Sweeping Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner with an iPhone is a task that at first glance seems impossible due to the limitations of iOS. APK-file-use ADB, Apple owners have to find workarounds, but there are ways — and they work even for Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame or Viomi models with locked boots.
In this article, we’ll break down three proven methods of iPhone firmware (including bypassing the limitations of iOS 17+), tell you how to avoid bricking the device when you interrupt the process through Mi Home, and give you a checklist for preparation. And also a table of compatibility models of vacuum cleaners and firmware versions, which you will not find in the official documentation of Xiaomi.
Why is iPhone firmware more difficult than Android?
The main problem lies in the architecture of iOS: the system does not allow you to install third-party applications outside the App Store, blocks access to the file system and limits the work with the user. USB-And as a result, it's the ports:
- 🚫 It is impossible to connect the vacuum cleaner to the iPhone directly via cable (no support) OTG for Lightning/USB-C).
- 🚫 The Mi Home app in the App Store often lags behind the Android version in functionality (for example, there is no manual firmware selection).
- 🚫 No official support ADB Fastboot – key tools for firmware.
But there are workarounds, like using an intermediate device (a laptop, an Android smartphone, or even a Raspberry Pi), cloud services, or special web interfaces, the key is to prepare properly.
Method 1: Firmware via Mi Home (official method)
The safest, but also the most limited, option, suitable for firmware updates (not for downgrade or custom versions!). Importantly, Mi Home on iOS often doesn't show the update button, even if there is a new version. Here's how to make it appear:
- Open Mi Home and go to your vacuum cleaner section.
- Slip on the three points in the upper right corner → Settings of the device.
- Scroll down to the Firmware Update (if not, see spoiler below).
- If the update is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (the vacuum cleaner will restart 2-3 times).
What to do if the "Firmware Update" button is not available?
Limitations of the method:
- ⚠️ No option to select the firmware version (only the latest official version).
- ⚠️ If the vacuum cleaner is already on custom firmware, Mi Home can block it after the update.
- ⚠️ There is no downgrade (downgrade) feature on iOS).
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If the vacuum cleaner is stuck in the refresh phase (red lights are on), disconnect it from the network for 10 minutes, then turn it on again. 80% of the time, the process will resume automatically.
Method 2: Firmware through a cloud token (for experienced)
This method is suitable for installing custom firmware (for example, Valetudo or modified versions from Dreame) without physically connecting to the vacuum cleaner.
- 🔑 Your vacuum cleaner token (how to get it – see below).
- 🌐 Access to a web interface (e.g. DustBuilder).
- 📱 iPhone with Safari or Chrome browser.
Step-by-step:
- Get a vacuum cleaner token: Download Packet Capture from the App Store (or use HTTP Toolkit on your PC). Run traffic capture, open Mi Home and send any command to the vacuum cleaner (such as "Start Cleaning"). In the logs, search for a request to api.io.mi.com - the token will be in the token setting.
DustBuilder
Mi Home
Get a vacuum cleaner token | Check firmware compatibility with model | Download backup of current firmware | Disconnect vacuum cleaner from other devices during the process
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Warnings:
⚠️ Note: If the token is compromised (for example, you publish it in the public domain), attackers will be able to control your vacuum cleaner. 1Password KeePass).
⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (for example, Valetudo) RE) They require unlocking the bootloader. For Xiaomi models, this can only be done through an Android device with a single boot. ADB.
Method 3: Firmware through an intermediate device (laptop or Android)
If the first two methods don't work, you have an intermediate device, so you can, for example,
- 💻 Use a laptop with Windows/macOS Mi Robot Tool.
- 📱 Take a friend’s Android smartphone (even for 1 hour) and flash through ADB.
- 🖥️ Rent a cloud-based Android device (services like BrowserStack or Genymotion).
Instructions for laptop (Windows/macOS):
- Download the Mi Robot Tool (or DustBuilder Desktop)
- Connect the vacuum cleaner to the laptop via a USB-OTG adapter (for models with a Micro-USB or USB-C connector).
- Start the program, select a firmware file (.pkg or.bin) and follow the instructions.
How to Switch through Someone Else’s Android Smartphone:
- Install the Mi Home and ADB Runner on your Android device.
- Connect the vacuum cleaner over Wi-Fi (it should be on the same network with the smartphone).
- V ADB Runner: Adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.smarthome/.plugin.PLUGIN_MAIN (This will open a hidden firmware menu).
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If you don't have access to an Android device, use an emulator (BlueStacks or NoxPlayer). USB-Devices – check the emulator settings.
Table of compatibility of firmware and models of vacuum cleaners
Not all firmware is suitable for all models, and the following is the current compatibility table (June 2026):
| Model vacuum cleaner | Official firmware (Mi Home) | Valetudo RE | Dreame Custom | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (requires unlocking) | ❌ No. | Supports OTA-update |
| Dreame D9 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (best choice) | For custom firmware need a token |
| Viomi V3 | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes, version 3.5.8 only.+) | Not compatible with Valetudo because of a different chip |
| Mi Robot Vacuum 1S | ✅ Yes (last version is 3.5.5) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | Supports downgrade to 3.3.9 |
⚠️ Important: Dreame and Viomi firmware are not interchangeable with Xiaomi — even if the models look similar.
Typical errors and their solutions
Firmware vacuum cleaners through the iPhone often come with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔴 Mi Home Unable to Connect: Check that the vacuum cleaner and iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (not mobile data!). Reboot the router and vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 10 seconds). Remove the device from Mi Home and add again.
- 🔴 The firmware is 0% or 100% frozen: Don't turn the vacuum cleaner off! Wait 30 to 60 minutes. If the indicator flashes red, reset: press and hold the power buttons + Home 15 seconds.
- 🔴 After the firmware is done, the vacuum cleaner does not turn on: It may be a brick (unworkable state). USB (If it doesn't work, contact the service (specify that the firmware was "official").
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If the vacuum cleaner after firmware behaves strangely (for example, does not see the map or constantly reboots), make a reset to the factory settings: in Mi Home, select Settings → Reset device.
How to return the factory firmware if something went wrong
If you've been experimenting with custom firmware, you can return the stock firmware to the vacuum cleaner.
- Download the official firmware for your model from the MiuiROM website (Robot Vacuum section).
- Connect the vacuum cleaner to an Android device or PC via USB.
- Use the Mi Robot Tool or DustBuilder to install the stock firmware (select Force Flash option).
- After the firmware, reset the settings in Mi Home.
Important: Some models (like the Dreame D10) block the return to stock firmware if the bootloader has been unlocked, in which case only contacting the Xiaomi service center will help.