Robot vacuum cleaners Xiaomi evolve every year: improved sensors, growing suction power, new features like automatic washing or automatic cleaning. 3D-But how do you know what generation your model is? It's critical when choosing parts, updating firmware, or comparing it to new versions. For example, the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro could be like a first-generation (2020, laser rangefinder) LDS 5.0) and the second (2022, LDS 6.0 with extended scanning range).
In this article, we will examine all the working methods, from visual inspection of the case to software analysis, and pay special attention to the pitfalls: why marking on the bottom of the robot can be misleading, how to distinguish the clone from the original, and what to do if the serial number is erased, and also compiled a table of the correspondence of generations of popular models Xiaomi, Viomi and Dreame, which will help you quickly navigate.
1.Looking for a generation by marking on the case
The most reliable way is to look at the sticker on the bottom of the robot, which contains the serial number, the model, and sometimes the date of production.
- 🔍 Serial number format: usually starts with letters MJ (for Mi Robot, V (for Viomi) or DR (For Dreame. 4 The numbers often indicate the week and year of release (e.g, 2045 = 45-I'm a week. 2020 year-end).
- 📅 Production date vs. generation: A robot released at the end of 2021 may be related to the generation 2022 if the model is announced later.For example, Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite with date 2148 (November 2021) is the first generation, although sales started in 2022.
- ⚠️ Fakes: clones are often forged, the original labeling is clearly fonted, hologrammed and QR-code leading to the official website of Xiaomi.
To decrypt the serial number, use Mi-Code (enter the first 6 characters). If the sticker is erased, try to find the number under the battery - there are sometimes duplicate data.
Example of decoding of serial number MJXJ02AM
2.Analyze the external differences of generations.
Manufacturers often change designs when they release a new generation, and here are the key visual markers for popular lines:
| Model | Generation 1 | Generation 2 | Generation 3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 | The switch on the case, white plastic, LDS 5.0 | Touch button, matte coating, LDS 6.0 | No buttons (management via application), LDS 7.0, support 3D-map |
| Viomi V3 | Round body, 2 side brushes, tank 550 ml | Rectangular shape, 1 side brush, tank 600 ml | Automatic brush change module, tank 800 ml |
| Dreame D9 | Black hull, power 2,500 Pa | Silver body, power of 3000 Pa, improved wheels | Power 4000 Pa, carpet recognition system |
Notice the little things:
- 🔋 Battery: New generations often increase capacity (for example, from 3200 mAh to 5200 mAh) and change the charging connector.
- 📡 Laser rangefinder: LDS 5.0 (First generation) has a black body, LDS 6.0/7.0 — green-lit silver.
- 🛠️ Fastening of brushes: in the old models used plastic clip, in the new – magnetic fastening.
3.Verify the generation through the Mi Home app
The official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for newer versions) displays not only the model, but also the firmware version from which to identify a generation.
- Open the app and select your robot vacuum cleaner.
- Go to Settings. → About the device.
- Find the lines Model and firmware version.
- Compare the data with the table below.
Example: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro
- 📱 Generation. 1: firmware 3.5.9_00xx or less, support only 2D-map.
- 📱 Generation. 2: firmware 4.2.1_00xx and above, there 3D-mapping, improved cleaning algorithm.
Model number in the section "About the device"|Firmware version (section "Update")|Presence of function 3D-mapping|Type of laser rangefinder (LDS 5.0/6.0/7.0)
-->
Important: If an incorrect model is displayed in the application (for example, Lite shows instead of Pro), this is a sign:
- ❌ Fake devices (often clones impersonate flagship models).
- ⚠️ Resetting settings to factory (after reset, the binding to the account may be lost).
4. We compare the characteristics with the official data
Each new generation of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners gets improved technical parameters. Compare the characteristics of your model with the official specifications on the manufacturer's website.
- 🌀 Suction power: Generation 1: to 2500 Pa (e.g. Mi Robot) 1S). Generation 2: 2700–3000 Pa (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) Generation 3+: 4,000 Pa and higher (DreameBot) X30 Ultra).
- 🗺️ Type of navigation: Gyroscope + Optical sensors (old models). LDS (laser rangefinder) 5.0/6.0. LDS 7.0 + 3D-scanner (last generation).
- 🔋 Battery capacity: 2000–3200 mAh (first generation) 5200 mAh (second and newer).
For convenience, we have collected the key differences in the table:
| Characteristics | Generation 1 | Generation 2 | Generation 3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. suction power. | 2000–2500 Pa | 2700-3500 Pa | 4,000-10,000 Pa |
| Type of navigation | Gyroscope / LDS 5.0 | LDS 6.0 | LDS 7.0 + 3D-scanner |
| Battery capacity | 2000–3200 mAh | 5,200 mAh | 6400–8,000 mAh |
| Support 3D-map | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Partially (only in firmware 4.0)+) | ✅ Yes. |
Where to get official data:
- 🌐 Xiaomi Global website (Support section) → Specifications).
- 📄 Documentation in a box (if preserved).
- 📺 YouTube Reviews (Search for the Exact Model) + "unboxing").
💡
If your model is not on Xiaomi’s website, check it out on Dreame (many robots are produced under this brand, but sold as Xiaomi in some regions).
5. Determine the generation by compatibility of spare parts
Parts (brushes, filters, batteries) are often incompatible between generations, such as the first-generation Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro side brushes that won't fit the 2023 model because of the changed mounting.
- 🛒 Parts Articles: Generation 1: Side Brushes WXCBC01ZM, filter WXCBC02ZM. Generation 2+: brush WXCBC03ZM, filter WXCBC04ZM.
- 🔌 Battery connector: Old models: 4-pin connector. New: 6-pin with additional pins for fast charging.
Compatibility can be checked:
- On parts seller sites (such as Gearbest or AliExpress) – type a robot model into a search and see what parts are offered.
- In the groups of Xiaomi owners in Vkontakte or Facebook (there are often posted photos of the insides of devices).
💡
If you order a spare part, the seller asks, "What generation?" and you're not sure, send him a photo of the serial number sticker and the bottom of the robot.
6.Use alternative methods (for experienced users)
If the standard methods didn’t help, try these options:
- 🖥️ ADB-commands (for Android): Connect the robot to the PC through USB-OTG and execute the command: adb shell getprop ro.product.model This will display an exact model of the device, including the internal generation designation (e.g., adb shell getprop ro.product.model, rockrobo.vacuum.m2130 Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 first generation).
- 🔧 Disassembly of the case: The control board usually has a marking with a production date (for example, 2022-11). Also look at: Motor type (newer generations use a brushless Nidec motor) Wi-Fi version (older models — ESP8266, new — ESP32).
- 📡 Wi-Fi Network Analysis: When first connected, the robot creates an access point with a name like MiRobot_Vacuum_XXXX. The latter symbols may contain the model code (e.g, M2130 = The first generation of Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2).
⚠️ Warning: Disassembling the robot vacuum cleaner voids the warranty. If you're not sure about your skills, contact the Xiaomi service center. ADB-Teams without experience – wrong actions can lead to firmware failure.
Frequent errors in determining a generation
Even the most experienced users sometimes get it wrong, and here are the most common misconceptions.
- ❌ "If the robot is new, it is of the latest generation": "Shops often sell old stocks. For example, in 2023, they still sold the first generation Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite (2020), passing it off as a novelty.
- ❌ "All robots with LDS 6.0 - Second Generation: Some models (e.g. Viomi) V3 Max got it. LDS 6.0 in the first generation, and in the second LDS 7.0.
- ❌ "Firmware always fits the generation": Users often roll back firmware to the old version (for example, due to bugs.
To avoid mistakes:
- Check the data by at least 2-3 methods (for example, serial number + visual differences + firmware).
- Look for reviews of your model revision (e.g., "Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro 2022 vs 2023").
- When buying spare parts, check with the seller whether they are suitable for your serial number.
⚠️ Attention: There are many replicas of Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners on the market that are identical in appearance to the original, but have stripped-down characteristics, often impersonating the new generation, although in fact they are copies of old models. Check authenticity through the official Mi Home app – clones do not connect to it.