Modern cleaning gadgets are no longer just toys and have become indispensable tools that can keep clean without human intervention. However, for a robot vacuum to work effectively, it must initially be properly integrated into your home ecosystem. It is the bundle of the device with the smartphone that gives access to advanced features such as mapping, installing virtual walls and remotely launching.
The pairing process can seem challenging to a beginner, especially if you have not previously encountered the Mi Home ecosystem. Mistakes in the setup stage often lead to the device not seeing the network or the application can not find the device. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each step, eliminating common errors, and help you start a smart cleaning in minutes.
Before you get to the software part, you need to make sure that the gadget itself is ready to go. Check the battery, remove all the transport films from the sensors and install the side brushes. Only after physical training can you start digitally "getting to know" your phone with the new device.
Preparation for setting up and selection of the application
The first step is to install the right software. For Xiaomi brand devices and sub-brands (e.g. Roborock, Viomi), the Mi Home app is the main control center, available for Android and iOS operating systems, and download the program exclusively from official stores: Google Play or the App Store to avoid malicious modifications.
Once you install the app, you'll need to create an account or log in to an existing one, and here's an important caveat: when you sign up, you need to choose the right region, and if you make a mistake with the region, the server may not see the device, or some features may not be available. Usually for equipment purchased in the CIS countries, the region "Russia" or "China" is suitable (for devices). CN-version).
It's also critical to get your smartphone ready. Make sure that the phone has Bluetooth and geolocation (GPS) modules on it. Many users ignore the location permission, but that's what allows the app to scan the airwaves and find new gadgets around. Without this step, the search for the device can take an indefinite amount of time.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure your smartphone is connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Robot vacuum cleaners, like most budget smart appliances, don’t support 5GHz networks, and trying to connect to them will lead to an error.
Successful synchronization will also require a stable Internet connection, so if the router is too far from the settings, it’s better to move the vacuum cleaner and phone closer to the signal source, which will ensure fast transfer of configuration files.
The process of adding a device to Mi Home
Launch the Mi Home app and log in. On the home screen, usually in the upper right corner, there is a button to add a new device (plus icon). By clicking on it, you start the scanning process. The system will automatically try to find available gadgets for connection within the range of Bluetooth.
If the automatic search didn't work, you can use manual mode. At the top of the screen, there's a search bar where you can type in your device model or select it from a catalog by category (e.g., "Vaccines and floor washers"). Once you select the model, the app will suggest you move to the next step.
Now you need to put the robot vacuum cleaner itself in pairing mode, you need to simultaneously press two buttons on the device body (usually the Home and Turn On/Off buttons, or a special combination specified in the instructions), you need to hear a voice message about the transition to configuration mode or see a flashing Wi-Fi indicator.
In the app, select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your password. Importantly, enter your password carefully, considering the register of letters. Once confirmed, the data transfer process will begin, which can take from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, during which time, stay in the application and hold your phone next to the vacuum cleaner.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
Setting up the map and cleaning areas
Once successfully connected, the robot will suggest doing the first complete cleaning to build the map, a key step, because that's where the navigation system will plan its future routes, and don't interrupt this process, even if it seems like the vacuum cleaner has already removed visible contamination.
During the first cleaning, the device scans the room, identifying walls, doorways and obstacles, and when the process is complete, an interactive map of your apartment will appear in the app, so you can rename rooms, divide spaces, or combine small areas.
The map's functionality allows for virtual walls and no-go zones, which are especially useful for insulating carpeted areas (unless the vacuum cleaner has a brush to lift) or areas where toys and wires are scattered, and setting such restrictions greatly improves efficiency and safety.
| Function of the map | Description | What do you need? |
|---|---|---|
| Room separation | Manual drawing of separation lines | For accurate cleaning of specific premises |
| Virtual walls | Red lines on the map | Prohibition of movement in certain areas |
| Zoning | Identification of rectangular areas | Local cleaning of only contaminated areas |
| Keeping the map | Cloud Storage Configuration | Re-establishment of planning after resetting |
Some models support multi-maps creation, which is true for multi-storey buildings, so you can save a separate map for each floor and switch between them in the app menu, which eliminates the need to scan the space again each time.