How to Update Xiaomi Robot Vacuum: 3 Ways + Error Solving

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners regularly receive firmware updates that improve navigation, add new cleaning modes and fix bugs. However, an incorrect update can lead to disruptions, from losing communication with the Mi Home app to completely stopping the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of updating (via the application, USB-drive and manual mode), and also tell how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the vacuum cleaner “hangs” during the process.

It is important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the model. For example, for Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, automatic updates are available via Wi-Fi, and older versions like Mi Robot Vacuum are available. 1S We've compiled instructions for all the popular lines, from budget to flagship models. LDS-scanner.

1. Update Preparation: What to Check Before Starting

Before you start upgrading, make sure your robot vacuum cleaner is ready for the procedure, and ignoring these steps 80% of the time leads to errors like Update failed or endless boot.

• 🔋 Battery charge: The level should not be lower 50%. Optimally — 80-100%. If the charge is less 30%, The device may be disabled during the update.
• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection: To automatically update via Mi Home, you need at least 2 Mbps Internet speed. Use a 2.4 GHz - 5 GHz network, many models do not support.
• 📱 Mi Home app version: Update to the latest version on Google Play or App Store. older versions may not see new firmware.
• 🔌 Update Zone: Put the vacuum cleaner on a base or flat surface. Do not start the process on a carpet or an inclined plane.

Also check the current firmware version.

1. Open Mi Home and select your vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Settings → About the device → The firmware version.
3. Compare it to the latest available on Xiaomi’s official website.

⚠️ Note: If your vacuum cleaner is connected to Mi Home via an account from another region (e.g. China), updates may be delayed or not at all.

2. Method 1: Automatically update via Mi Home (the easiest)

It's the basic method for most users. It's suitable for models that support it. OTA-Updates (Over-The-Air), including:

• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (and all modifications)
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the base and make sure it is charging.
2. Open Mi Home, select your device.
3. Go to Settings → About the device → Update firmware.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and confirm the action.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the vacuum cleaner will restart automatically.

During the upgrade, don't turn off the base power or move the vacuum cleaner. The indicator on the device will flash orange (load) or white (installation). If the indicator is gone, this is normal, wait for the reboot.

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner does not respond to commands after the update, try resetting the network settings. To do this, hold the Home and Power buttons for 5 seconds until you hear the beep.

3. Method 2: Update through USB-storage device (for older models)

This method is relevant for devices without OTA support or for problems with Wi-Fi.

• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1 (first generation)
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S
• 🤖 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1C

You'll need:

• 💾 USB-format-storage FAT32 (32GB).
• 📄 Firmware file from the official website (extension.pkg).
• 🔌 Cable USB-OTG (If the port on the vacuum cleaner is not standard).

Instructions:

1. Download firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website or forum 4PDA. The file name should include the model, for example: vacuum_1s_3.5.8_0123.pkg.
2. Copy the file to the root USB-The file file cannot be renamed (not in folders.
3. Turn off the vacuum cleaner, insert the flash drive into the port (usually located under the lid next to the power button).
4. Hold the Power button for 5 seconds until you hear a voice message (or signal) in Chinese.
5. Release the button, it'll start to update. The indicator will flash blue.
6. After completion (10-20 minutes), the vacuum cleaner will emit an audible signal and restart.

Method 3: Manual update via ADB (for power users)

This method is suitable for advanced users if the first two methods do not work, it requires connecting a vacuum cleaner to a computer via USB-OTG and using the ADB tool (Android Debug Bridge).

Warning: Incorrect commands can permanently disable the device, and use this method only if:

• 🔧 The vacuum cleaner is not updated through Mi Home.
• 🔧 USB-The update ends with an error.
• 🔧 You are confident in your command line skills.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Connect the vacuum cleaner to your PC via USB-OTG. Some models require holding the Power button for 10 seconds to activate debugging mode.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices If a device is detected, you will see its serial number.
4. Download the firmware in.img (not.pkg!) and place it in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the command to update: adb sideload firmware.img Replace firmware.img with your file name.
6. Wait until the end (up to 30 minutes). The vacuum cleaner will restart automatically.

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Before using ADB, check if your model supports this method.For example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro has a locked bootloader and the ADB may not work.

5. Typical update errors and their solutions

Even when you follow instructions, you can have a problem, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

If the vacuum cleaner has become worse after the update (for example, it does not build a map well or does not return to the base), try:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Reset to Mi Home).
2. Reverse to the previous version of the firmware (if available).
3. Contact Xiaomi with error logs (you can get them through Settings → Error Report).

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If the vacuum cleaner is constantly squeaking after the upgrade or not turning on, this may indicate damage to the loader, in which case maintenance is required - self-intervention will exacerbate the problem.

6. How to roll back firmware if the update failed

Sometimes newer versions of firmware contain bugs that cause the vacuum cleaner to behave inappropriately, lose contact with the base, build the map incorrectly or constantly reboot, in which case a rollback to the previous version will help.

You'll need to pull back:

• 📄 Backup copy of old firmware (it had to be saved before updating).
• 💾 USB-storage device (for models without OTA).
• 🔧 Access to Mi Home or ADB (model-wise).

Instructions for rollback through Mi Home:

1. Download the desired firmware version from the official website or forums (for example, 4PDA).
2. In Mi Home, go to Settings → About Device → Update firmware.
3. Click on the three dots in the top corner and select Local Update.
4. Download the downloaded file and confirm the rollback.

For models without local update support in Mi Home, use USB-method (similar to method 2), but with an old firmware file.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback may result in loss of stored cleaning cards and custom settings. Before the procedure, export the cards through Settings → Map. → Export (if the function is available).

7. Where to download official firmware for Xiaomi Robot Vacuum

Using firmware from unreliable sources can cause permanent failures or even breakage of the device, and we recommend downloading files only from proven resources:

• 🌐 Xiaomi official website: home.mi.com (support section).
• 🌐 Forum 4PDA: topic on robot vacuum cleaners (there are laid out firmware and instructions from experienced users).
• 🌐 GitHub: Some enthusiasts are laying out modified firmware with additional features (e.g. Dustcloud for alternative management).

When downloading, pay attention to:

• 🔖 Vacuum model (e.g. vacuum cleaner, vacuum_2_pro).
• 🔖 Firmware version (format: 3.5.8_0123).
• 🔖 Release date (current firmware not older than 6 months).

If you download a file with the.zip or.rar extension, make sure to unpack it. The vacuum cleaner only recognizes.pkg (for USB) or.img (for ADB).

8.Frequent questions about updating Xiaomi Robot Vacuum