Smart tech owners often face situations where the device stops responding to commands or loses network connectivity, where the most effective solution is to force a reboot or completely reset the settings. However, finding a hidden Reset button on the body of a robot vacuum cleaner can become a real quest, as manufacturers often hide it from random taps.
The location of the control element depends on the model of your Xiaomi Vacuum or Roborock. In some devices it is a separate hole, in others it is a keyboard combination, and in others it is a software function. Understanding the differences between Hard Reset and a conventional restart will help to avoid losing important data of the room map.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the physical location of the buttons on popular models, explain the difference between reset modes, and provide step-by-step instructions, and learn how to properly use the secret hole under the lid to restore the device without calling the wizard.
Physical location of the reset button on different models
Xiaomi engineers and Roborock sub-brands use several types of body layout. On older models such as the Xiaomi Vacuum 1 or Mijia 1C, the button is often combined with a power switch. To activate the reset mode, you need to hold it for 5-10 seconds until a voice message about the change of mode sounds.
More modern devices, such as the Roborock S5 Max series or Xiaomi S10, have a dedicated hole, which is usually on the top panel, next to the charge indicators, or under the removable cover where the dust collector is located.
There is also a category of devices where the physical Reset button is missing as such, in which case the reset is done through prolonged clamping of the combination of the Home and Turn on keys, which is done to prevent the Wi-Fi module from accidentally resetting during active cleaning.
⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp metal objects unnecessarily so as not to damage internal contacts or cause a short circuit on the board.
It is important to distinguish between models with a laser rangefinder (LDS) and those that use gyroscopic navigation. The former often have a button on the side for easy access, while the latter almost always hide it under the top panel.
Differences between Soft Reset and Hard Reset
Many users confuse a normal reboot and a full reset, which can lead to undesirable consequences. Soft Reset is the analogue of turning off and on the computer. It simply restarts the device's operating system, clears the temporary cache and updates network connections without affecting saved maps and schedule settings.
In contrast, Hard Reset returns the device to factory settings, and after this procedure, the robot will forget all stored room maps, cleaning history, and Wi-Fi connected networks, and you will have to re-attach the device to the Mi Home or Roborock app.
Use a full reset should only be in critical situations: when changing the router, selling the device or if the robot stopped building the map correctly. To solve small glitches, such as engine getting stuck or sensor error, usually a simple reboot through the power button or application is enough.
- 🔄 Soft Reset: Save maps and settings, eliminate temporary crashes.
- 🗑️ Hard Reset: Deletes all user data, requires reconfiguration.
- ⚡ Reboot: Short-term power outage to restart the system.
Understanding this difference is critical. If you accidentally run Hard Reset on a device with a complex multi-level apartment map, it will take considerable time to restore zones and virtual walls. Always check what type of reset you are initiating.
💡
Use a full reset only if you have problems connecting to the network or transferring the device to a new owner, so as not to lose the room map.
Instructions for resetting Wi-Fi and connecting again
The most common reason to search for a reset button is to connect a robot to a new network or router. To put the Wi-Fi module in pairing mode on most Xiaomi models, you need to simultaneously press two buttons: Home (a house icon) and Turn on.
Hold both keys for 3-5 seconds. The Wi-Fi indicator should start flashing orange, and the voice assistant will say "Reset Wi-Fi" or "Waiting to connect." After that, a window will appear in the Mi Home application to add a new device.
If your model has a separate Reset hole, the procedure may be different. A short press (less than 3 seconds) often performs a restart function, whereas a long hold (more than 5 seconds) activates a network setup mode. The exact algorithm depends on the firmware version.
☑️ Checklist for Wi-Fi reset
Table of button location by Xiaomi and Roborock models
So, to avoid having to guess where the control is hidden on your device, we've compiled a summary table that covers the most popular models on the market, and note that the Chinese version (CN Version) and the Global version (Global Version) may have slight differences in labeling.
| Model of the device | Positioning of the button | Action for discharge | Type of discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Vacuum 1 | Top panel, next to the power button | Hold 5 seconds to sound | Wi-Fi reset |
| Roborock S5 / S5 Max | Hole under the lid (side) | Press the paperclip 5-10sec. | Full Reset. |
| Mijia 1C / 2C | Combination of buttons on the body | Home + Food (3-5 seconds) | Wi-Fi reset |
| Xiaomi S10 / S10+ | Separate button or hole | Long pressing | Resetting settings |
For models not listed, the search rule remains universal: look for small holes 1-2 mm in diameter or try combinations of main keys. Often manufacturers mark the hole with the word "Reset" or an image of a circular arrow.
If you own a Dreame series device (like the Dreame D9 or L10 Pro), the logic is similar to Roborock.The button can be under the dust collector lid.Remove the dust container and inspect the interior of the compartment.
Software reset via the Mi Home app
Modern versions of the Xiaomi Home ecosystem have the ability to reset software without physically accessing the buttons, which is especially useful if the robot is in a hard-to-reach place under the sofa. Go to the device settings, select General Settings, and find Reset device or Unbind.
This is equivalent to Hard Reset, and the device will be removed from your account and all settings will be cleared, but if the robot is completely getting stuck and does not respond to commands over the network, the software method will not work, in which case only physical exposure will help.
Also on the About menu, you can find information about the current firmware version. Sometimes button problems are solved by updating the software. Go to Settings → Check for updates and install the latest available version.
What if the robot can’t see the app?
Typical errors and problem solving
A common mistake is to try to reset when the battery is discharged. If the battery is below 20%, the robot may go into sleep mode during the reboot process, which will cause the file system to crash. Always put the device on base before performing any operations with the system files.
Another problem is short pressing. Users often release the button too early, thinking that the device is already responding. Reset mode activation requires a confident retention for at least 5 seconds. Voice confirmation or change in the color of the indicator are the main signals of successful action.
If the robot starts to move randomly or crash into obstacles after reset, the gyroscope calibration data may have been lost, in which case it is recommended to leave the robot at the base for 1-2 hours for full calibration of the sensors alone.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process immediately after a reset.This may cause permanent damage to the software ("brick").
In rare cases, the button may become sluggish due to fine debris: blow the hole with compressed air or gently clean it with a dry soft brush.