How to connect a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi to the phone and Wi-Fi: instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi vacuum cleaners are no longer a curiosity — today it is one of the most popular gadgets for smart homes. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with the first connection: the application does not see the device, the vacuum cleaner refuses to connect to Wi-Fi 5 GHz, suddenly resets after the update. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of connection, from unpacking the box to integration with Google Home or Apple HomeKit (for supported models).

It's important to understand that the process can vary depending on the model: the old Mi Robot Vacuum (1st and 2nd generation) has its own algorithm, the new DreameBot or Viomi V3 has a different one. We will cover all the key nuances, including solving typical errors (codes 1-5, flashing indicators) and hidden functions that are not written about in the official instructions. If you bought a used vacuum cleaner or encountered Chinese firmware, here you will find answers.

1.Preparation for connection: what to do before turning on the vacuum cleaner

Before you press the power button, check three key points:

• 📱 Android smartphone 8.0+ iOS 12.0+ — Older versions of the OS may not support the latest version of the Mi Home app (especially for iPhone owners). 6/6S).
• 📶 Wi-Fi router with frequency 2.4 GHz – Most of Xiaomi’s Robot Vacuums Don’t Work with Networks 5 GHz (exceptions - models) 2023-2026 years with Dual-Band support).
• 🔋 Charging at least 30% – if the battery is discharged, the vacuum cleaner can interrupt the connection process during the firmware update phase.

Also make sure you have access to a Xiaomi account (or create one in advance at the link).If you bought a vacuum cleaner in China (models with CN suffix), you will need a Chinese account - we will explain this in a separate section.

⚠️ Warning: Do not connect the vacuum cleaner to the network through guest Wi-Fi or corporate networks with authorization (for example, in hotels.

If you update your firmware from Chinese to global (or vice versa), reset your settings before you connect.

1. Hold the Power + Home button (or Spot Cleaning, depending on the model) for 10 seconds.
2. Wait for the beep and flashing white and orange indicators.
3. Release the buttons - the vacuum cleaner will return to the factory settings.

2. Installation and configuration of the Mi Home app

The official application for managing Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners is Mi Home (formerly called Xiaomi Home).

• 📱 Google Play (Android)
• 🍎 App Store (iOS)
• 🌍 Official website (APK regions where the application is blocked)

After installation:

1. Open Mi Home and select Russia (or another if you are in another country). For CN models, select China or you won't find a vacuum cleaner.
2. Sign in through your Xiaomi, Google or Apple ID account.
3. Click + → Add the device in the upper right corner.
4. Select the category "Cleaning" → "Robot vacuum cleaner".

If your model is not on the list, try:

• 🔍 Manually enter the name (e.g., "DreameBot" D9").
• 📱 Switch region in your account settings (e.g., to “China” for Viomi) V3).
• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.

⚠️ Warning: If the app asks you to specify "Home" after authorization, select "Add home" and provide the real address.

3. Step-by-step connection of a robot vacuum cleaner to Wi-Fi

When the application is ready, we move to the most important step - connecting the vacuum cleaner to your network.

1. Turn the vacuum cleaner on with a long press on the power button (3-5 seconds). Wait for a voice greeting in Chinese or English.
2. Activate Connection Mode: For Mi Robot Vacuum: Hold Wi-Fi (or Home + Spot Cleaning) for 5 seconds until you hear the beep. For DreameBot: Press and hold the power button until the indicator flashes blue and orange.

Back at Mi Home

orange

Select your Wi-Fi network

Do not use special symbols.

#, $, %

Wait for completion

"Connected"

If the process is suspended during the "Connection to the network" stage:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and vacuum cleaner.
• 📶 Check that the phone is connected to the same 2.4GHz network as the vacuum cleaner.
• 🛡️ temporarily shut down the firewall or VPN phone-on.
• 📱 Try connecting via another phone (especially if you have an iPhone with iOS 16)+ — There are Bluetooth bugs LE).

💡

If the vacuum cleaner persists in not connecting to Wi-Fi, try creating a guest network on a router with a simple password (for example, 12345678) and no special symbols.

4.Configure after connecting: what to do first

When the vacuum cleaner finally arrives at Mi Home, don't rush to start cleaning.

• 🗺️ Create a map of the room: Start cleaning in "Full cleaning" mode. Wait for the vacuum cleaner to go around all the rooms (this will take you a while). 15-40 Save the map in the app: Settings → Map. → Save.

Separate rooms

• Click on the map → “Edit” → “Add room”.
• Round the boundaries of the rooms with your finger.
• Name them (e.g., "Kitchen", "Bedroom").

Set up a schedule.

• Go to Cleanup. → Schedule.
• Choose the days and times (for example, 10:00 a.m. daily).
• Specify the cleaning mode ("Silent", "Balanced", "Turbo").

For models with LEADAR (for example, DreameBot L10 Pro or Viomi V3), additional options are available:

• 🎯 Cleaning/Exclusion Zones: You can specify the areas that the vacuum cleaner must bypass (for example, a long-pile carpet).
• 🔄 Repeated cleaning: vacuum cleaner will walk around the room 2-3 time-to-time.
• 🧹 Room cleaning: Selecting specific rooms for cleaning (e.g. kitchen and corridor only).

Now you can control your voice.

• "OK Google, run the kitchen vacuum cleaner."
• "OK Google, put the vacuum cleaner back on the base."

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can brick the vacuum cleaner! Back up the current software before upgrading.