Reprogramming the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: how to replace the standard phrases on the mat (and whether it is worth it)

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have long been an integral part of smart homes, but their standard voice alerts — “Cleaning Started,” “Charging Complete,” or “Please Clear the Way” — sometimes annoy users with their monotony. The Internet is actively discussing the possibility of replacing these phrases with obscene language, turning a household assistant into a source of “creative” comments.

In this article, we will discuss the technical ways to change voice packets in Xiaomi Mi Robot, Viomi and Dreame vacuum cleaners, evaluate legal alternatives (for example, writing your own phrases), and analyze the risks. It is important to understand that modifying the firmware violates Xiaomi’s user agreement, and using a mat in public spaces can have legal consequences. If you do decide to experiment, follow the instructions strictly by step.

Why users want “dumb” vacuum cleaners: psychology and risks

The idea of reprogramming the vacuum cleaner to the mat didn't come from scratch. Social media is full of videos where Xiaomi robots suddenly say "fuck, it's stuck again!" or "fuck you, boss!"

🔴 The system analyzes voice packets, and if you find foul language, it can ban the device.
🔴 Warranty issues: Any firmware modification will void warranty obligations.
🔴 Legal liability: In some countries (e.g. Russia), the public use of mat is punishable by fines (Article 20.1 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation).
🔴 Failures: Wrong firmware can brick the vacuum cleaner, making it unfit for cleaning.

According to a survey on the 4PDA forum, 68 percent of users who have tried this tuning experience problems ranging from losing communication with the vacuum cleaner to completely stopping it. However, the demand for “dumb” firmware does not fall. Why? psychologists explain this as the effect of novelty and a desire to stand out. However, after 2-3 weeks, most return to standard settings.

📊 You'd risk a cleaner on the mat?

Yeah, for fun.

No, it's too risky.

I would try it, but I returned the standard phrases.

I already did it. It works.

What Xiaomi models support changing voice packets

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners allow you to modify voice alerts, and the table below shows models that have custom firmware or audio-change tools:

Model	Support for modification	Method	Risks.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro	Yes.	Replace.wav files with Valetudo or DustBuilder	Medium (possible loss of communication with Xiaomi servers)
Xiaomi Viomi V3	Yes.	Firmware via Mi Home Hack or manual editing sound_pack.bin	High (risk of account blocking)
Dreame D9	Partially.	Replacement of standard phrases with your own (without mat)	Low.
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S	No.	Closed firmware, modification is impossible	—

For models from 2023 to 2026 (such as the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra), modification of voice packets is almost impossible due to the increased protection of firmware.

⚠️ Note: Vacuum cleaners with Mi Home Secure support (e.g. Xiaomi Mijia) 1T) When a modified file is detected, a complaint is automatically sent to support, which can lead to a permanent locking of the device in the Xiaomi ecosystem.

How to change voice alerts: from legal to extreme

There are several ways to replace standard phrases, and we'll take them by risk, from the safest to the most dangerous.

1. Record your phrases through official software (without mat)

The safest way is to use the built-in voice command recording feature in the Mi Home app:

Open Mi Home → Choose your vacuum cleaner.
Go to Settings → Voice Alerts → Customization.
Write down your phrases (e.g., “Hello, Master!” instead of “Cleaning has begun”).

Limitations: you can not use mat, and the duration of the phrase should not exceed 3 seconds.

2. Installation of custom firmware (Valetudo, DustBuilder)

For advanced users, there is an alternative Valetudo software that completely replaces the standard Xiaomi firmware.

🔧 Full control of the device (including voice packets).
🚫 No binding to Xiaomi servers (but no cloud features).
🔄 Possibility of rollback to standard firmware.

Disadvantages: installation complexity, risk of “bricking”, loss of warranty.

Download the latest version of Valetudo from GitHub|

Create a backup of the current firmware |

Connect the vacuum cleaner to the PC via USB-C|

Disable the antivirus (it can block firmware files)|

Charge the vacuum cleaner 100% (the process can take up to 30 minutes)

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3. Manual editing sound_pack.bin (skilled)

Extreme method – direct file modification sound_pack.bin, It's a voice alert that stores all voice alerts:

Download the vacuum cleaner firmware (for example, through Mi Home Hack).
Extract sound_pack.bin via Binwalk.
Replace the audio files (.wav) with your own, saving bitrate and duration.
Pack the file back and flash it through ADB.

⚠️ Attention: If new sound_pack.bin It will weigh more than the original at least. 1 KB, the vacuum cleaner will stop turning on!

Example of a firmware command via ADB:

adb push sound_pack.bin /data/misc/sound/


adb shell chmod 644 /data/misc/sound/sound_pack.bin




adb reboot

Step-by-step: how to replace phrases with mat (on the example of Viomi V3)

If you do decide to experiment, follow this instruction. We are not responsible for the consequences! Take the Xiaomi Viomi model as an example. V3 firmware 3.5.8_0040.

Step 1: Getting root access

You can't change your system files without root rights.

Install Mi Home Hack (available on 4PDA)
Connect the vacuum cleaner to the same Wi-Fi network as the PC.
Enter the terminal: python mihack.py --ip 192.168.x.x --token YOUR_TOKEN (IP The token can be obtained through Mi Home Sniffer).

Step. 2: Extract and editing sound_pack.bin

Download the firmware for your model (like GitHub) and unpack it and find the file. sound_pack.bin. For editing:

🎵 Use Audacity to write new phrases (format: 16-bit PCM, 16 kHz).
🔄 Replace the original.wav files with your own, saving names (for example, the name of the file, start_cleaning.wav).
📦 Pack it back in. sound_pack.bin with DustBuilder.

Step 3: Firmware and testing

Pour the modified file back into the vacuum cleaner:

adb push sound_pack.bin /data/misc/sound/


adb shell sync




adb reboot

After the reboot, check the new alerts. If the vacuum cleaner doesn't turn on, try returning the original one. sound_pack.bin.

What to do if the vacuum cleaner has stopped responding?

If the robot does not show signs of life after the firmware: 1. Connect it to charging for 10 minutes. 2. Press the Reset button (usually under the lid) for 15 seconds. 3. If it does not help, then run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode (disassembly and connection to test contacts is required).

Alternatives to mat: how to diversify alerts legally

If the goal is to just surprise guests or add some humor, there are safer ways to do this:

🎤 Write down your words (via Mi Home) such as: "Attention, start cleaning, don't interfere with it!»
🎶 Musical alerts: Some firmware (like Valetudo) allow you to put melodies instead of voice messages.
🤖 Voice assistants. Connect the vacuum cleaner to Alice or Google Assistant and customize custom responses through scripts.
📱 Push notifications. Mi Home allows you to turn off voice alerts and receive messages on your phone.

For example, a Reddit user named @RobotHacker replaced the standard phrases of his Viomi V3 with quotes from "Rick and Morty," the effect was as amusing as the mat, but without the risks of being blocked.

💡

If you want truly unique alerts, use ElevenLabs to generate voice phrases with AI. Upload the received files to Mi Home as custom alerts.

Legal and Technical Implications: What to Expect

Changing the firmware of the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner violates several points of the user agreement:

📜 Item 4.2: Prohibition of Software Modification.
📜 Item 7.3: Liability for damage caused by unauthorized modifications.
📜 Item 9.1: The right of the company to block devices with custom software.

In practice, this means:

🔒 Blocking of the Mi Home account (according to the data) 4PDA, occurs in 15% of cases).
🛠️ Denial of warranty repair (even if the breakdown is not related to firmware).
🚨 Fines for mat in public places (up to 2,500 in Russia) ₽ Article 20.1 of the Administrative Code).

In 2023, a St. Petersburg user sued Xiaomi after blocking its Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P vacuum cleaner for custom firmware, and the lawsuit was dismissed because the software modification was found to be a violation of the license agreement.

⚠️ Attention: If a vacuum cleaner with a hard firmware is removed in a public place (such as an office or hotel), you may receive a complaint from other people, and in extreme cases, this can not only be a fine, but also confiscate the device as a source of public order.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I return standard phrases after the firmware?

Yes, but the process depends on the modification method: If you used Valetudo, go back to the standard firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. sound_pack.bin — Sweep the original file back. 30% In this case, a complete discharge is required through EDL-Mode (needs soldering iron and test contacts).

Will the vacuum cleaner work without connecting to the Mi Home after the firmware?

Depends on the firmware: Valetudo – works completely autonomously, but cloud functions (internet management, cleaning cards) are lost. sound_pack.bin — Vacuum will remain in the Mi Home ecosystem, but the risk of blocking will increase.

Can I use the stainless stain on iOS?

No. Firmware requires ADB (Android) or Python scripts (PC) on iPhones, which is impossible to do because of Apple's limitations. The alternative is to rent a cloud-based Windows PC over Shadow PC or AWS.

Which Xiaomi models don’t support phrase change?

List of “impenetrable” models (2026): Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S (closed firmware); Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite (Mi Home Secure protection); Dreame Bot D10 Plus (hardware change lock).

Can I use the mat in alerts if the vacuum cleaner only works at home?

Technically, yes, but: If the vacuum cleaner is connected to the Mi Home, the system can analyze audio files and lock the device. If you shoot a video with a "dumb" vacuum cleaner and post it on social media, your account can be banned for distributing obscene language (for example, YouTube deletes such videos for complaints).

💡

Any modification of the firmware of the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner is a game of Russian roulette. Even if everything works today, tomorrow the update can lock the device forever.