Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Robot Cleaner S20 — It is a smart device that can make cleaning the house much easier, but only when set up properly. Many users are experiencing problems when connecting to Wi-Fi or creating the first map of the room, and more advanced features like virtual walls or cleaning schedules remain unclaimed. From basic settings through the Mi Home app to hidden settings that the manufacturer does not advertise.
We will not limit ourselves to standard instructions out of the box, but here you will find practical tips for optimizing cleaning routes, solving common mistakes (for example, when a vacuum cleaner “lost” in a room or ignores zones), as well as unique data on compatibility. S20 And it's a multi-storey, multi-plan home, with alternative firmware like Valetudo, and it's a very complex setup. S20 Shows its strengths and weaknesses.
Preparation for the first launch: unpacking and testing of the complete set
Before setting up, make sure that the box contains all the necessary accessories. standard Xiaomi Vacuum trim S20 include:
- 📦 The robot vacuum cleaner itself with a brush and side wheels installed
- 🔋 Docking station for charging (with power supply)
- ⚡ Power cable (usually 1.5-2 meters, pay attention to the plug - it can be EU or US depending on the region)
- 🧹 Spare side brush and HEPA-filter (in leak-proof packaging)
- 📄 A short guide in several languages (Russian may not be available)
The first thing you need to do is to look at the vacuum cleaner for protective films, which are often pasted on sensors (front and bottom), as well as on the dock contacts, and if you don't remove them, the device will not be able to navigate properly in space or charge properly.
- 🔄 Mobility of the main brush - it should rotate without jamming (try to turn it with your hand).
- 📶 Clean IR sensors (small black eyes around the perimeter of the body).
- 🔋 Battery level - there is a power button on the case, when holding which the indicators light up (3-4 divisions) = full-load).
⚠️ Note: If the vacuum cleaner makes unusual sounds when the brush is rotating (squeaking, knocking), do not turn it on - this may indicate a production defect.
Place the dock on a flat surface with access to the outlet.
- 🚪 1-1.5 meters from the walls (so that the vacuum cleaner can freely drive from any side).
- 🌡️ Far from heat sources (batteries, heaters) – this will prolong the battery life.
- 🪑 Away from upholstered furniture with long fringes or brushes – they can wrap on a brush.
2. Connect to the Mi Home application: step-by-step instructions
To set up Xiaomi Vacuum S20 You will need the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) download it only from trusted sources:
- 🤖 Google Play for Android)
- 🍎 App Store (for iPhone)
After installing the application, follow the following steps:
- Create a Xiaomi account or log in to an existing one. Without an account, you won't be able to save cleaning cards or use remote management.
- Add the device: press "+" top-right → Choose the category "Smart Home" → "Vacuum cleaners" → Mi Robot Vacuum S20.
Update the firmware:
agree
If the vacuum cleaner does not connect to Wi-Fi, check:
- 📶 The name of the network does not contain Cyrillic or special symbols (only Latin and numerals).
- 🔒 Wi-Fi password no longer than 32 characters.
- 🔄 The router does not use “smart” features like Band Steering (turn them off in the settings).
⚠️ Warning: If after updating the firmware vacuum cleaner stopped responding to commands, reset to factory settings: hold the power button for 10 seconds until the orange indicator flashes.
3. First cleaning: creating a map of the room
After connecting to the application, start the first cleaning in Full Cleaning mode (do not use Area or Point at this stage).
- 🗺️ Make a map of the room taking into account walls, furniture and obstacles.
- 📏 Measure the area of the room and optimize the route for subsequent cleaning.
- 🔍 Detect blind spots (for example, under low furniture that can not be reached).
Important nuances:
- 🚪 Close all doors to adjacent rooms – the vacuum cleaner must inspect one room at a time.
- 🪑 Remove small objects (wires, toys, shoes) that may interfere with scanning from the floor.
- 💡 Turn on the lights -- sensors. S20 They work better in good light.
The first card may not be perfect, and the typical mistakes and solutions are:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Room on the map is "twined" | Vacuum cleaner lost Wi-Fi signal or collided with mirror surface | Restart cleaning or add a virtual wall in a problem area |
| Walls are curved or do not match reality | Too dark room or glossy floor | Turn on the light, seal the reflective surfaces with matte tape |
| The vacuum cleaner gets stuck in one corner. | Low battery charge or obstacle that sensors didn’t recognize | Charge the vacuum cleaner to 100% and check the height of the sills (maximum 2 cm) |
After finishing cleaning, save the map in the application: Vacuum Settings → Map. → If the card is not saved, check it:
- 📶 Internet connection stability (vacuum cleaner must be online).
- 🔋 Charge level (less than 20% can block the storage).
- 📱 Mi Home version (update to the latest version).
☑️ Preparation for the first cleaning
4. Set up schedules and cleaning areas
One of the key functions of Xiaomi Vacuum S20 It's a way to automatically clean up on a schedule, to set it up:
- Open the Mi Home app and select your vacuum cleaner.
- Go to the Schedule (Calendar Icon) section.
- Click Add a schedule and specify: ⏰ Start cleaning time (you should choose when you are not home). 📅 Days of the week (you can set different schedules for weekdays and weekends). 🧹 Cleaning mode (Silent, Balanced, Turbo or Maximum). 🗺️ Cleaning areas (you can choose individual rooms or the whole house).
To optimize battery consumption and noise, use the following recommendations:
- 🌙 Night cleaning (from 23:00 to 7:00) set in Quiet mode - this will reduce the noise level to 55 dB.
- 🏡 If you have several floors, create separate schedules for each (the vacuum cleaner does not know how to move between levels on its own).
- 🔄 For carpeting, add to the schedule Re-cleaning - the vacuum cleaner will pass through them twice.
To set up cleaning areas and forbidden areas:
- Open the saved map in the application.
- Click Edit (pencil icon).
- Choose: 🟩 Cleaning area – Circle the area that needs to be cleaned more often (for example, near the front door). 🟥 No-go zone - mark the places where the vacuum cleaner can not go (animal food, children's toys). 🟦 Virtual Wall – draw a line that the vacuum cleaner will not cross (useful for open doorways).
⚠️ Warning: Virtual walls and no-go zones only work with a stable Wi-Fi signal. If the vacuum cleaner loses communication with the router, it can ignore these settings.
💡
If you have a large apartment (more than 100 m2), break it into several zones and set up cleaning alternately - this will prevent the vacuum cleaner from discharging before the work is completed.
5.Subtle settings: suction power, wet cleaning and voice control
Xiaomi Vacuum S20 Supports several cleaning modes that can be combined depending on the type of coating:
| Regime. | Suction power | Noise level | Recommended coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet | 600 Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa | 55 dB | Laminate, tiles (night cleaning) |
| Balanced | 1200 Pa | 62 dB | Mixed coatings (laminate) + carpet) |
| turbo | 1800 Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa Pa | 68 dB | Medium-length carpets, heavily contaminated areas |
| Maximum | 2500 Pa | 72 dB | Deep cleaning of carpets, construction dust |
For wet cleaning:
- Install a water tank (comes complete) instead of a dust collector.
- Pour clean water (maximum 200 ml) and fasten a microfiber napkin.
- In the application, select Wet Cleaning mode and set the intensity (weak to strong).
Important nuances of wet cleaning:
- 🚫 Do not use detergents – they can damage the pump.
- 💧 Change the water after each cleaning to avoid bacteria.
- 🧺 Wash the wipe at a temperature not higher than 40°C.
For voice control via Alice, Google Assistant or Siri:
- Connect the vacuum cleaner to the appropriate voice assistant via the Mi Home settings.
- Use commands: "Alice, turn on the vacuum cleaner" - the beginning of the cleaning. "OK Google, return the vacuum cleaner to base" - return to the docking station. "Siri, set Turbo mode" - change of power.
How to reset the vacuum cleaner settings to the factory?
