Resetting the settings of the vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: all ways to return factory parameters

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have become an integral part of smart homes, but even the most reliable devices sometimes require rebooting. Resetting to factory settings may be necessary when selling a gadget, after a failed firmware update, or if the vacuum cleaner has started to malfunction: loses communication with the application, builds a map incorrectly or ignores commands. Unlike smartphones, where the reset is performed in several taps, the robot vacuum cleaners procedure has nuances – not only the combination of buttons depends on the model, but also the consequences for stored data.

This article covers all the current reset methods for Mi Robot Vacuum, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S10/S12 and other popular models. We will analyze software reset via the Mi Home app, hardware method with physical buttons, and explain which settings will remain intact and which will be lost irrevocably.

When you need to reset the settings of the Xiaomi vacuum cleaner

Resetting to factory parameters is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in several cases:

• 🔄 Transfer of the device to a new owner. Before selling or transferring the vacuum cleaner, you must remove the binding to the Mi Account account so that the new user can connect the gadget to his profile.
• 🐞 Software failures: If the vacuum cleaner freezes while loading, does not respond to commands from the application or constantly restarts, resetting often solves the problem.
• 🗺️ Mapping errors: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) S10+) start to build a room map incorrectly after updates - reset helps to "reset" memory.
• 🔌 Connection problems: If the vacuum cleaner doesn't connect to Wi-Fi or permanently loses connection to the app, even after the router restarts.

But not all problems are solved by resetting, for example, if the vacuum cleaner doesn't charge or makes uncharacteristic noises when moving, it's more likely that the cause is a hardware malfunction (worn brushes, damaged battery), in which case resetting won't help - repairs are needed.

⚠️ Warning: After the reset, all stored maps of the premises, cleaning schedules, suction settings and exclusion zones will be deleted.

Method 1: Reset via the Mi Home app

The safest method is to use the official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new models), which is suitable for all vacuum cleaners connected to a Mi Account and does not require physical access to the device.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to the Devices tab.
2. Choose your vacuum cleaner from the list.
3. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) top-right.
4. Select the Settings of the device.
5. Scroll down and click Reset Settings (or Delete Device in newer versions of the app).
6. Confirm the action by entering the password from the Mi Account.

The reset process will take 1-2 minutes, and the vacuum cleaner will sound and restart, and then it can be reconnected to the account again, as after the purchase.

Make sure the vacuum cleaner is connected to Wi-Fi

Battery charge of at least 20%

Remember the current cleaning area settings (take pictures)

Untie the vacuum cleaner from voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant)-->

If you don't have Reset on the menu, your model doesn't support software reset, and then use the hardware method.

Method 2: Hardware reset (buttons on the body)

Hardware reset is a universal method that works even if the vacuum cleaner is not connected to the application or locked. The combination of buttons depends on the model, but the general principle is the same: you need to hold certain keys for 5-15 seconds.

Below is a table with combinations for popular models:

Step-by-step instructions for hardware reset:

1. Make sure the vacuum cleaner is off (not in cleaning or charging mode).
2. Find the buttons listed in the table for your model.
3. Press and hold them at the same time.
4. Wait for the beep or voice alert (for models with voice assistant).
5. Release the buttons - the vacuum cleaner will restart and return to the factory settings.

⚠️ Note: On models with LiDAR scanner (e.g. Xiaomi) S10+) After the reset, you may need to recalibrate the sensor. To do this, place the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface and wait for the procedure to be completed (the indicator will flash blue).

Reset via voice assistant (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi vacuum cleaners (such as the Robot Vacuum S10 with XiaoAI) support reset via voice commands, a method that only works if the device is connected to an account and the voice assistant is activated.

Instructions:

1. Activate the voice assistant by saying, Hey XiaoAI (or by pressing the microphone button on the case).
2. Say the command: Reset to factory or Factory reset (English).
3. Confirm the action by voice or through the app if necessary.

Once confirmed, the vacuum cleaner will sound and begin the reset process, a method that is convenient if the physical buttons are damaged or inaccessible.

Through the Mi Home app

Buttons on the case

Voice command.

Never dropped it.-->

What happens after reset: stored and deleted data

Many users are afraid to reset their settings for fear of losing important data, and we will find out what is deleted and what remains:

• ❌ Removed: Stored maps of the premises (will have to be rebuilt), cleaning schedules and no-go zones, suction settings, wet cleaning and operating modes, binding to Mi Account and voice assistants, cleaning log and usage statistics.
• ✅ Saved: Device firmware (the software version will not change); Voice prompting language (if changed); Physical settings (e.g. bumper sensitivity); Battery life data (charging cycles).

After resetting, the vacuum cleaner automatically goes into initial settings mode - its indicator will flash orange, and the voice assistant (if any) will suggest connecting to Wi-Fi. If you sell the device, remember to untie it from the Mi Account account in the application, otherwise the new owner will not be able to link the vacuum cleaner to his profile.

💡

Before resetting, take screenshots of the maps of the premises in the Mi Home app (Map section), which will help you quickly restore the cleaning areas after setting up.

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistakes during reset can lead to serious problems, from loss of communication with the application to complete failure of the device.

1. Interrupting: If you release the buttons ahead of time or turn off the vacuum cleaner during the application reset, the device can "block"; in this case, only resetting or flashing through the ADB will help.
2. Low battery charge: If the charge is less than 15%, the vacuum cleaner may turn off during the reset, causing the file system to fail. Always check the charge level before the procedure.
3. Using the wrong button combination. For example, on the Xiaomi S10, the power + home retention won't work - you need a button to increase suction. Always specify the combination for your model.
4. If you don't remove the vacuum cleaner from your Mi Account before selling, the new owner won't be able to tie it up, which is a common reason for returns on marketplaces.

If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on or flashes a red indicator after reset, try the following:

• Connect the device to the charging station for 30 minutes, then reset.
• Check if your brushes or wheels are stuck – sometimes mechanical locks interfere with normal loading.
• Update the firmware through the Mi Home app if the vacuum cleaner is turned on but is not running smoothly.

💡

If the vacuum cleaner emits a continuous squeak after discharge, this is a sign of a hardware malfunction (for example, a jammed motor), in which case a diagnosis is required at the service center.

How to Restore the Vacuum after Resetting

After a successful discharge, the vacuum cleaner will return to a "out of the box" state.

1. Wi-Fi connection: Turn on the vacuum cleaner (Power button). The indicator will start flashing orange, which means that the device is ready to be set up. In the Mi Home app, click Add the device and select your vacuum cleaner model. Follow the instructions on the screen to connect the vacuum cleaner to the network.
2. Set up a room map: Start the first cleaning in Map mode (if any). After you build the map, mark the no-go zones and virtual walls. Save the map and set up a cleaning schedule.

Firmware update:

• Check for updates in the Device Settings → Software Update section.
• Install the latest firmware version for stable operation.

If the vacuum cleaner does not connect to Wi-Fi after reset:

• Make sure the router is running in the 2.4GHz band (Xiaomi vacuum cleaners do not support 5GHz).
• Check if the antivirus or firewall blocks the device’s connection to the network.
• Reboot the router and vacuum cleaner, then try again to connect.

FAQ: Frequent questions about dumping Xiaomi vacuum cleaners