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

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have evolved from simple devices with basic navigation to advanced gadgets with a high-end design. LDS-But how do you know which generation your model belongs to? It depends on the compatibility of accessories, the ability to firmware and even the price in the secondary market. For example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite (2022) and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (2023) are similar in appearance, but belong to different generations in internal architecture.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 reliable ways to determine the generation of your robot vacuum cleaner, from analyzing the labeling on the case to checking firmware versions through the Mi Home app. You’ll also learn why this is important when selecting parts or updating software, and how to avoid identification errors. For convenience, we’ve compiled a model/generation matching table from 2016 to 2026.

1.Why it's important to know Xiaomi's robot vacuum cleaner generation

The definition of a generation is not just curiosity. It depends on:

• 🔧 Parts compatibility: for example, brushes from Mi Robot 1S (1st generation will not fit the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P (4th generation) due to the changed mounting.
• 📱 Functionality in Mi Home: New generations support zoning, multi-card maps and integration with Apple HomeKit, which older models do not have.
• 💾 Firmware capabilities: 3rd and 4th generation robots get updates with support for Alice Yandex and voice control, while 1st generation does not.
• 💰 Cost in the secondary market: the difference in price between Mi Robot Vacuum 1 (2016) and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra (2023) can reach 10,000 rubles with a similar appearance.

And that generational knowledge will help you avoid self-repair mistakes, like in 2nd generation robots. 1S) The engine is used in a different type of engine than the 3rd (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Pro), and if you try to replace it with an incompatible one, you will overheat or fail.

⚠️ Warning: Some vendors deliberately list "last generation" in ads, meaning outdated models. Always check the generation by serial number or marking!

Method 1: Model definition (generation table)

The quickest way is to check your model name against the official Xiaomi classification, and here is a table of generations of robot vacuum cleaners from 2016 to 2026, including the Chinese versions (Mijia) and global versions (Mi Robot).

*Table is up to date for May 2026. For new models, check the data on Xiaomi's official website.

If your model is not listed in the table, check its full name on the sticker under the dust collector lid or in the Mi Home app. 2S (2023) is a 4th generation, despite the number "2" in the title.

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Robots with the prefix "Pro" or "Ultra" always refer to the 3rd or 4th generation, even if the name has the number "1" or "2".

Method 2: Serial number check (SN)

Serial number (SN) — A unique identifier that can be used to determine not only the generation, but also the date of production:

• 🏷️ On a sticker under the dust collector lid (usually starting with L, M or N).
• 📱 In the Mi Home app: go to the Device → Settings → About the device.
• 🖥️ In the web version of Mi Home (for older models): Profile → My devices. → Serial number.

Serial number format: XxxYYYYMMDDxxxxx, where:

• Xxx - factory code (e.g, LDS model LDS-scanner).
• YYYYMMDD — date of production (year, month, day).
• xxxx is a unique device identifier.

Examples of decryption:

• LDS20190515... — The model was produced on May 15, 2019 (probably the 2nd generation).
• MOP20221120... — model of November 20, 2022 (3rd or 4th generation).

⚠️ Note: Serial numbers of Chinese versions (Mijia) can start with CN or CH. Such models often lack global firmware and require manual reflashing to work with the Mi Home outside of China.

To accurately determine the generation of SN Use Mi-Check (enter the serial number in the search box) and the system will show the model, release date and firmware compatibility.

Method 3: Analysis of firmware and software versions

The firmware version is another reliable indicator of the generation.

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Choose your robot vacuum cleaner.
3. Go to Settings → About the device → The firmware version.

Version format: X.XX.XXX_YYYYMMDD, where:

• X.XX.XXX — Build number (e.g. 3.5.8 for 3rd generation).
• YYYYMMDD — firmware-date.

Conformity of versions and generations:

• 🔢 1-e generation: firmware up to 2.0.0_2018xxxx.
• 🔢 2-generation: 2.0.0–2.7.9_2018–2020.
• 🔢 3-generation: 3.0.0–3.6.5_2020–2022.
• 🔢 4-f and 5-generations: 4.0.0 and above, for example, 4.2.1_20231015).

Firmware with a postfixed " dev" or " test" indicates beta versions that may be unstable, and such builds are often installed on devices to test new features (for example, Matter support in the 5th generation).

If the firmware version is below 3.0.0, your robot does not support:

• 🗺️ Multi-card saves (for several floors).
• 🎤 Voice control via Alice or Google Assistant.
• 🔄 Automatic update of maps after redevelopment.

Check out the current version in Mi Home|Connect the robot to Wi-Fi|Make sure the battery is charged >50%|Click "Update" in the device settings|Do not interrupt the process (it will take 5-15 minutes)-->

5. Method 4: Appearances and design features

If you don't have access to a serial number or an app, you can identify a generation by design and configuration.

1st generation (2016–2018):

• 🔍 LDS-scanner is located in the center of the upper cover (convex circular module).
• 🔋 Battery 5200 mAh (on the sticker under the lid).
• 🧹 One side brush, no wet cleaning support (or optional module).
• 🎨 The body is only white, without metal inserts.

2nd generation (2018–2020):

• 💧 Support for wet cleaning "out of the box" (there is a water tank).
• 🔄 Two side brushes (in some models).
• 📏 The diameter of the body is 345 mm (at the 1st generation - 348 mm).
• 🖥️ STMicroelectronics processor (indicated on the main board).

3rd and 4th Generations (2020–2023):

• 📸 Additional camera for navigation (models) Pro/Ultra).
• 🔋 Battery 5200-6400 mAh with support for fast charging.
• 🧲 Magnetic tapes for zoning in the kit.
• 🎨 Color options: black, gray, golden (except white).

5th Generation (2026):

• 🤖 Automatic change of modes (dry/wet cleaning).
• 🔊 Built-in speaker for voice prompts.
• 📡 Support for Matter protocol for integration with other ecosystems.

For visual comparison, use Xiaomi’s comparison tool, where you can superimpose images of models on top of each other.

6. Method 5: Verification through official Xiaomi services

If previous methods have not helped, use the official tools of Xiaomi:

1.Authentication service:

1. Go to the verification page.
2. Enter. IMEI or SN (is under the cover of the dust collector).
3. The system will show the model, the date of activation and the status of the warranty.

2. Chat with Xiaomi support:

• 📧 Write to the official chat, specifying the serial number.
• 📸 Attach a photo of the stickers with SN model.
• ⏳ The answer comes within 24 hours (in English or Chinese).

Forum Mi Community:

• Register with Mi Community.
• Create a theme in the Smart Home section → Robot Vacuum.
• Attach a photo of the device and specify SN.

⚠️ Note: Do not enter a serial number on third-party sites offering "model check"; this may be phishing to collect Mi Account data!

7. Frequent errors in generational determination

Even the most experienced users sometimes confuse generations.

Mistake 1: Confusion with "Mi Robot" 1S" and Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1S"

• 🔹 Mi Robot 1S (2018 – 2nd generation, dry cleaning only.
• 🔹 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 1S (2021 – 3rd generation, with wet cleaning.

Mistake 2: Number in the title ≠ generation

• 🔢 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro is the 4th generation, not the second.
• 🔢 Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop X10+ — 5th generation, despite the "X10".

Mistake 3: Chinese and Global Versions

• 🇨🇳 Mijia STYJ02YM (China) = Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Pro (Global Edition).
• 🇺🇸 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2S (USA) = Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (Europe).

Mistake 4: Firmware from another generation

Some users are trying to install firmware from Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra (4th generation) on Mi Robot 1S (2nd generation. This leads to:

• 🚫 Loss of communication with the Mi Home app.
• 🔄 Fixed update (robot constantly reboots).
• 🔥 Overheating of the controller (due to incompatibility of motor drivers).

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If after updating the firmware, the robot stopped turning on, try resetting it to factory settings: press the Home and Power buttons for 10 seconds.

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