Voiceover for Xiaomi vacuum cleaner: how to install and configure voice notifications

Xiaomi’s robot vacuum cleaners have long since ceased to be just household appliances, becoming full-fledged assistants with a voice interface. Voice-over not only informs the status of the cleaning, but also warns of errors, low charge or completion of work. However, many users face a problem: a standard voice in Chinese or English is not always convenient, and Russian-language packages require manual installation.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for installing voiceovers on any Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner model (including Mi Robot Vacuum, Dreame, Viomi, etc.), as well as solutions to typical problems, from lack of sound to errors when downloading voice files, we will analyze official and alternative ways to make your vacuum cleaner β€œtalk” in an understandable language.

What Xiaomi models support the change of voiceover

Not all Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners allow you to change voice packets, depending on the firmware and model, and here is a list of devices with confirmed voice customization support:

  • πŸ€– Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro (including versions with C) LDS/lidar)
  • πŸ€– Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P and P Pro
  • πŸ€– Dreame D9, D10, Z10 Pro (Series with Mi Home Support)
  • πŸ€– Viomi V2, V3, SE (requires firmware not less than 3.5.8)
  • πŸ€– Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum E10 (Only through alternative firmware)

Important: Chinese firmware (CN) devices often block voice changes without flashing to a global version (Global or EU). Check the software version in the Mi Home app on the Device β†’ Settings β†’ Device About.

If your model is not listed, it doesn’t mean that installation is impossible. Some users successfully adapt voice packets for informal firmware (for example, Valetudo), but it requires advanced skills.

πŸ“Š What model of Xiaomi vacuum cleaner you use?
Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro
Dreame D9/Z10
Viomi V2/V3
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi.

Official method: installation through Mi Home

The easiest method is to download a voice packet through the Mi Home app, which is suitable for most global versions of devices.

  1. Open the Mi Home app and select your vacuum cleaner.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Voice Notifications (or Sound Packs in English).
  3. Click Add Voice Package and select the language you want (e.g. Russian).
  4. Confirm the boot. The vacuum cleaner will reboot, and new voice files will be activated.

Limitations of the official method:

  • ⚠️ Not all languages are available (for example, Ukrainian or Kazakh are often absent).
  • ⚠️ Some models require a connection to a Chinese server (Mainland China) to unlock additional packets.
  • ⚠️ Voice can sound robotic (using synthesis, not recording of the announcer).

If your app doesn't have Voice Notifications, the manufacturer has blocked this feature for your model or region, and then move on to alternative ways.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the installation of voiceover

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Alternative method: manually uploading voice files

For devices that do not support voice change via Mi Home, there is a method of manual installation, which requires access to the vacuum cleaner file system and is suitable for advanced users.

Step 1. Download the voice packet.

Ready-made voiceover packages can be found on the forums:

  • πŸ”— 4PDA (section β€œRobot vacuum cleanersΒ»)
  • πŸ”— GitHub (Valetudo project for customization)
  • πŸ”— MIUI Su (themes by Xiaomi and Dreame)

Note the file format: Most models require an archive with the.vp or.zip extension that contains files. sound_*.mp3.

Step 2. Connect to the vacuum cleaner via FTP

Use FileZilla or Total Commander with FTP support.

Host: IP- vacuum cleaner address (you can find out at Mi Home β†’ Settings β†’ About Device β†’ Local Network)


Port: 22 (for SFTP) or 21 (for FTP)




Login: root




Password: Empty or standard for your model (e.g. 1234567890 for Dreame D9)

If the connection fails, FTP may be disabled in the settings. Activate it via Mi Home in the section Additional β†’ Developer Mode.

Step 3. Replace voice files

Go to the folder. /miio/voice_packs/ And replace existing files with new ones from the downloaded archive.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect file replacement may cause system failure. If after restarting the vacuum cleaner stopped turning on, perform factory reset (press the power button for 10 seconds).

How do you know? IP-Address of vacuum cleaner without Mi Home?
If the app doesn't show IP, connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the vacuum cleaner and use a network scanner (like Fing or nmap).Look for a device with a name that contains roborock, dreame or miio.

Installation of voiceover via Valetudo (for advanced)

Valetudo is an open alternative firmware for Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaners, allowing full control of the device, including the replacement of voice packets.

Requirements:

  • πŸ”§ Vacuum with Valetudo support (list of compatible models here).
  • πŸ”§ Root access to the device (needed to install custom software).
  • πŸ”§ Knowledge of the basics of working with ADB and SSH.

Instructions:

  1. Install Valetudo according to official instructions.
  2. Connect to the vacuum cleaner web interface (usually at the address) http://[IP-vacuum-dress]).
  3. Go to the Voice Packs section and download the package you want.
  4. Reset the device.

Valetudo supports custom voice packets in.tar.gz format. You can create your package by writing phrases in MP3 format (bitrate 64-128 kbps) and packing them into an archive with the correct folder structure.

⚠️ Note: Valetudo will void warranty and may cause unstable operation of the device. Use this method only if you are prepared for possible risks.

πŸ’‘

Before installing Valetudo, back up the original firmware through Mi Home (Service Update β†’ Backup).

Creating your own voice package

If you don't like standard voices, you can write your own voice package.

  • 🎀 Microphone with good recording quality (e.g. Boya) BY-M1).
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Software for audio processing (Audacity, Adobe Audition).
  • πŸ“ Folder structure template for voice packet (can be downloaded here).

Recording process:

  1. Download a list of phrases for your model (for example, for Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop). 2 Pros are files. sound_start.mp3, sound_error.mp3 etc.).
  2. Write each phrase in a separate file in MP3 format (mono, 44.1 kHz).
  3. Normalize the volume of all files to -16 LUFS (use the Loudness Normalization plugin in Audacity).
  4. Pack files into the.zip or.vp archive and upload to the vacuum cleaner.

Example of folder structure for voice packet:

File nameDescriptionExample of phrase
sound_start.mp3Starting cleaning"I'm starting cleaning. Please remove small objects from the floor."
sound_complete.mp3Completion of cleaning"The cleaning is complete. The operating time is 45 minutes."
sound_error.mp3Error (stuck, low charge)"Watch! Low battery power. Put the vacuum cleaner on the charging station."
sound_low_battery.mp3Discharge warning"Battery charge is less than 20%. Returning to base."

To test a new package, use Valetudo or upload files via FTP as described in the previous section.

πŸ’‘

Recording quality directly affects the legibility of voice acting. Avoid noise and echoes – record in a quiet room from close range (10-15 cm from the microphone).

Solving voice problems

If after installing the voice packet the vacuum cleaner is silent or gives errors, check the following points:

  • πŸ”Š No sound at all: Make sure the volume in Mi Home is not set to a minimum (Settings) β†’ Check if the speaker in the service menu is switched off (this may require Valetudo).
  • πŸ”Š Voice interrupted or distorted: Reboot the vacuum cleaner (hold the power button for 5 seconds) Check the integrity of the downloaded files (damaged) MP3 may cause disruption).
  • πŸ”Š Uncomprehensible language voiceover: Remove all voice packets via Mi Home and re-install the one you want. Check the region of the device in the settings (should match the language of the package).

Common mistakes and their causes:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Voice pack not compatibleIncompatibility of the package with the model of the vacuum cleanerDownload the package designed for your firmware version
Failed to installInsufficient memory or damaged filesClear the cache through Valetudo or restart the device
No sound deviceHardware malfunction of the speakerContact the service center (the problem is not software)

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the vacuum cleaner to the factory (Mi Home β†’ Settings β†’ Reset) and repeat setting voiceover.

Where to download high-quality voice packets

Find the right voiceover can be on the following resources:

  • 🌍 Official sources: Mi Home Store (built-in packages for global versions) Roborock (for Roborock models) S7, S8).
  • 🌍 Outside sites: 4PDA (Russian-language packages, including female/male voice. GitHub (dontvacuum) (packages for Valetudo). Mi Robot Telegram chat (custom builds).

Selection recommendations:

  • 🎡 For realistic sound, choose live voice recording packages (marked as Human Voice).
  • 🎡 Check other users’ reviews – some packages may contain errors or incomplete phrases.
  • 🎡 Avoid files from suspicious sources (risk of viruses or damaged archives).

If you do not find a suitable package, you can order a record from freelancers on sites like FL.ru or Kwork. The average cost of writing a full set of phrases is 1,500-3,000 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi voiceover

Can I install a voiceover on the Chinese version of the vacuum cleaner?
Yes, but it would require you to switch your device region to Global or EU via Mi Home, an alternative that would be manually uploading files over FTP or installing Valetudo.
Why does a vacuum cleaner squeak instead of speech?
This is a sign of damaged audio files or packet incompatibility, and delete the current voiceover and install it again, after checking the files for integrity.
How do you get back the standard voiceover?
In Mi Home, select Restore Standard Settings in the voice packet section. If you use Valetudo, download the original package from the backup.
Can I add my own words to the voiceover?
Yes, but only through Valetudo or manual file replacement. Xiaomi's standard software doesn't support customization of individual phrases.
The vacuum cleaner doesn't respond to commands after the voice change.
Most likely, there was a firmware failure. Perform a factory reset (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds) and repeat the installation.