Cleaning sensors of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: instructions for all models (2026)

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are smart assistants that save you time, but their effectiveness depends on the state of the sensors. Contaminated sensors lead to chaotic cleaning, skipping areas, collisions with furniture or even complete shutdown of the device. In this article, we will discuss how to clean all types of sensors on Mi Robot Vacuum, Viomi, Dreame and others — from laser lidar to infrared sensors — to make the vacuum cleaner work like a new one.

You will learn not only about mechanical cleaning, but also about which sensors are most vulnerable to dust in models with a navigation system. LDS (We're also going to compare the service frequency for different generations of robots and give you recommendations on the choice of tools, from microfiber wipes to compressed air.

If your vacuum cleaner is going blind, or losing orientation, or hitting walls, the problem is probably sensors, and let's start with the most important thing: how to determine which sensor needs attention.

What sensors are in the robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi and what they are responsible for

Xiaomi’s current models are equipped with a set of sensors, each of which performs its own function, and can be divided into three main groups:

• 🔦 laser sensor (LDS) — Scans the room, builds a map (there are in models with navigation, for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro or DreameBot) D9).
• 👁️ Infrared (IR) sensors – determine the distance to obstacles, prevent falling from the stairs (installed around the perimeter of the body).
• 🛡️ Bumper sensors – respond to physical contact with obstacles (built into the front bumper).
• 📏 Altitude sensors (gyroscope/accelerometer) – track the position of the robot in space.
• 🔋 Charge sensors – monitor the battery level and docking station contacts.

In budget models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum) 1S) Laser scanner may not be available, but instead the system is used. VSLAM (camera + These vacuum cleaners require more frequent cleaning of the optics, as the camera quickly becomes covered with dust.

The most problematic areas are: Laser lidar (caught with dust, especially if there are animals or carpets with a long pile in the house); infrared sensors at the bottom (they stick to debris, which causes the robot to “not see” the abyss); bumper contacts (oxidized or contaminated, which leads to false positives).

Signs that robot vacuum cleaner sensors are contaminated

How do you know when to clean your sensors? Notice the following symptoms:

• 🌀 The robot moves chaoticly, doesn’t build a map, or “lost” in a familiar room.
• 🚪 It rests on walls, furniture or doors despite obstacles (bumper sensors do not work).
• 🪟 Falls down stairs or gets too close to the edge (IR sensors problems below).
• 🔄 Often returns to the dock without finishing the cleaning (may be due to charge sensors).
• 📵 Does not respond to virtual walls or cleaning areas in the Mi Home app.

If you see any of these signs on a regular basis, the first thing you do is check the sensors, 80 percent of the time, it's cleaned, but if the robot's behavior hasn't changed after cleaning, the sensor itself may be defective, and you'll need to be diagnosed or replaced.

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner still doesn’t build a map after cleaning the sensors, check if the app has a memory limit for cards (in some firmware, the limit is 5 saved cards.

Step-by-step: how to clean the sensors of the robot vacuum cleaner

For cleaning you will need: Soft brush (for example, for camera lenses), Microfibre wipe (without pile!), Compressed air (a canister or low pressure compressor), Cotton swabs (for hard-to-reach places), Isopropyl alcohol 70% (only for contacts!).

Important: Turn off the vacuum cleaner and take out the battery before cleaning (if possible without disassembling the body); if the battery is not removable, just turn off the power button for 10-15 seconds.

Turn off the power vacuum cleaner

Getting the garbage container and filters

Prepare tools (tassel, napkin, alcohol)

Free up the workplace (table with good lighting)

Photograph the location of sensors (for complex models)-->

1. Cleaning the laser sensor (LDS)

The laser scanner is located under a transparent cap on the upper part of the body (in models with a LDS-To clean it up:

1. Carefully swipe the counterclockwise cap and remove it.
2. Remove dust from the lens with a soft brush (movements from the center to the edges).
3. Wipe the glass with a microfiber wipe soaked in water (without alcohol!).
4. Blow the inside of the sensor with compressed air (hold the balloon vertically so as not to spray the liquid).

Do not use rough materials (paper wipes, fabrics) - they can scratch the lens. If there are scuffs on the glass, repeat the wipe with a dry wipe.

Cleaning infrared (IR) sensors

The IR sensors are located:

- Below the body (responsible for the detection of chasms),

In front and on the sides (to detect obstacles).

