How to Reset Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner to Factory Settings: 3 Proven Ways

Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner is no longer listening, is it bugging or requires a reset to Wi-Fi? Factory reset is the universal solution for most software problems. But before you press the buttons, it's important to understand that not all models are reset the same way, and the wrong actions can lead to locking the device.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via the button, the Mi Home app and voice assistant), how to avoid typical errors, and give a checklist for preparation. and also answer the question that many people are worried about: “Will the cleaning cards survive the reset?” (spoiler: no, but they can be saved in advance).

If your Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum (or Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop) is slowing down, losing connection to the application or emitting a 502 error when connecting, resetting often helps to return to work. However, do not rush to reset the device without a reason: after the procedure, you will have to reconfigure the schedule, cleaning areas and suction parameters.

We tested the instructions on the S50, S51, S6, S7, STYJ02YM (and their Viomi or Dreame clones) and if your model is older than 2018, check compatibility at the end of the article — there is a separate section for legacy devices.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

Resetting is a last resort, not a panacea. Before you press the button, make sure the problem is not solved more easily:

• 🔄 The vacuum cleaner does not connect to Wi-Fi → Try rebooting your router or changing your network to 2.4GHz (Xiaomi robots don’t work with 5GHz).
• 📱 Mi Home app doesn't see the device → Update the app, check the geolocation (should be enabled) or reinstall it.
• 🔋 The battery is fast running down. → Battery calibration may be required (discharge the vacuum cleaner to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption).
• 🚫 Mistakes 1–10 (stuck, falling down stairs) → Clean the sensors and check if the IR sensors block direct sunlight.

The discharge is justified in three cases:

1. You sell or transfer the vacuum cleaner to another user.
2. The device is locked after a failed firmware update.
3. The settings are so lost that the vacuum cleaner does not respond to commands from the application.

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner produces a 501 (engine problem) or 503 (turbine malfunction), the reset won't help, it's hardware breakdown.

2. Method 1: Hardware reset via button (for all models)

This is the most reliable method, as it does not depend on firmware or Internet connection, suitable for Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum of all generations, including 1S, 2, Pro, Ultra and models with floor washing function.

You only need the device itself and a charged battery (minimum 20%). If the vacuum cleaner is discharged, connect it to the docking station for 10-15 minutes.

Charge the vacuum cleaner to at least 20%|

Make sure there are no obstacles nearby (button must be available)|

Prepare a paper clip or toothpick (for some models)|

Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the Mi Home app (optional)-->

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner with a long press on the power button (3-5 seconds). Wait for the audible turn off signal.
2. Find the reset button. It could be: 🔘 Separate button RESET (on the case next to the power button - in models S50, S51). 🕳️ Hidden button under the plug (you need to press the paper clip - Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro). 🔄 Combined with the power button (hold 10-15 seconds – Mi Robot Vacuum) X10+).

Hold the reset button for 10-20 seconds until you hear a voice message in Chinese or English: "Reset to factory settings" (or flashing the indicator in white-blue-red).

Release the button. The vacuum cleaner will automatically restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).

After reset, the vacuum cleaner will emit an audible signal and start flashing orange - this means that it is ready for a new setup.

⚠️ Attention: On models STYJ02YM (And some clones, the reset button is hidden under a rubber plug on the bottom, and don't confuse it with the dust collector extract button!

💡

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

Method 2: Reset via Mi Home (for firmware after 2020)

If you plug the vacuum cleaner into an application, you can reset it remotely, which is faster, but it doesn't work on all firmware, and older models (Mi Robot Vacuum 1) may not have that option.

The advantage of the method is that you don't have to physically interact with the device, and the disadvantage is that if the vacuum cleaner is locked or doesn't connect to Wi-Fi, it won't work.

Instructions for Mi Home (Android/iOS):

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to your vacuum cleaner page.
2. Put three points on it (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Scroll down and find the Settings Reset (or Factory Reset) item.
4. Confirm the action. The vacuum cleaner will sound and reboot.

After the command, the vacuum cleaner must confirm the action with a voice: "Factory reset initiated." If there is no answer, check if the vacuum cleaner is connected to the same account as the column.

⚠️ Attention: Voice reset may not work if the vacuum cleaner is connected to several smart homes (for example, Mi Home and Google Home.

5. What to do after the discharge?

Resetting is only half the battle, and then the vacuum cleaner becomes a blank slate, and all settings, maps, and cleaning schedules are removed irrevocably. To get the device back to work, follow the steps:

Connect the vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz only)|

Update the firmware through Mi Home|

Recalibrate the sensors (set on a flat surface)|

Create a new map of the room (the first cleaning will take longer)|

Set up a schedule and cleaning areas-->

If you want to keep old cards, do so before resetting:

1. In Mi Home, go to Maps → Save (floppy icon).
2. Export the file to your phone or the cloud.
3. After reset, download the card back (if the model supports import).

On models older than 2019 (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum 1), importing cards is not possible – they will have to be recreated.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even a simple reset procedure can go wrong, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔴 Vacuum does not reset (button does not work): Check if the battery is sufficiently charged (minimum 20%). RESET If you don't press it, it might be stuck, clean it with alcohol. Some models need to hold the button for exactly 15 seconds (at least!).
• 📶 After reset, it doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure the router is running in mode 802.11 b/g/n (Turn off Band Steering (which interferes with connection) on the router. Reset the router and vacuum cleaner.
• ⚠️ There was a 502 error when connecting to Mi Home: Remove the vacuum cleaner from the app, then add it again. Check if the antivirus is blocking the connection to Xiaomi servers. Change the region in Mi Home to China (sometimes helps).

If nothing works, try an alternative ADB reset method (for advanced users) and you’ll need a computer and a USB-Type-C cable:

adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.mihome/.activity.DeviceResetActivity

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This can lead to a device lock if you type the wrong command, and this method is recommended only for advanced users.

7. Features of resetting for old models (until 2019)

Xiaomi’s first-generation vacuum cleaners (Mi Robot Vacuum 1, Mi Robot Vacuum 1S) have a simplified reset system, but also more restrictions.

• 🔄 Reset only through the button (no option in Mi Home).
• 📡 After reset, a manual firmware may be required through USB (If the device has not been updated for years).
• 🗺️ Maps of the premises are not saved even in the cloud.

For models of 2016-2018 release, there is an alternative method of resetting:

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner.
2. Press the power button and press the HOME button (if any) 3 times at the same time.
3. Hold both buttons for 10 seconds until the red light flashes.

If your vacuum cleaner is older than 2016 (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum 012), it is likely to run on outdated firmware 1... In this case, a forced upgrade via Mi Home or service center may be required after a reset.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)