Xiaomi’s wet-cleaning robots have become indispensable tools for cleaning homes, but even the most reliable equipment sometimes requires rebooting — whether it’s a system freeze, a bug, or a reset — and a reboot can solve a host of problems, from sudden stops to sensors that aren’t working properly.
But how do you do this properly to keep the device safe? Depending on the model (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, S7, S8, etc.) and the type of malfunction, the methods may vary. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from soft reboot to full reset to factory settings, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.
If your vacuum cleaner has stopped responding to commands, gives an Error 10 error or simply behaves inadequately, do not rush to carry it to the service. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved independently - the main thing is to know the algorithm of actions and understand when it is necessary to reboot and when - a deeper diagnosis.
When do you need to restart the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner?
Not every malfunction requires a reboot, for example, if a vacuum cleaner doesn't return to base because of an obstacle, it's enough to remove the interference, but there are situations where a soft or hard reset is the only way to bring the device back to life.
The main signs that the vacuum cleaner needs to be reloaded:
- 🔄 Hanging in one place for more than 5 minutes without movement
- 📛 Constant flashing of a red indicator with an error (e.g. Error 5 – problem with the collision sensor)
- 🔋 Refusing to respond to buttons or commands from the Mi Home app
- 🌡️ Improper operation of wet cleaning (does not spray water, leaves divorces)
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot without finishing cleaning
Especially often, a reboot is required after updating the firmware if the process has gone wrong, in which case the vacuum cleaner may “forget” settings of the room map or lose communication with Wi-Fi.
Soft reboot: the safest way
Soft reset is the equivalent of a smartphone restart, and it doesn't remove settings, it resets current processes, and it's a good idea to try this first, because it doesn't pose any risk to the device.
Algorithm of action:
- Find the power button on the vacuum cleaner body (usually marked with a symbol) ⏻ or I/O).
- Hold it for 10-15 seconds until you hear a beep or see all the lights go out.
- Release the button and wait until the vacuum cleaner turns on on itself (it will take up to 30 seconds).
If the problem persists after a soft reboot, try turning the vacuum cleaner off for 1-2 minutes, then turn it back on. This helps reset the operating system cache.
Make sure the vacuum cleaner is not on the charging base
Check the battery (must be at least 20%)
Disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the Mi Home app during the procedure
Wait 10 minutes after rebooting before cleaning-->
Hard reset: When a soft reset doesn’t help
Hard reset returns the vacuum cleaner to factory settings, removing all the stored data: room maps, cleaning schedules, wet cleaning settings, and only use this method if the soft reboot fails, as it will require a full reset of the device.
Instructions for most Xiaomi models (including Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, S7, S8):
- Turn off the vacuum cleaner by holding the power button ⏻ shutdown.
- Find the Reset button on the case (usually hidden under the lid or next to the power button). Some models use a hole instead of a button to insert the paperclip.
- Hold the Reset for 5-7 seconds until the white or orange light flashes.
- Release the button and wait for the reboot (can take up to 2 minutes).
After a hard discharge, the vacuum cleaner will return to a "box-like" state.
- 🔄 Connect it to Wi-Fi via the Mi Home app
- 🗺️ Launch a new map of the premises
- ⚙️ Set up wet cleaning parameters (water spray intensity, type of flooring)
What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
Features of rebooting models with wet cleaning
Xiaomi’s wet-cleaning robots (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, S7, S8 Pro) have additional nuances when rebooting. The main problem is the possible freeze of the water pump control system, which leads to errors such as Error 14 (fault of the wet cleaning module).
If after restarting the vacuum cleaner:
- 💧 It does not spray water, although the tank is full.
- 🔄 Error 14 or Error 15 is an error.
- 🛑 Stops 5 minutes after cleaning starts
- Follow the following steps:
- Remove the water tank and dry it (wet contacts can cause failures).
- Check if the spray nozzles are clogged (clean them with a needle if necessary).
- Perform a soft reboot, then run a tissue-free test cleaning (with water only) to check the pump's performance.
Critical information: If the vacuum cleaner continues to give out an Error 14 error after the discharge, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this may indicate a malfunction of the pump control board, in which case maintenance is required.
1.Pour the water into the tank to the maximum mark.
2. Install the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface.
3.In the Mi Home app, go to Settings → Calibration of the water sensor and follow the instructions.-->
Table: Common errors and ways to eliminate them
Below is a summary table of errors that can be fixed by a reboot and recommendations for action.
| Error code | Description | Is a reboot required? | Additional action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Error 2 | The sidebrush problem | ❌ No. | Clean your hair and garbage brush |
| Error 5 | Failure of the collision sensor | ✅ Soft reset | Drain the sensors with alcohol. |
| Error 10 | Gyroscope error | ✅ Hard discharge | After reset, perform calibration (put the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface and hold the button). ⏻ 3 seconds) |
| Error 14 | Failure of the wet cleaning module | ✅ Soft. + pump-test | Clean the nozzles, check the contacts of the tank |
| Error 18 | Low battery charge | ❌ No. | Put on charging for 3+ hours |
What if the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after restarting?
If you're not feeling any signs of life after a soft or hard discharge, don't panic.
⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner doesn't respond to the power button, don't connect it to the charging base right away. First, do a "cold reset": disconnect from the power for 15 minutes, then try turning it on again.
Next steps:
- Check the battery: plug the vacuum cleaner into the base for 1 hour, even if it doesn't turn on. Sometimes a discharged battery blocks the start.
- Check the contacts of the charging station and vacuum cleaner – they should be clean and not oxidized.
- If the lights don’t burn at all, try another charger (use Xiaomi’s original 20V/1.5A power supply).
If these measures have not helped, the problem may be:
- 🔋 Faulty battery (swelling, deep discharge)
- 🔌 Damaged food boards
- 🛠️ Mechanical damage after falling
In such cases, a diagnostic in a service center is required, and self-repair without experience can lead to a complete failure of the device.
💡
If the vacuum cleaner does not turn on after all the manipulations, but when you connect to the base, a red indicator flashes - this is a sign of a malfunction of the battery. Replace it with the original one (the article depends on the model, for example, for the S7 - MDY426580).
How to avoid frequent failures: prevention of problems
Regular reboots are not the norm, but a sign that something is wrong with the vacuum cleaner. To minimize the number of failures, follow these recommendations:
1. Update your firmware through the Mi Home app, but only when you are connected to Wi-Fi. Interrupted update is one of the main reasons for the device to “brick”
2. Clean the sensors at least 1 time a month. Dust and dirt on the optics lead to navigation errors (Error 5, Error 9).
3. Use original consumables. Non-original wet cleaning wipes or filters can cause blockages and errors of Error 14.
4. Do not interrupt the cleaning forcefully. If the vacuum cleaner is stuck, first try to release it through the application (Continue button), rather than turn it off with a button.
It is also useful to perform a preventive reboot every 3 months (soft reset) to clear the system cache, which is especially true for models with laser navigator (LDS), which are actively using computing resources.