Xiaomi vacuum cleaner firmware on the “mat”: how to unlock hidden modes without the risk of “bricking”

The firmware of Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner on the so-called “mat” is an informal software change that allows you to unlock hidden functions, from increasing the suction power to disabling geo-restrictions to adding support for third-party cards. However, this process is fraught with risks, from loss of warranty to complete failure of the device. In this article, we will analyze which models support such modifications, how to prepare for firmware, and what alternatives exist for those who are not willing to take risks.

It’s important to understand that the term “firmware on mat” is the slang name for the process of installing custom firmware (for example, Valetudo, DustBuilder or modified versions of the original software). Such firmware is often created by enthusiasts and distributed on forums like 4PDA or GitHub. But before you start, check whether your model is suitable for modification – not all Xiaomi vacuum cleaners (including the Dreame and Viomi sub-brands) support such changes.

If you've never done a smart firmware thing before, start by learning the basics of what ADB is, how fastboot works, and why it's important to back up your original firmware. Without that knowledge, the chances of turning a vacuum cleaner into a brick are so much greater. Now, let's get to the details.

What models of Xiaomi vacuum cleaners can be sewn on the “mat”?

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners support unofficial firmware, and here are some models that have already been developed by enthusiasts (the data is up for 2026):

• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (including global and Chinese versions)
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P (modifications with laser rangefinder)
• 🔹 Dreame D9 dreame Z10 Pro (popular among modifiers)
• 🔹 Viomi V2 Pro and Viomi V3 (Additional adapters are required for the firmware)
• 🔹 Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S (Older model, but with an active community)

For other models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite or Dreame F9) custom firmware is either missing or in the testing stage.Be sure to check compatibility on profile resources such as:

• 🌐 Forum 4PDA (section “Robot vacuum cleaners»)
• 🌐 Valetudo repository on GitHub
• 🌐 Telegram chats on the modification of smart equipment Xiaomi

⚠️ Note: Firmware models with new chips (e.g. Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra 2023)+ The manufacturer is actively fighting against unofficial modifications, embedding protection at the bootloader level.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Firmware vacuum cleaner on the "mat" is not just downloading a file and pressing a button, it depends on the correct preparation of whether your device will remain functional.

Download the original firmware (backup)

Check the battery (minimum 50%)

Connect the vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi with access to the local network

Install drivers for USB-debugging (if required)

Disable antivirus (can block firmware files)

Prepare a USB-OTG adapter (for some models)

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Pay special attention to the backup of the original firmware. Without it, it will be extremely difficult to restore the device in the event of a failure. Use utilities like MiHome Hack or DustBuilder Tool to create a backup. Backup instructions are usually attached to custom firmware.

Also check the current version. Some firmware only works with certain versions of the original software.

1. In the Mi Home app: go to Device → Settings → About the program.
2. Through voice assistant: say "firmware version".
3. On the device body: Some models display the version when turned on (press and hold the power button for 5 seconds).

⚠️ Note: If your vacuum cleaner has been updated through official software in the last 3 months, there is a high probability that the manufacturer has blocked the possibility of downgrade.

Step-by-step: how to sew Xiaomi vacuum cleaner on the “mat”

The firmware process varies depending on the model, but the overall scheme looks like this:

1. Unlock bootloader (if required) This often requires obtaining an unlock token through special services (e.g., Xiaomi Unlock Tool).
2. Install drivers to connect the vacuum cleaner to your PC. Use MiFlash or ADB drivers.
3. USB connection: Most vacuum cleaners require a USB-OTG connection to a service port (usually located under the cover).
4. Download custom firmware. Popular options: 📁 Valetudo – open source software for full control of the vacuum cleaner. 📁 DustBuilder - modified firmware with advanced settings. 📁 OpenMower – for models with lawn mowing function (if applicable).

Firmware via Fastboot/ADB

Mi Robot Vacuum 1S

adb shell


su




dd if=/sdcard/update.zip of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1

Reboot and setup

For Dreame models (e.g. Dreame) D9) The process is slightly different – often you need to use the Dreame Hack Tool utility and connect via the UART-For detailed guides, look for specialized forums.

Risks and consequences of firmware on the “mat”

Firmware is always risky, and these are the main challenges that users face:

One of the most common questions is, can you get the original firmware back? Yes, but not always easy. For example, after installing Valetudo, some models require manual recovery via Fastboot, which can be difficult for beginners. In addition, new versions of the original Xiaomi software may contain integrity checks for system files, making rollback impossible.

⚠️ Note: If your vacuum cleaner is connected to the Mi Home with reference to the Xiaomi account, after the firmware is “mat”, it can be blocked by the company’s servers. MI-Account through the Engineering Menu.

Yes, I stitched a smartphone/tablet.

Yeah, I was sewing a vacuum cleaner or some other device.

No, but I want to try.

No, I don't plan on.

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Firmware alternatives: how to unlock functions without risk

If the firmware on the “mat” seems too risky, consider legal ways to expand the functionality of the vacuum cleaner:

• 🔧 Use of alternative applications. For example, Valetudo can be installed without firmware on some models through Root access (you need to unlock the bootloader).
• 🔧 Update to the latest official firmware.Newer versions of Xiaomi software often add hidden features (such as zoning or increased suction power).
• 🔧 Connect to Home Assistant. HASS You can control the vacuum cleaner without the limitations of the Mi Home, including the creation of complex automations.
• 🔧 Buying a modified vacuum cleaner. AliExpress or Taobao sells devices with custom software preinstalled (see "hacked" or "unlocked" tags»).

For Dreame models (like Dreame D9), there is an official developer mode that allows you to adjust suction settings, speed, and even disable some restrictions.

1. Turn on the vacuum cleaner.
2. Press and hold the Home + Spot buttons for 10 seconds.
3. After the sound signal, the vacuum cleaner will go to the engineering menu.

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Before buying a vacuum cleaner for modification, check if it supports OTA-Updates without binding to Xiaomi servers. Models with standalone updates (such as some Viomi) are easier to flash and restore.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make firmware mistakes.-5 Failures and ways to prevent them:

• 🚫 Incompatible firmware. Always check if the file is suitable for your model and version of the software. 1S This is not a good option for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro.
• 🚫 Interrupted firmware. If the vacuum cleaner is out during the upgrade, don't try to repeat the procedure right away. Wait 10 minutes and check the battery power.
• 🚫 Use of informal sources: download firmware only from verified resources (e.g, 4PDA The torrent trackers may contain malicious code.
• 🚫 Ignoring backup: Without backup of the original software, device recovery may not be possible.
• 🚫 Firmware through an unstable connection. Use a wired connection (USB) Instead of Wi-Fi, if possible.

If after firmware vacuum cleaner began to behave strangely (for example, drives in circles or does not respond to commands), try:

1. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Reset).
2. Reflash the device with a clean installation (wipe data).
3. Check the integrity of firmware files (sometimes the archives are downloaded with errors).

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If the vacuum cleaner after the firmware does not see the map of the room, most likely, the problem is incompatibility of the navigation software versions. LDS-sensor.

Conclusion: should Xiaomi sew a vacuum cleaner on the “mat”?

Firmware vacuum cleaner on the "mat" gives access to advanced functions, but the feasibility of such a step depends on your goals:

• ✅ It’s worth flashing if: you need unique features (for example, integration with Home Assistant or disabling geo-restrictions), and you’re willing to risk the device.
• ❌ Do not stitch if: vacuum cleaner warranty, you are not sure of your technical skills or the model is not supported by the community.

For most users, alternative methods (alternative apps, Home Assistant, official updates) will be a safer choice, but if you decide to go firmware, follow the instructions carefully and do not skip the steps of backup and compatibility checks.

Important: since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the protection of the bootloader on new models of vacuum cleaners. If your device is released later than this year, the chance of successfully sewing it to the “mat” is minimal without the use of specialized equipment (for example, a JTAG programmer).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions