How to reset Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential to factory settings: all ways

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential is a popular automated cleaning device, but users sometimes face the need to return it to factory settings, which may be required when selling a device, fixing software failures, or after a failed firmware update. However, an improper reset can lead to a device lock or loss of functionality β€” especially if it is a hard reset.

In this article, we will take a look at all the official and hidden methods of resetting Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential, including soft reset via app and full reset via buttons on the case, and learn how to avoid the typical errors that lead to the β€œbricking” of the device, and what to do if the vacuum cleaner stopped responding to commands after reset. For convenience, we have compiled step-by-step photo instructions, risk warnings and answers to frequent questions.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential?

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

  • πŸ”„ Selling or transferring the device – so that the new owner can tie the vacuum cleaner to their Mi Home account without access to your data.
  • 🐞 Software glitches: The robot doesn’t respond to commands, gets stuck on a single task, or constantly reboots.
  • πŸ“± Problems connecting to Wi-Fi or Mi Home app (for example, after changing routers or updating firmware).
  • πŸ”’ Account lock – if the device is tied to a remote Xiaomi account that is not available.
  • ⚑ After a failed update, when the vacuum cleaner is not working correctly or refuses to turn on.

It is important to understand that soft reset retains the binding to your Mi Home account and cleaning card, whereas hard reset erases all information, including room and power settings, the latter option should only be used in extreme cases.

πŸ“Š Why you want to reset the robot vacuum cleaner settings?
Preparing for sale
The device is glitching.
Not connected to Wi-Fi.
Forgot the password from the Xiaomi account
Another option

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid data loss or device locking:

  1. Untie the vacuum cleaner from your Mi Home account (if you plan to sell). To do this, go to the app, select the device. β†’ Settings (βš™οΈ) β†’ Untie the device.
  2. Charge the vacuum cleaner to at least 30%. Resetting when the battery is low can lead to firmware errors.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before reset

Done: 0 / 5

If the vacuum cleaner doesn't respond to the buttons or doesn't turn on, skip the preparation and go straight to the hard reset section, but remember, in this case, all settings will be lost irrevocably.

⚠️ Note: If your Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential is linked to a Xiaomi account with two-factor authentication (2FA), After a hard reset, confirmation may be required through SMS or email. Make sure you have access to the linked number/mail!

Soft Reset via Mi Home app

This method is suitable if the vacuum cleaner is stable, but you want to return the default settings without losing the binding to the account. Soft reset does not affect the cleaning cards and basic parameters, but resets individual settings (such as schedule or suction level).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Mi Home app and select your Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential.
  2. Go to Settings (βš™οΈ) β†’ General settings β†’ Resetting settings.
  3. Confirm action. The vacuum cleaner will reset (white lights light up) and return to factory settings without removing the maps.

If you don't have a "Reset" option on the menu, upgrade the Mi Home app to the latest version. In older versions, this section could be called "Reset Default" settings.

What exactly is resetting Soft Reset?
With soft reset, return to factory values: - Suction level (standard / quiet / maximum) - Wet cleaning settings (water supply intensity) - Cleaning schedule - Voice Alert Language Not affected: room maps, binding to Wi-Fi and Mi Home account, cleaning history.

Hard Reset via buttons on the body

Hard reset: A complete reset of all data, including account binding, cleaning cards, and network settings, is used if:

  • πŸ“΅ The vacuum cleaner does not connect to Mi Home or Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ”„ The device is blocked by the previous owner.
  • πŸ€– The robot does not respond to commands or freezes in update mode.

Instructions for Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential:

  1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner with a long press on the power button (3 seconds). Wait for the indicator to go out.
  2. Press the power button and the home button (with the image of the house) for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Release the buttons when you hear a voice alert in Chinese (or an orange light).
  4. The vacuum cleaner will reboot and return to the factory settings, and now it can be configured as a new device.

If the robot emits a continuous beep after the reset, or flashes red, it indicates an error.

  1. Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the charging station.
  2. Remove the battery for 1-2 minutes (if you are confident in your skills).
  3. Repeat the hard reset procedure.

πŸ’‘

If the vacuum cleaner doesn't turn on after a hard discharge, plug it into charging for 30 minutes, then repeat the procedure. Sometimes, low battery power blocks the start.

⚠️ Note: Some Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential firmwares require re-activation after hard reset via Mainland China-based Mi Home app. If your account is registered in another region (e.g. Russia), temporarily change region in your profile settings.

Reset via developer console (for advanced users)

If the standard methods don't work and the vacuum cleaner is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, you can try resetting via a Telnet console. This method requires technical skills and is only suitable for devices with firmware before the version. 3.5.8_003074 (In new versions of Telnet is disabled by default).

