and follow the instructions of the program.
• 📁 Through SD-Map: Copy the file into the root of the card, paste it into the vacuum cleaner, and hold the power button for 10 seconds (for models that support this method).

Step 3. Wait until it's done.

The manual update process takes 15 to 40 minutes. The robot vacuum cleaner will flash orange light and reboot. Don't turn it off or remove it. SD-card (if used) before the audible signal of successful completion.

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Manual updates are the only way to install alternative firmware (like Valetudo for running without Xiaomi’s cloud), however, this voids the warranty and can lead to unstable device performance.

Possible errors and their solutions

Even with the right preparation, the update can go wrong, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Error 1: Update is 0%, 50% or 99%

Reasons:

• 📶 Unstable Internet connection.
• 🔋 Battery's gone.
• 📱 Conflict with the Mi Home app (e.g., the old version).

Decision:

1. Restart the router and check the internet speed.
2. Connect the vacuum cleaner to charge and wait for 100% charge.
3. Update your Mi Home to the latest version or reinstall it.
4. If you're 99 percent cold, wait 30 minutes, and sometimes it takes longer than usual.

Error 2: After updating the vacuum cleaner does not turn on

This is the most serious problem, often associated with firmware damage.

• 🔄 Hold the power button for 20 seconds to force reboot.
• 🔌 Connect the vacuum cleaner to the docking station and leave on charging for 1 hour.
• 📥 Repeat the update manually through SD-card (if the device supports this method).

If nothing helps, you may need to get a firmware through UART (for experienced users) or contacting a service center.

Mistake 3: The vacuum cleaner doesn't build a map or drive around in circles

Sometimes new firmware has bugs in its navigation algorithms.

• 🗺️ Reset the map in the app: Settings → Map. → Reset the card.
• 🔙 Reverse to the previous firmware version (if backup is saved).
• 📡 Reconnect the vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi (sometimes changing the network helps).

Error 4: The app doesn't see the new firmware

If Mi Home doesn’t offer an update, even though you know it is:

• 🌐 Change the region to China or Singapore at Mi Home.
• 📵 Turn it off. VPN/proxy on the phone.
• 🔄 Remove the device from the app and add it again.

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If you've had a worse vacuum cleaner after the upgrade, check the suction settings. Sometimes new firmware drops power to the mid-level. → Cleaning regimes.

7. How to roll back firmware if the new version works worse

Sometimes, fresh firmware brings more problems than benefits: the vacuum cleaner starts to glittle, loses contact with the application or discharges faster, in which case you can return the previous version of the software.

Important: Recoiling is only possible if:

• 📥 You have saved an old firmware file (.pkg).
• 🔧 Your model supports manual installation of software (most vacuum cleaners Xiaomi – yes).
• 🔒 You have not updated through Mi Home with automatic encryption (in this case, rollback is blocked).

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, with 4PDA).
2. Copy the file to SD-map (if your model supports this method) or prepare it for download via Mi Home.
3. Start the update process manually (as described in Section 5).
4. After the reboot, check the firmware version in the device menu.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback may result in loss of saved maps and settings. Before the procedure, take screenshots of important parameters in the Mi Home app (e.g., cleaning schedules, no-go zones).

If the rollback fails, try to dump the vacuum cleaner to the factory settings: Settings (⚙️) → Additionally. → Resetting settings.

After resetting, the device will return to the factory firmware, and you will be able to update it to the desired version.

8. Alternative firmware: Valetudo and others

For power users who want more control over their robot vacuum cleaner, there are alternative firmware, the most popular being Valetudo, which allows:

• 🚫 Xiaomi Cloud-Free (All Data Stays Local).
• 🗺️ Use open-ended API Integration with Home Assistant.
• 🔧 Configure parameters not available in standard software (for example, the speed of rotation of brushes).

However, the installation of Valetudo has risks:

• ⚠️ Warranty revoked.
• 🔧 Skills required to work with ADB or SSH.
• 📵 Some functions (such as voice assistant) may stop working.

If you decide to experiment, follow the official instructions on valetudo.cloud. For most Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum). 1S or dreame D9) process:

1. Get root access to the vacuum cleaner.
2. Installation of Valetudo through SSH.
3. Set up a local network to manage the device.

After installation, you will be able to control the vacuum cleaner through the web interface at the address http://[IP-address vacuum cleaner, do not depend on Mi Home.

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Alternative firmware is suitable for enthusiasts, but not recommended for everyday use. If you want stability, stick to the official updates from Xiaomi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)