How to accurately identify the model of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: from sticker to hidden menus

Did you buy a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner from your hands, lose a box, or just forget the model? Or do you want to check if the original device is the one before you buy? Determining the exact modification of the vacuum cleaner from Xiaomi (including the Viomi, Dreame, Mijia sub-brands) is not as easy as it seems. The manufacturer often produces superficially similar models with different specifications, and sellers in the secondary market do not always honestly state the data.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways of identifying, from the obvious (checking stickers and boxes) to the hidden (checking through firmware and service commands), where to look for a serial number, how to decrypt the model code, and why some Xiaomi vacuum cleaners may impersonate others, and how to distinguish the original from a fake for details that even experienced users miss.

1. Inspection of the case and factory stickers: where to look for a model

The quickest way is to look carefully at the device itself, and the manufacturer labels the body, but not always in the obvious places, starting with where to look.

• 🔍 The bottom of the case is usually under the battery lid or next to the wheel. Look for a small print sticker that shows the Model, S/N (serial number) and QR-code.
• 📦 Back wall (if vacuum cleaner in the form of a "pill") - sometimes the model is duplicated on a plastic panel under the lid of the garbage container.
• 🔋 Battery compartment – on some models (for example, Dreame) D9) tagging hidden under the battery.
• 📄 Box – if preserved, the model is indicated on the end or bottom in the format MOP-xxxx or STYJ-xxxx.

What to look for when inspecting:

• ⚠️ If the sticker looks suspicious (curved font, blurred) QR, No holograms available, it could be fakes, and Xiaomi's original stickers have clear embossing and microtext.
• ⚠️ On some models (for example, Viomi) V3) The labeling is duplicated in two places -- compare them. If the data doesn't match, the device could be re-marked.

Example of decryption of a sticker:

Model: STYJ02YM → This is Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite




S/N: 1234567890ABCDEF




QR: [Authentication reference]

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If the sticker is erased, try taking a close-up picture of it and increasing the contrast in the graphics editor, often helping to read half-erased characters.

2. Check through the Mi Home/Xiaomi Home app

If the vacuum cleaner is already connected to the application, you can determine the model in a few seconds.

1. Open Mi Home (or Xiaomi Home for newer versions)
2. Go to the Devices section → Choose your vacuum cleaner.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → About the device.
4. Look for the model or model number.

What's important to know:

• 🔄 In some regions (e.g. Europe), models may be displayed under a different name. For example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro in China is a model that is called the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro. STYJ02YM, a — STYJ03YM.
• 🌍 If the vacuum cleaner is purchased abroad, the app may display the Chinese name (for example, MiJia instead of Xiaomi).
• ⚠️ Fakes often mimic the Mi Home interface, but device settings may lack key items (e.g., firmware update or cleaning cards).

Mi Home (Global version)|Xiaomi Home (new version)|Annex from Viomi/Dreame|Party of the Software (e.g. Valetudo)|I don't know what app.-->

3. Serial Number Analysis: What You Can Learn From S/N

Serial number (S/N) — It's not just a random set of characters, it's encrypted information about the model, the date of manufacture, even the region of sale:

The Xiaomi serial number format:

[Letter prefix][Year/Month][Shop code][Unique ID]




Example: XMSH0701ABCD1234

• 🔤 First-time 2-4 A symbol is the code of a model or series: STYJ — Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop series. VAC — Viomi. DREAME — brand.
• 📅 The following: 4 The numbers are the date of production, 0701 = July 2021 year (sometimes the last year is indicated, for example, 1 = 2021).
• 🏭 The following symbols are the factory and party code.

How does it help?

• If the serial number begins with STYJ02YM, But the seller claims that it is Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro - you are cheating (this is the Lite version).
• If the production date is older 2-3 years, and the vacuum cleaner is sold as a new one - this is a reason to doubt the honesty of the seller.

4 Hidden menus and voice commands: how to make a vacuum cleaner "tell" about yourself

Few people know, but many Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners have service voice commands or button combinations that output technical information.

Method 1: Voice command (for models with microphone)

Activate the voice assistant and say:

"What's your model?" (in Chinese: ")




or




"Firmware version" (English: "Firmware version")

The robot must respond with a model name or code (e.g., a code, "STYJ02YM"). The Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2, Viomi V3 newer.

Method 2: Button combination (for all models)

Follow the following sequence:

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 3 seconds).
2. Hold it at the same time with Home) + Meals for food 5-10 seconds.
3. The robot will emit an audible signal and dictate the model or show it on the display (if any).

⚠️ Note: On some models (Dreame) D9, Viomi SE) This combination resets the Wi-Fi settings, and if the vacuum cleaner doesn't connect to the network after the procedure, you'll have to reset the connection.

Make sure the vacuum cleaner is charged at least 20 times%|Prepare a pen and paper to record data|Press and hold the Home buttons. + Nutrition|Write down the code of the model heard or displayed|Reboot the vacuum cleaner after checking-->

5. Verification through firmware and technical logs

If the previous methods didn't work, you can pull the model out of the vacuum system data.

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home or Valetudo (alternative software for Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Computer with ADB (for advanced users).

Method 1: Through Mi Home Log Files

Enable the developer mode in the application:

1. Go to Profile → Settings → About the program.
2. Click 5 times on the App Version until the “You are a developer” notification appears.
3. Back to Settings → For developers → Include journal management.
4. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the application and find the line with "model" in the logs.

Method 2: Via Valetudo (for power users)

Valetudo is an open source software for operating robot vacuum cleaners, and it shows the complete technical data, including the real model.

1. Install Valetudo on the vacuum cleaner (root access or firmware through required) SSH).
2. Open the web interface at the address http://[IP-vacuum-dress].
3. Go to the System Information section → Model.

⚠️ Note: Valetudo installation may invalidate warranty and cause unstable vacuum cleaner operation. Use this method only if other methods have not worked.

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If the vacuum cleaner is defined in the application as one model, and in the firmware as another, it is 100% a sign of a re-stitched fake or “relabeled” device (for example, the Chinese version posing as a global one).

6. Visual differences of popular Xiaomi models

If you don't have access to stickers or firmware, you can identify the model by its external features, and we've collected some of the key differences between popular vacuum cleaners:

🔍 Tip: Take a photo of the vacuum cleaner from different angles and compare it with the official images on the website mi.com. Pay attention to the little things: the shape of the buttons, the location of the sensors, the color of the indicators.

7.How to distinguish the original from the fake: 5 key signs

Fake Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners often copy the look but can't accurately replicate the technical details.

• 🔊 Sound of work: original models make a uniform noise without creaking. Fakes often whistle or vibrate at high speeds.
• 📱 Appendix: Fakes do not have Zone Cleaning, Maps or Firmware Update features.
• 🔋 Battery: Original vacuum cleaners have a battery of 2000 mAh (indicated on the sticker.
• 🛠️ Complete: The original box always has instructions in multiple languages, spare brushes and filters.
• 💧 Wet cleaning function: In the original models, the water tank has a flow control valve. In fakes, the water is continuously poured.

⚠️ Attention: AliExpress and unofficial stores often sell "replicas" under the Xiaomi brand, which are actually devices from other manufacturers (for example, Ecovacs or other manufacturers). ILIFE) Check the serial number on the official website!

8 Frequent errors in model definition and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to identify a vacuum cleaner.

• ❌ Trust only the name in the app. As we wrote earlier, the same model can be displayed differently depending on the region.
• ❌ Ignore the serial number. Even if the vacuum cleaner looks like the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, the real model may be different (e.g., the model of the vacuum cleaner is different, STYJ02YM instead STYJ03YM).
• ❌ Viomi and Dreame are separate brands under Xiaomi’s umbrella, and their models are not interchangeable. V3 Not suitable for Mi Robot.
• ❌ Don't check the equipment. The original vacuum cleaners always come with branded accessories (brushes, filters, docking station.

💡 Useful Lifehack: If you buy a vacuum cleaner from your hands, ask the seller to shoot a video where it is:

1. Shows a sticker with a serial number (without cropping the frame).
2. Starts the vacuum cleaner and demonstrates the work of the lidar / sensors.
3. Opens the app and shows the "About the device" section.

This will help you avoid buying a fake or a “relabeled” device.

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If the vendor refuses to provide a serial number or video of the vacuum cleaner, it is almost always a sign of fraud.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions