Reboot of the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner system: all ways to reset and restore

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners (including the Dreame, Viomi and Mi Robot brands) are smart devices that can eventually malfunction: lose communication with the app, build a map incorrectly, get stuck in one place or refuse to turn on at all. 80% of these problems are solved by restarting the system – from a simple restart to a complete reset to factory settings.

But how exactly do you reboot Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner if it doesn’t respond to buttons or freezes? In this article, 5 proven ways (including hidden button combinations for displayless models), an error table that requires reset, and step-by-step instructions for devices with a display-free display. LDS-Lidar, laser sensors and hybrid navigation systems, and what to do if the reboot didn't work, and how to avoid losing maps of the premises.

1.When do you need to reboot Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner?

Not every problem requires resetting, for example, if the vacuum cleaner just doesn't return to base, just check the battery power or clean the sensors, but there are symptoms where resetting is the first step of diagnosis.

• 🔄 The robot stays in one place for more than 5 minutes, making a monotonous sound.
• 📱 Application Mi Home/DreameHome shows an error "Device offline", although the vacuum cleaner is turned on.
• 🗺️ The map of the room is lost or not saved after cleaning.
• ⚡ Indicators are lit in non-standard color (for example, red and blue at the same time).
• 🔋 Battery discharges in 10-15 minutes, although it used to last longer.

Rebooting helps in cases where the failure is caused by a software error (for example, after a failed firmware update) or data conflict (mapping overlay, sensor calibration failure), however, if the problem is related to mechanical damage (broken brushes, jamming wheels), resetting the system will not correct the situation.

2.Soft reboot: standard restart

The safest way is to reboot software via buttons or an app, suitable for models Xiaomi Mi Robot, Dreame D9, Viomi V3 and others with Wi-Fi support.

How to do this:

1. Press and hold the Power button (or Home on some models) for 3-5 seconds until you hear the beep.
2. Release the button - the vacuum cleaner will start the shutdown process (the indicators will go out).
3. Wait 10-15 seconds and turn the device on with a short press on the same button.

For models with touch buttons (such as the Dreame Z10 Pro):

Press and hold the sensory area "Power" → wait for the double beep → release.

If the vacuum cleaner is connected to the application, you can reboot it remotely:

1. Open Mi Home or DreameHome.
2. Select your device → Settings (⚙️) → Reboot.

Make sure the vacuum cleaner is not on charge

Check the battery power (minimum 20%)

Remove the vacuum cleaner from the carpet (for stability)

Close the Mi Home app before restart-->

What a soft reboot does:

• 🔄 Resets temporary RAM errors (e.g., freeze-up of the mapping process).
• 📶 Restores Wi-Fi connection if the network module was in trouble.
• 🛠️ Resets sensor drivers (lidar, gyroscope, optical sensors).

💡

A soft reboot does not remove stored room maps and cleaning settings.

3.Tough reset: Forced reset

If Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner doesn’t respond to buttons or freezes when turned on, a forced reset will be required, a technique that simulates battery extraction (although most models have a non-removable battery).

Instructions for models without display (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite):

1. Turn the vacuum cleaner upside down (turn off power if it is on the base).
2. Find the Reset button (usually located next to the Power button or under the lid with the Reset button) QR-code).
3. Press and hold Reset for 10-15 seconds until the indicator blinks.
4. Release the button and turn on the vacuum cleaner in the standard way.

For models with a display (e.g. DreameBot L10 Pro):

Hold the power button + home button at the same time for 8-10 seconds until the screen goes out.

⚠️ Warning: A severe reset may result in the loss of unsaved data (e.g. a temporary cleaning card) and models with a LiDAR (laser sensor) will require recalibration after such reset.

4. Factory reset: complete system reinstallation

If a soft and hard reboot doesn't work, the last option is a hard reset, which will remove all settings, room maps, and cleaning history, and use this method only when there is a critical failure:

• 🚫 Robot doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi despite having the right password.
• 🗺️ The maps of the premises are completely down and not restored.
• 🔧 The application shows the error "Unknown device".

Instructions for most Xiaomi/Dreame/Viomi models:

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 3 seconds).
2. Turn it over and find the Reset button (may be hidden under a plug).
3. Press and hold Reset for 15-20 seconds until you hear a long beep (some models will light up a white indicator).
4. Release the button – the vacuum cleaner will automatically turn on and start the reset process (the Wi-Fi indicator can flash).

For models with a display (for example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro):

Go to the menu: Settings → System → Reset to factory → Confirm the choice.

⚠️ Note: After a full reset, Xiaomi vacuum cleaner will require reconnecting to Wi-Fi and setting up cleaning areas. If you had a link to your Mi Account, it will also need to be restored.

5.Reboot through the application: hidden functions

The official Mi Home and DreameHome apps have hidden diagnostic tools that allow you to restart the system without physically accessing the buttons. These features aren’t available on all models, but they’re worth a try if the vacuum cleaner responds to commands from the app.

Ways to reboot through software:

• 📱 Mi Home: Open the device in the app. Go to Settings → About the device → Firmware version. Click on version number 5 times in a row, the developer menu will open. Select Reboot System (reboot) or Factory Reset (reset).

DreameHome:

1. Press the device icon on the home screen for 3 seconds.
2. In the menu that appears, select Diagnostic → Reboot.

Also update your firmware regularly through the app. Xiaomi releases patches that fix navigation and connectivity bugs to check the relevance of the version:

Mi Home → Device → Settings (⚙️) → Firmware version → Check for updates

FAQ: Frequent questions about rebooting Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners