Xiaomiβs robot vacuum cleaner firmware updates (Mi Robot Vacuum, Viomi, Dreame series) typically improve performance, add new features, or fix bugs. But sometimes the new version of the software brings more problems than benefits: the device starts to βglut,β loses touch with the Mi Home app, builds a map incorrectly, or refuses to charge. If you encounter similar problems after an upgrade, donβt rush to carry a vacuum cleaner to the service. In most cases, you can roll back the update yourself using official or alternative methods.
In this article, we will discuss three proven ways to roll back firmware on Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners (including models with support for the new model). LDS-We'll also tell you how to avoid common errors, and it's important that the procedure requires care, because the wrong actions can lead to a complete loss of performance (the so-called "brick"). If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact an authorized service center.
Before you start, check:
- π The battery level of the robot is at least 50.
- πΆ Stable Wi-Fi connection (if using the Mi Home method).
- π» Availability of a backup of the current firmware (if you plan to manually roll back).
1. rollback via the Mi Home app (official way)
The safest method is to use the built-in rollback feature in the official Mi Home app, but it doesnβt work for all models and only if:
- π± You have the latest version of the app installed (update to Google Play or App Store).
- π In the robot settings, the section "Restoring firmware" is availableΒ».
- β³ Since the update has passed no more than 7 days (some models are limited to 3 days).
Step-by-step:
- Open Mi Home and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings β About the device β Update firmware.
- If the option βGo back to the previous versionβ is available, click on it.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the robot will restart 2-3 times).
β οΈ Note: If there is no rollback button in the menu, the manufacturer has blocked this feature for your model. Continue reading - below are the alternative methods.
Download the latest version of Mi Home|Check the stability of Wi-Fi|Charge the robot to 70%+|Make sure you have a backup card (if it is important)-->
2. Manual recovery via firmware file (for advanced)
If the official rollback is not available, you can manually download the old firmware version via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or robot flash memory, which is suitable for models with a USB-C or Micro-USB connector (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1S, Viomi V2 Pro).
You'll need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/Linux and established ADB.
- π Cable USB-A β USB-C/Micro-USB (original!).
- π Firmware file (.pkg or.bin) for your model. 4PDA Xiaomi Community.
Instructions:
- Connect the robot to the computer and turn on debugging mode (this may require pressing the Reset button 5 times in a row).
- Open the terminal and check the connection command: Adb devices should appear in the list.
- Download the firmware with the command: adb push firmware.pkg /tmp/ (replace firmware.pkg with your file name).
- Launch installation: adb shell flash update /tmp/firmware.pkg
β οΈ Attention: Continuous power is critical! If the process is interrupted, the robot may stop turning on. Use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or a full-charging laptop.
What if the ADB canβt see the robot?
3. rollback through the service menu (hidden mode)
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Dreame Bot Z10 Pro or Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) have a hidden service menu through which you can reset your firmware to the factory version.
How to get into the service menu:
- Turn off the robot (hold the Power button for 3 seconds).
- Press both Spot Cleaning and Dock (or Home, depending on the model) at the same time.
- Without releasing the buttons, turn the robot on with the Power button.
- Wait for the beep or voice message βService Modeβ.
On the service menu:
- π Use buttons on the body to navigate (usually Spot up, Dock down).
- π Find the option βFactory Resetβ or βDowngrade FirmwareΒ».
- π Confirm reset (the robot will restart and begin recovery).
β οΈ Note: Service menus may vary depending on the model. on some robots (Viomi) SE) Resetting firmware requires connecting to Mi Home in developer mode.
π‘
Before entering the service menu, take a picture of the robot's current settings (such as suction force or cleaning schedule), which you will have to reset after reset.
Table of compatibility of rollback methods with popular models
Not all methods work on all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners, and the table below shows the proven combinations for popular models:
| Model robot vacuum cleaner | Recoil through Mi Home | Manual rollback (ADB) | Service menu | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum 1S | β No. | β Yes. | β Yes. | Requires firmware version 3.5.8_003024 lower. |
| Viomi V3 | β Yes. 7 days) | β Yes. | β No. | For ADB, you need a cable with a FTDI chip. |
| Dreame D9 | β No. | β Yes. | β Yes. | The menu is opened by the Power + Home buttons. |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | β Yes. 3 days) | β οΈ Partially. | β No. | Manual rollback is only possible on firmware older than 2022. |
If your model is not in the table, check the possibility of rollback on profile forums (for example, Xiaomi Community Russia or Reddit/r/Xiaomi).
5 Risks and consequences of a failed rollback
Firmware rollback is not a harmless procedure.among possible problems:
- π¨ Device Brick (complete inoperability) β if the process is interrupted or incompatible firmware is used.
- π Loss of sensor calibration β robot may be less able to navigate space.
- π‘ Wi-Fi connectivity issues β if you roll back to a version with outdated security protocols.
- π Battery failure β some firmware optimized for specific batteries.
To minimize the risks:
- π Check for exact matching of model and firmware version (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite β different devices!).
- π Create a backup of the current firmware (through ADB pull /system).
- β‘ Use a stable power supply (do not disconnect the robot from charging during the process).
π‘
If the robot stopped turning on after the rollback, try holding the Reset button for 15-20 seconds, which helps to get out of the breech in 60% of cases.
6. Alternative solutions: what to do if recoiling is impossible
If none of these methods worked, or you are afraid to take risks, consider alternatives:
1.Reset to factory settings
Sometimes, after an update, problems are solved completely.
- In Mi Home, go to Settings β About Device β Resetting.
- Confirm the action (the robot will delete all maps and settings).
2. Contact the service center
If the robot is guaranteed, it is better not to risk it and take it to an authorized service Xiaomi. mi.com/ru/service. Average cost of diagnosis β 500β1000 ruble.
Installation of custom firmware
For advanced users, there is an option to flash the robot with alternative software (for example, Valetudo or DustBuilder), which gives more options for customization, but it does not guarantee. 4PDA.
β οΈ Caution: Castom firmware may contain vulnerabilities, and do not install them if the robot is connected to a smart home with sensitive data (e.g., security cameras).