Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum (or Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner) has become an indispensable cleaning assistant for millions of users, but even the most reliable equipment requires maintenance: over time, dust accumulates inside, filters clog, and sometimes sensors or engines fail. You can disassemble the vacuum cleaner yourself, the main thing is to know the sequence of actions and have a minimum set of tools at hand.
In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide with photos of key stages, a list of necessary tools, as well as tips on how to avoid typical disassembly errors. 1/1S/2, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop and their modifications are similar to the principles of disassembly, but there are nuances. If your vacuum cleaner does not turn on after a fall, does not suck well or makes extraneous sounds, disassembly will help identify the problem without contacting the service.
We warn you that a wrong disassembly can lead to loss of warranty (if it is still valid) or damage to internal components. If you are not confident in your abilities, you better contact the professionals.
What tools will be needed to disassemble
The Xiaomi Vacuum doesn’t need expensive devices to be cleanly disassembled.
- ✅ Plastic blade (or mediator) - to disconnect the latches of the body without scratches.
- ✅ Cross screwdriver (usually) PH0 or PH1) — bottom-cover.
- ✅ Tweezers – will help to extract small parts, for example, sealing rubber bands.
- ✅ Multimeter (optional) – to check the chains, if the vacuum cleaner is not turned on.
- ✅ Wraps and alcohol – to clean contacts and internal surfaces.
If you plan to disassemble deeply (for example, to replace the engine or board), additionally prepare:
- ⚙️ Thermo-air station (or hair dryer) - for welding plumes.
- ⚙️ Sale and soldering iron - if you need to repair the fee.
- ⚙️ Clay. LOCTITE 222 - for fixing the fallen fasteners.
Don't use metal screwdrivers to disconnect plastic latches, they leave traces and can break the mounts. Also, avoid force pressure: if something doesn't respond, you missed a hidden latch or screw.
Preparation of the vacuum cleaner for disassembly: safety steps
Before you start disassembling, be sure to follow the following steps:
Turn off the vacuum cleaner and remove the battery
Clean the case of dust with a dry brush
Take a picture of the location of the screws and latches
Prepare containers for small parts (screws, springs)
Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the Mi Home app (if reset is required)
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Pay special attention to the battery. Xiaomi Vacuum models use a lithium-ion battery voltage 14.8V, And it can cause a fire to go wrong, and that's what you need to do:
- Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station and wait 10-15 minutes (discharge of capacitors).
- Turn the vacuum cleaner over and remove the bottom cover (usually it is attached to 4-6 screws).
- Disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard. Use a plastic blade to keep the contacts safe.
⚠️ Warning: If the battery is swollen or shows signs of corrosion, don't try to disassemble it, it's dangerous! Dispose of it according to local regulations and replace it with a new one.
We also recommend that you mark the location of the plumes and connectors before you turn them off, which will save time when you reassemble them, and if you're disassembling a vacuum cleaner to clean the fan or engine, prepare a vacuum cleaner for fine dust, and you'll find a lot of dirt inside!
Step-by-step disassembly of the Xiaomi Vacuum body
The vacuum cleaner body consists of two main parts: the upper cover (with an on button and an IR sensor) and the lower platform (with wheels, brushes and engine), and we will analyze the process by stages.
1. Removal of the top cover
Most models have the top cover attached to the latches and one or two hidden screws.
- Turn over the vacuum cleaner and unscrew all visible screws on the bottom cover (usually 4-6).
- Carefully tuck the edge of the upper cover with a plastic blade, starting at the back (where the on button is located).
- Gradually move around the perimeter, releasing the latches. Be careful - they are fragile!
- When the lid moves, lift it up and put it aside, and underneath it you'll see the motherboard, the battery, the sensors.
On some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2), the top cover can be attached with additional screws under rubber plugs, which must be carefully tweaked and unscrewed.
2. Extraction of the motherboard
The motherboard is responsible for the vacuum cleaner control, so you can remove it.
- Disconnect all plumes (usually 3-4: power, engine, sensors, Wi-Fi module).
- Unscrew the screws that attach the board to the body (usually 3-4 screws).
- Carefully remove the board by holding it by the edges.
⚠️ Warning: The board has a gyroscope (for navigation) and if you accidentally drop the board or vibrate it, the vacuum cleaner may start to misplace its position after assembly.
Access to the engine and suction system
The engine and fan are at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner.
- Remove the side brush (it is attached to one screw).
- Unscrew the screws that hold the main suction unit (usually 3-4 screws).
- Remove the block. The engine will be inside a metal body with a fan.
If your vacuum cleaner is not good at sucking, it's probably a clogged filter or worn-out engine brushes that can be cleaned or replaced.
How to check the efficiency of the engine?
Cleaning and maintenance of internal components
After disassembly, it's time to clean and check the key nodes of the vacuum cleaner.
| Component | Signs of malfunction | How to Clean/Repair |
|---|---|---|
| HEPA filter | Clogged with dust, reduced suction power | Rinse under running water, dry for 24 hours, replace it if it's torn. |
| Sidebrush | Not rotating, cracking, broken blades. | Remove hair and threads, replace them when worn out: ZNMS14WM). |
| Main brush. | Hair is wrapped on a shaft, the brush does not scroll. | Remove the brush, clean the shaft of the hair, grease the bearings with silicone lubrication. |
| Collision sensor | Vacuum does not respond to obstacles | Wipe the IR sensors with alcohol, check the circuit with a multimeter. |
| Engine fan | Whistling, reduced suction power | Clean the blades of dust, replace the engine if damaged. |
Pay special attention to the battery and board contacts. Oxidation or contamination can cause charging problems or accidental reboots. Use alcohol and cotton swabs to clean.
If you notice that the vacuum cleaner is not holding a charge, check the battery capacity with a multimeter — 16.8V. If it's lower. 12V, battery.
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Before assembly, lubricate the rubber seals on the body with silicone lubrication - this will facilitate the next disassembly and protect against dust.
Common Mistakes in Disassembly and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that cause the vacuum cleaner to break or make it difficult to assemble.
- ❌ Loss of screws or springs – use a magnetic mat or container for small parts.
- ❌ Trail damage – never pull the wires, just the connectors!
- ❌ Incorrect installation of brushes - if you put the main brush "upside down", the vacuum cleaner will not clean normally.
- ❌ Forgot to turn off the battery - this can lead to a short circuit when working with the board.
- ❌ Too much tightening of screws - plastic fasteners can crack.
Another common problem is that sensors are not properly assembled, for example, if you install the fall sensor (under the front bumper) incorrectly, the vacuum cleaner will “think” that it is constantly falling down the stairs, and will refuse to move.
If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after assembly, check:
- Connect the battery (the connector should sit tight).
- Integrity of the fuse on the board (usually it is next to the power connector).
- Correct connection of the plug of the power button.
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If the vacuum cleaner after assembly emits unusual sounds (screaming, vibration), immediately turn it off and check the balance of the fan and engine mounting - this can lead to the breakage of bearings.
When the disassembly will not help: signs of serious breakdowns
Not all problems are solved by cleaning or replacing small parts, and here are signs that the vacuum cleaner requires professional repair or replacement of key components:
- 🔴 The engine does not start, but the board receives power (checked by a multimeter).
- 🔴 Vacuum cleaner moves chaotically around the room, doesn't build a map - a problem with a gyroscope or laser rangefinder (LiDAR).
- 🔴 Battery discharges in 5-10 minutes even after full charging - wear of elements.
- 🔴 A red error indicator that is not reset by a reboot burns.
- 🔴 Vacuum does not respond to the Mi Home app - a problem with the Wi-Fi module.
In these cases, disassembly can only confirm the diagnosis, but not solve the problem. For example, replacing the laser rangefinder (LiDAR) in Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 2 models will cost 30-50% of the cost of a new vacuum cleaner.
If you still decide to repair yourself, look for parts on AliExpress or in specialty stores. Original parts for Xiaomi Vacuum are prefixed. ZNMS (for example, ZNMS14WM — sidebrush).
Video instructions and additional resources
For clarity, we recommend watching the video demos on YouTube, here are some of the channels we've checked:
- 🎥 VacBot – detailed dismantling of robot vacuum cleaners, including Xiaomi.
It's also useful to download a service manual for your model, and you can find it on forums like this. 4PDA or XDA Developers. The manual has screw and connector layouts, which makes it easier to disassemble.
If you are looking for firmware to restore the vacuum cleaner after a failed update, check the versions on the site MIUI SU Xiaomi Firmware, please note that the firmware is ADB experience!