Cleanup:

1. Turn over the vacuum cleaner and find small round or rectangular windows (usually black).

2. wipe them with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (to remove greasy traces).

3 Remove dust from the cracks with a brush or compressed air.

4.Make sure that there are no villi left from the stick on the sensors.

⚠️ Warning: Don't press the IR sensors with force, they're fragile and can crack. If the robot still doesn't see the obstacle after cleaning, check if the sensors are closed with a protective film (sometimes it's forgotten to remove it after repair).

3. Cleaning bumper sensors and contacts

The bumper is the front part of the vacuum cleaner that fires when it crashes.

Mechanical springs (in budget models),

Microswitches or optical sensors (in premium versions)

How to clean:

1. gently bend the bumper (in most models it is mounted on latches).

2. Remove dust and debris with a brush.

3. wipe the contacts with a cotton swab with alcohol (if there is oxidation).

4. Make sure the bumper is in place without skewing - otherwise the sensors will falsely fire.

In DreameBot models, the bumper is often attached to magnets - it can be removed without tools. 1S You will have to put a screwdriver in (carefully so as not to break the plastic fixtures!).

4. Cleaning the dock sensors

If the robot does not dock well with the base or does not charge, the problem may be in the contacts:

- On the vacuum cleaner (metal pads),

- At the docking station (spring contacts).

Cleanup:

1. Wipe the contacts with a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.

2. Make sure the springs on the base are not bent and move freely.

3. Blow the charging socket with compressed air (dust often accumulates there).

💡

If the robot doesn't charge after cleaning the contacts, try resetting the docking station settings. To do this, disconnect it from the network for 30 seconds, then reconnect it. In some models (for example, DreameBot). L10) You may need to reconnect to the Mi Home app.

Cleaning frequency of sensors: recommendations for different models

How often you need to clean the sensors depends on the intensity of the vacuum cleaner and the conditions in the house. Below is the recommended frequency for popular Xiaomi models:

In homes with long-haired animals or high-pile carpets, laser sensors and IR sensors need to be cleaned 1.5 to 2 times more often, and vacuum cleaners that work in workshops, garages or high-dust areas are the same.

If you use a robot vacuum cleaner daily, add sensor cleaning to your weekly service checklist along with emptying the container and washing the filters.

💡

laser sensor (LDS) — The most vulnerable element in Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaners, which leads to loss of map accuracy and chaotic movement. VSLAM (For example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1S) Instead of lasers, you use a camera, which you also need to clean weekly.

What can not clean the sensors of the robot vacuum cleaner

Some tools and tools can permanently damage sensors.

• 🧴 Aggressive chemicals: acetone, gasoline, solvents, household cleaning products (they corrode plastic and rubber seals).
• 🧻 Rough materials: paper towels, hard brushes, metal objects (scratching lenses and glass).
• 💦 Excessive moisture: Do not pour water on sensors and do not use wet wipes (risk of short circuit).
• 🔥 Hot air: Dryer or heating can warp plastic and damage electronic components.
• 🧲 Magnets: Do not place the vacuum cleaner near powerful magnets (may damage a compass or gyroscope).

Also not worth it:

Blowing your mouth on sensors (saliva contains acids that can oxidize contacts).

— Use it. WD-40 or other lubricants to clean moving bumper parts (they attract dust).

Disassemble sensors without experience (risk of damaging plumes or chips).

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi models with wet cleaning function (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P), avoid getting moisture on the upper sensors. After wet cleaning, wipe the case with a dry wipe, especially around the laser scanner.

What to do if the sensors do not work after cleaning

If the robot vacuum cleaner continues to behave inadequately even after cleaning the sensors, follow these steps:

1. Reboot the vacuum cleaner: hold the power button for 10-15 seconds, then turn it on again.
2. Reset settings in the Mi Home app: Device profile → Settings → Reset to factory Warning: This Will Remove All Save Cards!
3. Check the firmware: update the software through the application (in some versions, bugs with sensors are fixed with patches).
4. Diagnostics in the service menu (for advanced users): Press and hold the Home buttons" + "Spot 5 seconds The robot will voice the error code (the decoding can be found in the instructions for the model).
5. Check for mechanical damage: cracks on the sensor glass, bent contacts, traces of impacts.

If none of the methods worked, the sensor itself may have failed, in which case contact Xiaomi’s service center or order a replacement sensor (e.g., a laser module). LDS Mi Robot Vacuum 2 costs about 1500-2500 rubles).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning sensors of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi