How to know exactly the generation of the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide with photos and codes

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have been around for over 10 years, and over that time, generations of devices have changed from the first Mi Robot Vacuum models to the modern Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Ultra. But how do you know which generation your vacuum cleaner belongs to? This information is critically important when choosing accessories, searching for firmware or repairing - for example, brushes from the second generation will not fit the fourth series devices, and firmware for the first time. S50 may "brick" S5 Max.

Complicating the problem, Xiaomi often releases updated versions of the same name (for example, Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P exists in three revisions), and the device body rarely indicates the exact model. In this article, we will discuss 5 reliable ways to determine the generation of your robot vacuum cleaner - from visual inspection to hidden service commands. You will also learn how to distinguish the Chinese version from the global one (this affects compatibility with the Mi Home application) and why some models are "masked" as others in the system.

Visual differences of generations: what to look for on the body and in the configuration

The fastest way to identify a generation is to look at the device itself, and Xiaomi has been changing the design of the cases, the location of the buttons, and even the shape of the brushes with each generation.

• 🔍 First generation (2016–2017): Round button centered, white or black plastic case with no metal inserts. Example: Mi Robot Vacuum 1 (code) rockrobo.vacuum.v1).
• 🔄 Second generation (2018–2019): Touch button with backlight, metal edge edge, improved bumpers. Examples: Mi Robot Vacuum 2, S50 (code viomi.vacuum.v7).
• 🤖 Third generation (2020–2021): Mi logo replaced by Xiaomi, laser rangefinder added (models with a rangefinder) LDS), The shape of the garbage container has been changed: S5 Max, STYJ02YM.
• 🌐 Fourth generation (2022–2026): All-black case, switch switch to left, Matter support (new models) Examples: Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro, S10+.

Pay special attention to the sticker on the bottom - there may be a model number (for example, STYTJ02ZHM for S7) or a version of the hardware platform (for example, V11_002021). If the sticker is erased, look at the shape of the main brush:

⚠️ Note: Some third generation models (e.g, S5 Max) looks like the second, but they have different model code and firmware. Always check the sticker!

2. How to know a generation through the Mi Home app: Hidden data

If you're connected to the Mi Home app, you can identify a generation through hidden technical data.

1. Open Mi Home and select your vacuum cleaner.
2. Go to Settings. → About the device.
3. Find the Model lines (for example, roborock.vacuum.a10) or a hardware version (for example, V11_002021).
4. Compare the code to the table below.

Mi Home also has a secret section with full details to open.

1. On the main screen of the device in Mi Home, click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.


2. Select "About the device".




3. Quickly tap 5 times on the line "Firmware version".




4. An engineering menu will open with detailed data, including the hardware platform.

Pay attention to the first symbols of the model code:

• 📌 Rockrobo.vacuum – the first generation, v1, v2).
• 📌 viomi.vacuum – second generation (e.g., viomi.vacuum, v7, v8).
• 📌 Roborock.vacuum – third and fourth generation (e.g., roborock.vacuum, a08 for S5 Max, a15 for S7).

⚠️ Note: In the global version of the Mi Home, some models may appear under "pseudonisms, STYJ02YM (Chinese version) in EU-The app will be called Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P, although these are different devices!

3. Secret voice commands and buttons for model definition

Few people know, but Xiaomi's third- and fourth-generation vacuum cleaners support hidden voice commands to output technical information, to activate them:

1. Make sure the vacuum cleaner is on and connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Say in your voice, “Who are you?”
3. The robot will respond with a phrase with the model name, such as: "I am Xiaomi Robot Vacuum". S7, hardware version V11".

For first and second generation devices, another method works – a combination of buttons:

1. Turn off the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 3 seconds).


2. Press the Home and Spot buttons for 5 seconds at the same time.




3. The device will turn on and sound the model code (e.g., "V-six").

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If the vacuum cleaner does not respond to voice commands, check the microphone settings in Mi Home: go to Device Settings → Voice control → Sensitivity of the microphone and set the value to the maximum.

You can also use sound signals:

• 🔊 1 short signal when turned on - first generation.
• 🔊 2 short signals – second generation.
• 🔊 1 long + 1 Short – Third or Fourth Generation.

4. Analysis of firmware and hardware platform: in-depth diagnostics

If visual techniques didn't work, you can identify a generation from firmware and hardware platform.

1. Connect the vacuum cleaner to the Mi Home.
2. Go to Settings → About the device → The firmware version.
3. Remember the firmware number (for example, 3.5.8_002021).
4. Compare it to the database on Xiaomi or in the community 4PDA.

Key correspondences:

Advanced diagnostics can be used ADB-Teams (root access to vacuum cleaner required):

adb shell getprop ro.product.model


adb shell getprop ro.hardware.platform

These commands will output the exact model and hardware platform. S7 result:

ro.product.model=roborock.vacuum.a15


ro.hardware.platform=V11_002021

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If the firmware version starts with a 5 or higher, your device is in the fourth generation, even if it looks like the third.

5 How to distinguish the Chinese version from the global one (and why it matters)

Many Xiaomi models come in two versions: Chinese (CN) global (EU/RU). They may look the same, but they have different firmware, laser frequencies, and even suction power?

• 🏷️ Case sticker: Chinese versions often have Chinese or code inscriptions CN in the model number (e.g, STYJ02YM-CN).
• 📡 Wi-Fi frequency: Chinese vacuum cleaners only work on the Internet 2.4 GHz, global -- on 2.4/5 GHz.
• 🔋 Suction power: In Chinese versions, it is often higher (up to 4000 Pa vs. 2700 Pav) EU).
• 📱 Mi Home app: Chinese versions require registration at mi.com with Chinese phone number.

To check the firmware region:

1. Open Mi Home and go to the vacuum cleaner settings.
2. Find the About Device section → Region.
3. If so, CN — This is the Chinese version, if EU, RU or US — global.

⚠️ Attention: Installing global firmware on the Chinese version (and vice versa) can lead to loss of functionality! EU-firmware S7 Turbo mode is disabled and in CN-No support for Google Assistant.

Generation compatibility table: accessories, spare parts and firmware

Knowledge of the vacuum cleaner generation is critical when buying parts or updating firmware. Below is the compatibility table:

And you pay special attention to the side brushes, because they've changed with each generation, like the brushes from the side. S5 Max (3rd generation) will not be suitable for the S10 (4th generation, although they look the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)