Xiaomi Mi Robot vacuum cleaners are some of the most popular cleaning devices, but sometimes their work gets lost: communication with the application is lost, navigation errors occur or the device begins to behave inadequate. In such cases, resetting to the factory is often the only solution. However, not all users know how to do this correctly so as not to damage the device or lose important data (for example, room maps).
In this article, we will discuss in detail three main ways of resetting: through physical buttons on the case, using the Mi Home/Xiaomi Home mobile application, as well as forced reset for devices that do not respond to commands. Separately, we will focus on what to do after reset, so that the vacuum cleaner works again as new, and what settings should be restored first. If your Xiaomi Mi Robot freezes, does not connect to Wi-Fi or gives an Error 10 error, Error 12 will help it to come back to life.
Before you start, make sure that the problem does require a reset. Sometimes it is enough to restart the device (holding the power button for 10 seconds) or update the firmware. If a reset is imminent, follow our recommendations to avoid typical errors such as loss of account binding or failure of sensor calibration.
1.When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi Mi Robot?
Factory resetting is an extreme measure that should only be used in certain cases, and here are the main symptoms that indicate the need for the procedure:
- 🔄 The vacuum cleaner doesn't connect to the Mi Home app or permanently loses connectivity despite stable Wi-Fi.
- 🚫 The device freezes during the boot phase (the indicator flashes, but cleaning does not begin).
- 🗺️ The robot does not remember a map of the room or builds it with errors (for example, "falls" into walls).
- ⚠️ Critical errors such as Error 5 (collision sensor problem) or Error 18 (gyroscope failure) appear that are not fixed by rebooting.
- 🔧 You plan to sell or transfer the vacuum cleaner to another user and wish to delete all personal data.
However, do not rush to reset the settings if:
- 🔋 The vacuum cleaner discharges quickly - it may be that battery replacement is required rather than resetting.
- 📶 The device doesn't see Wi-Fi - check the router and password first.
- 🧹 The robot doesn't clean well -- try cleaning brushes and filters.
⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete all stored room maps, cleaning schedules and suction settings. If the vacuum cleaner is tied to a Xiaomi account, you will need to reauthorize after the reset.
2. Method 1: Reset via buttons on the body (for all models)
It’s a versatile method that works on most Xiaomi Mi Robot models, including the Mi Robot Vacuum, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, and others. Resets will only need physical buttons on the device body — no apps or computers.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the vacuum cleaner. Press and hold the power button (ON/OFF) for 5 seconds until the indicator goes out.
- Simultaneously press and hold two buttons: 🔘 Button ON/OFF (power). 🏠 Home button (back to base) or Spot Cleaning (point cleaning) - depending on the model.
Hold them for 10-15 seconds until you hear a beep or a white/orange light flashes.
Wait for completion.
2-3 minutes
On some models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite), the button combination may be different. If the method described failed, try:
- 🔄 Hold ON/OFF + Dock (back to base button)
- 🔄 Press ON/OFF + Spot Cleaning + Dock at the same time.
☑️ Preparation for resetting through buttons
How do you know if the reset has been successful?
- 🔄 The vacuum cleaner will emit a long beep.
- 🔄 The indicator flashes white or blue (depending on the model).
- 🔄 The device will request a reconnection to Wi-Fi the next time it is turned on.
⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Pro models (2022 and later), a button reset may require additional confirmation in the app. If the vacuum cleaner does not reset after the procedure, check the notifications in Mi Home.
3. Method 2: Reset via Mi Home/Xiaomi Home app
If the vacuum cleaner is still connected to the application, software reset is the safest and fastest option, allowing you to save some settings (such as a cleaning schedule) or select a partial reset (such as only a room map).
Instructions for Mi Home (Android/iOS):
- Open the application and go to the vacuum cleaner management page.
- Tap it on. ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
- Select General Settings → Resetting (or Restore Factory Settings).
- Confirm the action by entering the password from the Xiaomi account (if required).
- Wait for the process to be completed (the vacuum cleaner will restart).
Features for different models:
| Model vacuum cleaner | Path to reset in the annex | Do you need a password? | Are the cards still in place? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum (1st generation) | Settings → Additional → Reset | No. | No. |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P | Settings → General → Recovery and Reset | Yes. | No. |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro | Device Profile → Resetting settings | Yes. | Partially (can be selected) |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite | Settings → System → Reset | No. | No. |
If the app does not have the option "Reset settings", try:
- 🔄 Update Mi Home to the latest version.
- 🔄 Reconnect the vacuum cleaner to the account (sometimes the item appears after re-authorization).
