The voice assistant in Xiaomiโs robot vacuum cleaner is not only a convenience, but also part of the user experience. Standard Chinese or monotonous English voice can be annoying, especially if youโre used to a more natural sound in your native language. Fortunately, the manufacturer and enthusiasts offer several ways to change voice prompts, from official settings in Mi Home to manually stitching alternative voice packets.
The problem is that not all Xiaomi Vacuum models support voice change out of the box. For example, older versions of the Mi Robot Vacuum 1 or Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P require additional manipulation, while new devices like the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro or DreameBot L10s Ultra allow you to choose the language directly in the application. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from simple to advanced, and also explain the risks of informal solutions.
If you have never worked with a firmware or ADB-Donโt worry, most of the instructions donโt require technical skills, but for owners of devices with a locked bootloader (e.g. Xiaomi Vacuum). E10) You may need additional tools. Before you start, make sure that your model supports the chosen method, as we will explain in detail in the relevant sections.
Lastly, the change in voice does not affect the functionality of the vacuum cleaner, but it can reset some settings (such as room maps or cleaning schedules). Always back up configurations before experimenting!
1.Official method: changing voice language in Mi Home
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in settings of the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new devices), which is suitable for most modern models released after 2020, including the Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 series, DreameBot and Viomi.
To change the voice:
- Open the Mi Home app and select your vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings โ Voice prompts (or Settings โ Voice Pack in English).
- In the list of available languages, select the desired one (for example, Russian, English, German).
- Confirm the voice packet download โ it may take a few minutes.
- Reboot the vacuum cleaner (usually this happens automatically).
The list of supported languages depends on the model and the firmware region. For example, up to 8 languages are available for Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, while only 3 are available for Viomi V3. If the desired language is not available, move on to the following methods.
Important: After changing the language, some voice commands (such as Aliceโs Yandex or Google Assistant) may require reconfiguring the integration.
2. Alternative voice packets: where to download and how to install
If you don't have the right voice in Mi Home, you can install an informal package. Enthusiasts create custom versions with a more natural intonation, a female/male voice, or even humorous lines (like the voice of Darth Vader or the Terminator).
- ๐ Sources: main repositories - GitHub (Valetudo project) and forum 4PDA (section โRobot vacuum cleaners").
- โ ๏ธ Risks: Unofficial packages may contain errors or conflict with firmware.
- ๐ฅ File format: usually.zip or.tar archives with.vp (voice pack) extension).
The installation process depends on the model:
- Download the right package (make sure it is compatible with your version of the software).
- Unpack the archive and move the files to SD-card (if the vacuum cleaner supports it) or to the root folder of internal memory through ADB.
- Reboot the device. The new voice is activated automatically.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some custom packs can reset Wi-Fi settings. Write down your network password in advance or use a backup connection via Hotspot.
Critical: For models with secure firmware (such as the Xiaomi Vacuum E10), you will need to unlock the bootloader through the Mi Account.
โ๏ธ Preparation for the installation of custom voice
3. Manual stitching through ADB: for advanced users
If neither the official nor alternative methods work, you will need to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) firmware, which is suitable for Linux-based devices or modified firmware (such as Valetudo).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows/Linux and established ADB.
- ๐ USB-Type-C Cable (to connect vacuum cleaner to PC).
- ๐ A voice packet file in.img or.bin format.
Step-by-step:
- Turn it on. ADB-debugging on a vacuum cleaner (usually through an engineering menu or Valetudo).
- Connect the device to the PC and check the connection command: Adb devices Should appear serial number vacuum cleaner.
- Copy the voice packet into the device memory: adb push voice_pack.img /sdcard/
- Install the package with the command: adb shell dd if=/sdcard/voice_pack.img of=/dev/block/by-name/voice
- Reboot the vacuum cleaner: adb shell reboot
If your voice hasnโt changed after the reboot, check:
- The correctness of the path to the file (/dev/block/by-name/voice may vary).
- Compatibility of the package with the firmware version (check on the forums).
โ ๏ธ Warning: The wrong dd command can damage system files. If you're not sure, use the pre-made scripts from Valetudo repositories.
What if ADB canโt see the vacuum cleaner?
4 Valetudo firmware: full voice control
Valetudo is an open firmware for Xiaomi/Dreame/Viomi robot vacuum cleaners that replaces standard software and gives access to advanced settings, including voice packets.
- ๐ Support for any language (even those that are not in the Mi Home).
- ๐ง Ability to edit the text of the tips (for example, replace "Beginning cleaning" with "Beginning general cleaning, captain!").
- ๐ No dependence on the Xiaomi cloud (works locally).
Cons:
- โ ๏ธ Requires unlocking the bootloader (risk of bricks).
- ๐ Loss of warranty and certain features (e.g., Yandex integration).
- ๐ ๏ธ You need skills with Linux and Docker.
How to install Valetudo:
- Download the latest version from the official website.
- Unpack the archive and follow the instructions for your model (usually flash the bootloader through fastboot).
- After installation, download the voice packet via the Valetudo web interface (Settings โ Voice Packs).
Example of custom prompt for Valetudo (file) custom_voice.json):
{
"start_cleaning": "The cleaning has begun, master. Wait for the results!"
"end_cleaning": "Ready! No dust, perfect order."
"error": "Oh, something went wrong. Check if I'm stuck."
}๐ก
Before Valetudo firmware, make a dump of the original firmware command adb pull /dev/block/mtdblock0 backup.img. This will help restore the device in the event of a failure.
5. Models with limitations: what to do owners of old vacuum cleaners
If you have a 2016 Mi Robot Vacuum 1 or similarly outdated models, you can't change your voice officially.
| Model | Method of changing voice | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum 1 | Valetudo firmware + custom package | โญโญโญโญ | High risk of brick |
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P | ADB-substitute /system/voice | โญโญโญ | Loss of guarantee |
| Viomi V2 | Official Update via Mi Home | โญ | No. |
| Dreame F9 | Replace files through SD-map | โญโญ | Resetting of premises map |
For Mi Robot Vacuum 1, the only working way is through the firmware. UART (You'll need a soldering iron and cable USB-TTL). Look for instructions on 4PDA model-themed.
Alternatively, if the technical methods are too complex, you can simply turn off voice prompts in the Mi Home settings (Settings โ Voice Prompts โ Off).
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When you change your voice, you're faced with a typical problem, and here's how to solve it:
- ๐ Voice unchanged after installation: Check that the voice packet file is compatible with the firmware version. delete the Mi Home app cache and reconnect the vacuum cleaner.
- ๐ The vacuum cleaner doesn't connect to Wi-Fi after firmware: Reset network settings via the Reset button (press for 10 seconds). Use Hotspot for initial setup.
- โก The device does not turn on after ADB-Commands: Try to boot into recovery (click Power) + If it doesn't work, run the original firmware through fastboot.
If you use Valetudo and your voice sounds robotic, check the bitrate of the audio files in the package.
- Format: WAV or MP3.
- Bitrate: 128 kbps.
- Frequency: 16 kHz (for better compatibility)
โ ๏ธ Note: After manual intervention in system files (/system or /vendor) The vacuum cleaner may stop receiving OTA-To get them back, restore the original firmware.
๐ก
Before any firmware manipulation, check for backup. For Valetudo models, backup is done via the web interface (Settings โ Backup).