6. Solving typical problems and errors
Even after setting up the Xiaomi Vacuum correctly S20 It can work incorrectly. Let's look at the most common mistakes and their solutions:
- 🔴 Error 1: Vacuum doesn't return to base Check if the docking station has moved (contacts should fit tightly). Make sure there are no obstacles in front of the base (at least 1 meter of free space). Reset the vacuum cleaner (hold power for 3 seconds).
- 🔴 Mistake 2: The vacuum cleaner gets lost and goes around the circle Wipe the sensors (especially the front laser sensor) with a dry wipe. Check if there are mirrors or glass surfaces in the way - they knock navigation. Update the firmware through Mi Home.
- 🔴 Error 3: Low battery life Use Balanced Mode instead of Maximum for daily cleaning. Store the vacuum cleaner on the base, not off - this prolongs the battery life. If the battery is discharged in 10-15 minutes, contact the service - you may need a replacement.
If the vacuum cleaner issues an error code (for example, E1, E2), You can decipher it like that:
| Error code | Meaning | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Main brush blocked | Clean your hair and garbage brush |
| E2 | The sidebrush problem | Check the fastening and rotation of the side brush |
| E3 | Clogged air duct | Clean the tube and filter. |
| E4 | Low battery charge | Put the vacuum cleaner on charging for 3-4 hours |
💡
If the vacuum cleaner after updating the firmware began to work worse (for example, builds a map worse), try to roll back to the previous version through alternative software like Valetudo, 4PDA).
7. Alternative firmware and advanced features
Xiaomi’s official software has limitations, such as:
- 🌍 Linking to China servers (even in the global version).
- 🔒 Lack of access to certain settings (e.g. manual calibration of sensors).
- 📡 Xiaomi Cloud Dependence (Vool cleaner doesn’t work without internet).
To solve these problems, Valetudo’s alternative firmware helps – open source with advanced features:
- 📱 Local control without cloud (vacuum cleaner works even without the Internet).
- 🗺️ More accurate maps with the ability to manually edit.
- ⚙️ Access to hidden settings (for example, changing speed).
Installation of Valetudo will require:
- Unlock root access to the vacuum cleaner (instructions are available on GitHub).
- Connect to the vacuum cleaner SSH (Use PuTTY for Windows or Terminal for Mac/Linux).
- Execute the installation command: wget -qO- https://install.valetudo.cloud | sh
⚠️ Warning: Installing alternative software is warranty-free and can lead to unstable work, only if you are confident in your skills or under the guidance of an experienced user.
After installing Valetudo, you can:
- 📊 Export cleaning cards in format SVG analyse.
- 🔧 Adjust sensor parameters (e.g. sensitivity to obstacles).
- 🤖 Integrate vacuum cleaner with Home Assistant without Xiaomi cloud.
8 Care and maintenance: how to extend the life of a vacuum cleaner
To Xiaomi Vacuum S20 You have served longer, follow these recommendations:
- 🧹 Clean brushes: Clean the main brush from hair and thread after each cleaning. Wash the side brushes with warm water 1 time per week.
- 🔋 Battery care: Store the vacuum cleaner at the docking station (not off). 1 time in 3 months perform a full discharge / charging cycle (0% → 100%).
- 🧼 Filter maintenance: HEPA-wash the filter under running water 1 time per month (dry 24 hours before installation). Air filter (net) clean every 2 weeks.
Expenditures and their service life:
| Component | Time of replacement | Signs of wear and tear |
|---|---|---|
| Main brush. | 6–12 months | Loss of bristles, cracks in the body |
| Side brushes | 3–6 months | Deformation, slowed rotation |
| HEPA-filter | 6 months | Deterioration of absorption, unpleasant smell |
| Wet cleaning wipe | 3 months | Abrasion, poor water absorption |
To purchase original consumables, use:
- 🛒 Official Xiaomi Store (mi.com).
- 🛒 Proven marketplaces (AliExpress, Beru, Ozon) – look for sellers with a rating above 95%.
- 🛒 Local service centers (often sell consumables at a discount).
💡
If the vacuum cleaner is getting worse, but the brushes and filters are clean, check the turbine. To do this, remove the dust collector and blow the hole with compressed air (for example, a dryer in cold blow mode).