Introduction: Why the correct app name is so important
You just bought a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner β whether itβs the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P or the classic Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner β and youβre faced with the first question: Whatβs the name of the application to manage it? The answer seems simple, but in practice, users often confuse names, download the wrong programs or face compatibility problems. This article will help you understand official and alternative solutions, and avoid typical configuration errors.
Xiaomi is constantly updating its smart device ecosystem, and app names can vary depending on the region, the vacuum cleaner model, or even the firmware version. For example, a year ago the main application was Mi Home, and today it is gradually replaced by Xiaomi Home β and this is not just a rebranding, but a fundamental change in functionality. If you search for the search query βthe xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner appβ, you will get dozens of results, from official to questionable clones. We analyzed all the options and compiled the current guide for 2026.
Xiaomiβs official app: Mi Home vs Xiaomi Home
Xiaomiβs main robot vacuum cleaner management app is called Xiaomi Home (formerly Mi Home), which is the official software from the manufacturer, which supports all modern vacuum cleaner models, including:
- π€ Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Series including 2 Pro, 2 Lite, 2 Ultra)
- π§Ή Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1S
- π Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner (First Generation)
- π Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop E10 and other budgetary models
It's important to understand that Mi Home and Xiaomi Home are the same app, but with different names depending on the region and version. In 2023, the company rebranded, and now in official stores (Google Play, App Store) the app is published as Xiaomi Home. However, if you already have an old version of Mi Home, it will continue to work - updates come automatically.
To avoid confusion, check the app logo: the official solution has an icon in the form of a white house on a blue background (for Xiaomi Home) or an orange square with a white house (old version of Mi Home).
- π± Google Play (Android)
- π App Store (iOS)
β οΈ Note: There are fake versions of the app with names like MiHome Pro or Xiaomi Smart Cleaner on the web. They may contain malicious code or not support current models of vacuum cleaners. Always check the developer's name - it must be Xiaomi Inc..
How to connect the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi to the application: step-by-step instructions
Installation of the application is only the first step. In order for the robot vacuum cleaner to start working, it must be connected correctly. The process takes no more than 5 minutes, but many users make mistakes during the pairing stage.
- Install the Xiaomi Home app (links above) and sign up for a Xiaomi account (or sign in through an existing one).
- Turn on the vacuum cleaner: Press and hold the power button on the device body for 3-5 seconds until you hear a voice greeting.
- Go to Add Devices section: In the app click + β Addition of a device β Quick addition.
- Select a category: tap on the Vacuum Vacuum and find your model in the list (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro).
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your smartphone and vacuum cleaner are on the same 2.4GHz network (Xiaomi robots donβt support 5GHz!).
- Follow the instructions on the screen: the application will offer to scan QR-code on the body of the vacuum cleaner or enter it manually.
Charge the vacuum cleaner at least 30%|
Connect your smartphone to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network|
Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled|
Check that the Xiaomi Home app is updated to the latest version|
Place the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface (not on the carpet)-->
If the vacuum cleaner does not connect, check:
- π Battery charge: at levels below 20%, the device may not respond to commands.
- πΆ Wi-Fi signal quality: the robot should be no further than 5 meters from the router.
- π Region in the application: in account settings (Profile) β Select China or Russia (for some models).
β οΈ Note: If you bought a vacuum cleaner in China (for example, on AliExpress or Gearbest), its firmware may be tied to a Chinese server. β Select China or the device will not connect.
Alternative applications for controlling the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi
While Xiaomi Home is the official and most functional solution, it has limitations:
- π No support for some regions (for example, the application may not have Russian for new models).
- π Limited settings for advanced users (e.g. manually configuring cleaning areas).
- π± No version for Windows or macOS (mobile apps only).
In such cases, third-party programs come to the rescue.
Below are proven alternatives with their features:
| Annex | Supported models | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valetudo | Most models with Mi Home firmware (requires root) | π§ Full control of the device (including undocumented functions)π Works through a web interface | β οΈ Requires firmware hacking (risk of loss of warranty)π οΈ Complex installation |
| Home Assistant + Xiaomi Miio plugin | All models supported by Mi Home | π‘ Integration with other smart devicesπ Advanced Analytics and Automation | π» You need to deploy the server (on a Raspberry Pi or PC)π A complex setup for beginners |
| Roborock (for models under the Roborock brand) | Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (renamed Roborock) S7 in some regions) | π― More accurate cartographyπ Support for branded features (for example, VibraRise) | π« It doesnβt work with most Xiaomi models.π Interface in English/Chinese only |
If you choose to use Valetudo or Home Assistant, consider that these solutions require technical skills, such as:
- Get root access to the vacuum cleaner (through exploit or soldering).
- Install an alternative firmware.
- Set up a local network for management.
What happens if you use unofficial firmware?
Common Application Problems and Their Solutions
Even with the official Xiaomi Home, users are experiencing bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
1.The application does not find the vacuum cleaner when connected
Reasons:
- πΆ The vacuum cleaner and phone are connected to different Wi-Fi networks (for example, a phone to 5 GHz, and a vacuum cleaner to 2.4 GHz).
- π Device discharged (charge level below 20%).
- π In the settings of the router, the protocol is disabled DHCP.
Decision:
- Reconnect the phone to the 2.4GHz network.
- Charge the vacuum cleaner to 50% and restart it (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- In the router settings, check what is turned on. DHCP and off AP Isolation.
2.Vacuum cleaner connected but not responding to commands
Reasons:
- π Problems with Xiaomi servers (often in Russia due to sanctions).
- π± An outdated version of the app.
- π Conflict with another smart device on the same network.
Decision:
- π Reboot the vacuum cleaner and router.
- π² Update Xiaomi Home to the latest version.
- π Change your region in your account settings to China or Singapore.
3. the application gives an error "Device offline"
This problem is common to users who:
- π We moved and changed Wi-Fi.
- π Updated the firmware vacuum cleaner with errors.
- π΅ Use it. VPN proxy.
Decision:
- Remove the device from the application (Profile) β My devices. β Delete).
- Reset the vacuum cleaner settings (click the Home and Power buttons for 5 seconds).
- Reconnect as if you were starting the first time.
π‘
If the vacuum cleaner is constantly disconnected from Wi-Fi, try fixing it MAC-The address is in the router settings. MAC-The device address in the Xiaomi Home app (Device Information section) and add it to the list of static devices IP-router.
Hidden features of the Xiaomi Home app that you didnβt know about
Many users use Xiaomi Home only for basic commands, such as starting a cleanup or returning to the base, but there are many useful features hidden in the app that make life easier:
1. Set up cleaning and no-go zones
You can:
- π Divide the apartment into rooms and assign them different cleaning modes (for example, only a vacuum cleaner for carpets and a vacuum cleaner). + mop).
- π« Prohibit cleaning in certain areas (for example, near a bowl of a pet or a baby cot).
- β±οΈ Set a cleaning schedule for each area separately.
How to set up:
- Open the map in the app (Cleaning) β Map).
- Click Edit and select the desired area.
- Select the action: Clean here, Do not clean or Clean with increased force.
2. Voice control via Alice or Google Assistant
If you have a Yandex Station column, Google Nest, or a smartphone with Alice, you can control the vacuum cleaner with your voice.
- In Xiaomi Home, go to Profile β Settings β Voice Assistants.
- Connect to your Yandex or Google account.
- Tell the voice assistant:
Alice, turn on the vacuum cleaner in the living room.
Google, start cleaning the kitchen.3 Remote access from anywhere in the world
You can start cleaning even if you're not home.
- π± Enable Remote Access option in the application settings (Profile) β Settings β Remote control).
- π Make sure that ports 80 and 443 are open on the router (if you use static). IP).
- π Check that the vacuum cleaner is connected to the Internet (the Wi-Fi indicator on the case is lit in blue).
π‘
The most useful hidden feature is to save several floor maps. If you have a bunk apartment, the vacuum cleaner can remember the location of the rooms on each level and automatically switch between them when you move to the other floor.
How to update the vacuum cleaner firmware through the application
Regular firmware updates add new features, fix bugs, and improve cleaning algorithms to check for updates:
- Open Xiaomi Home and select your vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings β Update firmware.
- If a new version is available, click Update.
Important: Never interrupt the upgrade process or turn off the vacuum cleaner, which can cause firmware failure and the need to contact the service center. The process takes 5-15 minutes, and all this time the device must remain on the charging base.
If the update is hanging:
- π Wait 30 minutes β sometimes the process takes longer.
- π Restart the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- π± Remove the device from the application and connect again.
β οΈ Note: After updating the firmware, some settings may reset (such as saved room maps or cleaning schedules.