When you buy a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner, the first question that comes up is, how do you operate it from your smartphone? Without a dedicated app, you lose half of the functions, from planning cleaning to setting up zones to integrating with your smart home. But what is the name of this software, where do you download it, and what are the alternatives?
The official application for all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners (including Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and others) is called Mi Home (formerly Mi Home App). However, since 2023, the company has been actively transferring users to a new application - Xiaomi Home, which integrates management of the entire ecosystem of the brand's devices. In this article, we will analyze what software is suitable for your model, how to configure it and what are hidden features.
It's important to understand that the name of the program depends not only on the model of the vacuum cleaner, but also on the region of sale. For example, in China, Mi Home China is used, and for the global market - Mi Home International. There are also third-party applications like Valetudo or DreameHome (for vacuum cleaners Dreame, which are produced under the brand Xiaomi), but they require additional manipulation.
1. Official application Mi Home: what is the name and where to download
The main software for managing the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi is Mi Home (or Xiaomi Home for new devices), it is available for Android and iOS, but there are nuances:
- 📱 For Android: download only from Google Play or AppGallery. versions from third sites may contain viruses or outdated firmware.
- 🍎 For iOS: App Store only. app optimized for iPhone and iPad, but older devices (before iOS 12) can have lags.
- 🌍 Regional versions: If your vacuum cleaner is purchased in China, you will need Mi Home China (you can download it via the Internet). APK Or change the region in the App Store. For global models, Mi Home International.
Once installed, the app will request access to location, notifications and Wi-Fi network. Without an internet connection, the robot vacuum cleaner won’t sync with the app, even if you’re on the same local network.
If your vacuum cleaner is not identified in the application, check:
- Model compatibility (the list of supported devices is in Settings) → Add the device → Robot vacuum cleaners).
- The vacuum cleaner firmware version (update through Device Settings) → Update of the PO).
- Xiaomi account region (should match the region of the application).
Xiaomi Home vs Mi Home: What’s the difference and which app to choose?
S 2023 Xiaomi is gradually replacing Mi Home with a new app, Xiaomi Home, which has an updated interface, better integration with Google. Home/Apple HomeKit and supports more devices, but not all of the functions of the robot vacuum cleaners are transferred to the new program.
| Function | Mi Home | Xiaomi Home |
|---|---|---|
| Management of cleaning areas | ✅ Full support | ✅ + map-visualization 3D |
| Scheduling | ✅ Basic | ✅ + flexible repetitive tasks |
| Integration with voice assistants | ❌ Only through Google Assistant | ✅ Google Assistant, Alice, Siri |
| Firmware update | ✅ Manually. | ✅ Automatic. |
| Support for older models (until 2019) | ✅ Complete. | ⚠️ Limited. |
If you have a vacuum cleaner older than 2020 (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum) 1S Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential, better stay on Mi Home. for newer models (Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra, DreameBot) X30 Ultra) switching to Xiaomi Home is mandatory – in the old application they may not work correctly.
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Before you switch to Xiaomi Home, export cleaning cards from Mi Home: Open Device Settings → Map. → Exports: In the new annex, they will be importable.
3. Alternative programs for the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi
If the official applications do not suit you (for example, due to regional restrictions or lack of necessary features), you can use third-party solutions.
- 🤖 Valetudo is an open source software for managing robot vacuum cleaners over a local network (without the Xiaomi cloud), requires root access to the vacuum cleaner and technical skills. Supports Rockrobo-based models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum 1).
- 🔄 DreameHome – a Dreame vacuum cleaner app (like DreameBot) D9 or Z10 Pro, which are sold under the Xiaomi brand. has advanced wet cleaning settings.
- 🌐 Home Assistant – a smart home system with the integration of robot vacuum cleaners through the Xiaomi Miio plugin. Allows you to automate cleaning by sensors (for example, when no one is home).
- 📱 Mi Home Mod (unofficial version) - modified application with unlocked features (for example, server selection for China / Europe!
⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware (e.g. Valetudo) is warranty-free and can cause the vacuum cleaner to break.Before installing, back up the original firmware via Mi Home → Settings of the device → Backup.
For most users, official apps are enough, but if you need advanced features (such as scheduling for weather or integrating with surveillance cameras), consider Home Assistant.
| Programme | Pluses | Cons | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valetudo | Full control, no cloud, open source | Requires root, no guarantee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| DreameHome | The best wet cleaning support | Only for Dreame vacuum cleaners | ⭐⭐ |
| Home Assistant | Automation, integration with other devices | You need programming skills | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
4. Step-by-step instruction: how to connect a robot vacuum cleaner to Mi Home
If you have just unpacked a Xiaomi vacuum cleaner and don’t know how to connect it to the app, follow this algorithm:
Turn on the vacuum cleaner button on the case (Wi-Fi indicator will light up)
Install the Mi Home app and register a Xiaomi account
Go to Profile. → Add the device → Robot vacuum cleaners
Select your model from the list
Connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (5GHz not supported!)
Follow the instructions in the application (press and hold the button on the vacuum cleaner for 3 seconds)
Wait for synchronization (can take up to 5 minutes)-->
The most common mistake is trying to connect to the network. 5 GHz. Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners only work with 2.4 GHz. If you have a dual-band router, check that the networks are separated (names should be different, for example, if you have a dual-band router, MyWiFi_2G and MyWiFi_5G).
If the vacuum cleaner is not connected:
- Restart the router and vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Check that the router settings are turned off the filter MAC-address.
- Try connecting via a mobile hotspot (if the router is having a problem).
- Update the vacuum cleaner firmware via Mi Home (if the device has already been connected before).
⚠️ Note: If you bought a vacuum cleaner in China and your Xiaomi account is registered in another region (for example, Russia), the device will not be added. → Account. → Country/Region or Create a New Account for China.
5. Hidden Mi Home features: what can be configured in the app
Many users use Mi Home only to start cleaning, but there are many useful options hidden in the app.
- 🗺️ Maps and zones: Save multiple maps for different floors. Configure virtual walls and cleaning areas (e.g., eliminate the nursery during the day). Use real-time map mode to track the vacuum cleaner's movements.
- ⏰ Schedule: Set your cleaning schedule to suit your schedule (e.g. when no one is home) Activate Do Not Disturb at night.
- 🔧 Adjust the suction power (e.g., Quiet for night cleaning). Adjust the humidity level when washing floors. Enable deep cleaning mode for carpets.
- 🤖 Voice control: Connect the vacuum cleaner to Google Assistant or Alice to control voice. Use commands like, "Alice, start cleaning the living room".
One of the most useful features is to save the card after cleaning, and by default, the vacuum cleaner erases the card after turning it off.
- Start cleaning and wait for the robot to build the map.
- In the app, go to the Map. → Save the map.
- Activate the option to Save the card after turning it off.
How do you reset a saved card?
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the official app, users are experiencing errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The vacuum cleaner does not connect to Wi-Fi | Wrong network (5GHz), weak signal | Switch to 2.4 GHz, bring the vacuum cleaner closer to the router |
| App doesn't see vacuum cleaner | Device not in pairing mode, outdated firmware | Hold the button on the vacuum cleaner for 3 seconds., update the software |
| The map is not saved. | No option in settings, software failure | Activate Save the card in Mi Home, restart the vacuum cleaner |
| A vacuum cleaner doesn't wash the floor | Run out of water, clogged pump, turned off moping mode | Add water, check the filter, turn on wet cleaning in the settings |
| Error "No connection to the server" | Problems on the side of Xiaomi, blocking VPN | Check the status of Xiaomi servers, disable VPN |
If a vacuum cleaner produces a code error (e.g., Error 10 or Error 12), the transcript can be found in official documentation or through a code search in Mi Home. For example, Error 10 usually means a problem with the collision sensor, and Error 12 - a fan clog.
⚠️ Warning: If after updating the firmware vacuum cleaner stopped responding to commands, reset to factory settings: hold the power and home buttons for 10 seconds. After reset, you have to reconnect the device to the application.
7. Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It
The firmware of the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner is responsible for stability, new features and bug fixing. Updates come out every 2-3 months, and installation is mandatory.
- Open Mi Home and select your vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings. → Update of the PO.
- If a new version is available, click Update.
- Wait until it's finished (don't turn off the vacuum!) It'll take 5-15 minutes.
If the update is hanging:
- Check your internet connection (Wi-Fi should be stable).
- Reboot the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- If the error repeats, download the firmware manually from the official website and update through Local Update.
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After updating the firmware, reset the Mi Home app cache (phone settings) → Annexes → Mi Home → Memory. → Clear the cache. This will eliminate possible lags.
New firmware versions often add useful features:
- 🆕 Carpet recognition (automatic increase in suction power).
- 🆕 Voice alerts in Russian.
- 🆕 Integration with smart lamps (vacuum cleaner can include light when cleaning).
8.Integration with a smart home: how to control a vacuum cleaner through voice and automation
Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner can be linked to other smart home devices to create automated scenarios, such as:
- 🔄 Start cleaning when everyone leaves home (by geolocation of smartphones).
- 🌡️ Cleaning at high humidity (data from the sensor).
- 🎤 Voice Launch via Alice, Google Assistant or Siri.
To set up the integration:
- At Mi Home, go to Profile → Smart home. → Automation.
- Click Add Automation and select a trigger (e.g., No one is home).
- Add the action - Start cleaning.
- Save the script.
For voice control:
- Connect your Xiaomi account to Google Home or Yandex.Station.
- In the voice assistant app, find the device and assign him a room.
- Use commands like, "OK Google, run the kitchen vacuum cleaner."
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To prevent the vacuum cleaner from starting with random voice commands, configure confirmation in Mi Home: Device settings → Voice control → Confirmation required.
If you have multiple vacuum cleaners (for example, on each floor), you can assign different names to them in Mi Home and manage them separately through voice commands.