Xiaomiβs robot vacuum cleaners are smart assistants that save you time cleaning. But even the most reliable appliances sometimes fail: freezes while running, Mi Home connection errors, incorrect response to commands, or complete freeze after a firmware update. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by simply restarting the device, but not all users know how to do it correctly so as not to make things worse.
In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways to reboot for Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame, Viomi and other brands. You will learn how soft reset differs from hard reset, when to apply, and what to do if the vacuum cleaner does not respond to any actions. We will also reveal unique combinations of forced reboot buttons that are not described in the official documentation, but work on most devices from 2020 to 2026.
When you need to restart the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi
Don't rush to reset or carry your device to the service center at the first sign of a malfunction.
- π€ The vacuum cleaner hovers in one place and does not respond to commands from the application or remote control.
- π After updating the firmware, the device behaves unstable (for example, does not build a map or ignores cleaning areas).
- π± Mi Home app shows a connection error (Device offline or Connection failed).
- π The battery discharges quickly, although it used to work longer (sometimes a software failure leads to an incorrect display of the charge level).
- ποΈ The vacuum cleaner displays errors with codes (e.g. Error 10, Error 12) that are not specified in the manual.
If the problem is hardware-based (e.g., the vacuum cleaner is not charging due to a damaged contact or is not driving due to a clogged wheel), rebooting will not help, and in such cases, diagnostics or repairs are required.
β οΈ Attention: Frequent reboots (more often 1 time per week) may indicate a motherboard malfunction or firmware conflict.If the vacuum cleaner is bugging regularly, check the relevance of the software in the Mi Home app or contact support.
Soft reset: step-by-step instructions
Soft reset is the equivalent of a smartphone restart, and it turns off and on normally, without losing user settings (room maps, cleaning schedules, etc.) and is safe and recommended first.
For most Xiaomi models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Dreame) D9, Viomi V3 etc.) the algorithm is the same:
- Find the power button on the vacuum cleaner body (usually it is located on the side or on the top panel).
- Hold it for 3-5 seconds until you hear the beep (or until the light starts flashing).
- Release the button and the vacuum cleaner will turn off.
- Wait 10-15 seconds and press the power button again to turn on.
If the power button is missing (as on some Dreame models), use the combination:
Press the Home and Start/Pause buttons for 5 seconds.Make sure the vacuum cleaner is not at the charging station
Disable it from the Mi Home app (if connected)
Check that there are no obstacles (walls, furniture)
Wait 10 seconds before re-energizing-->
After restarting, the vacuum cleaner can automatically update the map of the room or request re-binding to Wi-Fi. This is normal - just follow the instructions in the application.
β οΈ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner emits a continuous beep after a soft reboot or flashes red, it is a sign of a hardware malfunction.
Hard reset: when and how to apply
Hard reset returns the vacuum cleaner to factory settings, erasing all user data: room maps, cleaning schedules, suction settings, etc. This method is used if:
- π The soft reboot didn't help.
- π² Vacuum cleaner βforgotβ Wi-Fi and does not connect to the application.
- πΊοΈ The map of the room is damaged (for example, after a fall or update).
- π§ You need to transfer the device to a new owner.
The procedure varies depending on the model, and the following are proven methods for popular lines:
| Model | Button combination | Retention time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum 1S/2/Pro | Wi-Fi + Spot Cleaning | 10 seconds. | The indicator will turn yellow, then blue. |
| Dreame D9, D10, Z10 Pro | Home + Power | 8 seconds | After reset, you will need to reconfigure through the application. |
| Viomi V2/V3 | Power + Mop) | 12 seconds | The sound signal will confirm the reset. |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite | Power + Zone cleaning (Zone) | 15 seconds. | You may need to update the firmware again. |
After a hard reset, the vacuum cleaner will return to the factory settings.
- Connect it to Wi-Fi via the Mi Home app.
- Update the firmware (if a new version is available).
- Start mapping the room again.
What to do if the reset does not work?
Reboot through the Mi Home app
If the vacuum cleaner is connected to the Mi Home and responds to commands, you can reboot it remotely, which is safer than manually dumping, because the application controls the process.
Instructions:
- Open Mi Home and select your vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings. β About the device.
- Click Reboot (or Reboot in English).
- Confirm the action.
If there is no reset button, try:
- π Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.
- π± Reconnect the vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi (sometimes a communication failure blocks remote commands).
- π§ Manually update the firmware of the device through Settings β Update of the PO.
