How to accurately determine the generation of Xiaomi vacuum cleaner: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have evolved from simple basic navigation devices to smart assistants with laser sensors, cameras and voice assistants. But how do you figure out which generation your model belongs to if there’s no explicit reference to the series in the title?This article will help define Xiaomi’s vacuum cleaner generation by appearance, serial number, firmware, and even by the device’s behavior during cleaning.

The manufacturer does not always adhere to strict generation numbering in model names (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite refers to the 3rd generation, despite the number "2" in the title). We will analyze all official and non-obvious markings, and learn how to distinguish the platform generation (hardware) from the firmware generation (software), which is often confused.

1.Why it's important to know the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner generation

The definition of a generation is not just curiosity. It depends on it:

• 🔧 Parts compatibility: batteries, brushes and sensors from the 1st generation will not fit to the 4th due to changes in connectors and dimensions.
• 📱 Functionality in Mi Home: vacuum cleaners 3+ Generations support zoning, multi-level maps and integration with Apple HomeKit, but older models do not.
• 💰 Cost of repair: memory chip in vacuum cleaners 2-The generation is more likely to fail, and its replacement costs more 30-50% cost of new device.
• 🔄 Possibility of upgrade: some vacuum cleaners 1-2 Generations can be used to function 3-e.g., add support for virtual walls).

In addition, knowing the generation will help to avoid fraud when buying a used device. 1S (2019 is often given as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P (2022), although these are different generations with a difference in price up to 15 000 rubles.

Method 1: Definition by model (official classification)

The most reliable method is to check the model name against the official generation table. Xiaomi divides vacuum cleaners into 4 main generations, but there are sub-series inside them (for example, the 3rd generation includes models with a laser and without a laser sensor).

⚠️ Note: The name of the model can be viewed:

• 📦 On the box (sticker on the back side).
• 📱 In the Mi Home app: Device profile → Settings → About the device.
• 🔍 On the vacuum cleaner itself - under the lid of the battery compartment or on the bottom.

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If the model name has a P (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P), it almost always indicates a 3rd generation with an improved laser sensor.

Method 2: Analysis of the serial number (SN)

Serial number (SN) Xiaomi vacuum cleaner contains encrypted information about the date of production and model. It consists of 14-16 characters in the format:

XX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Where:

• The first 2 characters are the factory code (e.g, CN — China, ID — Indonesia).
• 3-6 characters – model of the device (corresponds to the internal code of Xiaomi).
• 7–10 Symbols: year and week of production (e.g, 2035 = 35-I'm a week. 2020 year-end).

To determine the generation by SN:

1. Find the serial number on the sticker under the vacuum cleaner cover or in the Mi Home app.
2. Decode the date of production (7-10 characters) and check the generation table above.
3. If the date before 2018 is the 1st generation, 2018-2020 is the 2nd, etc.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2) have been produced for 3 years and have been assigned to different generations depending on the revision. If the production date falls on the intergenerational line (e.g. 2020), check the firmware version (see Method 4).

Method 3: The Appearances of Generations

If you don’t have access to a serial number or app, you can identify a generation by the design and location of the items:

1st Generation (2016–2018)

• 🔴 Laser sensor is missing (no rotating "turret" on top).
• 🔴 One physical button (power/clean) on the top panel.
• 🔴 The body is completely white, without color accents.
• 🔴 There is no bay for moping (only dry cleaning).

2nd generation (2018–2020)

• 🟢 Laser sensor (rotating "turret") in top models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop).
• 🟢 Two buttons: power + baseback.
• 🟢 Moping compartment (removable water tank).
• 🟢 Color accents: black top panel or silver inserts.

3rd and 4th Generations (2020–2026)

• 🔵 Camera in front (in the 4th generation – with AI-recognition of objects).
• 🔵 Touch buttons instead of physical buttons.
• 🔵 Automatic Mop Raising (in models with the letter P in the title).
• 🔵 Metal inserts or matte coating of the body.

Look at the top panel of the vacuum cleaner.|Check for a laser sensor.|Estimate the number and type of buttons|Find the moping bay.|Pay attention to the color and material of the body-->

⚠️ Note: Some clones and rebrandings (like Viomi or Dreame) look similar to Xiaomi but belong to other generations of the platform. Check the logo on the bottom - the original devices are engraved MI or XIAOMI.

5. Method 4: Check firmware and features in Mi Home

The vacuum cleaner's software is closely related to its generation, so you can see the firmware version.

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Choose your vacuum cleaner.
3. Go to Settings → About the device → The firmware version.

Compare the version to the generation:

• 🔴 1-e generation: firmware 3.3.9_XXXX below.
• 🟢 2-generation: 3.5.5_XXXX – 3.5.8_XXXX.
• 🔵 3-generation: 4.6.0_XXXX and higher (with HomeKit support).
• 🟣 4-generation: 5.0.0_XXXX and newer (with AI functions).

Also note the available features in the app:

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If your vacuum cleaner has a Carpet Detection feature, it’s definitely 3rd or 4th generation (the 1st and 2nd generation don’t have it).

6. Method 5: Behavior of the vacuum cleaner during cleaning

Even without access to technical data, a generation can be identified by the cleaning algorithm:

1st generation

• 🌀 It moves chaoticly, without a clear trajectory.
• 🕒 Often "forgets" already removed areas and passes them again.
• 🚫 Does not return to base at low charge (you need to manually put on charging).

2nd generation

• 📐 Cleaning by zigzag or along walls.
• 🔄 Returns to the base for recharging, but does not always continue cleaning from the same place.
• 🛑 Stops in front of stairs (there is a sensor for the fall).

3rd and 4th generations

• 🗺️ Builds a map of the room in real time (see in the application).
• 🤖 Bypasses obstacles (such as shoes, wires) without collision.
• 🔋 Automatically pours water into the mop and raises it on carpets (in models with Auto Mop Lifting).

⚠️ Note: If the 2nd generation vacuum cleaner behaves like the 3rd after the firmware update (e.g., zoning), this does not mean a change in platform generation.

7. Generation comparison: which is better to choose in 2026

If you choose a Xiaomi vacuum cleaner with a generation in mind, focus on the following tasks:

• 🏠 For a small apartment (up to 50 m2): suitable 2nd generation (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite) - budget option with basic functions.
• 🏡 For multi-room house (50–100 m2): 3rd generation (Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) with laser navigation and map support.
• 🏢 For a large house or office (100)+ M2: 4th generation (Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop) 3C or CyberVac S10) self-cleaning base and AI.

💡 Upgrade tip: If you have a 1st or 2nd generation vacuum cleaner, it can be upgraded:

• 🔋 Replace the battery with a larger capacity model (e.g., from 3200 mAh to 5200 mAh).
• 📡 Update your firmware to the latest version (via Mi Home or manually via ADB).
• 🤖 Install third-party brushes (e.g. from Roborock) for better cleaning.

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The 3rd and 4th generation vacuum cleaners support Xiaomi branded accessories, such as aromatic napkins for moping or UV lamps for disinfection. For the 1st and 2nd generations, they will have to be purchased from third-party manufacturers.

FAQ: Frequent Questions About Xiaomi’s Generations of Vacuum Cleaners