How to Send Xiaomi Robot Vacuum to a Specific Point: All Ways With and Without Maps

Do you want the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum to remove the crumbs under the sofa but don't know how to get it to go there? Or do you need to vacuum the corridor before guests arrive without running a full cleaning? Sending a robot vacuum cleaner to a specific point saves time and battery power, but not all users are aware of the hidden features of the Mi Home app.

In this article, 5 proven ways to steer Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner (including the Roborock S7, Mi Vacuum 1S, Dreame Bot models) into a given zone: from basic control via card to voice commands to automation on a schedule. We’ll break down the nuances for devices with and without LiDAR, and explain why sometimes the robot ignores your commands.

1. Method: Manual control through the card in Mi Home

The most visual method is to select a point on the map in the Mi Home app, which only works for models with a laser scanner (LiDAR) or cameras for building a map (for example, Roborock S7 MaxV, DreameBot L10s Ultra). If your vacuum cleaner bumps into walls like a blind kitten, this method will not work for you.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
• 🗺️ Go to the Map tab (or Map in English version).
• 🖱️ Hold your finger in the right place on the map until the tag "Cleaning Point" appears.
• 🚀 Click Start – the robot will build a route and go to the target.

An important nuance: if the map has not been updated for a long time or the robot has not been removed, it may not recognize obstacles (for example, new furniture), in this case, before sending to the point, run Quick Cleaning to scan the room.

Up-to-date map of the room | The robot is at the base (not in the middle of the room) | No new obstacles (boxes, chairs) | Battery charge >30%-->

Method: Voice commands (Alice, Google Assistant, Siri)

If you have a Yandex Station, a Google Nest, or a HomePod, you can send a vacuum cleaner to a point with a voice, but with limitations. Voice assistants only support basic commands like "start cleaning in the living room," but they don't know how to specify coordinates.

Examples of working teams:

• 🎤 «Alice, start cleaning the kitchen area in Mi Robot" (if the area is saved in advance).
• 🎤 «Okay, Google, start cleaning the bedroom».
• 🎤 «Siri, turn on Xiaomi Vacuum Cleaner in Spot Cleaning mode).

How to set up areas for voice control:

1. In Mi Home, go to the map and click Edit.
2. Circle the desired area (for example, “under the sofa”) and save as a cleaning area.
3. In the voice settings (for example, in Yandex Smart Home), link the zone to the command.

Alice |Google Assistant |Siri|Alexa |Do not use-->

3. Method: Spot Cleaning without a card

If your Xiaomi Mi Robot doesn’t support maps (e.g., budget models of Mi Vacuum Cleaner) 1C viomi V2), You can use Spot Cleaning. The robot will clean a circle with a diameter. ~1.5 m around you.

How to activate:

• 📱 In the appendix: press Modes → Spot cleaning.
• 🖥️ From the remote (if any): button with the target icon.
• 🤖 On the robot itself: hold the power button + Home 3 seconds for some models).

Limitations:

• ❌ The robot will not go to another room, it will only clean the place where it stands.
• ❌ It does not work if the battery is discharged below 20%.
• ❌ Unremoved corners may remain if obstacles interfere with traffic.

Method: Scheduled automation with cleaning area

You want a robot to drive to the right place on a schedule, like cleaning the hallway every day at 18:00? You can set it up through the schedule at Mi Home, but only if:

• 🔹 The robot has a stored map of the room.
• 🔹 You have created a cleaning area in advance (see method 1).
• 🔹 Robot supports multi-room cleaning (e.g., Roborock) S6, DreameBot D9).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Mi Home → Select a Robot → Schedule
2. Click Add and select days/times.
3. In the Cleaning Zones section, mark the desired area (for example, “near the toilet”).
4. Save the task – the robot will drive the route automatically.

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If the robot is constantly “lost” during cleaning on a schedule, before setting up, run it manually 2-3 times so that it updates the map of the room.

5. Method: Alternative applications (Valetudo, Home Assistant)

The official Mi Home app limits functionality, but there is an aspect of the solution for advanced users:

• 🛠️ Valetudo – open firmware for robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi/Roborock, coordinate-control API.
• 🏠 Home Assistant – Smart Home Integration System for Precision Positioning.
• 🤖 Tasker (Android) – automatically sending the robot to the point by triggers (for example, when opening a door).

How to set up Valetudo:

1. Install firmware via Docker or on Raspberry Pi (instructions).
2. Connect to the robot on IP-address (e.g, http://192.168.1.100).
3. In the web interface, select Manual Control → Go To and enter coordinates (e.g., x: 25000, y: 18000).

⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party firmware will void Xiaomi's warranty and may cause sensors to work unstable.Before firmware, backup the original software via Mi Home → Settings → Backup.

Frequent problems and solutions

The robot doesn't go to the point?-5 causes and ways of eliminating them:

• 🔋 Low battery charge (<30%) → Put on charge or turn on the mode Economical.
• 🧭 Outdated map → Run a complete cleaning for rescanning.
• 🚧 Obstacle in the way → Remove disturbing objects or set up virtual walls.
• 📡 Weak Wi-Fi signal → Move your router closer or use the Mesh system.
• 🤖 Firmware failure → Update the software through Settings → Update.

If the robot is driving past the target, check the sensor calibration:

1. Place the vacuum cleaner on a flat surface (not carpet!).
2. In Mi Home, go to Settings → Calibration.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (the robot will scroll the wheels and the laser).

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If the robot ignores commands from Mi Home, try reconnecting it to the app: remove the device to Profile → My devices and add again.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions