Reset Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner 1C to factory settings: 3 ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner 1C is a popular model with laser navigation and support for smart homes, but even it sometimes requires a complete reset. It may have become glitzy after a firmware update, lost contact with the Mi Home app, or you are preparing it for sale. In any case, resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective solution.

In this article, you will find three proven methods of resetting (through the application, buttons on the case and alternative methods), as well as analyze typical errors - for example, when the vacuum cleaner does not respond to button clamping or after reset does not connect to Wi-Fi. Separately, we will focus on the hidden function of "hard reset", which is not written in the official documentation, but which saves 80% of cases of "bricks" after unsuccessful firmware.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi 1C to factory settings?

Don't rush to dump the vacuum cleaner at the first problem -- sometimes it's enough to restart it or update the firmware. But there are 5 clear reasons for a complete reset:

• 🔄 Vacuum cleaner doesn't connect to Mi Home app after changing router or resetting phone.
• 🤖 The device freezes on the screensaver or cyclically reboots.
• 🔌 Robots: Robots don’t save the plan or draw it incorrectly.
• 📦 Preparation for sale or transfer to another user.
• 🛠️ After a failed firmware update (for example, through ADB third-party).

The reset will bring all the parameters back out of the box: you will remove the saved cards, cleaning settings, cleaning history and binding to your Xiaomi account. Importantly, if the vacuum cleaner is tied to your account, you will need to add it again to the application after the reset, as a new device.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Home (soft reset)

This is the safest method, but it only works if the vacuum cleaner is connected to the app and responds to commands. The instructions are relevant for Mi Home versions 6.0 and later (check the updates in Google Play or App Store).

Steps for discharge:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to the Devices tab.
2. Choose your Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner 1C from the list.
3. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner → Settings of the device.
4. Scroll down and press Reset to factory settings.
5. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

It takes 1-2 minutes, and the vacuum cleaner will beep, reboot, and flash a white light, which means that the reset was successful, and you can now re-link it to your account.

Make sure the vacuum cleaner is at least 30% charged

Connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the vacuum cleaner

Close all background apps on your phone

Take screenshots of current settings (if you plan to restore)

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⚠️ Note: If the vacuum cleaner does not appear in the list of available devices to add after reset, check if your router blocks the mDNS protocol (necessary for detecting Xiaomi devices). Try connecting to another network or disable the Customer Isolation function in the router settings.

Method 2: Hardware reset buttons on the body

If the vacuum cleaner doesn't connect to the application or freezes, use physical buttons on the case, which works even when the firmware is damaged, but requires accurate retention time.

Instructions:

1. Make sure the vacuum cleaner is off (the indicator does not flash).
2. Find two buttons on the case: Food (round) and Home (with the image of the house).
3. Press both buttons at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until you hear the beep.
4. Release the buttons - the vacuum cleaner will start the reset procedure (the indicator will flash orange).
5. Wait for the reset (about 1-2 minutes), and then the indicator will turn white.

If the vacuum cleaner doesn't respond to button retention, try plugging it into the charging station and repeating the procedure. Sometimes low battery power blocks the reset.

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If the buttons on the vacuum cleaner are dirty, wipe them with an alcohol napkin, which sometimes restores sensitivity. Do not use abrasives!

Method 3: Hard reset (hidden combination for "bricks")

This method is not described in official documentation, but often saves when the vacuum cleaner has turned into a “brick” after a failed upgrade or reset, and it works even if the device does not turn on or respond to standard button combinations.

You'll need:

• 🔌 Charging station (necessarily connected to the network!).
• 📌 Paperclip or thin object to press a hidden button.

Step-by-step:

1. Put the vacuum cleaner on the charging station.
2. Find a small hole on the bottom panel (near the wheel) with the inscription RESET.
3. Insert the paperclip and hold the button for 20-30 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and green alternately.
4. Release the button - the vacuum cleaner will restart and return to the factory settings.

This method erases all data, including firmware service files, so you may need to reflash the device via Mi Home (the app will prompt you to update when you first connect).

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• ❌ The discharge broke in the middle. → Do not disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the power during the procedure. If the indicator flashes orange, wait until the end (up to 5 minutes).
• ❌ After reset, it does not connect to Wi-Fi. → Make sure the router is running at 2.4 GHz (5 GHz not supported.
• ❌ App doesn't see vacuum cleaner → Reinstall Mi Home, clear the cache, or try connecting from another phone. Sometimes changing the region in the app settings (e.g. China Mainland) helps).
• ❌ Vacuum cleaner makes a mistake in voice → See the voice messages in the FAQ below.

If the vacuum cleaner behaves unstable after reset (for example, does not build a map or constantly loses communication), try updating the firmware manually:

1. In Mi Home go to the vacuum cleaner settings → Firmware update.
2. If the update is not available, download the latest version from the official website (Support section) and download it through Local Update.

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After reset, always update your firmware to the latest version – this fixes bugs and improves stability.

What to do after resetting: setting up from scratch

Once the vacuum cleaner is successfully reset, it needs to be re-linked to the account and set up.

1. Add to Mi Home: Open Mi Home → Press + → Select Add Device. Select Vacuum Cleaner Category → Mi Vacuum Cleaner 1C. Follow the on-screen instructions (connect to the temporary Wi-Fi network from the vacuum cleaner).
2. Wi-Fi setup: Make sure the router is running at 2.4GHz. Turn off the VPN or proxy on your phone. If the connection doesn't go through, try another phone.

Sizing:

• Place the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface and wait for the automatic calibration of the gyroscope (it will take ~ 1 minute).
• Run the first cleaning in Full Clean mode so that the vacuum cleaner builds a map.

⚠️ Warning: If you don't untie the vacuum cleaner before selling, the new owner won't be able to tie it! Access can only be restored through Xiaomi support, providing proof of purchase.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 1C reset