Determining the exact version of your smart cleaning assistant is the first and most important step before buying accessories, updating software or trying to change the region of use. The robotics market is full of modifications that can be visually almost identical, but have radically different hardware stuffing and operating logic. An identification error often leads to the purchase of incompatible filters, side brushes or the inability to connect to the server.
Many users confuse the model’s commercial name with its technical version or code name, which creates confusion when searching for information online. For example, the device may be sold under the Mijia brand but have an internal code name specific to Xiaomi or Roborock. Understanding these differences avoids frustration when setting up Mi Home and ensures that you find the right maintenance instructions.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to verify the version, from visual inspection of the sticker on the case to deep diagnostics through the menu of engineering settings and third-party utilities, you will learn to distinguish between the global and Chinese versions, understand the structure of firmware numbering and determine the real generation of navigation sensors.
Visual identification by sticker on the body
The most reliable and quickest way to know the exact model and version of the device is to inspect the factory sticker located on the bottom panel of the robot vacuum cleaner, which requires you to turn the device upside down, making sure it is turned off or in standby mode. The label contains all critical information, including the serial number, MAC-The address and, most importantly, the code name of the model.
Look for a field called Model, which usually looks like a set of letters and numbers, such as SDJ02LM or STYTJ01YM. This code is the unique identifier of the hardware platform. Commercial names like "Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro" can be used in different countries for the same devices, but the code model always remains the same and determines the compatibility of firmware.
Notice the production date, which is also often listed on the sticker: Robots released in different years can have different versions of sensors or batteries, even if the code model matches. This is especially true for popular lines where a manufacturer can silently (without declaring) change components suppliers.
The label may also contain information about the rated voltage and current, which helps distinguish the global version (often 220-240V) from the Chinese version (220V, but with a different plug and logic of the charging station).
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to unstick the factory label completely if you need to take a picture of the data.The glue may get damaged and the sticker will stop holding, making future identification or warranty maintenance more difficult. It is better to gently raise the edge or take a photo in good lighting.
Below is a table of how popular code models match their business names and basic characteristics, which will help you navigate faster:
| Code model | Commercial name | Type of navigation | Wet cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDJ02LM | Mijia 1C | Visual (camera) | There (passive) |
| STYTJ01YM | Mijia 1S | Laser (LDS) | There (passive) |
| STYJ02YM | Mijia 2 Pro / Roborock S50 | Laser (LDS) | Got it (vibro board) |
| SKV4128GL | Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2 | Laser (LDS) | Aye (electronic) |
If the sticker is erased or damaged, go to the software identification methods described in the following sections, which allow you to get even more detailed information about the current state of the system.
Verification through the Mi Home app
Xiaomi’s main ecosystem management tool is the Mi Home app, which displays the most up-to-date information about the software version of the device, which is often more important than hardware revision for functionality. Once the robot is connected to the Wi-Fi network and linked to the account, version information becomes available in the device card.
To get data, open the app, select your robot vacuum cleaner from the list of devices, and go to the settings menu, usually indicated by the three dots in the upper right corner or gear. In the list that opens, look for General Settings or the Software Version field immediately. It will be a numerical code, for example, 3.5.8_0012.
The firmware version structure also carries information. The first digits usually represent the major version of the software, and the last digits are a build revision or regional modification. If you are planning a firmware reflash or a downgrade (a rollback to the old version), knowing the current digit is critical to choosing the right file.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, detailed information may be hidden to see the full code name of the model inside the application:
- 📱 Click on the profile icon in the lower right corner of the app.
- 📍 Select the region installed for your device (China, Russia, Europe).
- ℹ️ Return to the device and click on the ellipsis, then select About device (if available).
- 🔍 Look for the line "Model" or "Device Name" in the technical description.
It is important to understand the difference between the app version and the robot’s firmware version. Updating the app on the phone does not guarantee automatic robot updates unless notified.
Determination of generation by hardware features
Visual inspection of the device itself can tell about its “version” or generation as much as software code. Xiaomi engineers often change the location of buttons, the shape of the laser rangefinder (LDS) and the type of wheels depending on the revision, these changes affect the compatibility of parts and maintenance methods.
Notice the top panel. Early models, like the (first generation) Xiaomi Robot Vacuum, had one power button and were centered. Newer versions, like the Mijia 1S or 2 Pro, have touch buttons or a completely hidden control panel. The presence or absence of a physical casing on the laser sensor is also a version marker.
Look under the body, in the area of the main brush. In the first versions, the classic V-shaped brush was used, which could wind hair. In new versions (for example, in models from 2021-2022), lilaless rubber rollers are often installed, which are easier to clean, indicating a fresher hardware platform.
Hidden audit indicators
Another important hardware feature is the side brush type, and some robot versions come with brushes with different bristles angles or colors (black vs. white/orange). Although this often depends on the batch, the combination of brush color and wheel casing shape helps to accurately identify the model when ordering parts on AliExpress or eBay.
Differences between regional versions of firmware
One of the most common user problems is the confusion between Chinese (CN), global (Global) and European (EU) firmware versions. A robot vacuum cleaner bought in China may have software that is incompatible with servers in Europe or Russia without special manipulation. Verification helps you understand what type of hardware and software you are dealing with.
Chinese firmware versions often have more functionality, but the interface is entirely in Chinese or English, and voice packets may be limited. Global versions are certified and support many languages, including Russian, but may run slower due to remote servers. The region in the Mi Home application must match the firmware region for stable operation.
How do you check the firmware region indirectly? By response speed and availability of voice packets. If you try to download a Russian voice packet, the system says "Not available for this device," then you have a Chinese version of the firmware. Also, Chinese versions often have a restriction on the map (geo-lock) that blocks work outside China, although this is less common for vacuum cleaners than for cameras.
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If you bought a device with Chinese firmware, do not rush to reflash it on the global. This can lead to loss of warranty and risk of "bricking". It is better to use the region change mode in the Mi Home app if you are satisfied with the functionality.
Table of the main differences of firmware:
| Characteristics | Chinese (CN) | Global (Global) | European (EU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interface language | Chinese, English | Multilingual | Multilingual |
| Voice packets | Limited. | Complete set | Complete set |
| server | China | Singapore/USA | Germany/Netherlands |
| Wi-Fi frequency | 2.4 GHz (standard) | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
Use of engineering menu and token
For advanced users who want to get the most detailed information, including: IP-address, MAC-The address, the current access token, and the exact version of the system kernel, there is a method for obtaining the device token. The token is an encryption key that allows third-party programs to interact with the robot directly, bypassing the Xiaomi cloud.
Tokens can be obtained through browser plugins (for example, for Chrome or Firefox) or through special scripts in Python. The most popular method is using the Mi Home Tokens extension. After installing the extension and entering data of your Mi Home account, you will receive a list of all devices with their unique identifiers.
In the information provided through the token, you can see the field firmware_version and hardware_version. This is the most accurate data you can get, and it's displayed in a format that developers can understand, for example, 0.0.6_0012. Knowing the token, you can use local management tools like Home Assistant or Valetudo.
☑️ Obtaining a device token
⚠️ Warning: Never transfer your token to third parties. Once an attacker has access to the token, they can control your device locally if they are on the same network, or use it to integrate into their systems.
There is also the option of activating the engineering menu on the robot itself, although this depends on the model. On some devices in the Roborock or Mijia series, you can enter debugging mode by sequentially pressing buttons on the body (for example, "Home" + "Local Cleanup" in a certain sequence), In this mode, the status of the sensors and the bootloader version can be displayed on the display or through audible signals.
Frequent problems in determining the model
Users often experience an app that shows one name, a sticker that's different, and the accessories store has a third compatibility. This is due to rebranding. Xiaomi sells the same devices under different brands: Mijia, Xiaomi, Roborock, Dreame, Viomi. For example, the Roborock S50 and Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum 1S are technically the same device with minimal cosmetic differences.
Another problem is clones and fakes, and there are many devices on the market that copy Xiaomi's design but have a completely different filling, and if your robot is acting weird, doesn't connect to the server, or if the app requires an update that isn't found, you might be dealing with a replica. Verification MAC-Addresses can help: Xiaomi device addresses usually start with specific prefixes (e.g., the name of the name, 28:6C:07 or 64:90:C1), They also learned to fake them.
Also, consider that after a major software update, the application interface may change and the "About device" item will move. If you can't find a version, try updating the Mi Home app itself to the latest version from the AppStore or Google Play, as older versions may not support new models.
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The code model matching on the sticker (e.g. STYTJ01YM) is the only 100% guaranteed way to identify, all other names (Pro, Plus, Ultra) are marketing and can vary depending on the country of sale.