Replacement of the filter in the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: a guide

Regular maintenance of smart equipment is the key to its long and efficient operation. Robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi and their sub-brands, such as Roborock or Viomi, require careful attention to the filtration system. If you ignore the state of the filter elements, the device will begin to suck up dust worse, and in the worst case, it will overheat the engine.

In this article, we will discuss in detail when exactly replacement is needed, what types of consumables exist for different models and how to properly conduct the maintenance procedure with your own hands. HEPA-Filters from regular grids and why saving on them can be expensive.

The replacement process takes only a few minutes, but requires certain rules to be followed so as not to damage fragile structural elements.We will look at the nuances for popular series such as the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop and Roborock S5/S6, ensuring that information is up to date for most owners.

Diagnostics of the filter system state

The first sign that filters are exhausted is that the suction force is reduced, and the robot may start to skip areas or less manage small debris, but visual inspection gives a more accurate picture: if the gray grid of the main filter has acquired a dark gray or black shade, and paper corrugated HEPA-the element is clogged, you can not delay.

Many users mistakenly rely on sensors alone, but the filtration system works on a cumulative principle: microscopic dust gradually clogs the pores of the material, increasing the resistance to airflow, which causes the engine to run at higher revs, which leads to wear and tear.

There's a simple test: remove the filter unit and blow into it (on the back side). If the air is difficult to pass, the element needs to be cleaned or replaced immediately. HEPA-filters are important tightness: any breaks in corrugated make them useless.

⚠️ Warning: Never use a robot vacuum cleaner without a installed HEPA-Fine dust will instantly enter the engine turbine, causing mechanical destruction and costly repairs.

Also worth noting is the notifications in the Mi Home app, which, while not always accurate, are algorithms that analyze the motor's current consumption and can signal a blockage, and ignoring such warnings reduces cleaning efficiency by 30-40%.

Filters and model compatibility

Xiaomi’s ecosystem uses several filter standards, and it’s important not to confuse them when buying a replacement.The main division is by the design of the dust container: rectangular blocks for older models and cylindrical or composite blocks for new ones.

The most common variant is a combined unit consisting of a plastic frame, a primary cleaning mesh and a corrugated HEPA H11/H12 inserted inside, which is used in the Roborock S50/S55 series, Xiaomi Vacuum 1S and Mijia 1C.

More advanced models, such as the Roborock S6, S7 or Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2, often use filters with improved geometry and antibacterial coating.

• 🔵 Primary net: Detains large debris, wool and hair, easily washed with water.
• 🟢 HEPA-filter: captures microscopic dust, allergens and mold spores, requires careful handling.
• 🟡 Motor filter: additional engine protection, usually located at the air outlet (found in older models).

When choosing consumables in stores, be sure to check the article or appearance with your current filter. Even a millimeter mismatch in size can lead to a loose fit and sucking of untreated air.

Tools and training required

Replacing the filter is one of the simplest procedures, and it doesn't require complicated equipment. You don't need screwdrivers, tweezers or special keys. The whole process is done with your hands in minutes.

The only thing you need to prepare in advance is a new set of filters, and it is recommended to buy original consumables or certified high-quality analogues, since cheap copies often have low corrugated density and quickly become obsolete.

It is also advisable to have a dry soft cloth or a napkin on hand to wipe the filter compartment before installing a new element, which will prevent the accumulated dust from entering the device housing.

Make sure the robot is off or in sleep mode, and while the risk of short circuit is minimal, safety is always a priority when working with electronics.

Step-by-step instructions for replacement

The replacement process depends on the design of your device, but the overall algorithm is the same for all models. First you need to access the dust collector, to do this, flip the robot vacuum cleaner or open the top cover, depending on the modification.

Remove the dust container. Most Xiaomi models have it locked with latches or just taken out of the socket. Be careful not to spill the contents.

Open the dust collector valve. It's usually on the side or bottom of the container. Remove the old filter unit. If it's a composite, separate the plastic frame and the filter element itself.

Sequence of action:


1. Turn the robot over.




Press the dust collector locks.




3. Remove the container.




4. Open the filter compartment valve.




5. Replace the element.

Insert the new one. HEPA-filter into the plastic frame until you click or fit tightly, make sure the perimeter sealing gum is not bent and is flat, which is critical to the tightness of the system.

Put the design in reverse order: put the unit in the dust collector, close the valve, insert the container into the robot before the characteristic click, check if the filter error indicator on the device body burns after turning on.

Can filters be washed and refurbished?

This is the most controversial issue among smart tech owners. HEPA-You can't wash filters. Water breaks down the structure of the fine fibers by gluing them together, which drastically reduces filtration capacity.

But practice shows that the primary mesh (usually gray or green) can and should be washed, it delays the large fraction and is easy to clean under a stream of water, the main thing is to allow it to dry completely for at least 24 hours before installation.

Same as himself. HEPA-The element (paper corrugated) is forbidden to wash, it can only be gently knocked out with a light tap on the edge of the garbage can or blown with compressed air (not too powerful), removing surface dust, but even after cleaning, its resource is not fully restored.

Using a wet filter will cause water to enter the engine and instantaneously break the device, and the humid environment inside the closed container is ideal for bacterial reproduction, which will negate the benefits of cleaning.

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To extend life HEPA-Filters, knock them out after each 2-3 This will remove the surface dust and reduce the load on the engine.

Frequent errors in service

One common mistake is to use inappropriate analogues: Cheap filters from markets often lack sufficient density and allow fine dust to pass through, which settles on sensors and inside the robot.

Another mistake is ignoring replacement times. Even if the filter looks clean, its microscopic pores can be clogged. HEPA-Filter in the conditions of an apartment with pets is only 2 months.

Some users try to dry filters with a hair dryer or on a battery. High temperatures deform the adhesive base and structure of the corrugated material, making the filter leaky. You only need to dry at room temperature in the straightened form.

⚠️ Note: Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean HEPA-The powerful airflow of a conventional vacuum cleaner can damage the thin structure of the filter material.

It's also important to check the condition of the rubber seals on the filter frame, so if they've lost elasticity or broken, the air will go around the filter, carrying the dust back into the room.

The effect of the filter on the operation of sensors and navigation

The quality of the filtration directly affects the operation of optical sensors and lidars. A clogged filter creates a discharge that can suck dust through the process holes to sensitive navigation elements.

If the robot is getting lost on a map or making wrong routes, check not only the lidar, but also the cleanness of the ventilation outlet, which depends on the condition of the filter. Good traction ensures the correct heat exchange of electronics.

Regular replacement of consumables is an investment in the durability of an expensive gadget, and the cost of a filter kit is not comparable to the cost of replacing an engine or a control board.

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Regular replacement of the filter every 2-4 months keeps the suction power at the level of 95-100% of factory indicators.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions