Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have evolved from simple basic navigation devices to smart assistants with laser rangefinders, self-cleaning tanks, and voice assistants. But how do you figure out which generation your model belongs to? Parts compatibility, available features in the Mi Home app, and even the ability to upgrade your firmware depends on that.
The problem is that Xiaomi doesn't always adhere to strict generational numbering, like the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, which isn't the second generation, but rather the "premium version" of the first line. L10s Ultra is already in a completely different line of development, although it is released under the Xiaomi brand. In this article, we will analyze all working methods for determining a generation, from marking analysis to hidden menus in firmware.
Method 1: Analysis of the model by official nomenclature
The most reliable way is to look at the full model name, which is indicated on the sticker under the vacuum cleaner lid or in documents. Xiaomi uses a clear notation system where numbers and letters code for the generation, functionality and region of sales.
For example:
- 🔢 Mi Robot Vacuum 1 (2016) – the first generation with basic navigation.
- 🔢 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite (2021) – second generation with wet cleaning function, but without laser rangefinder.
- 🔢 Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra (2023) – flagship with automatic tank emptying and washable container.
- 🔢 DreameBot D9 — a separate line from the Dreame subsidiary brand, not compatible with the firmware of the Mi Robot main series.
Note the prefixes:
- 📌 STYJ, SDJQR — Early models (2016–2018).
- 📌 MJXJ, MJSXJ — 2019-2021 generation with improved navigation.
- 📌 LDS In the name - the presence of a laser rangefinder (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P).
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If only art is indicated on the sticker. 2202XXX or 2109XXX, The first two numbers are the year of release (22 = 2022, 21 = 2021).
| Generation. | Years of issue | Key models | Distinctive features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2016–2018 | Mi Robot Vacuum 1, Mi Robot Vacuum 1S | No laser scan, weak processor, basic gyro navigation. |
| 2nd | 2019–2020 | Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite | Wet cleaning, improved battery (5200 mAh), support for cleaning areas. |
| 3rd | 2021–2022 | Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra | Laser rangefinder, self-cleaning tank, support for Mi Home and Google Assistant. |
| 4th (Dreame) | 2022–2026 | DreameBot D9, DreameBot L10s Ultra | Separate firmware, powerful motors (4000 Pa), AI-navigation. |
2. Method 2: Checking through the Mi Home app
If the vacuum cleaner is connected to the Mi Home, you can identify the generation by the firmware version and the available features.
- Open the Mi Home app → Choose your vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings. → About the device.
- Look at the firmware version line (for example, 3.5.8_0042).
Decoding of firmware versions:
- 🔄 1.x.x — first generation (2016–2018).
- 🔄 2.x.x — second generation wet cleaning.
- 🔄 3.x.x — Third generation (laser models).
- 🔄 4.x.x and higher - DreameBot or flagship models (Ultra).
Key differences in the interface:
- 📱 Old versions (1.x.x) No Cleaning Zone and Virtual Walls.
- 📱 In the firmware 3.x.x emerge 3D-room map and mop pressure setting.
- 📱 Dreame models require a separate Dreamehome app.
What if the vacuum cleaner does not connect to the Mi Home?
3. Method 3: Visual differences in design
If you don’t have access to a sticker or app, a generation can be identified by the following:
The first generation (2016–2018):
- 🔍 Round Home button without lighting.
- 🔍 There is no battery charge indicator on the body.
- 🔍 Plastic bumper without rubber edging.
Second Generation (2019–2021):
- 🔄 Home button with white lighting.
- 🔄 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop on top of the top cover.
- 🔄 Touch buttons (on some models).
Third Generation and Newer (2022–2026):
- 💡 Laser rangefinder (protruding "eye" on top).
- 💡 Metal edge of the buttons.
- 💡 Xiaomi or Dreame logo on the front bumper.
☑️ How to distinguish DreameBot from Mi Robot
⚠️ Attention: Some third-generation models (such as the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) look similar in appearance to the second, but have a laser module under the top cover.
Method 4: Serial number and production date
Serial number (S/N) It contains encrypted release date and manufacturer information, and it's listed on a sticker under the vacuum cleaner lid or on the paperwork.
Serial number format: XXXXXYYWWZZZZ, where:
- 📅 YY — last two digits of the year, for example, 21 = 2021).
- 📅 WW — week of production (01 to 52).
Examples:
- 🔢 1234520356789 → 35th week of 2020 (second generation).
- 🔢 543212210ABCD → 10th Week 2022 (third generation).
If the serial number begins with the letters:
- 📌 SDJ — First generation (factory in China).
- 📌 MJS — Second or Third Generation (Assembly for the Global Market).
- 📌 DRM — Models of the Dreame brand.
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Serial number is the only way to accurately determine the year of release if the model has been visually modified (for example, a restyled version).
5. Method 5: Analysis of technical characteristics
Each generation has unique hardware features that can be tested:
| Characteristics | 1st generation | 2nd generation | 3rd generation | DreameBot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of navigation | Gyroscope + Infrared sensors | gyroscope + camera (optional) | Laser rangefinder (LDS) | LDS + AI-camera |
| Max. Suction force. | 1800 Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa | 2500 Pa | 3000 Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa | 4000 Pa |
| Battery capacity | 5,200 mAh | 5200-6400 mAh | 6,400 mAh | 6400–7,000 mAh |
| Support for wet cleaning | ❌ No. | ✅ Available (optional) | ✅ Available (with intensity adjustment) | ✅ Aye (with water heated) |
How to check the characteristics:
- 🔧 Suction power: in Mi Home, select Max or Turbo mode and see the value in your passport.
- 🔧 Type of navigation: if a vacuum cleaner draws a map of a room in real time, it is a laser generation.
- 🔧 Battery capacity: in Settings → Battery status (for firmware only) 3.x.x newer).
⚠️ Note: Some vendors describe a "laser vacuum cleaner" in the description, but in fact it may be a model with a camera (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite.
6. Method 6: Checking through hidden menus (for advanced)
Xiaomi’s firmware has service menus where you can see detailed information about hardware, a method that is suitable for tech-savvy users.
Instructions for firmware models 3.x.x newer:
- Turn off the vacuum cleaner.
- Press the buttons Home + Meals for 5 seconds until a voice message is heard.
- After turning on, quickly press Home 3 times – the engineering menu will open.
- Select Hardware Info (Navigation with the “Go/Back” buttons).
In the Hardware Info menu, pay attention to:
- 📟 LDS Version – if any, it is the laser generation.
- 📟 Mainboard - boards MS01 1st generation, MS05 and newer to 2nd and 3rd.
- 📟 Battery Type - Batteries LB52 (5200 mAh was installed in the second generation.
What to do if the vacuum cleaner is stuck in the engineering menu?
Important: Don't change the settings in the engineering menu unless you're sure they're there. Incorrect settings can cause navigation to fail or motors to break.
Frequent errors in determining a generation
Many users confuse generations because of rebranding and modifications.
Mistake 1: Confusion between Mi Robot and DreameBot
- ❌ DreameBot D9 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro is often mistaken for the similar design.
- ✅ Difference: DreameBot has a removable water tank on the side and requires the Dreamehome app.
Mistake 2: Unaccounted for restylings
- ❌ Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite 2020 and 2021 are identical in appearance, but have different firmware.
- ✅ Check the production date by serial number (see Method 4).
Mistake 3: Price Orientation
- ❌ Cheap models are not always first-generation (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite is cheaper than Mi Robot Vacuum). 1S, newer).
- ✅ Compare technical specifications, not price tags.