How to turn off the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi on vacation: safe ways + mistakes

When going on vacation, many Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner owners face a dilemma: leave the device in standby mode or completely turn it off. Wrong actions can lead to battery discharge, firmware failures or even engine failure. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to turn off models Mi Robot Vacuum, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop and Dreame (including new versions of 2023-2026), and also tell you what to do absolutely not.

The lithium-ion batteries used in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are characterized by their loss of capacity when stored in a discharged or fully charged state, with an optimal charge level of 40-60% for preservation, and some models (such as the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) have an automatic firmware update feature that can activate in your absence and cause failures when you have a weak Wi-Fi signal.

We analyzed Xiaomi’s official recommendations, user reviews on the 4PDA and Mi Community forums, and tips from service centers, and the result was an algorithm that is suitable for both budget models (Mi Robot Vacuum 1S) and flagships (Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra).

1. Method: Complete disconnection through the power button

The most obvious, but not always the right method: the power button on the body of the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner works differently depending on the model:

• 🔘 Short press (1-2 seconds): transfer to sleep mode (not suitable for long-term shutdown).
• 🔘 Long press (5–10 seconds): shutdown completely (works on most models except Dreame) D9 and D10).
• 🔘 Button combination: some versions require power retention + Home (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P).

⚠️ Warning: After a complete shutdown, Xiaomi robot can reset Wi-Fi settings and room maps. To avoid this, save a backup in the Mi Home app beforehand:

1. Open the Mi Home app → select your vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Settings → General → Backup.
3. Save the file to Google Drive or to your phone’s memory.

Cleaning the garbage container and filters

Charge the battery to 50-60%

Save the map of the room in Mi Home

Disconnect from the docking station (if any)

Press and hold the power button 5-10 seconds-->

If the power button does not respond, check:

• 🔋 Charge level (at a charge below 10%, the button may not work).
• 🔌 Connect to a docking station (some models block the shutdown when connected to a charging station).
• 📱 Availability of firmware updates (in Mi Home) → Settings → Update of the PO).

2. Method: Disconnection through the Mi Home app

Remote shutdown via the Mi Home app is the safest way to do this, because it allows you to control the charge level and save settings.

1. Open Mi Home and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Control → Turn off (or sleep mode for some models).
3. Confirm the action (some firmware will need to enter) PIN-code).

⚠️ Attention: The Mi Home app has a hidden feature called "Vacation Mode" that is not available on all models:

1. In the main menu of the vacuum cleaner, click on three dots (⋮) top-right.
2. Select additional settings → Vacation mode.
3. Set a return date – the robot will automatically go into sleep mode and wake up the day before the specified date.

If there is no option "holiday regime", the alternative option is:

• 📅 Set a cleaning schedule for the date after your return (e.g. 20 days).
• 🔌 Disconnect the robot from Wi-Fi in router settings (to avoid automatic updates).

Method: Battery recovery (for experienced users)

This method is recommended only in extreme cases, for example, if you are away for more than 2 months or keep the vacuum cleaner on an unheated balcony.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1/1S/1C models:

1. Turn over the vacuum cleaner and remove the bottom cover (unscrew 4 Torx T8 screws).
2. Disconnect the battery connector (usually it is connected to the motherboard with a white plume).
3. Store the battery in a dry place at a temperature of 10–25°C.

💡

Before removing the battery, take a picture of the location of the connectors and screws - this will help to avoid errors during assembly.

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra, Dreame) D10) The battery is integrated into the housing and is not designed to be self-removable.

Method: Disconnect from the docking station with a battery discharge of up to 50%

The best option for those who leave for 1-4 weeks, the essence of the method: leave the robot at the docking station, but pre-discharge the battery to 40-60% and turn off the power station.

How to do this:

1. Start cleaning in Maximum Power mode to full discharge (or up to 50%).
2. After cleaning is complete, put the vacuum cleaner in the dock and wait until it is charged to 50-60%.
3. Turn off the power supply to the dock from the socket.

⚠️ Attention: If you leave the robot in a dock with connected power, it will periodically recharge to 100%, which accelerates the degradation of the battery. D10 Plus) in this mode can automatically start the firmware update.

I leave it at the docking station with the power connected.

Turn it off through the power button.

I use the "holiday mode" in Mi Home

Remove the battery.

I'm not turning it off.-->

5. Method: Reset to factory settings (last resort)

This method should only be used if:

• 🔄 You plan to sell or transfer the vacuum cleaner after your vacation.
• 🛠️ The device is unstable (frequent failures, card errors).
• 🔒 You want to delete all personal data (maps of premises, history of cleaning).

Instructions for discharge:

1. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and hold the power + home buttons for 10 seconds.
2. After the beep release the buttons and reset will begin.
3. Connect to the vacuum cleaner via Mi Home as a new device.

After resetting, Xiaomi’s robot will automatically update the firmware to the latest version when you first connect to Wi-Fi. If you’re away for a long time, it’s best to postpone the reset until you return.

💡

Resetting to factory settings removes all stored maps of the premises. If you want to restore them later, pre-export the backup to Mi Home.

What not to do when you turn off the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

A few common mistakes that can lead to breakdown:

• ❌ Leave in the sun or cold: Lithium-ion batteries deteriorate at temperatures below 0°C and above 40°C. Optimal storage range: 10–25°C.
• ❌ Store with full charge (100%): This reduces battery life by 20-30%.
• ❌ Pull the dock cord during the upgrade: This can "brick" the firmware. Always wait for the process to be completed.
• ❌ Use non-original chargers: Unstable voltage damages the power controller.

Also avoid:

• 🚫 Storage of vacuum cleaner in a wet room (bathroom, kitchen next to the stove).
• 🚫 Disassembly of the case without tools (use Torx screwdrivers) T8/T10).
• 🚫 Low signal Wi-Fi connections (may cause crashes when upgrading).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)