Instructions:

  1. Find out. IP-The router’s vacuum cleaner address (usually starts with 192.168.x.x).
  2. Connect to it via Telnet (for example, using the PuTTY program): [IP-vacuum-dress]
  3. Enter the reset command: reset_factory Or (for old firmware): miio reset
  4. Wait for the reboot (about 2-3 minutes).

If the command fails, try an alternative method through ADB (requires the developer mode on the vacuum cleaner).

Resetting methodDoes it save the cards?Does the Xiaomi account require?Difficulty
Soft Reset (via the app)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⭐
Hard Reset (buttons)❌ No.❌ No (but may be required for activation)⭐⭐
Telnet/ADB❌ No.❌ No.⭐⭐⭐

Additional methods for experienced users

If none of the standard methods worked, alternatives can be tried, requiring more knowledge and may lead to a loss of warranty.

1.Reset via firmware file

This will require:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Mi Home installed SDK Python.
  • πŸ“ Official firmware for Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential (download at miuirom.org).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable to connect to a vacuum cleaner (usually USB-Type-C is used, but a soldering iron is required to access contacts).

Algorithm:

  1. Unpack the firmware and find the app.fex file.
  2. Connect to the vacuum cleaner via UART (speed 115200 baht).
  3. Start the command: flash eraseall & & flash write

2. Manual firmware update

If the reset does not help due to damaged firmware, try reflashing the device:

  1. Download the latest version of the software for your model (for example, vacuum_mop_essential_3.5.8_003074).
  2. Put the.pkg file in the root SD-cards (if your model supports a memory card slot).
  3. Insert the card into the vacuum cleaner and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
The Risks of Hand-Firmware
Incorrectly selected firmware can: - Disable the Wi-Fi module. - Lead to a permanent restart (bootloop). - Make it impossible to restore using standard methods. Recommendation: Use only official firmware from proven sources (for example, Xiaomi Community).

⚠️ Note: After manual firmware, you may need to re-assign to your Xiaomi account via servers in China.If your account is not tied to the Mainland China region, use the following: VPN portable.

What if the reset didn't help?

If after all the manipulations Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential still does not work, check the following points:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery: A discharged battery can block the start. Connect the vacuum cleaner to charge for 1-2 hours.
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi: If your device is not connected to the network, try another router (e.g., 2.4GHz, as 5GHz is not supported).
  • πŸ”§ Mechanical failure: check if the wheels or brushes are jammed, and sometimes the failures are caused by physical obstacles.
  • πŸ“± Mi Home app: Remove and install it again, then log in.

If the vacuum cleaner emits sound signals or flashes indicators, decipher the error code from the table:

Signal.DescriptionDecision
1 short signalLow battery chargeCharge 3+ hours
2 short signalsBrushing stuckClean your hair/garbage brush
Continuous signalSensor errorReset the vacuum cleaner
Red flashing indicatorCritical system errorRepeat hard reset or contact the service

If none of the methods worked, contact the official Xiaomi service. indicate that you have already tried to reset the settings - this will speed up the diagnosis.

πŸ’‘

Before contacting the service, check the warranty card: a self-dumping through the console or firmware can cancel the warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop Essential

❓ How to find out the version of the vacuum cleaner firmware?
Open the Mi Home app, select the device β†’ Settings (βš™οΈ) β†’ About the device. The firmware version is listed in the Firmware bar (e.g, 3.5.8_003074).
❓ Can I drop the vacuum cleaner without access to the account of the previous owner?
Yes, but only through hard reset, and then you can link the device to a new account, but if the previous owner has activated theft protection, you may need to confirm through Xiaomi.
❓ Why does the vacuum cleaner not connect to Wi-Fi after resetting?
Probable reasons: The router is running at 5 GHz (vacuum cleaner only supports 2.4 GHz). WPA3 β€” Try changing the type of encryption to WPA2-PSK. IP-vacuum cleaner address conflicts with another device (reboot router).
❓ How to return saved cleaning cards after resetting?
Unfortunately, after hard reset, the cards are permanently removed. The only way to restore them is to rescan the room. To do this: Run the vacuum cleaner in cleaning mode. Wait for it to build a new map (may take 1-2 cleaning cycles). Save the map in the Mi Home app.
❓ What to do if the vacuum cleaner speaks Chinese after the discharge?
This is normal -- the default language for voice alerts is in Chinese. To change it, open Mi Home. β†’ pick a vacuum cleaner β†’ Settings (βš™οΈ) β†’ Voice alerts. Select the language you want (e.g. English or Russian if available). Save settings. If Russian is not on the list, install a third-party firmware (e.g. Valetudo) or use English alerts.