How to reflash the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: official and custom methods

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners regularly receive firmware updates that improve cleaning algorithms, add new features (such as zoning or carpet recognition), and fix bugs. However, a standard update through the Mi Home app isn’t always available — especially for older models or devices with regional limitations.

This article covers all the current ways to update the firmware for Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Dreame and other derivatives of the brand. We will analyze the official methods through the application, manual updates through the app. USB-OTG, and open source alternative firmware (e.g. Valetudo), with particular attention to the risks of device breeze when the firmware is incorrect and how to restore it.

Before you start, make sure your model supports the chosen method – some vacuum cleaners (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum) 1S) They have protection from third-party firmware, and for Dreame D9 If you're a beginner, start with an official update, which is the safest way.

1.Why update the firmware of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner?

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for its devices, but not all of them reach users automatically. Here are the key reasons why it is worth updating the firmware:

• 🚀 New features: Adding support LDS-Maps 2.0 (for precise mapping), object recognition, integration with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.
• 🔄 Fixing bugs: Fixing charging problems, accidental stops during cleaning, or Wi-Fi connection errors.
• 🛡️ Security: Closing vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access a device via a local area network.
• ⚡ Performance: Optimizing cleaning algorithms (e.g. more efficient zoning or carpeting).

For example, in the firmware 3.5.8_003024 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro added support for automatic lifting of the mop on the carpets, and in 2.7.7_002118 for Dreame D9 We fixed the bug that freezes when you return to base, and without the update, these features will not be available.

⚠️ Note: Updating the firmware on modified software models (for example, after installing Valetudo) may lead to loss of root access and the need to re-unblock.

If your vacuum cleaner is stable, but you want to get new features – check the current firmware version in the Mi Home app (Device Settings section). → Compare it to the latest versions on Xiaomi's official website or forums like this. 4PDA.

2. Official Update via Mi Home app

The easiest and safest way is to upgrade through a proprietary app, which is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum. 1S, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and Dreame Bot L10 Pro. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Settings → About the device → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and confirm the action.
4. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-15 minutes) and the vacuum cleaner will restart automatically.

Important: during the upgrade, do not turn off the vacuum cleaner and make sure that it is connected to the charging base. If the update is interrupted, the device may stop responding to commands.

⚠️ Note: On regionally-referenced models (e.g., the Chinese version for the domestic market), the upgrade via Mi Home may lock the device if it has been “flashed” to another region.

If there is no update button in the app, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the vacuum cleaner to the application (remove and add again).
• 🌍 Change the region in Mi Home to China (Mainland China) – sometimes updates appear earlier.
• 📶 Connect the vacuum cleaner to a 5 GHz network (some models are not updated through 2.4 GHz).

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Officially upgrading via Mi Home is the most reliable method, but may not be available for grey devices or older models.

3. Manual update through USB-OTG (power-user)

If the official update is not available, you can manually sew the vacuum cleaner through USB-OTG. This method works for most models. Xiaomi/Dreame, But you need to follow the instructions exactly:

• 🔌 USB-OTG Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB, depending on the vacuum cleaner model).
• 💾 A flash drive. FAT32 (up to 32 GB, formatted in FAT32).
• 📁 Firmware file in.pkg format (download from the official website or verified sources).

Instructions:

Download the firmware for your model|Format the flash drive into FAT32|Copy the firmware file into the root of the flash drive|Connect OTG-vacuum-cleaner-->

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website or trusted forums (for example, 4PDA). The file name must be consistent with the model (e.g, mirobot_vacuum_v18.pkg).
2. Connect the flash drive to the computer, format it in FAT32 and copy the firmware file to the root folder (not nested!).
3. Turn off the vacuum cleaner, plug the flash drive through USB-OTG port adapter on the case (usually located under the cover next to the switch button).
4. Hold the switch on for 5-10 seconds until you hear an audible signal (or the update indicator lights up).
5. Wait for the process to be completed (about 10-20 minutes) and the vacuum cleaner will restart automatically.

If the vacuum cleaner does not respond to the flash drive:

• 🔄 Try another one. USB-OTG Adapter (some models require powered adapters).
• 📁 Rename the firmware file to update.pkg (sometimes helps).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is at least 30 times charged%.

4. Alternative firmware: Valetudo and others

For advanced users who want to take full control of the vacuum cleaner, there are custom firmware like Valetudo that allow you to:

• 🔓 Remove dependence on the Xiaomi cloud (work without the Internet).
• 📊 Get detailed logs of cleaning and maps of premises.
• 🛠️ Adjust parameters manually (for example, suction force or speed of movement).

However, installing custom firmware has risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• ⚠️ Possible "brick" (breakdown) with firmware error.
• ⚠️ Not all functions can work correctly (for example, voice assistant).

Instructions for installation of Valetudo:

1. Get root access to the vacuum cleaner through a vulnerability (e.g. Dustcloud for older models).
2. Connect to the vacuum cleaner SSH (use IP-device address on the local network).
3. Run the command to install: wget -O - https://install.valetudo.cloud | shttps
4. After installation, restart the vacuum cleaner and connect to the Valetudo web interface at the address http://[IP_vacuumer].

Supported models for Valetudo:

• ✅ Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S (firmware 33xx newer).
• ✅ Dreame D9 (Requires a modified loader).
• ❌ Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (No Support for the Retailer).

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Before installing Valetudo, back up the original firmware via the dd if command.=/dev/mtdblock0 of=/tmp/mtd0.bin — This will help restore the device in case of failure.

5.Vacility recovery after failed firmware

If the vacuum cleaner stopped turning on or got stuck during the upgrade phase, don't panic - in most cases it can be restored.

Method 1: Emergency recovery via service cable

It's gonna take a while. UART-TTL adapter (e.g, CP2102) and the PuTTY or Screen program (for the Linux/Mac).

1. Connect the adapter to the contacts TX, RX and GND on the board of the vacuum cleaner (see the soldering 4PDA for your model).
2. Start the terminal at 115200 bp and interrupt the loading (press any key in the first 3 seconds).
3. Enter the recovery command: loady 0x80000000 tftp 0x80000000 recovery.bin (file recovery.bin should lie on TFTP-server on your network).

Method 2: Recovery through Test Mode

Some models: Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S, Dreame D9) have a hidden test mode:

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner.
2. Hold the buttons Home. + Meals for 10 seconds until the white light lights up.
3. Connect to the vacuum cleaner via Wi-Fi (access point will appear automatically) and download the firmware through the web interface 192.168.1.1.

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner does not respond to buttons and is not determined by USB, It's possible that the memory chip is damaged, and that would require soldering or chip replacement at the service center.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you flash it, you're faced with typical problems, and here's how to solve them:

If the error is not listed in the table, check the update logs.

1. Connect to the vacuum cleaner SSH (if there is access).
2. Follow the command: cat /tmp/update.log
3. Publish a log on the forum 4PDA or in the Telegram chat support Xiaomi.

7 Compatibility of firmware with different models

Not all firmware is suitable for all vacuum cleaners. for example, the firmware from Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S It won't work on Dreame. D9, Even if they look similar, below is the compatibility table:

Always check before the firmware:

• 🔍 Exact name of the model (on the sticker under the cover).
• 📋 Current firmware version (in the Mi Home app).
• 🔗 Reviews on forums about the selected firmware.

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A different firmware can turn a vacuum cleaner into a brick. Always check the compatibility chart!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions