The question of how to make a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi express themselves obscene, periodically pops up in thematic chats and forums. Some users joke, others are looking for real ways to “hack” the voice assistant, and still others are just curious: is it technically possible? In this article, we will understand what the firmware of Xiaomi Mi Robot and Viomi devices says, what restrictions the manufacturer imposes, and what are the risks of attempts to modify system files.
We warn you that there is no official feature. Voice packages for Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners are written in advance and stored in the device's secure memory. However, enthusiasts find workarounds from replacing audio files to flashing through ADB. But before jumping into experiments, it is worth assessing the risks of losing warranty, "bricking" the device or even blocking the Mi Home account for violating the user agreement.
If you're interested in customizing voice responses, rather than matting, like replacing standard phrases with your own recordings, there's a lot more to do, and then we'll look at both scenarios, from harmless tweaks to deep firmware tweaks.
Why Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner can not swear out of the box
All modern Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners (including Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Viomi V3 and others) use pre-recorded voice packets, stored in /system/media/audio and protected from root-free change. Here are the key reasons why "bullshit" phrases are not added:
- 📜 Legal restrictions: In most countries, the dissemination of obscene language in household devices is prohibited or restricted by ratings (e.g., in most countries, ESRB, PEGI).
- 🛡️ Xiaomi: The company adheres to the family image and blocks any attempts to modify voice assistants through official channels.
- 🤖 AI Limitations: Robot's Voice Engine Can't Synthesize Arbitrary Phrases - It Only Reproduces Pre-recorded Phrases.mp3 or.ogg files.
- 🔒 Home » News » Hacking protection: Xiaomi robot file system uses checksum checks (CRC), Therefore, any changes in system audio files lead to errors when downloading.
Moreover, even if technically possible, firmware updates through Mi Home automatically restore the original voice packets, meaning your “hardship” will reset when you first update.
⚠️ Warning: Attempts to modify system files without a backup may result in loss of communication with the device.The robot will stop responding to commands from the application and require a complete reset button.
Method 1: Replace audio files via ADB (for advanced users)
If you're willing to take a chance, the most straightforward method is to replace standard voice files with your own records.
- Enable the developer mode on the robot (press the power button 5 times in a row, then connect via Wi-Fi to the robot access point).
- Connect via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and get root access.
- Find a folder with audio files (usually /system/media/audio/tts) and replace them with your 16-bit PCM, 16kHz records.
Here is an example of a command to connect via ADB:
adb connect 192.168.. (IP- address of your robot)
adb shell
su
mount -o remount,rw /system
cd /system/media/audio/ttsHowever, there are a few pitfalls here:
- 🔊 Audio format: Files must match the original bitrate and length, otherwise the robot will not reproduce them.
- 🔄 Updates: After the firmware update, all changes will reset.
- 🚫 Xiaomi may block the device for detecting modified files.
Robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi with firmware is not newer than 2023
Computer with ADB and drivers installed
Backup copy of the original files
Audio editor (e.g. Audacity) for recording
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Method 2: Use of third-party firmware (Custom ROM)
A more radical method is to install custom firmware, such as Valetudo or DustBuilder, which alternative firmware allows:
- 🎤 Replace voice packets without restrictions.
- 📱 Manage a robot without Xiaomi cloud (local control).
- 🔧 Modify the logic of the work (for example, add your own commands).
However, the installation process is complex and involves:
- Disassembly of the robot for connection to UART-port.
- Firmware via STM32 Cube Programmer or similar tools.
- Network configuration and integration with Home Assistant (if necessary).
Example of a firmware command via STM32:
stm32flash -w valetudo.bin -v -g 0x0 /dev/ttyUSB0⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can permanently disable the robot's motherboard. Without soldering skills and microcontroller experience, it's best not to risk it.
Yeah, for an experiment.
Only if you have a 100% guarantee of success.
No, it's too risky.
I tried it before, it didn't work.
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Method 3: Deception of Mi Home servers (the method of “swapping answers”)
Another way is to intercept traffic between the robot and Xiaomi's servers. MITM-A proxy that replaces the server's responses with its data, such as when a robot sends a request to play a phrase "clean_complete", A proxy can return a link to your audio file.
Implementation will require:
- 🖥️ Python computer and mitmproxy library.
- 📡 Set up routing robot traffic through your PC.
- 🔗 Script for substitution JSON-Responses from Xiaomi servers.
Example of code for changing the answer:
from mitmproxy import http
def response(flow: http.HTTPFlow) -> None:
if "miot-spec.org" in flow.request.pretty_url:
data = flow.response.json()
if data.get("result") == ["clean_complete"]:
data["result"] = ["http://your-server.ru/mat.mp3"]
flow.response.json = dataCons of the method:
- ⚡ Requires constant operation of the proxy server.
- 🔌 The robot must be connected to your network.
- 🛡️ Xiaomi may block account for suspicious activity.
💡
Before experimenting with MITM, create a new user in Mi Home, so you don’t risk your primary account.
Legal and technical risks: what awaits you for the modification
Before you try to “teach” a robot to swear, evaluate the possible consequences:
| Type of risk | Effects of consequences | Probability. |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of guarantee | Xiaomi will refuse repairs if modifications are detected | 90% |
| Account lockdown | Banning the use of Mi Home and other services | 50% |
| "Overfitting" robot | The device will stop turning on after a failed firmware | 30% |
| Problems with the law | In some countries, modification of devices for the purpose of spreading obscene language can be considered a violation (for example, Art. 6.13 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation). | 10% |
The most realistic outcome is that the robot will simply stop playing voice prompts at all, or it will give out a “TTS error” every time it tries to say something.
Alternatives: How to customize a robot without risks
If the goal is not to checkmate, but to personalize voice responses, there are legal ways to:
- 🎙️ Record your phrases: Some firmware (like Valetudo) allow you to replace standard sounds with your recordings without hacking.
- 🤖 Home Assistant integration: You can set up your notifications through TTS-engine (e.g. Google) TTS or Amazon Polly).
- 📱 Companion apps: For example, Yandex Alice or Google Assistant can voice commands to a robot in their own voice.
Example of setting up Home Assistant for custom notifications:
automation:
- alias: "Robot finished cleaning"
trigger:
platform: state
entity_id: vacuum.xiaomi_vacuum
to: "docked"
action:
service: tts.google_say
data:
entity_id: media_player.living_room_speaker
Message: "Cleaning is complete, master, it's clean, like an operating room."💡
Legal customization via Home Assistant or Valetudo is not warranty-breaking and is safe for the device.