How to install firmware on the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi through the iPhone: a complete guide with pictures

Firmwareing Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner through an iPhone is a task that seems difficult only at first glance. Many users mistakenly believe that it requires a computer or an Android device. In fact, with the official Mi Home app (or Dreamehome for Dreame models) and a few additional tools, you can update the firmware directly from your iPhone — without the risk of “bricking” the device if you follow the proven steps.

In this article, we will discuss all the steps of the process: from checking the current version of the software to manually updating through.pkg or.bin files. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that arise when working with iOS - the limitations of the file system, problems with transferring data over Wi-Fi and how to circumvent them. If your Xiaomi Mi Robot, Viomi or Dreame works unstable, loses communication or does not support new features, the right firmware will solve these problems.

⚠️ Important: Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner models support firmware updates via a mobile app. V1 You need to connect to a computer, and in this article, we'll show you how to determine the compatibility of your model.

1. Preparation of the robot vacuum cleaner and iPhone for firmware

Before you start upgrading, make sure your robot vacuum cleaner and iPhone are ready for the procedure.Neglection of preparation is the main cause of failures during firmware.

Start by checking the battery charge of the vacuum cleaner: the level should be at least 50%. If the charge is less, connect the device to the dock and wait for full charging. Xiaomi recommends updating the firmware at charge level 80%+, to avoid sudden shutdown.

Next, upgrade the Mi Home app (or Dreamehome) to the latest version via the App Store. Outdated versions of the app may not support new firmware or contain synchronization errors. Also check that your iPhone is connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network - Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners do not work with 5 GHz networks.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 50% (optimum 80%+).
• 📱 Appendix: Latest version of Mi Home or Dreamehome.
• 📶 Wi-Fi network: 2.4 GHz only (turn off 5 GHz in router settings).
• 📁 iPhone Memory: At least 500 MB of free space to download firmware.

If you are planning to install the firmware manually (not through the OTA), Download the.pkg or.bin file in advance. The official firmware for Xiaomi can be found on the MiUI website. ROM or in thematic communities (for example, 4PDA). Never use firmware from unverified sources – this can lead to device locking or loss of functionality.

2. Verification of the current firmware version and compatibility

Before updating, you need to know the current firmware version of your robot vacuum cleaner, which will help you avoid installing incompatible software or rolling back on the old version.

Open the Mi Home app, select your device and go to Settings → About the device → The firmware version. This is the current version in the format. X.XX.XX_XXXX. For example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro current version at the beginning 2026 year-end — 3.5.9_0046.

Compare your version to the latest available updates on the official website or in the user community. If the difference between versions is too large (for example, your 2.1.5, and the current 3.5.9), you may need an interim update - installing several firmwares alternately.

⚠️ Note: If your model does not support OTA-Updates (for example, Viomi) V2 Mi Robot V1), Trying to update via the Mi Home app will result in an Update failed (1002) error, which will require manual firmware through the file.

3. Ways to update firmware through iPhone

There are three main ways to flash Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner with an iPhone, and the method you choose depends on the device’s model and your technical skills.

3.1 Automatic update via Mi Home (OTA)

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in function. OTA (Over-the-Air is suitable for most modern models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2, Dreame) D9 newer).

1. Open Mi Home and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Confirm the action and wait until it is completed (usually) 5-15 minute).

✅ Pros: No technical knowledge required, minimal risk of failure.

❌ Cons: not always available latest versions, it is impossible to roll back on the previous firmware.

3.2 Manual firmware via.pkg or.bin file

If automatic updates are not available or you want to install a specific firmware version, you can download the file manually.

1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, with MiUI) ROM).
2. Unpack the archive (if the file is.zip or.rar).
3. Rename the firmware file to update.pkg (for Mi Robot) or update.bin (for Dreame).
4. Upload the file to cloud storage (iCloud Drive, Google Drive or Dropbox).
5. In the Mi Home app, go to Settings → Firmware update → Manual installation and select the downloaded file.

Download the correct firmware version for your model |

Rename the file to update.pkg or update.bin|

Upload the file to the cloud (iCloud, Google Drive)|

Make sure the robot is connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |

Battery charge of at least 80%-->

⚠️ Note: If an Invalid file format error appears in the application after downloading a file, check:

• 🔍 File name correctness (should be update.pkg or update.bin).
• 📄 Archive integrity (download the file again if it is damaged).
• 📱 Compatibility of the firmware version with your model.

Firmware through alternative applications (for experienced users)

Some enthusiasts use third-party tools like Valetudo or DustBuilder for custom firmware, which requires unlocking root access and is only suitable for advanced users, and we do not recommend it for beginners, as there is a high risk of losing warranty or disabling the device.

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If after the update, the robot vacuum cleaner begins to behave strangely (for example, does not build a map or does not return to the base), try resetting to the factory settings. → Resetting settings.

4. Step-by-step instruction: firmware via iPhone

Consider the detailed instructions for the most reliable method, manually updating via.pkg, which works for most Xiaomi and Dreame models.

Step 1: Downloading the firmware

1. Determine the exact model of your robot vacuum cleaner (written on the bottom of the device or in the Mi Home app).

2. Download the firmware from a trusted source. For example, for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, the current version for 2026 is a link.

3 Unpack the archive and rename the file to update.pkg.

Step 2: Uploading a file to your iPhone

Since iOS limits the file system, it’s easiest to upload firmware to the cloud:

1. Open iCloud Drive or Google Drive on your iPhone.
2. Upload the update.pkg file to the storage.
3. Make sure the file is available for download (on Google Drive click Share) → Download link).

Step 3: Update via Mi Home

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner.

2. Go to Settings → Firmware update → Hand-mounted.

3. Click Select File and specify the path to update.pkg in cloud storage.

4. Confirm the installation and wait for the completion (the robot will sound and restart).

🕒 Firmware time: usually takes 10-20 Don't interrupt the process or turn off the robot!

5. Common mistakes and their solution

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

If after the firmware, the robot vacuum cleaner:

• 🤖 Not turned on: try to press the power button on 15-20 drop-off.
• 🗺️ Not building a map: reset the map settings in the Mi Home app.
• 🔌 Does not return to base: check if the settings of the docking station are lost.

⚠️ Warning: If the robot is flashing a constant beep after firmware is done, or if it flashes red, it's a sign of critical error:

1. Turn off the robot power for 1 minute.
2. Try installing the previous version of the firmware.
3. If the problem persists, contact the Xiaomi service center.

6. rollback of firmware to the previous version

Sometimes, new firmware can make the robot vacuum cleaner worse, such as navigation bugs, poor cleaning quality, or missing some functionality, in which case you can return the previous version of the software.

For the kickback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, with 4PDA).
2. Rename the file to downgrade.pkg (this is the name that matters!).
3. Repeat the manual firmware process as described in Section 4.

⚠️ Important: Not all models support rollback. D10 Plus blocks the installation of old firmware. Before rolling back, check your model information in thematic forums.

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A firmware rollback could result in the loss of new features added in recent updates, such as improved navigation algorithms or support for voice assistants.

7. Optimization of the robot vacuum cleaner after firmware

After a successful firmware update, it is recommended to follow several steps for optimal device operation:

• 🧹 Reset the room map: in the Mi Home app go to Settings → Map. → Reset the map. This will help the robot redesign its routes to accommodate new algorithms.
• ⚙️ Update zone settings: check the saved cleaning areas and forbidden areas – after firmware they can reset.
• 🔄 Reconnect to Wi-Fi: Sometimes, after an upgrade, the robot loses its connection to the network. → Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Update the app: After firmware, update the robot and Mi Home to the latest version for compatibility.

If you notice improvements after the update (for example, the robot has become better to avoid obstacles or longer battery life), share the feedback in the comments – this will help other users choose the latest firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s firmware through iPhone