How to sew a vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Mi: official and alternative methods

Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum cleaners regularly receive firmware updates that improve cleaning algorithms, add new features (such as zoning or carpet recognition), and fix bugs. The firmware "hangs" by 99%, the vacuum cleaner ceases to respond to commands or completely refuses to update through the Mi Home application. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of firmware - from the official OTA-Update to manual reflashing through ADB MiRobo.

It's important to understand that the wrong firmware can turn a vacuum cleaner into a brick. For example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P have different versions of chipsets, and firmware from one version to another will lead to failure, we will detail how to avoid such errors, where to download official and custom firmware, and what to do if the update went wrong.

Why you need to update the firmware of the Xiaomi Mi vacuum cleaner

The manufacturer releases updates for a reason: each new version of the firmware solves specific problems:

• 🔄 Fixing bugs: fixing charging problems, navigation errors (such as when a vacuum cleaner is “lost” in a room) or failures when connecting to Wi-Fi.
• 📍 Improved mapping: more accurate scanning of the room, support for several floors (for models with a high-performance model) LDS-sensor).
• 🧹 New cleaning modes: adding wet cleaning functions, adjusting the suction force or schedules by zone.
• 🔒 Security: Closing vulnerabilities through which attackers could access the device via a local network.

For example, in the firmware 3.5.8_004036 For Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro added support for automatic lifting of the mop on the carpets, and in 3.3.9_003211 We fixed a bug that didn't bring the vacuum cleaner back to base when it was low, and if you skip those updates, you run the risk of running into unstable operation.

⚠️ Warning: Some users are refusing updates for fear of breaking the vacuum cleaner, but older firmware may contain critical vulnerabilities. For example, in 2022, a flaw in firmware prior to version 3.3.5 was discovered, allowing hackers to remotely control a vacuum cleaner through a vulnerability in the MiIO protocol.

But not all updates are useful. There are times when a new firmware makes the device worse, for example, after upgrading to a new firmware. 3.5.6_003987 Some Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essentials owners have complained about excessive fan noise, and in such situations, you can roll back to the previous version (we will discuss this below).

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the update

Before you start the firmware, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Check the current firmware version. To do this, open the Mi Home app, select your vacuum cleaner and go to Settings → About the device → Write down the number, and you'll need it if you need to roll back.
2. Charge the vacuum cleaner to 100%. If the charge is below 50%, the device may shut down during firmware, causing irreparable damage to the loader.
3. Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Use a 2.4GHz network (Xiaomi vacuum cleaners do not support 5GHz). If the signal is weak, place the router closer to the vacuum cleaner.
4. Make sure there are no foreign objects near the docking station - the vacuum cleaner should be free to return to charging.

We also recommend:

• 📱 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version in Google Play or App Store.
• 🔌 Use the original power supply. Cheap chargers can give unstable voltages, which will cause firmware to fail.
• 📡 Shut down. VPN Proxies on your phone – they can block access to Xiaomi servers.

⚠️ Note: If your vacuum cleaner was purchased in China (version) CN), If you use it in Russia, before firmware be sure to change the region in Mi Home to Russia. otherwise the device can get firmware with limited functionality (for example, without support for Russian language).

Method 1: Officially Update via Mi Home (OTA)

The easiest and safest method is to upgrade over the air, OTA). Xiaomi releases updates every 1 to 3 months:

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.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

During the vacuum cleaner upgrade:

• 🔄 Reboot 1-2 times.
• 📶 You may temporarily disconnect from Wi-Fi (don’t be afraid – it’s okay).
• 🔊 It will beep at the end of the call.

If the Update button is inactive or absent, the reasons may be as follows:

If the update is “hanging” during the booting phase, try:

1. Reboot the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Remove the device from Mi Home and add it again.
3. Change the region in the app to China and try again.

💡

OTA-Updating is the safest method, but it only works for official firmware. If you want to install custom or roll back on the old version, use alternative methods.

Method 2: Manual firmware via MiRobo (for power users)

If OTA-Update is not available or you want to install custom firmware (for example, Valetudo for full control without the Xiaomi cloud), you will need the MiRobo utility.This method is suitable for models based on the STMicroelectronics chipset (most Xiaomi vacuum cleaners after 2019).

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows or Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (usually Micro-USB or Type-C, depending on the model).
• 📁 Firmware in.pkg format (official or custom).
• 🛠️ MiRobo (you can download it on GitHub).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the computer through USB. Some models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) will require you to open the lid and connect to the service port (usually located next to the battery).
2. Install drivers for the STMicroelectronics chipset (unless Windows finds them automatically).
3. Run MiRobo and select the connection port (for example, COM3).
4. Press Connect and wait for the connection (the vacuum cleaner should emit an audible signal).
5. In the Firmware section, select the firmware file (.pkg) and click Flash.
6. Wait for the process to be completed (about 10-20 minutes). USB!

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Not all custom firmware is compatible with the latest Mi Home versions. For example, Valetudo disables cloud synchronization, and the vacuum cleaner can only be controlled via a local network.
• ⚠️ Firmware through MiRobo resets all vacuum cleaner settings (maps, schedules, cleaning areas).

Method 3: Firmware through ADB (for advanced users)

The method is Android Debug Bridge (ADB) Suitable for Android Things vacuum cleaners (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 with display) This method allows you to install firmware in.zip format and get root access.

What do you need?

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📁 Firmware in.zip format (for example, LineageOS for vacuum cleaners).
• 🔧 The debugging mode on the vacuum cleaner is enabled.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode on the Vacuum: Go to Settings → About the device. Press 7 times on the build number. Go back to the settings and open for developers. Turn on debugging. USB.
2. Connect the vacuum cleaner to your computer and check the connection command: Adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
3. Reboot the vacuum cleaner in Fastboot: adb reboot bootloader mode
4. Firmware: fastboot flash system firmware.zip
5. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through ADB In addition, some custom firmware (such as Magisk for root) block updates through Mi Home.If you are not sure about your actions, you should use MiRobo.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Ability to install unofficial firmware with advanced functions.
• ✅ Full control of the device (e.g., disabling cloud telemetry).
• ✅ Possibility of rollback on any version of firmware.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Difficulty for beginners (command line knowledge required).
• ❌ Risk of “bricking” in the error in the commands.
• ❌ Loss of official Xiaomi support.

💡

Before the firmware through ADB Make the backup of the current firmware with the adb backup command -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab. This will help restore the device in case of failure.

What to do if the firmware went wrong: restore the vacuum cleaner

If the vacuum cleaner after the firmware:

• 🔴 Not included (only the red light is lit).
• 🔄 Located on the load (constantly rebooted).
• 📵 Not connected to Wi-Fi or Mi Home.

So, it's a failure. Here's how to fix it.

1.Reset to factory settings

If the vacuum cleaner is turned on, but it is not working stable:

1. Press the power button for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
2. After rebooting, the vacuum cleaner will create a new map of the room (the old one will be removed).

2.Recovery through MiRobo

If the vacuum cleaner does not respond to the buttons:

1. Connect it to your computer via USB.
2. Start MiRobo and try to flash the official firmware again.
3. If the device is not identified, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port.

3. Flashing through test points (for "bricks")

If the vacuum cleaner does not show signs of life, you will need soldering:

1. Disassemble the vacuum cleaner and find test points on the board (usually signed) TX, RX, GND).
2. Connect through them. USB-TTL adapter.
3. Use it. STM32 Cube Programmer for Firmware through UART.

⚠️ Attention: Flashing through test points requires soldering skills and soldering station skills. If you've never soldered chips, you'd better go to a service center.

If nothing helps, contact an authorized service center Xiaomi. mi.com/ru/service. Please note that the warranty does not cover damage caused by unofficial firmware.

Custom firmware for Xiaomi Mi: pros and cons

Many users install alternative firmware, such as:

• 🌐 Valetudo – open firmware that allows you to manage a vacuum cleaner without the Xiaomi cloud (all data is stored locally).
• 🛠️ OpenMiHome - modified version of Mi Home with advanced settings.
• 🔧 DustBuilder – firmware for fine-tuning cleaning algorithms (for example, changing the speed of movement or suction force).

Advantages of custom firmware:

How do you choose firmware?

• 🔹 If you want to be private, choose Valetudo.
• 🔹 If you want a fine-tuning of cleaning - DustBuilder.
• 🔹 If you want to keep compatibility with Mi Home, but add features – OpenMiHome.

Where to download:

• 📥 Valetudo: valetudo.cloud
• 📥 DustBuilder: GitHub
• 📥 OpenMiHome: 4PDA

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware often requires you to disable automatic updates in Mi Home, otherwise the official software may overwrite your firmware.

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