How to install voiceover on the robot vacuum cleaner Xiaomi: full instruction

Owners of Xiaomi smart appliances often face a situation where their new robot vacuum cleaner starts speaking in a language that is not clear, most often Chinese. This is due to differences in regional versions of devices designed for the domestic market of China. Changing the language to English or Russian is not just a matter of convenience, but also a need for a correct understanding of cleaning statuses and errors. Fortunately, the procedure for changing the voice packet is quite simple and does not require deep knowledge of programming.

The process of installing new voiceovers depends on the model of your device and the application you use to control. In most cases, simply change the region in the Mi Home app, which automatically tightens the desired language files. However, some models, especially those released exclusively for China, will require a more complex procedure with manual downloading of firmware files. It is important to understand what method of changing the language is suitable for your gadget to avoid errors.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to install voiceovers, from simple in-app settings to advanced methods using a local server. You will learn how to avoid locking your device and properly prepare the robot for the upgrade.

Definition of the model and current firmware version

The first step before any manipulation is to define exactly the model of your device. Xiaomi vacuum cleaners come under a variety of sub-brands, such as Roborock, Dreame, Viomi and Mijia. Each lineup can have its own features for installing voice packets. You can find information about the model on the bottom of the device housing, where the sticker with specifications is located.

You need to write down a full model number, such as roborock.vacuum.s5 or dreame.vacuum.mc1808. This information is critical when searching for compatible voiceover files online. It is also worth checking the current version of the software in the application, as on older versions of firmware, new installation methods may not work.

Open the Mi Home app and go to your robot's settings. General settings or About Device displays the current version(s). If the version is too old, it's recommended to perform a standard update through the cloud first before trying to change the language manually.

⚠️ Warning: Trying to install a voice packet from another device model may cause a software failure. Make sure the voice file is specifically designed for your model number.

💡

Take a photo sticker on the bottom of the robot before you start work, which will help you quickly find the right files when you need them or when you access forums.

The method of changing the region in the application Mi Home

The easiest and safest way to change the voice language is to change the region in the app. Many users are unaware that voice packets are tied to a geographic area. If you choose a region called Russia or Europe, the app will prompt you to download the corresponding language pack if it is supported by your model.

To start, open the Mi Home app and click on the profile icon in the lower right corner. In the Settings section, look for Region. The default location is China, which is why you're playing Chinese. Change the region to Russia, Germany, or any other European one.

After changing the region, the application may require a reboot or re-entry into the account. The device must automatically detect the change of location and prompt to update the voice packet. If no automatic update has occurred, check the settings of the robot itself within the application.

In some cases, after a region change, the robot still speaks Chinese, which means that the hardware version of the device is tailored to the Chinese market and requires deeper intervention, but for global versions (Global Version), this method works 90% of the time.

💡

Changing the region to Mi Home is the first and most secure step that doesn’t require downloading third-party files.

Preparation for manual installation of voice packets

If the region change didn't work, you'll have to use manual installation, which requires training, and you'll need a computer with Internet access, a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (many robots can't see 5 GHz), and a free microSD card or internal robot memory if the model supports direct connectivity.

The main tool to work with is to find the current voiceover file. Files usually have the extension.pkg or.bin and weigh from 10 to 50 MB. You should only download them from trusted sources, such as the official GitHub developer repository or specialized forums on smart home.

Also, make sure that the robot is at least 60 percent charged, and the process of writing new audio data can consume energy, and suddenly turning off the device in the middle of the process can damage the file system.

It is important to disable VPN on your smartphone during installation. Xiaomi apps often block local file transfers or firmware updates if they see a connection via a foreign server.This is a common error that leads to a connection timeout.

Instructions for installation through a local server

For advanced users whose devices do not accept files through a standard interface, there is a local server method, the essence of which is that the phone creates a local network through which the robot downloads the desired voice file, which requires the use of special utilities or modified versions of applications.

The first step is to create a folder named miio at the root level of the memory card (if the model supports cards) or use a special file. HTTP-The voice file is renamed into a strictly defined name, for example, ru.pkg or global.pkg, depending on the requirements of the particular model.

192.168.1.100 - IP address of your computer


8080 - Server port




/firmware/ru.pkg - The path to the file

Once you have a file, you need to send a command to update via the debugging interface or a special menu in the application. Some models allow you to launch an update by holding certain buttons on the case. For example, pressing the Home and Turn on buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds can put the robot in update mode.

⚠️ Warning: Interrupting the voice recording process can "brick" the device, and do not turn off the robot or disconnect it from Wi-Fi until the cycle is complete, which can last up to 10 minutes.

Comparison of methods of installation of voiceover

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have prepared a method comparison table that will help you assess the risks and resources required for each option.

As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is to change the region or wait for an official update, and methods using a local server are only suitable for enthusiasts who understand the risks.

Not all models have official support for Russian, but budget versions, such as some Mijia 1C modifications or the early Roborock S5 for China, may not have Russian phonemes in their firmware, and no files will help them without a complete kernel flashing.

Elimination and troubleshooting

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have errors. The robot can start beeping, claiming an update error, or just ignore the command. A common problem is version incompatibility. If you try to put a package from version 3.5 on version 4.0, the robot will refuse to accept it.

Another common situation is that the robot speaks but with a strong accent or misses phrases, which is a sign of a corrupt file or incorrect encoding, in which case it is recommended to delete the voiceover file and download it again, checking the checksum of the file.

If the robot stopped connecting to Wi-Fi after setting up the voiceover, try resetting the network settings. Press the simultaneous clean-up and return button (or power button, depending on the model) to the beep. Then re-attach the device in the application.

💡

If you are using Android, turn on Developer Mode and turn off app signature verification if the installation is via a modified APK Mi Home file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)