Reflashing of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: from official updates to custom firmware

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are some of the most popular smart cleaning devices, but even they require periodic software updates. Flashing can solve navigation problems, add new features (such as zoning or integration with Home Assistant), or even “resuscitate” a got stuck machine. However, the process is far from simple: wrong actions lead to a loss of warranty, errors in operation, or a complete failure of the device – so-called “bricking”.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways of flashing — from official updates through the Mi Home app to manual stitching through ADB or SSH. Particular attention will be paid to models with a Rockchip chip (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro), which are most often subjected to modifications, as well as the risks associated with informal firmware. If your vacuum cleaner after the update began to behave like a “leather bastard” (gluts, disobeys commands or drives in circles), here you will find a solution.

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware will void Xiaomi’s warranty. In some cases (e.g., Error 1010 error), recovery is only possible through a service center with a replacement motherboard.

1.What Xiaomi models can be reflashed?

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners support manual firmware. Most budget models (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 1S) are updated only through the official application, while flagship devices based on the Rockchip RK3308 or MT7688 allow custom firmware installation.

✅ Tip: Before you run the firmware, check the version of your model's chipset:

1. Turn the vacuum cleaner over and find a sticker with the serial number.
2. Enter the number on the Mi Verify website – the results will indicate the platform.

⚠️ Note: Models on a STMicroelectronics chip (e.g, 1S Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2 is not designed for manual firmware. Attempts to modify often end in an Error 502 error (loader incompatibility).

2. Official update via Mi Home: step-by-step instructions

The safest way to update your firmware is to use the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new models), which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills.

• 🔄 Updates come in waves – your device may not see the new version right away.
• 📶 Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz).
• 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 50%.
• ⏳ The process takes 10 to 30 minutes – don’t interrupt it!

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (the vacuum cleaner will restart automatically).

Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Connect the vacuum cleaner to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi|Close all background apps on your phone|Do not use a vacuum cleaner during the upgrade-->

❓ What to do if the update is suspended?

If the process stops at the Preparation for Update stage for more than 20 minutes:

1. Reboot the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Check your internet connection (turn off VPN).
3. Try again in 1-2 hours.

Manual update via USB: for power users

If the official update does not come or you want to install the beta version of the software, you can manually sew the vacuum cleaner through the USB-This method works for most Rockchip models, but it takes care.

What you need:

• 🖥️ USB-flash-drive (FAT32, 32GB).
• 📁 Firmware file in.pkg format (download only from miuirom.org or XDA Developers).
• 🔌 Screwdriver to open the cover (for some models).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, mop_2_pro_2.7.8_0123.pkg).
2. Rename the file to update.pkg and copy it to the root of the flash drive.
3. Turn off the vacuum cleaner and insert the flash drive into USB-port (usually located under the cover).
4. Hold the Reset (or Home) button and turn on the vacuum cleaner.
5. Wait for the sound signal (2 short squeaks) - this means the beginning of the firmware.
6. After restarting (5-10 minutes), remove the flash drive.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro contain a region-lock (for example, only for China.

4. Alternative firmware: Valetudo and Dustcloud

Xiaomi’s official software has limitations: mandatory cloud binding, no local management, in-app advertising. Alternative firmware like Valetudo or Dustcloud solves these problems, but requires unlocking the bootloader and ADB skills.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🌐 Local management without the cloud Xiaomi.
• 📊 Extended cleaning maps (zoning, virtual walls).
• 🔧 Support for Home Assistant and MQTT.
• ⚡ Removal of suction power limitations.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
• 🔄 Difficulty of rollback to official software.
• 🛠️ Error risk (e.g., Error 1010 – damage to the bootloader).

How to install Valetudo:

1. Get root access to the vacuum cleaner through a vulnerability in the firmware (instructions are available on GitHub).
2. Connect to the vacuum cleaner SSH (IP-address can be found on the router).
3. Run the command: wget -O - https://install.valetudo.cloud | bash
4. After installation, restart the device.

💡

Before installing Valetudo, make the backup of the official firmware with the command dd if=/dev/mtdblock0 of=/tmp/mtdblock0.backup. This will help restore the vacuum cleaner in the event of a failure.

5. Firmware errors and their correction

Even when you follow instructions, you can get errors, and the following are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

🔧 If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after firmware:

1. Hold the power button for 20 seconds (reset).
2. Try flashing it again via USB.
3. If it doesn’t help, contact the service (you may need a soldering iron to restore NAND).

💡

The most common reason for "bricking" is an interrupted update. If the vacuum cleaner is getting stuck during the firmware stage, in no case pull the flash drive and turn off the power to the beep (2 squeak).

6. How to return the official firmware after custom?

If you're disappointed with Valetudo or other alternative firmware, you can return the stockware.

For Rockchip vacuum cleaners (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro):

1. Download the official firmware from the Xiaomi website (for example, mop_2_pro_2.7.5_0000.pkg).
2. Rename it to update.pkg and flash it via USB (as in Section 3).
3. If the vacuum cleaner does not respond, use the Rockchip Batch Tool (requires disassembly and USB-TypeC connection).

For vacuum cleaners on the MT7688 (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P):

• Recovery is possible only through UART (soldier iron required).
• Please check out the instructions in the 4PDA forums.

⚠️ Warning: After returning to the official firmware, you may need to reset to factory settings (hold Reset for 10 seconds.

7. Should Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner be stitched?

The decision to reflash depends on your goals:

• ✅ Switch official software if you want stability and security.
• ⚙️ Install custom firmware if you need advanced features (local management, integration with Home Assistant).
• ❌ Don’t stitch unless you are confident in your skills – the risk of “bricking” is high.

💡 Begin with the official betas (they appear in Mi Home for test participants) and let you try out new features without risk to the device.

💡

Valetudo-type castor firmware is ideal for smart home enthusiasts, but requires manual customization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the firmware of robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi