The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum and Alexa

**This post will cover setting the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum up to work with your Alexa enabled device, without connecting it to Home Assistant. If you want to control your vacuum with Home Assistant, go here.**

I recently splurged and got myself a robot vacuum and I think it’s been the best purchase I’ve made in my adult life. I work full time and go to school, so the fewer chores I have to do, the better. Now, I can just dust the counters and flat surfaces off onto the floor and when I get back from work I come home to a cleaner apartment.

There are so many Robo-vacuums available right now, that it was hard sifting through the different options. I had to do a fair amount of homework searching for the right one and I think I found it in the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum. I have been very impressed with the Xiaomi brand since I started using their Smart-Home Gateway and Sensors; my experience with their vacuum is no different. It is user friendly, it feels like a solid piece of technology, it looks sleek and clean, and it works like a champ!

This guide includes:

1. Unboxing the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum
2. Setting the vacuum up with the Mi Home App
3. Making the vacuum speak English, and changing the vacuum’s name
4. Connecting the vacuum to Alexa, and using Alexa to turn it on and off
5. Extra Parts and Accessories

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Unboxing the Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum

Unboxing the vacuum is easy. It comes ready to use, you’ll just want to charge it up a little more before attempting a full vacuum. There was enough juice in it to mess around with it for a little bit first, though, which was fun.

The box contains:

• The Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum
• The Charging Station
• A Brush Cleaner
• Set up Instructions

Setting Up the Vaccuum

Let’s get the vacuum set up in the Mi Home app first, then in your Alexa settings.

• Download the Mi Home app in the Play Store or iTunes
• In order for the Vacuum to work with Alexa, you will need to choose the Singapore Server. If you already have the Mi Home app installed, you can change to the Singapore Server in the Mi Home app’s settings.
• Log in to the app or create a new account.
• The app may discover the vacuum on it’s own, if not, select the “+” in the top right corner, select the vacuum from the options and follow the instructions.

Now that your Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum is set up, you can use it from the app. Click on the Vacuum from your app and agree to the terms provided. The blue area will populate with a map as the vacuum uses its IR sensors to scan the area. The bottom of the screen has 3 buttons:

• • Dock- Will send the vacuum back to the dock to charge
  • Clean – Will begin the cleaning process
  • Speed- You can cycle through 4 different settings
    • Quiet
    • Blanced
    • Turbo
    • Full Speed

• When doing a cleaning, you can follow along in the app.
• The vacuum will create a map and show you what has been cleaned.
  • It will create a new map each time it runs and show you where it has cleaned.
• This vacuum requires a 4″ clearance to fit underneath any furniture.

Make the Vacuum Speak English & Change its Name

Now, it’s likely that the vacuum has been speaking Chinese throughout the setup process. You can easily change the vacuum’s prompts to English.

• From the vacuum screen, click the settings icon in the top right corner
• Choose “Vacuum Settings”
• Select “Voice Pack”
  • On the bottom of this page you should be able to choose “English: female voice”
• Go back to the “Settings” page. While you’re here in the settings, it would be a good time to change the name of the vacuum. This will be the name you call it when using Alexa.
  • Choose “General Settings”
  • Select, “Rename.”
    • I just used “Vacuum” so that I can say “Alexa, turn on/off the vacuum.”

Adding the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum to Alexa

Just like we learned when setting up the Yeelight bulbs, Alexa interacts with many Smart-Home devices using “Alexa Skills.” This vacuum is no different.

• First, enable the Mi (Asia) app.
  • There are multiple Mi Home apps, be sure to enable the Asia one. This is the one that uses the Singapore server you used to set the vacuum up.
• Log into the app using your Mi Home credentials.

• After you log in, make Alexa discover devices

• You should find your Mi Robot Vacuum under whatever you named it in the app.

Now You Can Control the Vacuum!

• Saying, “Alexa, turn on the vacuum,” will startup the vacuuming process.
• Saying, “Alexa, turn off the vacuum,” will stop the vacuuming and send the vacuum back to its dock to charge.
• You can also set timers for vacuuming within the Alexa App.

I’ve really enjoyed my short time with the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum and think you will too. It really gets the job done so I don’t have to do it anymore. If these guides have been helpful to you , please share them! If you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments. Thanks for visiting!

Extra Parts & Accessories

The vacuum’s consumable pieces (main brush, side brush, and filters) can be purchased in different kits or individually. The only extra accessory for the vacuum that doesn’t come with the vacuum is the Mi Invisible Wall. Some options are available on Amazon and some are available on Gearbest. The vacuum itself is also available from both sellers. I’ve provided some links below.

Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum

Amazon GearBest

5 piece Mi Robot Vacuum Smart Cleaner Accessories

GearBest

Original accessories For XIAOMI MI Robot Vacuum

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Filter for Xiaomi (Individual)

Amazon GearBest

HEPA Filter accessories For XIAOMI MI Robot Vacuum cleaner (2 Pack)

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Rolling Brush for Xiaomi

Amazon GearBest

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Side Brushes for Xiaomi

 GearBest

Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Rolling Brush Cover for Xiaomi

Mi Invisible Wall for Xiaomi

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