Full reset of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: 3 proven methods and frequent errors

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have become an integral part of smart homes thanks to a combination of functionality and affordable price. However, even the most reliable appliances sometimes require rebooting after a firmware failure, when selling a device or to eliminate software glitches. A full reset will return the vacuum cleaner to factory settings by removing all stored room maps, cleaning schedules and binding to the Mi Home account.

In this article, you will find the most current reset options for Mi Robot Vacuum, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop, Dreame and other lines released after 2018, we will understand when hard reset is needed, and when soft reset is enough, and also warn against the typical errors that can turn a vacuum cleaner into a “brick.” If your device stops responding to commands or freezes during an upgrade, here you will find a solution.

When you need a complete reset of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

Factory resetting is an extreme measure that should only be used in certain cases, and here are the key symptoms that indicate the need for the procedure:

• 🔄 Vacuum cleaner does not connect to Wi-Fi despite the correct password and running router.
• 🤖 The device ignores commands from the Mi Home app or voice assistant.
• 🗺️ On the screen of the smartphone displays an empty map of the room, although the cleaning has been done.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged in a few minutes or the vacuum cleaner refuses to charge.
• 🚨 There are firmware errors (codes) E1, E2, E5 others).
• 📦 You sell or transfer the vacuum cleaner to another user.

It's important to distinguish reset from reboot. If the vacuum cleaner just hovers during cleaning, try turning it off with the power button for 10 seconds first, and then turning it on again.

• 📍 Stored maps of premises and cleaning areas.
• ⏰ Individual timetables.
• 🔑 Xiaomi account binding and cleaning history.
• 📶 Wi-Fi settings and passwords.

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner is warranty, the reset may cancel it. Before the procedure, check the warranty card or contact Xiaomi support.

Method 1: Reset via Mi Home (soft reset)

The safest method is to use the official Mi Home app, which is suitable if the vacuum cleaner responds to commands and is connected to Wi-Fi. The instructions are relevant for versions of the application 6.0 and later (2023-2026).

Steps for discharge:

1. Open Mi Home and go to the Devices tab.
2. Choose your robot vacuum cleaner from the list.
3. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Settings.
4. Scroll down and select Reset (or Remove Device in older versions).
5. Confirm the action by entering a password from the Xiaomi account.

It takes 1-2 minutes, and when it's done, the vacuum cleaner will beep and reboot, and you can re-link it to your account as a new device.

Make sure the vacuum cleaner is at least 30% charged

Connect the device to a stable Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz)

Update the Mi Home app to the latest version

Remember or photograph the current settings (schedule, zones)

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What if the Reset button is inactive?

• 🔌 The vacuum cleaner is not connected to the Internet (check the router).
• 📱 You have an outdated version of the app (update via App Store or Google Play).
• 🔒 Device is tied to another account (reset via buttons).

⚠️ Note: If the vacuum cleaner does not appear in the list of devices to add after reset, try restarting the router or using another Wi-Fi network. Some models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) require a mandatory connection to the 2.4 GHz network.

Method 2: Hard reset buttons on the body (hard reset)

If the vacuum cleaner doesn’t respond to the app or you forget your Xiaomi account password, a physical reset will help, which works for all models, including the Mi Robot Vacuum 1S, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, Dreame D9 and others.

Instructions for most models:

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner with a long press on the power button (3-5 seconds).
2. Find the reset button on the case (usually hidden under the lid or next to the Home button) and some models have a small hole that says RESET.
3. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
4. Release the button when you hear an audible signal (or an indicator lights up).
5. Turn on the vacuum cleaner power button - it should start the reset procedure (flashing the lamp and spinning the wheels).

For models with touch buttons (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite):

Press and hold the Home (🏠) and Food (🔄) buttons simultaneously.


2. Hold for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing yellow.




3. Release the buttons - the reset will begin automatically.

Critical: Do not interrupt the reset process, even if the vacuum cleaner makes unusual sounds or “thinks” for a long time.

Method 3: Reset via the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for advanced users because it requires access to hidden settings. It is useful if a standard reset does not help or you need to reflash the device manually. It works on models that support ADB (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 with firmware 3.5.9 and above).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Home SDK on your PC (you can download it from GitHub).
2. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer.
3. Launch the command line (CMD) And type in: miio discover --sync To find IP-address and token.
4. Run the reset command: miio --ip [READRESS DETECTIVES] --token [TOKEN] raw_command '{"method":"reset_to_factory"}'

If the command is successful, the vacuum cleaner will reboot and return to the factory settings. Attention: this method requires knowledge of the basics of working with ADB and can void the warranty.

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Before using the engineering menu, back up the device token, which will be useful for reconnecting to the Mi Home without resetting, and save it in a secure location (for example, in the password manager).

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often make mistakes that complicate the process or disable the vacuum cleaner.-5 problems and solutions:

• 🔌 Vacuum doesn't turn on after reset Reason: battery is dead. Connect the device to the dock for 1-2 hours, then try again.
• 📶 Unable to connect to Wi-Fi Solution: Use a 2.4 GHz network (5 GHz not supported). VPN and firewall on the router.
• 🔒 The application asks for an old account If the vacuum cleaner is tied to another user, perform a hardware reset (method 2).
• 🔄 Reset interrupted in the middle Don't turn off power! Wait until it's finished (up to 5 minutes). If the process is stalled, remove the battery for 30 seconds.
• 🗺️ The map of the room is not erased in some models (Dreame Bot) Z10 Pro) the cards are stored in the cloud. manually delete them in Mi Home → Maps.

Another common problem is that the vacuum cleaner emits an E3 error after it's reset, which means that the sensors are jammed.

1. Turn the device over and check the brushes and wheels for debris.
2. Clean the infrared sensors (located at the bottom) with a cotton swab.
3. Reload the vacuum cleaner with the power button.

⚠️ Note: If the vacuum cleaner constantly issues an error E5 (battery problem, don't try to charge it. This may indicate that the battery is bloating - immediately disconnect the device from the network and contact the service center.

How to set up a vacuum cleaner after resetting

After a successful reset, your Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner will become a blank slate. To get it back to work, follow the following steps:

1. Add to Mi Home: Open the app → Add the device → select the model of the vacuum cleaner → follow the instructions on the screen. Make sure the vacuum cleaner emits an audible signal (means pairing mode).
2. Wi-Fi setting: Select a 2.4GHz network and enter a password. If the router supports both bands (2.4 and 5GHz), temporarily turn off 5GHz in the settings.
3. Firmware Update: After connecting, check for updates in Settings → Software Update. Install the latest version to avoid bugs.
4. Create a map of the room: Start the first cleaning in Full Cleaning mode. The vacuum cleaner will create a map that can then be edited (add zones, virtual walls, etc.).

To speed up the setup, use the backup function (available in Mi Home for some models). If you saved the settings before reset, you can restore them to Settings → Backup.

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After reset, be sure to update the vacuum cleaner firmware. Older versions of the software may contain vulnerabilities or not support new features (for example, carpet recognition in Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro).

Xiaomi models for which the instructions are not suitable

Most Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are dropped in the above patterns, but there are exceptions.

If your model is not listed in the table, check the instructions in the box or on Xiaomi's official website. For devices released before 2018, you may need to have firmware via USB (see the instructions on forums, such as 4PDA).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions