Related: Reverse update of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: 3 working ways to return the old firmware

Xiaomi’s 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 β€œglut,” loses touch with the Mi Home app, builds a map incorrectly, or refuses to charge. If you encounter similar problems after an upgrade, don’t 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:

  • πŸ”‹ The battery level of the robot is at least 50.
  • πŸ“Ά Stable Wi-Fi connection (if using the Mi Home method).
  • πŸ’» Availability of a backup of the current firmware (if you plan to manually roll back).

πŸ“Š What kind of robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi you have?
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro
Viomi V3
Dreame D9
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S
Other

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 doesn’t work for all models and only if:

  • πŸ“± You have the latest version of the app installed (update to Google Play or App Store).
  • πŸ”„ In the robot settings, the section "Restoring firmware" is availableΒ».
  • ⏳ Since the update has passed no more than 7 days (some models are limited to 3 days).

Step-by-step:

  1. Open Mi Home and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ About the device β†’ Update firmware.
  3. If the option β€œGo back to the previous version” is available, click on it.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the robot will restart 2-3 times).

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/Linux and established ADB.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB-A β†’ USB-C/Micro-USB (original!).
  • πŸ“ Firmware file (.pkg or.bin) for your model. 4PDA Xiaomi Community.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the robot to the computer and turn on debugging mode (this may require pressing the Reset button 5 times in a row).
  2. Open the terminal and check the connection command: Adb devices should appear in the list.
  3. Download the firmware with the command: adb push firmware.pkg /tmp/ (replace firmware.pkg with your file name).
  4. Launch installation: adb shell flash update /tmp/firmware.pkg

⚠️ 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 can’t see the robot?
If the adb device command does not show the device: 1. Install drivers for MediaTek or Rockchip (depending on the robot's processor). 2. Try another cable (preferably the original one). 3. Reboot the robot by holding the Power button 10 seconds. 4. Some models need to first activate debugging mode through the service menu (Spot + Dock button combination).

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:

  1. Turn off the robot (hold the Power button for 3 seconds).
  2. Press both Spot Cleaning and Dock (or Home, depending on the model) at the same time.
  3. Without releasing the buttons, turn the robot on with the Power button.
  4. Wait for the beep or voice message β€œService Mode”.

On the service menu:

  • πŸ” Use buttons on the body to navigate (usually Spot up, Dock down).
  • πŸ“› Find the option β€œFactory Reset” or β€œDowngrade FirmwareΒ».
  • πŸ”„ Confirm reset (the robot will restart and begin recovery).

⚠️ Note: Service menus may vary depending on the model. on some robots (Viomi) SE) Resetting firmware requires connecting to Mi Home in developer mode.

πŸ’‘

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.

Not all methods work on all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners, and the table below shows the proven combinations for popular models:

Model robot vacuum cleanerRecoil through Mi HomeManual rollback (ADB)Service menuNotes
Mi Robot Vacuum 1S❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.Requires firmware version 3.5.8_003024 lower.
Viomi V3βœ… Yes. 7 days)βœ… Yes.❌ No.For ADB, you need a cable with a FTDI chip.
Dreame D9❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.The menu is opened by the Power + Home buttons.
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Proβœ… Yes. 3 days)⚠️ Partially.❌ 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:

  • 🚨 Device Brick (complete inoperability) – if the process is interrupted or incompatible firmware is used.
  • πŸ”„ Loss of sensor calibration – robot may be less able to navigate space.
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi connectivity issues – if you roll back to a version with outdated security protocols.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery failure – some firmware optimized for specific batteries.

To minimize the risks:

  • πŸ” Check for exact matching of model and firmware version (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite – different devices!).
  • πŸ“‹ Create a backup of the current firmware (through ADB pull /system).
  • ⚑ Use a stable power supply (do not disconnect the robot from charging during the process).

πŸ’‘

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.

  1. In Mi Home, go to Settings β†’ About Device β†’ Resetting.
  2. 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€” 500–1000 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.

⚠️ 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).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware rollback

Can I roll back firmware on a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner without a computer?
Yes, but only if: The Mi Home has a rollback option (Firmware Update section) and your model has a service menu (see Article 3). For most modern models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra, DreameBot X30), the computer is a must.
How do I find out the current version of the firmware?
Open Mi Home, select the robot and go to Settings β†’ About the device. The software version is listed in the "Firmware Version" line (e.g, 3.6.0_004128). You can also see the version on the body of the robot – the sticker is usually under the cover of the battery compartment.
What if the robot does not connect to Wi-Fi after a rollback?
The problem is typical when rolling back on old firmware with outdated security protocols. Solutions: Reboot the robot and router. In the router settings, turn on WPA2-PSK support (turn off WPA3). Reset the network settings on the robot (in Mi Home or through the service menu).
Can I roll back firmware on Xiaomi robots with laser navigation (LDS)?
Yes, but with reservations: On models with LDS (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), rollback can recalibrate the sensor. After the procedure, the robot will need to recalibrate (he will suggest it to perform it himself). If after the rollback the robot β€œdoes not see” the obstacle, update the firmware to the latest stable version.
Where to download old firmware versions for Xiaomi?
Xiaomi does not officially distribute old firmware, but you can find them: 4PDA (section "Robot vacuum cleaners" in the topics on Reddit/r/Xiaomi. GitHub (repositories like dustbuilder). ⚠️ Download files only from verified sources – viruses in firmware can β€œkill” the robot.