- 🔄 Use an alternative application, such as Roborock (for some models, Xiaomi is suitable).
💡
Before resetting through the app, take screenshots of the main settings (suction power, cleaning areas, schedule) that will save time to reconfigure.
Method 3: Forced reset for "dead" devices
If the vacuum cleaner doesn't turn on, doesn't respond to buttons or freezes during the loading stage, hardware reset may be required.This method is more risky and requires accuracy, but often saves in desperate situations.
Option 1: Reset via hidden Reset button
Some models, like the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2, have a reset button hidden under the lid to reach it:
- Turn over the vacuum cleaner and remove the bottom cover (a Torx T5 or T6 screwdriver will be required).
- Find a small button that says Reset (usually next to the battery).
- Press it single-press (do not hold it!) with a paper clip or toothpick.
- Connect the vacuum cleaner to the charge and wait for the reboot.
Option 2: Reset via a computer connection (for advanced users)
If the vacuum cleaner is not showing any signs of life, you can try to reflash it through the USB-C port (if any) or the UART- connector.
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows or Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB-C or TTL- adapter (for UART).
- 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download it from the 4PDA or Xiaomi Community forums).
- 🛠️ MiFlash or Fastboot.
⚠️ Warning: This method requires technical skills, wrong actions can permanently disable the vacuum cleaner, and if you're not sure, go to the service center.
Detailed instructions for firmware through UART
5. What to do after resetting the settings?
Once the vacuum cleaner is successfully reset, it will return to the factory settings, and it will have to be reconfigured.
- Connect the vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi. 📶 Go to Mi Home, select Add Device. 🔄 Follow the on-screen instructions (usually hold ON/OFF + Home to the beep).
- Update your firmware. After reset, check for updates in Settings → Software Update. Outdated firmware can cause the same errors.
- Set up the basic parameters: 🧹 Suction power (recommended Balanced Mode to start). 🗺️ Mapping the room - run the first cleaning in Full Cleaning mode. ⏰ Schedule (if necessary).
Check the sensors.
After reset, the gyroscope and laser rangefinder may need to be calibrated.
- Place the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface.
- In the application, select Settings → Additional → Calibration of sensors.
- Follow the voice cues.
Typical errors after reset and their solution:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The vacuum cleaner does not connect to Wi-Fi | Resetting network settings | Forget the network on the router and connect again |
| Does not build a map of the room | Uncalibrated sensors | Start calibration manually (see above) |
| It's always giving out Error 10. | Firmware failure | Update the software through the application |
| Not responding to voice commands | The microphone is off. | Include in Settings → Voice Assistant |
💡
After reset, be sure to check the firmware version. Outdated versions often cause repeated failures.
6. Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them
Many users make common mistakes that lead to even bigger problems, and this is what you can't do when resetting your settings:
- ❌ Interrupt the discharge process. If the vacuum cleaner blinks or makes noises, don't turn it off or press buttons. This can cause the firmware to fail.
- ❌ Reset settings when the battery is low. If the charge is less than 20%, connect the vacuum cleaner to the base or charger. Resetting when the battery is discharged is fraught with data loss.
- ❌ Use unofficial firmware, and firmware from questionable sources can disrupt or block the vacuum cleaner.
- ❌ Reset settings without attaching to your account. If the vacuum cleaner is not tied to your Mi Account, it can be difficult to reconnect it after the reset.
How do you avoid problems?
- ✅ Before reset, check the battery charge (optimally 50% or higher).
- ✅ Make a backup of the cards (if there is such a feature in the application).
- ✅ Use the official instructions for your model.
⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro models, resetting through buttons can result in a loss of binding to the charging base. After the procedure, it may be necessary to retrain the vacuum cleaner to recognize the docking station.
7. Alternative solutions: when resetting does not help
If the reset didn't fix the problem, it might not be the software settings, but the hardware malfunctions.
- 🔋 Battery: If the vacuum cleaner discharges quickly or doesn't turn on, try replacing the battery. The average battery life is 2-3 years.
- 🧲 Sensors: Clean the laser rangefinder and optical sensors from dust. Use a soft brush or compressed air can.
- 🔄 Brushes and filters: Clogged brushes or dirty HEPA- filters can cause Error 9 (brush jamming) or Error 11 (fan problem).
- 📡 Wi-Fi antenna: If the vacuum cleaner is not connected to the network, check the integrity of the antenna (it may be damaged by a fall).
If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi Service Center. In some cases (for example, when the motherboard fails), self-repair is not possible.
💡
Before contacting the service, check the warranty card. If the vacuum cleaner for warranties, self-disposal or disassembly may deprive you of the right to free repairs.