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If the vacuum cleaner does not respond to commands in Mi Home, but the indicator is on, try to turn it off from Wi-Fi in the router settings (lock it). MAC-This often wakes up the device and restores communication.
What to do if the vacuum cleaner does not react to anything
If the robot vacuum cleaner is completely frozen -- it doesn't turn on, it doesn't blink, it doesn't make sounds -- it could be a software failure or a hardware failure.
- Check the charging: π Connect the vacuum cleaner to the charging station for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the contacts on the vacuum cleaner and docking station are clean (wipe them with a dry cloth).
Forced Reboot (Forced Reboot):
For models with non-removable battery (most Xiaomi):
Press the Power button for 30 seconds, then release it and press it again.For models with removable battery (for example, Dreame) D9 Pro):
Remove the battery for 1 minute, then insert back and turn on the vacuum cleaner.Checking the power supply:
- π Connect the charging station to another power source (e.g., another socket or via another adapter).
- π Measure the voltage at the output of the power supply (should be) 20V/0.6A most models).
If after all the manipulations the vacuum cleaner does not show signs of life, the following malfunctions are likely:
- π Battery failure (swelling, short circuit).
- π Breakage of the food charge (often after voltage surges).
- π€ Failure of the main controller (reflashing through the service cable is required).
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If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after a forced reboot, DO NOT disassemble it yourself - this may result in a loss of warranty.
Reboot after firmware update
Firmware updates usually improve the vacuum cleaner, but sometimes lead to freezes or errors.
- Wait for the process to complete: Some updates are installed in the background and can take up to 30 minutes.Do not turn off the vacuum cleaner or interrupt charging.
- Perform a soft reboot (described above).
- Check out the version: Open Mi Home β pick a vacuum cleaner β Settings β Compare the current version with the latest version on the official website.
Remove the firmware (if available):
Some models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) allow you to return the previous version of the software through the service menu.
1. Press the "Power" and "Spot Cleaning" buttons for 10 seconds.
2. connect the vacuum cleaner to the PC via USB-C (service cable required).
3. Use the MiRobotTool program to roll back.If the vacuum cleaner doesnβt build a map after the upgrade or ignores virtual walls, try:
- πΊοΈ Erase the current card in the app and start a new scan.
- π± Reinstall the Mi Home app (sometimes cache interferes with synchronization).
- π§ Reset network settings on the vacuum cleaner (in the Settings menu) β Wi-Fi).
β οΈ Warning: If after updating the vacuum cleaner gives an error Error 14 (a problem with the gyroscope), do not try to calibrate it yourself - this can lead to a complete failure of navigation.
Frequent Reboot Errors and How to Avoid Them
Misconduct during resets can make the problem worse, and here are the typical user errors and how to prevent them:
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Interrupting of hard discharge | Damage to the firmware, "bricking" the device. | Hold the buttons until the beep (usually 10-15 seconds). |
| Reboot during the update | Loss of card data, software failure. | Wait for the update to finish (the indicator will stop flashing). |
| Using the wrong button combination | Reset to factory settings instead of a soft reboot. | Check the vacuum cleaner model and combination in the table above. |
| Connecting to unstable Wi-Fi during a reset | Incomplete synchronization with the application, card errors. | Use a router with a frequency of 2.4 GHz (5 GHz is not supported). |
If you accidentally made a hard reset instead of a soft one, don't panic. Most settings (like cleaning schedules) can be restored through Mi Home if the vacuum cleaner was tied to your account.
When a reboot won't help: signs of breakdown
If after all the manipulations, the vacuum cleaner continues to work incorrectly, it may be a hardware problem.
- π Battery does not hold charge (vacuum cleaner works less than 10 minutes).
- π Extraneous noise (squeaking, knocking) when moving or operating the turbine.
- π‘οΈ Overheating of the body (especially in the area of the motor or battery).
- π‘ Permanent loss of communication with base station or application.
- πΊοΈ Incorrect navigation (vacuum cleaner hits walls, sees no obstacles).
In these cases, it is recommended that:
- Contact the authorized service center Xiaomi (list on the official website).
- If the warranty expires, find a specialized workshop for the repair of robot vacuum cleaners (the cost of diagnosis is usually 500-1000). β½).
- For self-repair (for experienced users only!): π οΈ Order original spare parts (battery, brushes, sensors) on AliExpress or in branded stores. π Learn about the iFixit for your model.
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Before visiting the service, take a photo or video of the malfunction, which will help the wizard to diagnose the problem faster and avoid unnecessary costs for diagnosis.