How to add a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi in the app “Home” on the iPhone: 3 working methods (2026)

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have long been an integral part of smart homes, but their integration with the Apple HomeKit ecosystem still raises questions. Unlike Ecovacs or iRobot devices, which support HomeKit out of the box, Mi Robot, Dreame or Viomi vacuum cleaners require additional manipulation. This article reveals all the current ways of connecting – from official (via Mi Home) to alternative (using Home Assistant or other devices). HOOBS).

The main problem is that Xiaomi does not certify its vacuum cleaners to work with HomeKit due to the closed Apple protocol, but there are workarounds – and we will discuss each of them in detail, including nuances for different models (from Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro to DreameBot). D9 Important: Some methods will require an iPhone with iOS 16+, Additional equipment (e.g. Raspberry Pi for Home Assistant).

If you're looking for the easiest way to do this, start with the first section about Mi Home. For advanced users who are ready to set up servers, Home Assistant is the best way to do this. And for those who want to avoid the complications, we'll talk about paid cloud services like Athom Homey or HomeBridge.

1.Preparation: What will be needed to connect

Before you start integration, make sure you have everything you need. The minimum requirements depend on the method you choose, but the basic set is the same for all methods:

• 📱 iPhone with iOS 15.4+ (recommended for iOS 16+ for stable operation of HomeKit).
• 🤖 Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner (any model, but check compatibility in the table below).
• 📶 Stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection (most vacuum cleaners do not support 5GHz).
• 🔌 Charged vacuum cleaner battery (at least 20%, otherwise it may turn off during setup).

Some methods will require additional devices or programs:

Important: If your vacuum cleaner is released before 2019, check if it supports Miio protocol.Old models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum 1) may not connect to HomeKit even through workarounds.A list of compatible devices can be found on the official Home Assistant page.

⚠️ Note: If you are using an iPhone with iOS 17+, Before setting up, disable the HomeKit Security Warnings function in Settings → HomeKit.Otherwise, the system may block uncertified devices.

2. Method 1: Official connection via Mi Home (without HomeKit)

This method does not provide full integration with HomeKit, but allows you to control the vacuum cleaner through the Mi Home app and add it to the Home as an accessory with limited functionality.

Steps for connection:

1. Install the Mi Home app: 📲 Download Mi Home from the App Store. 🔑 Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (be sure to link your phone number to restore access).
2. Add a vacuum cleaner to Mi Home: 🏠 Press «+» → «Add the device». 🔍 Select the category "Vacilities" and find your model. 📶 Connect the vacuum cleaner to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (press and hold the "Wi-Fi" button on the vacuum cleaner body until the audible signal is heard).
3. Set up integration with the “Home»: 🔗 In Mi Home go to the vacuum cleaner settings → «HomeKit settings (if such a point exists). 🍎 Scan it. QR-code through the app "Home" on the iPhone.

Limitations of this method:

• ❌ No support for HomeKit automation (e.g., geolocation startup).
• ❌ Notifications of vacuum cleaner status come only in Mi Home.
• ❌ No way to manage cleaning through the “house».

Make sure the vacuum cleaner is connected to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi|

Update the vacuum cleaner firmware to the latest version|

Disable VPN on iPhone|

Log in to one Xiaomi account on all devices-->

⚠️ Note: If the vacuum cleaner doesn’t appear in Home after adding it, try restarting your iPhone and re-scanning it. QR-Sometimes helps reset HomeKit: Settings → HomeKit → Reset the configuration of the house.

Method 2: Full integration through Home Assistant (for advanced)

If you need full support for HomeKit with all the vacuum cleaner features (zone cleaning, power management, schedule), the best option is to use Home Assistant, which requires server skills, but gives you maximum flexibility.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Raspberry Pi 4-based server (or any other computer with Docker).
• 🌐 Installed Home Assistant (instructions on the official website).
• 🔑 Token from Mi Home account (you can get through this script).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Xiaomi Miio plugin: 1. Go to Settings → Devices and services → Add integration. 2. Find Xiaomi Miio and enter account details. 3. Select your vacuum cleaner from the list of devices.
2. Set up a connection with HomeKit: 1. In Home Assistant, go to Settings → Devices and services → HomeKit. 2. Enable the option "Enable HomeKit Controller." 3. Scan QR-code through the app "Home" on the iPhone.
3. Add automation (optional): Example of automatic cleaning on schedule: automation: - alias: "Wideday cleaning on weekdays 10:00" trigger: platform: time at: "10:00:00" condition: condition: time weekday: - mon - tue - wed - thu - fri action: service: vacuum.start target: entity_id: vacuum.xiaomi_vacuum_cleaner

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Complete control of the vacuum cleaner via HomeKit and Siri.
• ✅ Support for zone cleaning, power modes, battery status.
• ✅ Ability to create complex automation (e.g., start cleaning in the absence of a home).

⚠️ Warning: If the vacuum cleaner does not respond to HomeKit commands after setting up, check: Is the Home Assistant server working (port 8123 must be open), has the token changed in the Mi Home account (after changing the password, the token is reset) Is the vacuum cleaner connected to the same network as the server.

Method 3: Use of HOOBS HomeBridge (alternative to Home Assistant)

If the Home Assistant is too difficult, you can use it. HOOBS — It's a simplified version of HomeBridge with a graphical interface, and it's suitable for users who want to avoid using the console, but get full integration with HomeKit.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Raspberry Pi 3/4 or HOOBS Box (you can buy a ready-made device).
• 🔌 Installed HOOBS (Download the image from the official website).
• 🔑 Mi Home account details (login and password).

Instructions for setting:

1. Install. HOOBS: 📀 Write the image on a microSD card using BalenaEtcher. 🔌 Connect the Raspberry Pi to the network and wait for the download (access to the address) http://hoobs.local).
2. Add a plugin for Xiaomi: 🔧 Go to Plugins. → Install New Plugin. 🔍 Find a homebridge-mi-robot-vacuum and install it. ⚙️ In the settings of the plugin, specify IP-Token and vacuum cleaner address (you can get it through Mi Home or Packet Capture).
3. Connect to HomeKit: 🍎 Open the Home app on your iPhone and add a new accessory. 🔍 Scan it. QR-code that appears in the interface HOOBS.

Comparison HOOBS Home Assistant and Home Assistant:

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If HOOBS If you can’t find a vacuum cleaner, try manually pointing IP-the address of the device in the plugin settings. IP You can use the router (partition) DHCP Clients) or Fing application.

5. Method 4: Cloud Services (Athom Homey, Yandex Alice)

If you don't want to mess with servers, but you need to integrate with HomeKit, you can use cloud hubs like Athom Homey Pro or Yandex Station, followed by a bridge to Home, which is a paid method, but does not require technical skills.

Option 1: Athom Homey Pro

• 🛒 Buy a Homey Pro device (~15,000 rubles.).
• 🔌 Connect it to the network and add a vacuum cleaner through the Homey app.
• 🍎 Integrate Homey with HomeKit through the Official Plugin.

Option 2: Yandex Alice + HomeKit

• 🎤 Connect the vacuum cleaner to Yandex Alice via Mi Home.
• 🔗 Use a Home Assistant or HOOBS Like a bridge between Alice and HomeKit.
• ⚠️ This method is unstable and requires a constant Internet connection.

The advantages of cloud services:

• ✅ There is no need to configure the server.
• ✅ Support for other devices (lighting, sockets, etc.).
• ✅ Stable work (if the Internet is not turned off).

Cons:

• ❌ Paid equipment (Homey Pro or Raspberry Pi) + subscription).
• ❌ Cloud dependency (in case of service failure, management disappears).
• ❌ Limited Automation Opportunities Compared to Home Assistant.

💡

Cloud services are suitable for users who do not want to know how to set up servers, but are willing to pay for convenience, but to fully control the vacuum cleaner, it is better to use local solutions (Home Assistant or Home Assistant). HOOBS).

6. Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and we'll look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The vacuum cleaner is not connected to Wi-Fi

• 🔌 Make sure the router is running in mode. 802.11n (not 802.11ac).
• 🔒 Turn it off. WPA3 in the router settings (use) WPA2-PSK).
• 📵 Check that there are no restrictions on the network. MAC-address.

Problem 2: HomeKit doesn’t see vacuum cleaner after adding

• 🔄 Reboot iPhone and vacuum cleaner.
• 🔧 In Mi Home, update the vacuum cleaner firmware to the latest version.
• 🚫 Remove the vacuum cleaner from the Mi Home and add it again.

Problem 3: HomeKit commands are executed with a delay

• 🌐 Check the Internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps).
• 📡 If you use Home Assistant, make sure that the server is not overloaded.
• 🔌 Switch the vacuum cleaner to static IP-router.

Problem 4: “Can’t add an accessory” error

• 🔑 Make sure your iPhone has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
• 📱 Update iOS to the latest version.
• 🏠 Reset HomeKit Settings: Settings → HomeKit → Remove the house (Warning: This will remove all devices!).

7. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of integration method depends on your technical skills and functionality requirements, and here is a comparison table for convenience.

Selection recommendations:

• 🏆 For maximum control: Home Assistant (if you are ready to understand the settings).
• 💰 For those who don’t want to mess around: Athom Homey Pro (paid but simple).
• 🆓 For basic management: Mi Home + HomeKit (free but with limited restrictions).
• 🛠️ For lovers of homemade solutions: HOOBS (middle-of-the-road).

FAQ: Frequent questions