Firmware and reconfiguration of Xiaomi G1 to work with Mop

Xiaomi G1, also known as Roborock E4 or Mijia Robot Vacuum Mop Essential, can initially be tailored to the Chinese market or a specific region, which blocks access to full functionality in the Mi Home app. The topic of flashing is especially relevant for those who want to use the wet cleaning capabilities through the Mop interface or eliminate localization errors.

The process of changing the software of the device requires care. Flashing is not just an update, but a complete replacement of the system files that control the logic of the engine, sensors and Wi-Fi module. Wrong actions can cause the robot to stop responding to commands or lose communication with the server. However, following proven algorithms, you can unlock the hidden capabilities of your device.

In this article, we will explore the technicalities of switching to the right version of software, working with servers and configuring through the engineering menu. It is important to understand that software modification always carries risks, but for advanced users it is the only way to make the device work fully outside their home region. We will consider both software methods and hardware features of the connection.

Preparation of equipment and diagnosis of the current version

Before you start any manipulation of the code, you need to make a thorough diagnosis. You need to know exactly which version of firmware is installed at the moment, this can be done by opening the Mi Home application, selecting the device and going to the settings (three dots in the corner). In the "About the device" or "General Settings" section, the version number is displayed, for example, 3.5.8_0012.

It's critical to check the battery power. It's energy-intensive to write data to the controller chip. If the charge drops below 20 percent during the upgrade process, the process may be interrupted, causing the gadget to "fill up," connect the robot vacuum cleaner to the dock and make sure the light is even green or white.

⚠️ Warning: Never start flashing if the battery level is below 80%. interruption of system file writing can irreversibly damage the bootloader.

You will also need a stable Wi-Fi connection. The router should operate in the 2.4 GHz band, as the communication modules in the G1 series often do not support 5 GHz. Make sure that your smartphone and vacuum cleaner are on the same network and the signal is strong enough at the site.

Changing the region and preparing a Xiaomi account

One of the main reasons why users are looking for ways to “firmware” is the inability to add a device to the application if the account region does not match the region of the device, for example, the Chinese Xiaomi G1 will not see an account installed on “Russia” or “Germany”, the solution lies in the correct profile setting.

You will need to create an additional account in the Xiaomi ecosystem. When registering, select China region. It is on Chinese servers that profiles for devices intended for the domestic market are stored. After registering, log in to this account in the Mi Home app.

If your goal is to use the Mop app (or specialized wet cleaning plugins), make sure that the region you choose supports these features. Often, changing the region in your phone settings (without changing your account) does not work, since the binding goes to the server ID. Regional binding is tightly controlled at the server authorization level.

• 🌏 Open the Mi Home app settings.
• 👤 Click on the profile avatar in the upper left corner.
• 🔽 Select the "Settings" option (Settings).
• 📍 Click on "Region" and select the right country.

Once the region is changed, the app will restart. Now try adding the device again using pairing mode. If the robot is not in, you may need to reset the Wi-Fi settings on the device itself, holding both the power and return buttons to the base (or the Spot button, depending on the modification).

The procedure for updating and changing firmware

The update process itself can happen automatically if the server sees the device, but forcing the installation of the desired version (for example, to activate Mop functions) often requires a manual approach. The official application does not always offer a choice of version, so users resort to local updating methods.

To start, download the required firmware file (.pkg or.bin) from trusted sources corresponding to your G1 model. The file should be placed in the root directory of the memory card (if the model supports SD) or transmitted through the debugging interface if this is possible with the engineering menu. However, for most Xiaomi users, the method is available through hidden functions of the application.

In some cases, the interrupt method helps: run an official update, wait for a piece of data to load (about 10-15%), then abruptly turn off the Internet on the router. The system may try to restore the process by referring to a local cache where you can swap the file. But this method is risky and requires a precise matching of hash sums of files.

⚠️ Note: Use of firmware files from other models (e.g. from S50 or S5 Max is strictly prohibited, this will cause physical damage to the engine controller.

If the automatic methods do not work, there is an option using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) if the model allows USB-TTL connection. This requires disassembling the case and connecting to contact areas on the board. This method is only suitable for advanced users familiar with electronics.

Work with servers and DNS

Often the problem is not the firmware itself, but the routing of requests. The robot vacuum cleaner constantly calls home to the manufacturer's servers to check commands. If you are in a region where servers are blocked or slow, the device may behave incorrectly.

Use of third-party DNS-servers can help redirect traffic. You can prescribe DNS-Addresses in your router settings or directly in the application, if you have such an option (via plugins), a popular solution is to use servers that forward requests from Chinese devices to local servers.

This often requires the installation of a special plugin or the use of scripts on a router (for example, OpenWrt).

telnet 192.168.1.X 22

If port 22 or 23 is open, you can try to get root rights. However, in newer versions of Xiaomi G1 software, these ports are often closed, in which case, changing the DNS at the router level is the safest and most effective way to “deceive” the device’s geolocation.

Setting up the functionality of Mop and wet cleaning

After successful firmware or region change, you get new opportunities. Wet cleaning management (Mop) interfaces can vary depending on the software version. Global versions often have reduced functionality compared to the Chinese originals.

The Mi Home app will then have a map of the room, activate the Mop mode, install a water container, and the sensor in the dock station or the robot will detect the module and unlock the corresponding buttons in the interface.

The water intensity setting is critical for cleaning quality, with modified firmware allowing more flexibility to adjust the pump, allowing the Xiaomi G1 to be used not only for dust wiping, but also for full wet cleaning.

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Use only distilled water for the Mop tank.This will prevent scale from forming on the pump and prolong the life of the device, especially after flashing, when the warranty may be lost.

Error Resolving and Returning to Factory Settings

There may be errors in software experiments, such as the robot giving voice messages in Chinese, getting stuck around while building a map, or flashing an orange indicator all the time, most of which are aided by a full reset.

To perform the reset, find the Reset hole on the case (often paired with the power button or under the lid). Press and hold the paperclip for 10-15 seconds before the characteristic sound signal. The device will return to factory settings, saving only the basic firmware.

If the robot stops turning on (the indicators don't burn), try to wake the battery up, plug it into charging for a long time (up to 12 hours), sometimes after a deep discharge or software failure, the power controller takes time to recover.

⚠️ Warning: If the robot makes strange noises or moves randomly after flashing, stop using immediately, which may indicate that the engine drivers are incompatible with the new version of the software.

In case of complete loss of functionality (brick), recovery is possible only through the UART-It requires you to connect the soldering iron to the board and use it. USB-TTL It's a complex process that requires electronics skills.

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Successful firmware Xiaomi G1 gives access to full functionality, but requires accurate compliance with the versions of the software. Error in the selection of a file can lead to breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)