How to save a map for a robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: all ways with instructions

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are not just automatic cleaning devices, but real smart assistants that can remember the layout of your home, but many users face the problem: once you reset, update the firmware or move, the cleaning map disappears, and the robot has to relearn routes, not only does it waste time, but it also reduces the efficiency of cleaning — because without the stored map, the vacuum cleaner will not be able to optimally allocate areas, avoid obstacles or use the zonal cleaning function.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to save a map for Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners (including the Mi Robot Vacuum, Roborock, Viomi and Dreame models), learn how to export a map through the application, create a manual backup, and what to do if the Suddenly card disappeared after the update, and pay special attention to hidden settings that are not written in the official instructions, but can save your settings in critical situations.

Why does Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaner not automatically save the card?

Many users mistakenly believe that the cleaning card is saved in the cloud or on Xiaomi servers by default. In fact, this is not true: by default, the card is stored only in the memory of the device itself, and in most models (except for the flagship Roborock S7 MaxV and later), it is not automatically backed up.

• 🔄 Resetting settings via an app or button on the case – erases all data, including the map.
• 📱 Reconnect to another account in Mi Home or Roborock.
• 🔧 Update the firmware (especially if the process is interrupted).
• 🏠 Change of layout (e.g. furniture rearrangement) – the robot may “forget” the old map.
• 🔋 Battery discharge to 0% (in some models leads to resetting settings).

In addition, in low-end models (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite), the card is stored in RAM and can be reset even after a long downtime without recharging. And in devices with a LiDAR scanner (for example, Roborock S6 Pure), the card is rebuilt if the vacuum cleaner is moved to another room - it simply does not recognize the new environment.

Method 1: Save the card through the Mi Home app

The easiest way to back up is to use the official Mi Home app, but there are some nuances: not all models support card export, and in some regions (for example, for European firmware), this feature may be hidden.

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to the Map section (or Map in English).
3. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Save Map).
4. The application will offer to save the file in.map or.json format – choose a convenient place (for example, Google Drive cloud storage).

If there is no Save card, your model does not support this function directly, and then try an alternative method:

Charge the robot to 100% | Connect to stable Wi-Fi | Update the Mi Home app to the latest version | Make sure the robot is on base

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⚠️ Note: In the Mi Home application for the Russian region (Russia server), the card saving function may not be available. To unlock it, temporarily switch to the Singapore or China Mainland server in the account settings.

The saved card file can be downloaded back, but there are limitations: if you update the firmware or change the layout, the robot can refuse to accept the old card, in which case only manual editing of the file (we will discuss it below).

Method 2: Export the card through the Roborock app

If you have a Roborock robot vacuum cleaner (like the S5 Max, S7 or Q7 Max), use the Roborock app, which offers more options for working with maps. Here's how to save data:

1. Open the Roborock app and select your device.
2. Go to the Map tab (Map).
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Map Settings (or Map Settings).
4. Select Save Map and confirm export.

The card file will be saved in.rrmap (for Roborock) or.dmp (for older models), and it can be downloaded back through the same settings section, the main advantage of this method is multi-card support (if you have several floors).

If you use Roborock with alternative firmware (like Valetudo), the maps are stored in an open format and can be edited via a web interface, which is useful if you want to manually adjust cleaning areas or remove unnecessary obstacles.

Method 3: Manual backup through file manager

For advanced users, there is a way to save the card directly from the device without relying on apps, which works if you have root access to a robot vacuum cleaner (for example, through Valetudo firmware) or if you connect to it via SSH.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect to the robot on SSH (For example, through Termux or PuTTY. IP-Device address (can be found on the router) and standard credentials: Login: root Password: (usually empty or "rockrobo")
2. Go to the folder with the cards: cd /mnt/UDISK/ or (for older models): cd /mnt/data/
3. Copy the card files to your computer through SCP or FTP. File names usually contain map_ or floor_.

This method is suitable for advanced users because it requires knowledge of Linux commands, but it gives you complete control over the map files and allows you to restore them even after you completely reset the device.

Method 4: Use of alternative firmware (Valetudo, DustBuilder)

If you're not afraid of experimentation, installing custom firmware (like Valetudo) opens up more options for working with maps.

• 🗺️ Export cards in open formats (SVG, PNG).
• 🖥️ Edit zones through the web interface.
• 🔄 Recover cards after resetting.
• 📊 Analyze cleaning statistics.

Installation Valetudo requires unlocking the bootloader and firmware via USB or OTA. Detailed instructions are available on the official website. Once installed, you will access a web panel where you can watch the map being built in real time and save it manually.

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Before you run custom software, back up the original firmware through the rrtool utility, which will help restore the device if something goes wrong.

One of Valetudo’s advantages is that it supports multiplayer: you can give the card to other family members without being tied to a Xiaomi account, and the firmware also allows you to integrate the robot vacuum cleaner with the Home Assistant, which expands the automation capabilities.

What to do if the card is gone: recovery and learning again

If you lose a map, don't despair. Here's a way to recover it.

1. Check backups: You may have previously saved the card via Mi Home or Roborock.
2. Reboot the robot: Sometimes the card is restored after a reboot (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
3. Update the firmware: new versions of the software can be fixed bugs associated with card storage.
4. Run a full scan: Put the robot on base and click Clean Map → Build again.

If it doesn't work, you'll have to train the robot again.

• 🚪 Close the doors to other rooms so that the vacuum cleaner scans the room in stages.
• 🛋️ Remove small objects from the floor – they interfere with accurate scanning.
• 💡 Turn on bright lighting – LiDAR and cameras work better in good light.
• 📏 Use beacons (if included) to mark areas.

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner after updating the firmware no longer recognizes the old card, do not try to download it back - this can lead to navigation errors.

How to transfer the card to another robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi

Can you copy a map from one robot to another? Technically, yes, but with reservations:

• 🔄 Both devices must be the same model (e.g., with Roborock). S6 Roborock S6).
• 📏 The size and layout of the room must match (otherwise the robot will be confused).
• 🔧 You need to use manual editing of the card file (for example, via Valetudo).

For transfer:

1. Export the card from the first robot (e.g.,.json).
2. Connect to the second robot via SSH and replace the card file in /mnt/UDISK/ folder.
3. Reset the device.

Note that even with a successful transfer, the robot may need to adjust the map – it will compare the stored data with the real situation and make edits.

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Transferring maps between different models (e.g., from Mi Robot to Roborock) is almost impossible due to differences in navigation algorithms and storage formats.

FAQ: Frequent questions about saving maps in Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners