How to turn off the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi Vacuum Mop: all ways + nuances

Why is it that just pulling a plug out of a socket is a bad idea?

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners are not just household appliances, but smart devices with their own software, sensors and mechanical nodes. Many users mistakenly think that it’s enough to pull the charging station cord or press the first button they get to completely deactivate the device, an approach that can in practice cause navigation system failures, battery damage, or even loss of communication with the Mi Home app.

The fact is that the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop (including the Pro, Essential, S10 and others) has several modes of operation, and each of them requires a different way to turn off. For example, if the robot is in the process of updating the firmware or mapping the room, a sudden power outage can lead to loss of saved cards or a control error. In addition, some models are equipped with the function of automatically restarting cleaning after recharging - and if not turned off correctly, the vacuum cleaner can start working in the middle of the night.

In this article, we will analyze all the official and hidden ways to disable Xiaomi Vacuum Mop, including software and hardware methods, as well as tell you what mistakes users most often make. + squirrels, as they have their own nuances.

Method 1: Power button on the case - where it works and how

The most obvious, but not always the right method is a mechanical button on the robot body, which can look different depending on the model Xiaomi Vacuum Mop:

  • πŸ”˜ Round button with backlight (models) S5/S6) β€” one short press turns on/off the vacuum cleaner, long (3-5 (sec) puts it into discharge mode.
  • πŸ”„ Touch panel (models) S10/S12) β€” touching the food icon (usually in the center or right).
  • πŸ”‹ Hidden button under the cover (models Essential) – you need to open the top panel.

It's important to understand that a single tap doesn't always mean a complete shutdown. For example, in models with Quick Start, a robot can go into sleep mode rather than shutting down completely. To check this, look at the indicators:

  • 🟒 Green flashing - device in sleep mode (consumes) ~5% charge per month).
  • βšͺ White constant - complete shutdown (battery is not consumed).
  • πŸ”΄ Red flashing – error or low charge (you need to connect to the base).

⚠️ Warning: If after pressing the power button, the robot continues to emit audible signals or move, then it is in mode. DND (Do Not Disturb: To exit, hold the 10 seconds button or use the Mi Home app.

Make sure the indicator is turned off or lit white.|Listen to the sound of the fan.|Try to move the robot with your hand (if it is blocked, the shutdown is not complete)|Check the temperature of the body (when completely disconnected, it cools for the 5-10 minute)-->

Method 2: Disconnect via the Mi Home app (Step-by-step)

Software shutdown via Mi Home is the safest method, because it allows you to correctly complete all the processes. However, there are pitfalls: for example, if the robot lost communication with Wi-Fi or is in Offline mode, the team may not get there. Here is how to do it correctly:

  1. Open the Mi Home app and select your Xiaomi Vacuum Mop from the device list.
  2. Go to the main control panel (where the cleaning map is displayed).
  3. Click on the icon. βš™οΈ "Settings” (usually in upper right corner).
  4. Select Turn Off or Complete Cleaning β†’ Turn Off (depending on the software version).
  5. Confirm the action – the robot must emit an audible signal and stop.

If you don't turn off the button, your model only supports sleep mode.

  1. Press pause, then return to base.
  2. After the robot is fixed at the docking station, hold the power button on the case for 5 seconds.
Model robot.The "Switch Off" button in Mi HomeAlternative method
Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Proβœ… Yes.β€”
Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential❌ No.The button on the case + return to the base
Xiaomi Vacuum Mop S10βœ… Yes (in the latest firmware)Voice command "Switch off the vacuum cleaner"
Xiaomi Vacuum Mop 2 Lite❌ No.Only a mechanical button

⚠️ Warning: If the robot switches on spontaneously again after being turned off via Mi Home, check the Schedule and Auto Cleanup settings.

With a button on the case | Through the Mi Home | Pulling the plug out of the socket | It turns off itself after cleaning | Another way-->

Method 3: Forced shutdown (if the robot is getting stuck)

Sometimes the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop can freeze, like spinning around in one place, not responding to commands, or squeaking constantly, and in such cases, you need to emergency shutdown, but you need to do this carefully so as not to damage the electronics.

  1. Try the standard shutdown button (hold it for 10-15 seconds).
  2. If the robot doesn’t respond, turn it upside down (this blocks movement).
  3. Remove the dust collector and check if there is any debris trapped inside, blocking the sensors.
  4. If nothing helps, remove the battery (in models with removable battery) or turn off the power dock.

For models with built-in battery (for example, Xiaomi Vacuum Mop S10), the forced shutdown is performed as follows:

1. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds.


2. If the indicator is not turned off, connect the robot to the charger and repeat the action.




3. In extreme cases, leave it without power for 1-2 hours (discharge completely).

⚠️ Warning: After a forced shutdown, the robot may require recalibration of the sensors, so after turning it on, place it on a flat surface and wait for the beep to be heard.

What if the robot does not turn on after an emergency shutdown?
If after a forced reset Xiaomi Vacuum Mop does not show signs of life, connect it to the charging station and hold the power button for 30 seconds. If the indicator does not light up, check: - Integrity of contacts at the docking station (possible oxidation). - Voltage in the socket (should be 220V Β±10%). - Battery state (bloating or leaking electrolyte). In 90% of cases, the problem is solved by resetting through Mi Home (Setting β†’ Resetting to factory).

Method 4: Disconnect via voice assistant (Alice, Google, Siri)

If your Xiaomi Vacuum Mop is integrated with a smart home, you can turn it off with a voice command, which is convenient when the robot is in another room or you don't want to use the app. Here's how it works:

  • 🎀 Alice (Yandex): Alice, turn off the vacuum cleaner Alice, stop cleaning in the living room (Requires pre-binding device in Yandex Smart Home.)
  • πŸ€– Google Assistant: Okay, Google, turn off Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Hey, Google, stop the robot vacuum cleaner (You need to enable synchronization with Mi Home in Google Home settings.)
  • 🍎 Siri (Apple HomeKit): Hi Siri, turn off the vacuum cleaner in the kitchen (Bridge required, such as Home Assistant or Aqara Hub.)

Important: voice commands only work if the robot is online and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your smartphone. If the connection is lost, the voice assistant will not be able to transmit the command. Also, some models (for example, Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Essential) do not support voice control, this needs to be specified in the specifications.

πŸ’‘

If voice commands are not working, check in Mi Home Settings β†’ Voice control and enable the option to Allow Control through third-party services.

Method 5: Automatically shut down by timer or schedule

One of the little-known ways is to set up automatic shutdowns after cleaning is done or on schedule, which is useful if you don't want to manually turn off the device every time.

  1. In the Mi Home app, go to Settings β†’ Schedule.
  2. Create a new task with the Turn Off type (not to be confused with Cleanup!).
  3. Specify the time (e.g. 1 hour after cleaning is completed) or condition (e.g., after returning to base).
  4. Save the settings and check if the automatic shutdown is working.

For models with support for zone cleaning (for example, Xiaomi Vacuum Mop Pro), you can configure the shutdown after cleaning a specific zone:

1. In Mi Home, select Map β†’ Zones.


2. Click on the desired area and select Settings β†’ Action after cleaning.




3. Set the robot off.

Condition of disconnectionSupported modelsNotes
After returning to baseAll models.It works only if the robot successfully docks with the docking station.
N minutes after cleaning.Pro, S10, S12The maximum delay time is 120 minutes.
Low battery chargeAll models.The threshold is configured in Settings β†’ Battery.
Schedule (at certain times)S5 and newerYou can set an alarm clock or geolocate.

πŸ’‘

Automatic shutdown saves battery power and prolongs the life of the robot, as it prevents constant sleep.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when they turn off the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop, which causes problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

  • πŸ”Œ Pulling the plug of the charging station during the firmware update β†’ It can brick the robot. Always wait for the update to be completed (the indicator flashes blue).
  • 🚫 Ignoring sound signals β†’ If the robot is beeping when you press a button, it's locked (for example, because of overheating or jammed wheels.
  • πŸ“± Disconnection through the application with a weak Wi-Fi signal β†’ The team may not make it, and the robot will continue to work.
  • πŸ”‹ Storage off with battery discharge β†’ If you leave the robot without charge for a month or more, the battery can fail.

Another common problem is that the robot doesn't turn off after cleaning and keeps making sounds.

  • Stuck in the trash in the brushes or turbine.
  • A collision sensor error (for example, after a fall).
  • Firmware failure (reflashing through Mi Home is required).

⚠️ Warning: If the robot does not react to the activation after the shutdown, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this may lead to loss of warranty. Contact the Xiaomi service center with the error code (it can be found through the application in the Device Status section).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I turn off the Xiaomi Vacuum Mop during the holiday?
Yes, but it's better to do it through the Mi Home app, by selecting the Vacation Mode option (if available), which will turn the robot off and put it in a low-power mode, the alternative is to completely drain the battery and remove it before leaving (if the model allows), and it is not recommended to store the robot with a fully charged battery for more than a month.
Why does the robot turn on at night?
You may have a Cleaning Schedule set up or Auto Clean on schedule. Check the settings in Mi Home β†’ Schedule. Also, a firmware failure may be the cause, update the robot software to the latest version. If the problem persists, reset to factory settings (Settings β†’ Reset).
How to turn off Xiaomi Vacuum Mop without an app and button?
If the button is broken and the app doesn't connect, there are two options: Turn off power to the dock (remove the plug from the socket) and wait for the battery to drain completely (1-2 days). If the robot supports alternative control (for example, through Home Assistant or Tuya Convert), use these systems to send a power off command. In extreme cases, contact the service center for repair of the button or firmware.
What if the robot does not return to base after shutdown?
This is a typical problem when a navigation system fails: Try: Manually move the robot to the dock and wait for the fixation; Reboot the robot (hold the power button for 10 seconds); Update the room map in Mi Home (Map). β†’ Update. Check if the base has moved, and the robot may not recognize it because of the change in position.
Can I turn off the robot during cleaning?
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended, because: The cleaning cycle is interrupted and the robot may not return to base. If a complex area (such as a carpet) is being cleaned at that point, the debris may remain inside the turbine. In models with Zone Cleanup, an interrupted task may disrupt the schedule. If you need to stop the robot urgently, use the pause button in the application or on the housing, and then send it to base.