Russian language on Xiaomi 1S: how to set up in 5 minutes (all ways)

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S is one of the most popular cleaning assistants, but many users face a problem: the default device often comes with a Chinese or English interface. You can change the language to Russian in several ways, but not all of them are obvious. In this article, we will analyze all current methods (including hidden settings), explain why the language can be reset after updates, and give a checklist to check the correct operation.

If you just unpacked the vacuum cleaner or bought it with your hands, do not rush to panic: 90% In some cases, the problem is solved for 5–10 The key is not to try to blindly press the buttons on the device body, which can cause a reset. 3.5.8_004039 newer (2023–2026 d), therefore the instructions are relevant.

Attention! If your Xiaomi 1S was purchased in China (like AliExpress), chances are it has a limited regional firmware, which will require additional software updates, as you can read about the alternative firmware section.

1 Method 1: Change the language through the Mi Home app

The simplest and most official method is to use the branded Mi Home app (now called Xiaomi Home in some regions), which works if:

  • πŸ“± You have the latest version of the app installed (update to the App Store or Google Play).
  • 🌍 Xiaomi account tied to Russia (or a country with Russian language support).
  • πŸ”„ The vacuum cleaner is connected to the same account as the app.

Step instructions:

  1. Open Mi Home and select your Xiaomi 1S from the device list.
  2. Go to Device Settings β†’ General settings β†’ Language.
  3. In the list, find Russian (Russia) and confirm the choice.
  4. Wait for the vacuum cleaner to restart (white indicator will light up).

β˜‘οΈ Checking before changing language

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: If there is no Russian in the list of languages, then your account is tied to another region:

1. Open your profile in Mi Home β†’ Account settings β†’ Region. 2. Change country to Russia (SMS confirmation will be required). 3. Restart the application and try again.

Once you change region, all Xiaomi devices in your account can automatically update to localized firmware, which is fine, but takes up to 10 minutes.

2. Method 2: Manually changing the tongue through buttons on the body

If the application doesn't work or the vacuum cleaner isn't connected to Wi-Fi, you can try changing the language manually. 3.5.8_004039, It may not work on new versions.

You'll need:

  • πŸ”‹ Charger (vacuum cleaner must be on the base).
  • ⏳ 5-7 minutes of free time (the process is slow).
  • πŸ“ Paper and pen (to record combinations).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on the vacuum cleaner with a long press on the power button (3 seconds).
  2. Wait until the white light lights up (means you’re ready to go).
  3. Press and hold the home button (with the image of the house) for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
  4. Release the button and quickly press it again 4 times in a row (the interval between presses is 1 second).
  5. The vacuum cleaner will issue a voice message in the current language (e.g., "Language selection").
  6. Press the Home button as many times as you need to reach the Russian language (usually the 5th or 6th item on the list).
  7. Confirm the choice by pressing the same button (3 seconds).
What to do if the vacuum cleaner does not respond to the buttons?
If nothing happens after a 10-second hold of the Home button, try: 1. Connect the vacuum cleaner to charge and try again. 2. Reset the settings to factory (see section below). 3. Check if the protective film blocks the buttons (relevant for new devices).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, after manually changing your tongue, the vacuum cleaner may reset the map settings. If you have cleanup areas, back up to Mi Home in advance!

3. Method 3: Update firmware to add Russian

If the first two methods didn't work, you probably have Chinese firmware installed without Russian support, and then only a software update will help.

Method of updatingPlusesConsTime.
Through Mi Home.Safe, automatic.Requires stable Wi-Fi5-15 minutes
Through the firmware fileIt works without the internet.Hard for beginners.20-30 minutes
Through third-party utilitiesMaximum customizationRisk of "bricking"30+ mine

We recommend starting with the first option:

  1. Open Mi Home and select your vacuum cleaner.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ General β†’ Update firmware.
  3. If a new version is available, click "Update".
  4. Wait until the finish (the vacuum cleaner will restart several times).

If the update is not available, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ“± Reinstall the Mi Home app.
  • 🌐 Change your account region to Russia (see Section 1).
πŸ“Š What is the way to change your language?
Through the Mi Home app
Through the buttons on the body
Through firmware updates
Nothing helped.

4.Alternative firmware: when official methods do not work

If all of these things don't work, the last option is custom firmware, which is a last resort, but it's guaranteed to add Russian and advanced features, and we tested two reliable firmwares.

  • πŸ› οΈ Valetudo – open source with support for Russian and without reference to Xiaomi.
  • πŸ”§ Dustcloud – an alternative firmware with advanced card settings.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom software is warranty-free and can lead to unstable work:

- You are ready for possible bugs (for example, incorrect laser operation). - You have a backup of the original firmware. - You understand the risks of "bricking" the device.

Instructions for Valetudo (simplified version):

  1. Download Valetudo firmware for Xiaomi 1S.
  2. Unpack the archive and copy the files to the microSD card (FAT32).
  3. Insert the card in the vacuum cleaner (connector under the cover).
  4. Press the power button for 10 seconds until the orange indicator flashes.
  5. Release the button and the installation will start (it will take ~5 minutes).

After installation:

  • Connect to the Wi-Fi vacuum cleaner network (the name will be roborock-*-valetudo).
  • Open the address http://192.168.4.1 in your browser.
  • In the settings, select Russian and save.

πŸ’‘

Before installing custom firmware, check your vacuum cleaner model! Xiaomi 1S has two board revisions: v1 and v2. A mismatch between firmware and iron will lead to an error. The revision number is listed on the sticker under the cover.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after a successful language change, users face problems, and we have collected the TOP-5 errors and ways to fix them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Language reset after updateChinese firmware installedUpdate the software via Mi Home (see Section 3)
Voice cues in ChineseNot synchronized voice settingsGo to Settings β†’ Voice prompts β†’ Russian
No "Language" item on the menuAn outdated version of Mi HomeUpdate the app or use buttons (Section 2)
The vacuum cleaner doesn't keep the tongueMemory failure of the deviceReset the settings to factory (see below)

If none of the methods helped, reset to factory settings:

  1. Hold the power and home buttons for 10 seconds at the same time.
  2. Let go when the red light flashes.
  3. Wait 2-3 minutes (the vacuum cleaner will restart).
  4. Connect to it again via Mi Home and re-set the language.

πŸ’‘

Resetting removes all stored maps of the premises! After the procedure, the vacuum cleaner will need to retrain the layout.

6. Additional settings after language change

When the language is finally installed, we recommend setting up a few more parameters for comfortable work:

  • πŸ—£οΈ Voice prompts: Include in Settings β†’ Voice. β†’ Russian (Women/Male).
  • πŸ“‘ Server Region: Select Russia in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region for stable employment.
  • πŸ”„ Auto Updates: Turn off if you don't want sudden language resets (see Section 5).
  • πŸ“± Notifications: Set up alerts in Russian in Mi Home β†’ Notifications.

Also useful:

  • πŸ”‹ Check the charging mode (optimally: Balanced).
  • 🧹 Set up a cleaning schedule based on your schedule.
  • 🚫 Add forbidden areas (for example, near carpets with high pile).

If, after a language change, some menu items are displayed in hieroglyphics, it means that the firmware is partially localized.

1. Check the version in Settings β†’ About device. 2. If the version is older than 3.5.8, update (section 3. 3. 3. If the problem remains, install custom firmware (section 4).

7. Compatible with other Xiaomi devices

Once you have set up the Russian language on Xiaomi 1S, it can be integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem for automation.

  • πŸ’‘ Run a cleanup command from a smart lamp (if someone leaves the house).
  • πŸšͺ Connect to the door opening sensor (cleaning when all tenants leave).
  • ☁️ Manage via Google Assistant or Alice (voice commands in Russian).

For this:

  1. Open Mi Home and go to Automation β†’ Add.
  2. Select a trigger (e.g., β€œNobody is home”).
  3. Add action: Cleaning vacuum cleaner β†’ Xiaomi 1S β†’ Start cleaning.
  4. Save the script.

⚠️ Note: If the vacuum cleaner does not appear in the list of automation devices, check:

  • Is it linked to the same account as other Xiaomi devices?
  • Has the Mi Home app been updated to the latest version?
  • Is the vacuum cleaner connected to the same Wi-Fi as the phone?

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I change the language without the Mi Home app?
Yes, it can be done in two ways: via the buttons on the case (section 2). via the web interface, if you have Valetudo firmware installed (section 4). However, without Mi Home, you won't be able to update the firmware or set up a cleaning schedule.
Why did the language become English again?
This happens if: Chinese firmware is installed with English priority; Xiaomi account is tied to a region where Russian is not supported (for example, China or the United States); settings are lost after a hard reset (switching off power during the update); Solution: update the firmware through Mi Home (section 3) or install custom software (section 4).
How to return the Chinese language if the Russian language is not configured correctly?
Follow the same steps as you would for the Russian change, but select (Chinese) from the language list. If the language is lost after custom firmware, reflash the device back to the official version.
Voice prompts in Russian are not clear. How do you fix them?
The problem may be: Low-quality speaker - try to clean the audio holes with compressed air. Firmware failure - update the software (section 3). Incorrect voice settings - select another voice packet in Settings β†’ Voice.
Can you customize the Russian language on Xiaomi 1S, purchased in 2020?
Yes, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S supports Russian on all firmware released after 2021. If your device is older, update the software via Mi Home. For vacuum cleaners purchased before 2020, custom firmware may be required.