Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop (models) STYJ02YM, STYTJ01ZHM It's famous for its versatility: it not only collects dust, but also cleans floors, but many users face a problem: the manufacturer insists on using the branded Mi Home app to activate the wet cleaning function. What to do if the app is unavailable, your phone is broken, or you fundamentally do not want to register a Xiaomi account?
In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to run a wet cleaning without a smartphone, from the obvious (buttons on the case) to the hidden (voice commands and alternative firmware). Importantly, not all methods are equally safe, and some can lead to a reset or loss of warranty. So read the warnings carefully and choose the appropriate option.
1. Method: physical buttons on the body of the vacuum cleaner
The most reliable and official method is the use of mechanical buttons. On the case of Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop, there are two main keys: Power and Cleaning Mode, which will help activate wet cleaning without the application.
Step instructions:
- 🔄 Make sure the robot is fully charged (the indicator is green.
- 💧 Pour water into the floor washing tank (not above the mark) MAX). Use only distilled or filtered water – tap water can leave a dent.
- 📛 Install a wet cleaning napkin on the lower part of the vacuum cleaner (it is attached to Velcro).
- 🔘 Press and hold the Mode button for 3 seconds until you hear the beep. The robot will go into wet cleaning mode.
- ▶️ Press the Power button once to start cleaning.
⚠️ Warning: If the robot doesn't respond to Mode retention, check the firmware version. 3.5.8_003024 And newer, you may need to pre-bind to the application (even if you delete it later).
Charging. ≥80%|Clean water tank|A properly installed napkin|Check the Mode button for performance-->
2. Method: voice commands (for models with Alice/Yandex support)
If your Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop is integrated with voice assistants (Alice, Google Assistant, or Siri), you can try activating wet cleaning with your voice. This method only works for robots previously associated with an account (even if the application is now removed).
Teams for different assistants:
| Voice assistant | Team team. | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Alice (Yandex) | "Alice, turn on the wet vacuum cleaner." | It works only if the robot is added to the Yandex Smart Home. |
| Google Assistant | "Hey Google, start mopping with Xiaomi vacuum" | It requires pre-setting in Google Home. |
| Siri (via HomeKit) | "Hi Siri, start washing the floors." | You need to integrate with Home Assistant or HomeBridge. |
⚠️ Attention: Voice commands will not work if the robot has never been linked to the Mi Home account, in which case the assistants will not see the device, STYJ02YM firmware 4.6.1_004012) Wet cleaning commands may be ignored due to Xiaomi restrictions.
Alice (Yandex)|Google Assistant|Siri (Apple)|I don't use it.|Other-->
3. Method: alternative firmware (for advanced users)
If the first two methods don't work, the radical option is to install custom firmware, which will unlock all the functions of the robot, including wet cleaning, without being tied to the Mi Home.
- 🛠️ Valetudo is open source with a web interface, supports most Xiaomi and Roborock models.
- 🔓 DustBuilder – allows you to disable cloud authorization and control the robot locally.
- 🌐 OpenMower – for power users, gives full control over the device.
Instructions for installation of Valetudo (on the example of Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop STYJ02YM):
- Download the firmware from the official website (select the version for your model).
- Connect the robot to the computer via USB-Type-C (the port is hidden under the cover).
- Run the firmware script in the terminal: python3 mirobo.py --ip 192.168.X.X --token YOUR_TOKEN --install valetudo (IP-The robot address can be found through the router, and the token - from the memory dump or through Mi Home to the detachment).
- Once installed, the robot will create its own Wi-Fi network, connect to it and open the web interface at http://192.168.4.1.
⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware voids warranty and can cause permanent damage to the robot if the error occurs.
What happens if you interrupt the firmware?
4. Method: Using third-party applications (without a Xiaomi account)
If you don't want to mess around with firmware, but you're willing to install alternative software, you can try third-party apps that mimic Mi Home, but don't require authorization.
- 📱 Mi Home Lite – a simplified version of the official application, works without registration on some models.
- 🤖 Robot Controller (for Android) – allows you to control the robot over a local network, if it has already been tied at least once.
- 🌍 Home Assistant – a smart home system with support for Xiaomi devices through the Xiaomi Miio plugin.
How to connect with Home Assistant:
- Install Home Assistant on your Raspberry Pi or computer.
- Add the line to configuration.yaml: vacuum: - platform: xiaomi_miio host: IP_Address robot token: Yours_TOKEN (Token can be obtained via Mi Home or Miio extract script).
- Reboot Home Assistant and control the robot via the web interface.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Mi Home Lite may not support new models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum Mop 2 Pro). Check compatibility on forums before installing, 4PDA).
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If the robot was previously linked to an account but the app is removed, try resetting it to factory settings by holding the Power button for 10 seconds, sometimes allowing you to re-attach without authorization.
5. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even if the instructions are followed correctly, wet cleaning may not start, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The robot does not respond to the Mode button. | Blocking the manufacturer | Update the firmware through Mi Home or install custom. |
| Water is not served on a napkin. | Clogged pump or tubes | Wash the tank under running water, check the valve. |
| Robot washes floors but leaves divorces | Hard water or dirty napkin | Use distilled water and wash the napkin after each cleaning. |
| Voice command is down. | The robot is not tied to the account | Tie at least once through Mi Home, then uninstall the app. |
If the robot makes an Error 10 (a pump problem) or Error 12 (no water), reset:
- Turn off the vacuum cleaner.
- Remove the water tank and dry it for 10 minutes.
- Hold the Power + Mode for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks.
6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make the choice easier, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods, taking into account the complexity, risks and requirements:
| Method | Difficulty | Account binding is required | Risks. | Suitable for models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons on the case | ⭐ (simple) | No. | Absent. | All but new with 4.6.1+ |
| Voice commands | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Yeah (previously) | Maybe it won't work. | Supported by Alice/Google |
| Alternative firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | No. | Loss of warranty, brick | Any (token required) |
| Party of annex | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | Sometimes. | Unstable work | Old models |
For most users, a combination of physical buttons and voice commands (if the robot is already tethered) will remain the optimal solution. Alternative firmware should only be considered if other methods have failed and warranty is not important.
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If the robot is new (2023-2026 release), most likely, without binding to the Mi Home wet cleaning will not work, in which case the only way out is to temporarily install the application, activate the function, and then remove it.