Xiaomi vacuum cleaners have long been an integral part of smart homes, but their standard voiceover in Russian or English can be boring or seem too monotonous. Fortunately, the manufacturer and enthusiasts offer several ways to change the voice of the assistant, from the official settings in the Mi Home app to install alternative firmware with unique voices. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, including hidden functions that are not documented in the official instructions.
It's important to understand that the voice-over capabilities depend on the robot vacuum model. 2/Pro/P Support language selection through the app, whereas for budget models like Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 1S It is also worth considering that some methods (for example, firmware custom voices) can lead to loss of warranty or unstable operation of the device if performed incorrectly.
If you want to change your language, and install a completely new voice (like a female voice instead of a male voice or voice from third-party developers), you can't do without manual intervention in the firmware. But don't worry, we're going to put it on shelves so that even a beginner can cope with it, start with the simplest ways and gradually move on to advanced ones.
1.Official method: change the voice language through Mi Home
The safest and most recommended method is to use standard settings in the branded Mi Home app, which is suitable for most modern Xiaomi models, including:
- 🌍 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro and other 2 Series models)
- 🌍 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P (including LiDAR versions)
- 🌍 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential (2022 and later)
- 🚫 Not supported: Mi Robot Vacuum Cleaner 1S, Mi Robot Vacuum 1 (First Generation)
To change the voice language:
- Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings. → General settings → Voice language.
- In the list of available languages, select the desired one (for example, English, Russian, Chinese or German).
- Confirm the change and wait until the robot restarts (this can take up to 2 minutes).
Note that after changing the language, all voice prompts (including notifications about the start of cleaning, low charge or errors) will sound in the selected language. However, some models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite) may not support all languages, in which case only those that are available for your firmware will be on the list.
⚠️ Warning: If the robot stopped responding to voice commands after changing the language (for example, via Alice or Google Assistant), check the integration settings in the application.
2.Alternative voices through firmware: what to know before starting
If you don't like standard voices, you can install custom voice acting, which is suitable for advanced users and requires you to unlock the firmware or use alternative versions of the software (for example, Valetudo).
- 🔧 Loss of warranty: Any firmware manipulation will void Xiaomi warranty.
- 💻 Technical skills: You will need to work with ADB, SSH or specialized utilities.
- 🔄 Return to standard firmware: In case of failure, you will have to reflash the device again.
- 🎤 Limited choice: Not all models have custom voices (relevant for popular series like Vacuum-Mop 2).
The most common sources of custom voices:
- 📁 Forums 4PDA XDA-Developers: Users upload modified audio packages.
- 🤖 Valetudo Project: An alternative firmware open source that supports voice replacement.
- 🎵 Third-party services: MiHome Custom Voices (informal resource).
Before you start, check the compatibility of your model with the chosen method. For example, for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Valetudo firmware will suit, and for Mi Robot Vacuum, you will do it. 1S You will need to manually replace audio files through ADB.
3. Step-by-step instruction: installing custom voice via Valetudo
Valetudo is an open firmware for Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners that allows you to fully control the device, including changing voiceovers. Below is a guide for Rockrobo-based models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro).
Step 1: Preparation
- Download the latest version of Valetudo from the official GitHub repository.
- Connect the robot vacuum cleaner to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
- Install Python 3.x The Mio Library for Mi Home Protocol:
pip install python-miioStep 2. Obtaining a device token:
To flash Valetudo, you need a unique token of your robot.
- 📱 Using the Mi Home app (using Packet Capture on Android).
- 🖥️ Through the script mirobo.py (for this you need to use it) IP-robot address).
Step 3. Valetudo firmware:
- Download a Valetudo image for your model (for example, valetudo-rockrobo-vacuum-v2_0.8.1.zip).
- Unpack the archive and upload files to the robot through SCP or FTP.
- Connect to the robot on SSH (default login and password: root/password) and execute the command:
sh /mnt/default/valetudo/install.shStep 4: Replacement of audio files:
After the installation of Valetudo:
- Go to the robot web interface (usually available at the address) http://[IP-robot]:8080).
- In the Settings section → Voice Packs download a new audio package (.zip format with files.mp3 or wav).
- Reset the device.
☑️ Preparation for Valetudo firmware
⚠️ Warning: If the robot has stopped responding to commands after the firmware, check if the Valetudo version is compatible with your model. Some builds may block the sensors or motors. In this case, return to the standard firmware via Mi Home in recovery mode (press the Reset button for 10 seconds).
4 Manual modification of audio files (for experienced users)
If Valetudo is not suitable for your model, you can replace audio files manually through the ADB or SSH. This method works for Android Things robots (e.g. some versions of Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P).
Tools required:
- 📱 ADB Tools: Android debugging utilities (adb, fastboot).
- 🔌 USB-cable: To connect the robot to the PC (the port is usually hidden under the cover).
- 🎵 Sound files: Set.mp3.ogg with the correct names (for example,.ogg, start_cleaning.mp3, low_battery.mp3).
Instructions:
- Connect the robot to the PC and turn it on ADB-Debugging (activation may be required via the service menu).
- Execute the command to access the file system:
adb shell
su- Go to the folder with the sounds (usually) /system/media/audio/robot or /data/miio/voice).
- Create a backup copy of the original files:
cp /system/media/audio/robot/* /sdcard/backup_voice/- Replace your files with your own (names must match!).
- Set the correct access rights:
chmod 644 /system/media/audio/robot/*.mp3- Reboot the robot:
rebootWhere can I get ready sound bags?
- 🎤 Xiaomi Custom Voices: Here are voices of famous characters (for example, Darth Vader or Terminator).
- 🎶 Forums of enthusiasts: On 4PDA There are themes with voice collections for specific models.
- 🎙️ Your voice: You can write phrases yourself (the main thing is to follow the format and file name).
Example of the name of sound files
5. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways to change voiceover:
| Method | Difficulty | Supported models | Risks. | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changing language at Mi Home | ⭐ (simple) | Most modern models | No. | Limited to standard votes |
| Valetudo firmware | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Rockrobo | Loss of warranty, possible failures | Full vote replacement, custom packs |
| Manual replacement through ADB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Android models of things | High risk of "bricking" | Any sound files |
| Third-party applications (e.g. MiHome Customizer) | ⭐⭐ (easily) | Limited list | Xiaomi may be blocked | Pre-selected votes only |
If you want maximum reliability, choose the official way through Mi Home. For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty for the sake of uniqueness, Valetudo or manual replacement will do. And if you want to experiment without risk, try third-party apps (but be prepared for restrictions).
💡
For most users, changing the language in Mi Home is a good option, which is fast, secure and doesn't require technical skills. If you want a unique voice, start with Valetudo, which is less risky than hand-held firmware.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you change voice, you can have a lot of mistakes, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them.
- 🔇 Robot does not play sounds after replacement: Check the file format (should be) MP3 or WAV 128-192 kbps bitrate, make sure the file names match the original ones, check the access rights (chmod 644).
- 🔄 The robot fixates on rebooting: This is a sign of a damaged firmware. Return to the standard version via Mi Home (hold Reset for 10 seconds). USB service-wise.
- 📵 Can't connect to the ADB: Check if debugging is included in the service menu (some models need to activate it via Mi Home). Use the original Xiaomi cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
- 🔊 The sound is interrupted or distorted: The problem may be the bitrate of the files. Recode them to 128 kbps. Check if the robot's memory is overloaded (delete unnecessary files).
If the robot refuses to work after all the manipulations, try resetting it to the factory settings.
- Press the Reset button for 10-15 seconds.
- Connect to the robot via Mi Home and reset in the settings menu.
💡
Before replacing audio files, back them up! Save the original files to your PC or cloud, which will help quickly restore the robot to work if something goes wrong.
7.Where to Download Custom Voices for Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner
If you decide to install a non-standard voiceover, here are the verified sources:
- 🌐 Official Valetudo Voice Packs repository: Link: GitHub. Benefits: Free, regular updates, voices in different languages. Disadvantages: Limited choice for rare models.
Before downloading, check for reviews about audio packages – some may contain errors or incorrect files. Also pay attention to the firmware version for which voice is intended: files for Valetudo 0.8.0 may not work in 0.9.0.