Buying a modern robotic assistant is just the first step to a perfectly clean home. Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner 1S has proven to be a reliable device with laser navigation, but requires a competent initial setup to work properly. Many users face difficulties in the first run, not understanding why the device is not connected to the network or does not see the map of the room.
The right software configuration unlocks the full potential of a robot vacuum cleaner, allowing you to manage cleaning from anywhere in the world, build virtual walls, and customize complex work scenarios. In this article, we will take a closer look at every step, from unpacking to fine-tuning maps to integrating with voice assistants.
The preparation process takes no more than 15-20 minutes, but requires attention to detail, special attention should be paid to the choice of location for the base station and the parameters of your wireless network, ignoring technical requirements can lead to unstable operation of the device in the future.
Preparing a robot vacuum cleaner for the first launch
Before you start the software part, you need to physically prepare the device. Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner 1S comes in protective packaging, and it is important to properly remove all components. First of all, remove the transport tapes from the side brushes and main body, and remove all protective films from the sensors and wheels.
The critical step is to choose a docking station location, where the device should stand on a flat, solid surface away from direct sunlight and heat sources, leaving at least 0.5 meters of free space on the sides of the base, and at least 1.5 meters in front for a seamless exit.
⚠️ Note: Do not set the base in niches or deep corners where the Wi-Fi signal can be shielded by walls or metal structures.
Make sure that the laser rangefinder (LDS) is visible on the top of the body, and after the base is installed, connect it to the network and place the robot on the floor so that the charging contacts match the base electrodes, and the charging indicator should light up in orange to signal the start of the process.
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Before the first cleaning, it is recommended to fully charge the device, even if the indicator shows a high level of charge, which will help calibrate the battery.
Installation of the Mi Home application and account registration
To manage Xiaomi’s smart app, you’ll need the Mi Home (or Xiaomi Home) mobile app, which is available for download at official Google Play and App Stores, and you’ll need to create an account or log in to an existing one using your phone number or email after installing the app.
When registering, it is important to choose the right region. In the profile settings, find Region and set the value to your location, or select China if the device is intended for this market. Regional settings directly affect the list of available devices and the response rate of the server.
Once logged in, the app will request permissions to use geolocation, Bluetooth, and LAN. Without these permissions, automatic device search and initial setup will not be possible. Allow all accesses requested to avoid pairing errors.
Connecting the device to a Wi-Fi network
The most important step is to connect the robot to the Internet. Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner 1S supports only 2.4 GHz networks. If your router is sending out a signal of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz under the same name, it can be difficult, in which case it is recommended to temporarily divide the networks in the router settings or turn off 5 GHz during the setup.
Open the Mi Home app and press the + button in the top right corner. The system will suggest finding the devices automatically. If the robot is not found, select it manually from the Vacuum Cleaner list -> Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner 1S. Follow the on-screen instructions: turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and make sure you are near the vacuum cleaner.
- 📱 Click on the device icon in the list of found gadgets.
- 📶 Enter your Wi-Fi network password (make sure the keyboard layout is English).
- 🔊 Wait for voice confirmation from the robot about the connection.
- ✅ Assign a name to the device and select a room to host in the interface.
The setup process can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If the Wi-Fi indicator on the case flashes blue, but the connection does not occur, try to bring the phone closer to the device.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process. If the battery runs out during the upgrade, the device may stop responding to commands.
☑️ Checking before connection
First scan of the room and create a map
Once connected to the network, the robot will suggest that you do the first scan of the room, and to create an accurate map, the laser navigator must drive through the entire area available, remove wires, toys and other small objects from the floor that can wind on the brush or disrupt navigation.
Run the Map mode or just turn on the full cleaning, and the robot will navigate the zigzag trajectory, exploring the perimeter of the room and building a virtual model, while you don't interfere with the device or move the base, and the entire process takes about 40 to 60 minutes depending on the area.
When the scan is completed, the app will have a saved map, and you will see the spaces that the system has automatically identified divided into rooms, and if the algorithm mistook and combined the kitchen with the living room, the map can be edited manually by dividing the rooms with virtual walls.
What to do if the map is curved?
Set up schedules and cleaning modes
Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner 1S features flexible cleaning management. In the menu, you will find several basic modes of operation. For daily cleanliness, the optimal mode is Quiet, which works almost silently, but may not cope with carpets.
For general cleaning, use Maximum mode, in which case the suction power increases to 2,000 Pa, which allows you to pull dust from the depths of the pile, but this mode reduces the operating time and the noise level increases significantly.
| Rey's work. | Power (Pa) | Noise level | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet | ~600 | Low. | At night, with people present. |
| Standard | ~1000 | Medium. | Daily cleaning |
| turbo | ~1500 | High-pitched | Linoleum, tiles |
| Maximum | 2000 | Very tall. | Carpets, animal hair |
You can set the schedule in the "Timer" section, and you can set different scenarios for different days of the week, for example, on weekdays at 10:00, only clean the kitchen, and on weekends at 12:00, do a full cleaning of the entire apartment with maximum capacity.
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The best strategy is to clean your daily routine in your absence, which prevents dust buildup.
Integration with voice assistants and scenarios
For maximum comfort, Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner 1S can be integrated with smart home ecosystems. Supported by Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Yandex Alice, which allows you to start cleaning with your voice or create automatic scripts.
To connect your voice assistant, go to the Mi Home app profile, select Other Platforms, and find the assistant you want. Once you log in to your voice assistant account, the devices sync up. Now, "Alice, turn on the vacuum cleaner" will trigger the device.
Complex scenarios are also available through the Mi Home app, for example, you can set up an automatic cleaning start when a smartwatch detects you've left the house, or when a door-open sensor indicates that everyone is gone, eliminating the need for manual control.
⚠️ Note: When integrated with third-party systems, the command delay can be up to 3-5 seconds due to the signal passing through external servers.
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Use the “After-Grooming” scenario to keep the vacuum cleaner from disturbing you with noise and getting tangled under your feet.