How to roll back the firmware of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: the complete guide

Smart tech owners often face situations where, after an automatic update, the device malfunctions or loses its usual functions. Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are no exception, and many users are looking for a way to bring back the previous version of the software, especially when cleaning algorithms change in the new firmware or third-party servers are blocked.

The process of rollback, or downgrade, is not always simple and depends on the specific model of your gadget. In some cases, it is enough to simply reset the settings, in others, you will need to use special tools and devices. ADB-It is important to understand the risks, because interrupting the recording of system files can turn the technique into a brick».

In this article, we will discuss all available methods of returning to the old version of the software, you will learn how to prepare the device, what files you will need and what to do if the standard methods do not work.

Reasons for the need to roll back the version of the software

The main reason users choose to change the software version is because navigation is deteriorating, and once updated, the mapping algorithms may become less accurate, and the robot will start to get lost in familiar spaces, and sometimes the logic of bypassing obstacles changes, leading to more frequent stuck under furniture.

Another common problem is regional lockdown, where the company often divides devices into versions for China, Europe and Russia. If you randomly select the wrong region in the Mi Home app, the functionality can be cut down and voice packets will stop loading, rolling back the firmware allows you to return compatibility with the desired server.

⚠️ Warning: Forcing the older version of software to be installed may result in a loss of warranty.Manufacturers do not welcome interference with the system files of the device.

Also worth mentioning are bugs that appear in new releases, and sometimes developers release updates with critical bugs that affect the vacuum motor or sensors, and in such cases, returning to a stable version is the only way to restore the normal operation of the equipment.

Preparing a robot vacuum cleaner for a downgrade

Before any manipulations are initiated, the workspace and the device must be carefully prepared, and the battery must be at least 60 percent charged, as the flashing process is energy intensive, and if the charge falls to a critical level during the recording, the system cannot be restored without soldering.

You will need a stable connection to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Five-tertz networks often cause problems when transferring large amounts of data or connecting to a download server. It is recommended to bring the router as close as possible to the site.

Download the required firmware file (.pkg or.bin) in advance from a trusted source. It is best to store the file on a smartphone in the app memory or on a computer if the method is used through ADB. Check the integrity of the downloaded archive to exclude recording errors.

The method of rollback through the Mi Home app

The easiest way to return the previous version is to use the app's built-in features if they are available for your model.This method doesn't work for all devices, but it's worth trying first, as it's the most secure. Open the Mi Home app and go to your vacuum cleaner's control menu.

Click on three dots in the top right corner of the screen to enter your device settings. Find version update or about. If the system that is newer than stable, you may see a rollback or install previous version button.

In some cases, forced factory resets help, so press the power and return buttons for 5-10 seconds at the same time until you hear a voice reset message, and then when you reconnect, the server may suggest installing an older, stable version of the software.

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If the rollback button is not active, try turning off the internet on the router immediately after checking for updates to interrupt the new packet’s download, but this method rarely works and requires accurate timing.

Once the process is complete, the device will reboot, you'll need to re-link it to your account and configure a map of the room, and don't worry if the first run takes longer than usual, the system will calibrate the sensors.

Using ADB for Advanced Recoil

For models where software rollback through the application is impossible, the Android Debug Bridge protocol is used (ADB). This method requires the presence of a computer, USB-You need to start debugging the cable and basic command line knowledge. USB In the hidden menu of your robot developer.

To get into the developer menu, quickly press 7-10 times in a row on the update button of the map or button combination, depending on the model (for example, Home + Local Cleaning).

adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555


adb shell




pm uninstall --user 0 com.xiaomi.otc.updater

This command will remove the updater application, which is responsible for automatic updates, which will prevent the new version from being re-installed, and then through the root-rights file manager or push command, you can download the old firmware file to the system folder and initiate the installation.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB An error in syntax can cause a cyclic reboot of the device (bootloop).

Table of compatibility of models and methods

Not all models support the same return methods to the old version. Below is a table to help determine the options available for your device. Note that modifications with the Global prefix often have a more closed bootloader.

As you can see from the table, for newer models like the S10 or Dreame D9, standard methods may not work, and owners of such devices often have to look for specialized patches or wait for official patches from the manufacturer to come out.

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Always check the exact model of the device on the bottom cover, as visually identical robots of different years of release can have different hardware platform.

Common mistakes and ways to solve them

During downgrade, users often encounter an error, “Can’t check the update,” which means that the server will not accept a request to install an older version, and this restriction can only be circumvented through modified versions of applications or changing the account region.

Another common problem is that the charge indicator freezes in flashing orange, which signals damage to the loader, and then you need to use the UART recovery method, which involves disassembling the case and connecting to contact areas on the board.

• 🔴 Network error: Check if the router is blocking the connection to Xiaomi servers. DNS at 8.8.8.8.
• 🔴 File not found: Make sure the firmware file name does not contain Cyrillic or special characters.
• 🔴 Insufficient Memory: Clear the app cache and temporary files in the robot’s memory before installation.

If the robot stopped responding to commands and didn't go online, the gyroscope calibration might have gone off, and then the software rollback won't help, so you'll need to go to a hardware diagnostics service center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)