How to start wet cleaning on a vacuum cleaner Xiaomi without the application: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi vacuum cleaners have long been indispensable cleaning assistants, but their functionality is often limited by manufacturers, tying key features to the branded Mi Home app. Wet cleaning is one such feature that many models (Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite, Dreame D9, Viomi V3) can perform only after activation via a smartphone. But what if the application is not available, the phone is broken, or you fundamentally do not want to use Xiaomi software?

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to run wet cleaning without an app, from hidden button combinations to alternative firmware. You’ll learn which models support offline management, how to circumvent manufacturer restrictions, and what risks arise when using informal methods (for example, factory reset or firmware via ADB).

Why Xiaomi is blocking wet cleaning without an app?

The manufacturer argues this for three key reasons:

• 🔒 Safety: wet cleaning requires monitoring of water level, floor pressure and type of coating.The app analyzes a map of the room and prevents carpet or parquet from pouring.
• 📱 Ecosystem-based: Xiaomi encourages users to register with Mi Account to collect usage data (anonymized, according to the company).
• 🛠️ Technical limitations: budget models (e.g. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop Essential) lack a physical button to enable moping – it is emulated only by software.

But these arguments aren’t always objective, such as the Dreame D10 Plus, which allows you to run wet cleaning from the remote, and the Viomi V2 Pro has a mechanical mode switch, which proves that the restriction is more marketing than technical.

⚠️ Note: Some of the methods in this article (e.g. firmware through the ADB or use of modified APK) Before experimenting, check the status of the warranty card in the personal account of Xiaomi.

Method 1: Combinations of buttons on the body of the vacuum cleaner

The safest method is to use hidden physical button combinations, which works on most Xiaomi and Dreame models (but not all Viomi), and the key is to turn the vacuum cleaner on and standby (not during cleaning!).

Instructions for popular models:

If the combination doesn't work:

• 🔄 Check that the vacuum cleaner is not connected to Wi-Fi (some models block offline modes when the connection is active).
• 🔋 Make sure the water tank is full (otherwise, the vacuum cleaner will ignore the command).
• 🔄 Restart the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

The water tank is full (not above the maximum mark)

The moping rag is clean and properly installed

The vacuum cleaner is disconnected from Wi-Fi (if required)

Dry floor (wet cleaning on wet floor is prohibited)

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Method 2: Use of alternative applications

If the physical buttons don’t help, you can use third-party apps that emulate the work of Mi Home, but without being tied to your Xiaomi account.

• 📱 Home Assistant (with Xiaomi Miio integration): allows you to control the vacuum cleaner over a local network without the cloud. NAS.
• 🤖 Mi Home Lite (modified) APK): Remote version of the official application bypassing authorization.
• 🌐 OpenHab: open platform for smart home with support for the Miio protocol. difficult to set up, but as secure as possible.

Step-by-step instructions for Home Assistant:

1. Install Home Assistant on a server (such as Raspberry Pi).
2. Add the line to configuration.yaml: vacuum: - platform: xiaomi_miio host: IP_DRESS DUST TOKEN: VAShh_TOKEN
3. Get the token through MiHome Token Extractor (temporary access to the original application is required).
4. In the interface Home Assistant will appear control panel vacuum cleaner with the option Mop Mode.

⚠️ Attention: modified APK (For example, Mi Home Lite can steal Xiaomi account data, use it only on a separate device without personal information.

Official Mi Home appendix

Physical buttons on the body

Alternative applications (Home Assistant, OpenHab)

Voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant)

Another option-->

Method 3: Firmware through ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for Android Things models (such as Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro) and requires unlocking the bootloader. It allows you to install custom firmware with unlocked features, but it is fraught with high risks.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB Fastboot (install via Android Studio).
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (to connect vacuum cleaner to PC).
• 📁 Custom firmware (for example, Valetudo - an open alternative to proprietary software).

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode on the vacuum cleaner: Connect to the vacuum cleaner via Mi Home (temporary access). Go to Settings → Device → Software version. Click on the build number 7 times until the notification You become a developer appears.
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer menu.
3. Connect the vacuum cleaner to your PC and execute the commands: adb devices adb shell su setprop persist.sys.valetudo.enabled 1
4. Install Valetudo via Fastboot: fastboot flash system valetudo.img fastboot reboot

After the scaling, the vacuum will be available IP-Valetudo interface allows you to manage wet cleaning without the Xiaomi cloud, but deprives of warranty and can lead to unstable operation of sensors.

Method 4: Voice assistants without an app

If you have a smart speaker (Yandex Station, Google Nest or Xiaomi Smart Speaker), you can control the vacuum cleaner through voice commands without opening Mi Home.

1. Once configure integration through the original application (tied vacuum cleaner to the account).
2. Activate skill/action for voice assistant: For Alice: tell Alice, connect Mi Home and log in. For Google Assistant: add Mi Home to the Google Home app.

Alice, turn on the wet vacuum cleaner.


Hey Google, start moping on Xiaomi

The advantage of the method is that once you have set up the Mi Home app, you can remove it, and the voice assistant will interact with the vacuum cleaner directly through the Xiaomi cloud, but mapping and zoning functions will remain unavailable.

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If the voice assistant doesn't recognize the command, try paraphrasing it, for example, instead of "wet cleaning," say "moping mode" or "water cleaning."

Method 5: Hardware modifications (for power users)

If the software methods don't work, there's still a physical rework, which is suitable for models with a mechanical mode switch (like the Viomi V2 or the Dreame Z10 Pro), but requires a body disassembly.

What you need:

• 🔧 Torx screwdriver T5/T6 (hull-opener).
• 🕵️ Multimeter (to check contacts).
• 🔌 Solding iron and solder (optional, for fixing the jumpers).

Instructions for Dreame D9:

1. Remove the bottom cover of the vacuum cleaner (4 screws under rubber legs).
2. Find a control board with an SW2 microswitch (usually next to the water tank connector).
3. Close contacts 1 and 3 on a switch (e.g., tweezers or wire).
4. Hold the circuit for 3 seconds - the vacuum cleaner will emit an audible signal and activate the moping.

⚠️ Warning: improper closure of contacts can burn the control board.Before work, disconnect the vacuum cleaner from the network and discharge the capacitors (wait 10 minutes after turning off).

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Hardware modifications should only be used as a last resort, they void the warranty and can cause humidity sensors or the pump system to break down.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way, evaluate your skills and risks:

For most users, button combinations or voice assistants are the best solution. If you're willing to sacrifice a warranty for the sake of total control, consider Valetudo or hardware improvements.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wet cleaning without an app