How to accurately determine the generation of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner: from Mi Robot 1S ultra

Buying a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner is only half the battle, and to set up a device, to pick up accessories, or to upgrade a firmware, you need to know exactly what its generation is, but the manufacturer doesn't always show that information in a prominent place, and as a result, users face problems downloading the wrong firmware, buying incompatible parts, or blindly following instructions for another model.

The intricacies of Mi Robot, MiJia and Xiaomi Robot Vacuum are difficult to understand, even for experienced owners. For example, the seemingly almost identical Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro are different generations and require different approaches to service. And some models, like Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra, generally combine the features of several generations.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 reliable ways to identify the generation of your robot vacuum cleaner, from serial number analysis to hidden menus in the app, and learn why this is important and how to avoid identification errors.

Why it’s important to know the Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner generation

At first glance, a generation of a device seems to be an abstract characteristic, but in practice, it defines:

• 🔧 Parts compatibility, like Mi Robot brushes. 1S (1st generation will not be suitable for Robot Vacuum-Mop P (4th generation) due to different attachments.
• 📱 Firmware version: Outdated 2nd Generation software could kill 3rd Generation robot if firmware is incorrect.
• 🛠️ Repair capability: Sensors and motors are changing in new generations, affecting the cost and availability of service.
• 💡 Functionality. For example, only 4th generation and newer robots support 3D-mapping LDS 2.0.

Moreover, some features in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app can be blocked if the device is not identified correctly. For example, owners of Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (3rd generation) often complain that they can not enable zoning of premises - the problem is solved by re-binding the device with the indication of the correct generation.

⚠️ Warning: If you bought a robot vacuum cleaner from your hands, there is a risk that the seller “flashed” it under another model, in which case the standard methods of determining the generation may give the wrong result.

Method 1: Determination by model (most accurate method)

The most reliable way is to see the full name of the model on the case or in the documents. Xiaomi has a clear linkage of models to generations:

Where to look for a model:

1. On the sticker under the cover of the dust collector (usually begins with MJ, SDJ or STYJ).
2. In the documents (guarantee card, box).
3. In the Mi Home app: go to Devices → Settings → About the device.

If the model name has the letter “P” or “Ultra”**, it is guaranteed to be 3rd or 4th generation (even if the robot looks similar to older models).

Find a sticker with a model on the body|Contrast the name with the table of generations|Check for matching year of issue|Ensure that no modifications are made (e.g., "Pro" or "Lite")

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Method 2: Analysis of the serial number (SN)

Serial number (SN) It contains encrypted model and production date information, which is 14 to 16 characters long and is usually located next to the QR-case-code.

Decoding the serial number for Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners:

• The first 2-4 characters are the model code (e.g., the model code, SDJ Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro).
• The following: 2 The year of production (for example, the year of production, 21 = 2021 year).
• The remaining numbers are the serial number and the checksum.

Examples:

• SDJQR02RR → Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (3rd generation), released in 2020.
• MJXJ06YM → Mi Robot Vacuum Model 1S (1st generation), 2018.

⚠️ Note: Serial numbers of robots produced for the Chinese market (e.g. prefixed) CN), In this case, focus on the first 3-4 characters and check with the official base Xiaomi.

Method 3: Checking through the Mi app Home/Xiaomi Home

If the robot is already connected to the application, the generation can be identified through hidden menus:

1. Open Mi Home or Xiaomi Home.
2. Choose your robot vacuum cleaner.
3. Go to Settings → About the device → The firmware version.
4. Click on the line with the version 5 times in a row - the engineering menu with detailed information will open.

In the engineering menu, pay attention to:

• 📌 Hardware Version (e.g., hw: 1.0.0 – 1st generation, hw: 3.3.0 – 3rd generation).
• 📌 Model Name (full name of the model, as in the table above).
• 📌 LDS Version (e.g., Version, LDS 2.0 is a 3rd or 4th generation).

If the engineering menu does not open, try an alternative method:

1. In the main screen of the robot, press... (three dots) → About the programme.
2. Scroll down to the Technical Data section.
3. Find the Device Model line, and that is the exact model.

1. Remove the device from the application.

2. Reset the robot to factory settings (press the power button for 10 seconds).

3. Re-add the device by selecting the correct model manually from the list.

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Method 4: External features and design features

If you do not have access to the application or documents, the generation can be determined by the design and configuration:

1st Generation (2016–2018)

• 🔘 Round shape without protrusions.
• 🔘 One side brush (left).
• 🔘 No water tank (dry cleaning only).
• 🔘 The power button is located at the top in the center.

2nd generation (2019–2021)

• 🔘 A water tank appeared (volume 200-250 ml).
• 🔘 Two side brushes (in the Pro models).
• 🔘 Power button shifted closer to the edge.
• 🔘 Sticker with QR-code located on the back wall (in the 1st generation - under the cover).

3rd and 4th Generations (2021–2026)

• 🔘 Square shape with rounded corners (Ultra and Ultra) P/E).
• 🔘 Automatic lifting base (at 2 Ultra and newer).
• 🔘 Touch buttons instead of mechanical buttons.
• 🔘 Improved bumper with additional sensors.

Also, pay attention to the color markings:

• 🟢 Green bar on bumper - usually Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite (2nd generation).
• 🔵 Blue Strip: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (2nd generation).
• ⚪ White case without stripes - Robot Vacuum-Mop P/E (3-generation).

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If your robot has an automatic cleaning mode change (switches from dry to wet without manual intervention), this is guaranteed to be 3rd or 4th generation.

Method 5: Checking the firmware and API

For advanced users, there is a way to define a generation through API-This is true if the robot has been reflashed or its model is not correctly identified.

Instructions for checking through Mi Home API:

1. Install the app HTTP Requester (Android) or Postman (PC).
2. Send. GET-request: https://api.io.mi.com/app/gen2/device/list with the headings: Cookie: userId={VAShh_USER_ID}; serviceToken={VAShh_TOKEN} (Tokens can be obtained through Mi Account Token Extractor).
3. In the answer, find the "model" section - this is the exact model of the device.

Alternatively, we can analyze the firmware version:

• Firmware 3.5.8_XXXX below — 1-f or 2-generation.
• Firmware 4.6.0_XXXX higher — 3-f or 4-generation.
• Presence of the letter version CN or RU The region is indicated (China or the global version).

⚠️ Attention: Wrong API-The requests can result in the blocking of your Xiaomi account, and only use this method if other methods have not worked and you are confident in your actions.

Common Mistakes in Determining Generations

Even the most experienced users sometimes get it wrong, and let's look at some of the most common misconceptions.

1. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite and 2 Pro: 🔹 2 Lite - 2nd generation, one side brush, battery capacity 2400 mAh. 🔹 2 Pro is also the 2nd generation, but with two brushes and a 3200 mAh battery.

Both are 2nd generation, but have different options.

Robot Vacuum-Mop P

4th generation

It’s actually the 3rd generation with improved navigation, but no Matter support (as opposed to the 4th).

They are only focused on the year of issue:

Some models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum) 1S) The models were produced until 2020, but belonged to the 1st generation, while the Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra (2021) is already the 3rd generation.

To avoid errors, always cross-check the data by:

• 📄 Serial number.
• 📱 Application Mi Home.
• 🔍 External signs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner generations