How to Reset Xiaomi Robot Vacuum on Factory Settings

Xiaomi’s modern robotic assistants are able to keep the house clean with little or no human input, but even the most advanced technology sometimes requires user intervention. Occasionally, owners are faced with a situation where the device stops responding correctly to commands, loses communication with the router or begins to issue unexplained errors in the Mi Home application.

The Hard Reset procedure removes all user data, including stored room maps, cleaning history and schedule settings, returning the gadget to the “out of the box” state, which must be done with caution, since it will be impossible to restore deleted files without prior backup, but this step helps to eliminate software conflicts that are not solved by a conventional reboot.

In this article, we will take a look at the algorithms for different models, explain the difference between reboot and reset, and answer frequently asked questions. It is important to understand that for models with a laser navigator (LDS), the procedure can differ from simple chaotic models by 10-15 seconds of button retention. Let's look at all the nuances to make your robot vacuum cleaner work again as new.

When a complete reset of the robot vacuum cleaner system is required

Many users confuse a normal device reboot and a full factory reset, although these processes have fundamentally different consequences for the system: a reboot simply turns off and turns on the device, clearing RAM but saving all user settings, while a reset affects internal memory and deletes configuration files, which is required in more complex situations.

One of the main reasons for the procedure is to change the router or password from the Wi-Fi network. If you change your provider or upgrade equipment, the robot vacuum cleaner may refuse to connect to the new network, requiring you to clean old network profiles, and a reset is necessary if you plan to sell the device or transfer it to another user to delete your personal data from memory.

There are a number of symptoms that indicate the need for intervention in the operation of the software:

• 📡 The robot has stopped seeing the Wi-Fi network or constantly loses connection, although the router is working properly.
• 🗺️ Mi Home app missing map or displays incorrectly despite sensor cleaning.
• 🔊 The device emits audible signals about an error that is not on the list, or freezes during the start-up stage.
• 🔄 The firmware update process was interrupted or passed with errors, causing unstable work.

⚠️ Warning: Before you reset, be sure to clean the dust container and flush the filter. Once you return to the factory settings, the robot can immediately start the test cleaning, and a dirty filter will reduce the suction efficiency.

Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure

Before you start active, you need to make sure that the battery of the device is charged at least 20-30%. the process of resetting and subsequent initial setup can take some time, and if the device turns off in the middle, this can lead to damage to the file system.

It's also recommended that you check the condition of the sensors and the wheels, and if the sensors are heavily contaminated, the robot may not correctly determine its position after the reset and immediately emit an error, and you can wipe the collision sensors, infrared sensors and charging contacts with soft cloth, and this will ensure stable operation immediately after switching on.

It is important to prepare the smartphone from which the setup will be made.Make sure that the phone is enabled Bluetooth and geolocation, as modern Xiaomi models use these modules to quickly find the device.The Mi Home app should be updated to the latest version available in your region.

Reset methods for different Xiaomi and Roborock models

Xiaomi’s line of smart cleaners and Roborock’s sub-brand is extensive, and the ways to access the reset function can vary depending on the year of release and the display availability. Most non-screen models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum 1S, Roborock S5) use a combination of buttons on the body.

For models with a touchscreen display (such as Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2 Pro+ or the flagship Roborock S7/S8), the procedure is often simplified through the settings menu of the device itself. In this case, you do not need to look for hidden button combinations, just log into the menu and select the appropriate item, which reduces the risk of accidental activation of the reset.

The table below will help you navigate the methods for popular models:

If your model is not listed, look for a small hole that says Reset on the bottom panel or under the dust collector cover. In some budget models, you need to press the hidden button with a paper clip to activate the reset. Always check the official documentation for the specific modification.

Step-by-step: reset through the body buttons

This is the most common method for classic models. First, make sure that the robot vacuum cleaner is not in the process of cleaning. If it works, press the pause or return button and wait for the engines to stop. Only after a complete stop can you start manipulating the buttons.

Find the two main buttons on the top panel: Power and Home/Dock. In some models, they can be combined into a single joystick or touchpad. You need to press and hold them simultaneously. Press them confidently, but without undue effort, so as not to damage the button mechanism.

Hold the combination for 3-5 seconds. You will hear a voice message in English or Chinese: "Resetting Wi-Fi" or "Reset successfully." After that, the Wi-Fi indicator should start flashing quickly, which signals the transition to pairing mode. Now the device is ready for new binding in the application.

For models with a single joystick (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum Mop), the algorithm may be different: sometimes you need to hold only the on button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator changes the blinking mode.

⚠️ Warning: Don't release the buttons as soon as the sound appears. Wait until the voice assistant fully utters the reset phrase, otherwise the process may interrupt in half and the settings will not be updated.

Resetting settings through the Mi Home app

If you have difficulty physically accessing the buttons or prefer the software method, you can use the Mi Home application interface. This method is not available for all functions, but allows you to remove the device from the list, which often equates to resetting network settings. Open the application and go to the home page where all your gadgets are displayed.

Select your robot vacuum cleaner card. In the upper right corner of the screen, find a three-dot icon or a gear, which is the input to your device settings. Scroll down to the very end of the list, and it should have a button called Delete Device or Unbind, and pressing that button will untie the robot from your account.

Once removed from the application, you need to reset the Wi-Fi on the device itself (the button method described above) so that it “forgets” the router. If you do not do this, when you try to add again, the robot can automatically try to connect to the old network, which will cause an error.

💡

If you are changing a region in the Mi Home app (e.g. from Russia to China), be sure to remove the device from the old region before adding it to the new one.

Solving problems after resetting and reconfiguring

After a successful reset, the robot vacuum cleaner goes into standby mode. The Wi-Fi indicator should flash often. If there is no blinking, try again to perform the reset procedure, increasing the retention time of the buttons to 7-10 seconds. Sometimes the communication module requires a longer signal to activate.

When adding a device to the app, make sure your smartphone is connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Most Xiaomi models don't support 5GHz networks for initial setup. If you have a dual-band router, temporarily disconnect 5GHz or make sure the phone is connected to the right network.

You may need to select a region during the setup process. Always choose the region that matches your Mi Account. If the regions don't match, the device may not be added or work with restrictions. Once you've completed the setup, you should check for firmware updates right away.

If the robot doesn't build a map or builds it with errors after the reset, run a complete cleaning throughout the apartment without interrupting the process. The algorithms must rescan the room. Don't move the base to another location during the first map construction, otherwise the coordinates will get lost.

💡

Once reset, the robot forgets virtual walls and forbidden areas, and you have to reconfigure them in the app to work properly in complex layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)