Xiaomiβs camera-powered robot vacuum cleaners are not just cleaning assistants, but also full-fledged remote surveillance devices. The video streaming feature allows you to monitor your home, check your device, or even use a vacuum cleaner as a temporary surveillance camera, but not everyone knows how to properly adjust access to the camera and avoid typical errors.
In this article, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to connect to the camera of the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner (including the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, Xiaowa E35, DreameBot L10s Ultra and others with the camera module). You will learn how to configure viewing through Mi Home, Google Home, and third-party applications if standard methods do not work.
Not all Xiaomi models have cameras. Check the specifications of your device before setting up β the camera is usually listed as an AI Camera, 360Β° Camera or Obstacle Avoidance Camera.
What models of robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi support viewing through the camera
Not every Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner can stream video, but only available in models with built-in cameras for navigation or surveillance, and here are the main series that support viewing:
- πΉ Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro β an obstacle-avoiding camera + broadcastability.
- πΉ Xiaowa E35 / C40 / LDS β Budget models with base camera (resolution) 720p).
- πΉ DreameBot L10s Ultra / D9 / D10 Plus β premium models with a camera 1080p night-vision.
- πΉ Viomi V3 / SE β Support viewing via Mi Home, but without recording.
- πΉ Roborock S7 MaxV / S8 Pro Ultra β AI-recognition camera (requires a separate Roborock app).
If your model is not on this list, check for a camera in the manual or on the official website. for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P or 1C do not have a camera - they only use laser sensors (LDS).
How do you know if you have a camera in your vacuum cleaner? Look under the lid of the device: the camera is usually located on top, next to the power button, and looks like a small circular or rectangular module with a lens.
Official way: viewing through the Mi Home app
The most reliable and simple method is to use the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for newer versions), which works for most models with a camera, but requires the right setup.
To start watching:
- Connect the vacuum cleaner to the Wi-Fi. πΆ Make sure the robot and smartphone are connected to the same 2.4 GHz network (cameras do not work with 5 GHz). π If the vacuum cleaner is already connected but the camera is not displayed, restart it (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
- Open the Mi Home app. π Go to the Devices tab and select your vacuum cleaner. ποΈ Click on the camera icon (usually in the upper right corner of the control screen).
Set up access to the camera.
- π When you first connect, the application will request permissions to access the microphone and the camera of the smartphone β confirm.
- π If the image is not loaded, check if the vacuum cleaner settings have Remote Access mode (Settings) enabled. β Security β Remote control).
If the camera is connected, but the image is lagging or slowing down, try:
- πΆ Switch to a more stable Wi-Fi network (or use it) 4G/5G smartphone).
- π Close background apps that consume traffic (such as YouTube or TikTok).
- βοΈ In camera settings (Mi Home) β The device β Camera settings to reduce resolution to 480p.
Vacuum cleaner and phone in one Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz) |
Mi Home app updated to latest version|
Camera and microphone permits given |
Remote access is enabled in the vacuum cleaner settings-->
Alternative ways: Google Home, Home Assistant and third-party apps
If Mi Home is not suitable (for example, due to regional restrictions), other methods can be used.
1. Connect via Google Home (for models with Google Assistant support)
Some Xiaomi vacuum cleaners (like the DreameBot L10s Ultra or Roborock S7 MaxV) are compatible with Google Home.
- Open Google Home and add the vacuum cleaner as a new device (Add β Set up the device β Xiaomi).
- After connecting, say in your voice, βOK Google, show the camera [vacuum cleaner name].β
- The image will be displayed on the screen of a smartphone or smart display (for example, Nest Hub).
Restrictions: Google Home doesnβt support video recording β only live viewing β and it may not work with Xiaomiβs budget models.
2. Integration with Home Assistant (for advanced users)
If you use the Home Assistant smart home system, you can connect the vacuum cleaner camera through the Xiaomi Miio component.
# Add to the configuration.yaml file
camera:
- platform: xiaomi_miio
host: [IP- vacuum cleaner address]
Token: [Your Mi Home Token]
Name: "Camera vacuum cleaner Xiaomi"Where to get a token? It can be extracted from Mi Home using the MiHome Token Extractor (available on GitHub). Be careful not to share the token with outsiders!
3. Third-party applications (at your own risk)
There are applications like TinyCam Pro or IP Webcam that can connect to Xiaomi cameras RTSP-But the protocol:
- β οΈ This is an unofficial method β Xiaomi does not guarantee stable operation.
- π Manual receipt required RTSP-links (for example, through Mi Home) API).
- π‘οΈ Security risk: Third-party applications may transfer data to third parties.
Important: Using unofficial methods can violate warranty and lead to device locking. Xiaomi is actively fighting unauthorized access to cameras through third-party services.
How do you know? IP-Address of the vacuum cleaner for Home Assistant?
Why the camera doesnβt work: Common mistakes and their solution
If the camera doesnβt connect or gives an error, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The camera does not appear in Mi Home | The device is not connected to Wi-Fi | Restart the vacuum cleaner and router, check the 2.4GHz network |
| Image slows or tears. | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Move the router closer to the vacuum cleaner or use the Mesh system |
| "No access to the camera" error | Remote access disabled | Enable Remote Control in the vacuum cleaner settings |
| The camera shows a black screen | Lens contaminated or closed | Wipe the camera with a soft napkin, check the cover |
| The application gives an error of the server | Problems on the side of Xiaomi | Wait 10-15 minutes and try again. |
If nothing helps, try resetting the vacuum cleaner settings:
- Press and hold the Home and Power buttons on the case for 10 seconds.
- After reset, connect the vacuum cleaner again through Mi Home.
β οΈ Warning: Reset will delete all stored room maps and cleaning settings. Before the procedure, back up to Mi Home (if the feature is available for your model).
Security: How to protect the vacuum cleaner camera from hacking
The robot vacuum cleaner camera is a potential vulnerability for hackers, and in 2022, Xiaomi devices were hacked through vulnerabilities in the Mi Home API.
- π Use a complex password for your Mi Home account (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
- π‘οΈ Enable two-factor authentication in Xiaomi account settings.
- π Do not connect the vacuum cleaner to public Wi-Fi networks (for example, in cafes or hotels).
- π Regularly update the vacuum cleaner firmware (in Mi Home will be a notification of the new version).
- π« Turn off the camera when it is not needed (in the device settings there is an option to turn off the camera).
If you notice suspicious activity (for example, the camera turns on on its own or unknown devices appear in the Mi Home logs), immediately:
- Change the password from your Xiaomi account.
- Untie the vacuum cleaner from the application and connect it again.
- Check the network for unknown devices (via the routerβs admin panel).
β οΈ Note: Do not use the same password for Mi Home and other services (e.g. email or banking applications). Hackers often hack into Xiaomi accounts through data leaks from other systems.
π‘
If you often leave the vacuum cleaner unattended, stick opaque film on the camera or use special camera plugs (sold on AliExpress) this will physically block access to the video stream, even if the device is hacked.
How to improve the quality of video from the vacuum cleaner camera
The camera image of a robot vacuum cleaner often leaves much to be desired: low resolution, noise in the dark, distortion when driving.
- π Lighting: Xiaomi cameras don't work well in the dark.Install additional indoor light sources.
- πΉ Resolution: In camera settings (Mi Home) β The device β Select the maximum resolution (usually) 1080p or 720p).
- π Stabilization: If the image jumps, turn on the video stabilization option (not available on all models).
- π― Focus: Wipe the camera lens with an alcohol napkin - dust and divorces worsen clarity.
For supported models AI-Recognition (e.g. Roborock) S7 MaxV) you can enable the option to improve the image, which automatically adjusts contrast and brightness.
If the camera is used to observe pets or children, pay attention to the angle of view.Most Xiaomi vacuum cleaners have an angle of 120-140.Β°, But if the robot is standing in the corner, part of the room might not be in the frame.
π‘
To record video from the vacuum cleaner camera, use the screen recording function on your smartphone. Xiaomi does not provide an in-built recording in the Mi Home, but you can save the broadcast through third-party apps (for example, AZ Screen Recorder).