How to reflash the vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are some of the most popular smart home devices, but even they require periodic software updates. Flashing can solve navigation problems, add new features (such as zoning or integration with Home Assistant), and sometimes “reanimate” a got stuck machine. However, the process has nuances, from choosing the right version of the software to the risk of turning a vacuum cleaner into a “brick”.

In this article, we will discuss all the current flashing methods for Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame and Viomi models (including old and new versions), as well as how to avoid typical errors. If your vacuum cleaner is glitching, does not respond to the application or requires root access for fine-tuning, here you will find proven solutions.

When you need flashing: signs and reasons

Not every vacuum cleaner problem requires a firmware update. First, check out the simpler solutions:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings (via a button on the case or in the Mi Home app).
• 📱 Reinstall the app – sometimes bugs are linked to the phone’s cache.
• 🔌 Checking the charging station – unstable power supply can cause failures.

If these methods do not help, flashing may be necessary in the following cases:

• 🤖 Vacuum does not respond to commands from the app, but physical buttons work.
• 🗺️ The map of the room is built incorrectly or the device is “lost” in space.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged quickly (sometimes it is treated with an update of power management algorithms).
• 🚫 Device locked after failed update "over the air» (OTA).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi vacuum cleaner is released before 2019 (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1), official updates for it are no longer coming out.

Before you start, make sure that the problem is the firmware, for example, if the vacuum cleaner does not return to the base, the cause may be contaminated sensors or mechanical damage.

Official update via Mi Home: the safest way

If your vacuum cleaner is still supported by the manufacturer, the first thing you should do is upgrade through the company’s app, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Dreame and Viomi models released after 2018.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the charging station and make sure the battery charge is ≥50%.
2. Open the Mi Home app (or Dreame/Viomi for the respective brands).
3. Go to the device section → Settings → Update the firmware.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (usually 10–30 minutes).

During the upgrade, do not turn off the vacuum cleaner from the power supply or close the application. If the process is interrupted, the device may stop turning on.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Dreame) Z10 Pro) may reset the account after the update. Save a backup of the room maps in advance if this feature is available in your application.

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Official updates via Mi Home are the most reliable method, but they don’t always add new features, and advanced features (such as integration with Home Assistant) will require custom firmware.

Handheld firmware via USB: for experienced users

If automatic updates are not available or you want to install alternative software (like Valetudo for local management), you will need manual firmware via USB-OTG or UART. This method is suitable for models based on Mediatek or Realtek chips.

What you need:

• 🔌 USB-OTG cable (to connect the flash drive to the vacuum cleaner).
• 💾 Flash drive. FAT32 (up to 32 GB, formatted).
• 📁 Firmware file (official or custom, for example, Dustcloud).
• 🔧 Screwdriver for port access (on some models).

Instructions:

1. Download firmware from the official Xiaomi website or a trusted source (for example, DustBuilder for custom builds).
2. Place the firmware file (usually with the.pkg or.bin extension) in the root of the flash drive. Rename it miio.bin (for some models).
3. Connect the flash drive to the vacuum cleaner via USB-OTG (the port is usually hidden under a lid or rubber plug).
4. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes (update mode).
5. Wait until the end (the vacuum cleaner will emit an audible signal or the indicator will turn green).

On Dreame models (e.g. D9), manual firmware may require disassembling the case and connecting to UART contacts via a USB-TTL adapter. This is a risky process - without experience it is better to contact specialists.

Download the correct firmware version for your model |

Check file integrity (MD5-hash)|

Format the flash drive in FAT32|

Charge the vacuum cleaner to 100%|

Prepare a screwdriver for access to the port (if necessary)

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Castom firmware: Valetudo, Dustcloud and others

Xiaomi’s official software often limits functionality: for example, without a cloud server, you can’t manage the vacuum cleaner locally or integrate it with Home Assistant. Alternative firmware solves these problems, but requires unlocking the bootloader and carries risks.

Popular custom firmware:

• 🌐 Valetudo – open source with web interface, supports most models Xiaomi/Dreame.
• ☁️ Dustcloud – an alternative to the Mi Home cloud, allows you to manage a vacuum cleaner without Chinese servers.
• 🔧 OpenDreame – firmware for Dreame devices with advanced map and zone settings.

How to install Valetudo:

1. Download the latest version of Valetudo for your model.
2. Unpack the archive and place the files on the flash drive (the folder structure must be saved!).
3. Connect the flash drive to the vacuum cleaner and start the firmware mode (see the previous section).
4. After installation, connect to the vacuum cleaner IP-address via browser (for example, http://192.168.1.123).

Valetudo allows:

• 🗺️ Editing room maps without the cloud.
• 🔒 Blocking Xiaomi’s access to your data.
• 🤖 Set up a cleaning schedule through a local network.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and may cause unstable operation of the device. Some models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P) require soldering contacts. UART.

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Before installing custom software, back up the original firmware! You can use the rrtool utility (for Realtek chips) or mtkclient (for Mediatek).

Recovery after a failed firmware ("bricking")

If the vacuum cleaner stopped turning on after the upgrade, do not panic - in 80% of cases it can be "resuscitated" the main thing is to identify a typical symptom:

• 🔴 Red indicator is on – problem with the loader.
• 🟢 Blinking green - firmware is damaged, but the loader is working.
• ⚫ No response to buttons – the power controller may have burned.

Recovery methods:

1. Hard reset: Hold the power button for 30 seconds (sometimes helps when you freeze).
2. UART Flashing: Disassemble the vacuum cleaner and connect to TX/RX/GND contacts (you need a USB-TTL adapter). Use Python scripts like xvr or mirobo to fill the firmware.

Calling the service:

Xiaomi

For models on the Realtek RTL8710BN chip (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1), you can use the rrtool utility:

rrtool -p /dev/ttyUSB0 -b 115200 -f firmware.bin --erase --write

⚠️ Note: If the vacuum cleaner does not respond even to the connection UART, Most likely, the flash drive is damaged (for example, Winbond). 25Q128). In this case, it will need to be replaced by a soldering station.

Models with and without support for flashing

Not all Xiaomi vacuum cleaners can be reflashed. Here is a brief guide to compatibility:

For an accurate model definition, check the sticker under the vacuum cleaner cover or in the Mi Home app (Device About section).

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Vacuum cleaners on Mediatek MT7688 chips (such as the Dreame Z10 Pro) are harder to stitch because of a closed bootloader, often requiring soldering or exploits.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when they reflash, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔌 Incorrect firmware file: Make sure you download the software for your model (for example, the firmware from Mi Robot Vacuum 2 is not suitable for Dreame). D9).
• 💾 Incorrect format of the flash drive: Use only FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS).
• ⚡ Interrupting the process: If the vacuum cleaner turns off during firmware, there is a high risk of damage to the loader.
• 🔧 No backup: Always keep the original firmware before experimenting.

If after firmware vacuum cleaner began to behave strangely (for example, does not build a map or constantly reboots), try:

1. Return the original firmware.
2. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Reset in the application).
3. Check the integrity of the firmware files (compare) MD5-hash).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions