Why Turning Off the Scooter Is More Important Than It Seems
Xiaomi scooters are not just transportation, but complex devices with lithium-ion batteries, controllers and firmware. Incorrectly disconnecting the battery can lead to a zero battery discharge, malfunctioning electronics or even damage to the control board. For example, if you sharply pull the battery while running, the BMS controller can lose calibration, which will lead to an incorrect display of the charge level.
In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden ways of turning off, from the standard button to forced reset when getting stuck, and also explain why the Xiaomi M365 scooter sometimes does not turn off after pressing the button (spoiler: not only the software, but also the mechanics of the button are to blame).
Method 1: Standard power button shutdown
The most obvious method is to hold the power button, but even here, there are nuances that are not mentioned in the manual:
- π Short press (less than 2 seconds) β only check the charge level (only a charge level) M365 Pro and newer).
- β±οΈ Long-term retention (3-5 seconds) - completely off. 1S Essential can take up to 7 seconds.
- π Indication: if the button is held, the light bulb flashes red - the battery is discharged below 5%, and the scooter blocks the shutdown before recharging.
In practice, users often experience a button sticking or requiring a few taps, which is due to oxidation of the contacts (especially after driving in the rain) or wear and tear of the mechanism. If the button doesn't work the first time, try:
β οΈ Warning: Don't push the button with force - it can break the plastic lock inside, it is better to clean it with alcohol or squeeze the scooter body with your hands (sometimes helps when jamming the mechanism).
Check the button for dirt or moisture |
Make sure the scooter is not moving (wheels locked)|
Try to push the button from different angles |
If not, use alternative methods (see below)
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Method 2: Turn off via Mi Home or Xiaomi Scooter
The official apps allow you to remotely control the scooter, but the shutdown functionality is not available in all versions.
- Connect the scooter to the application via Bluetooth (on Pro 2 and later, Wi-Fi is also supported).
- Go to Control β Turn off (in Mi Home) or Settings β Power (in Xiaomi Scooter).
- Confirm the action - the scooter will emit a double beep and turn off.
Important limitations:
- π± It only works on models with Bluetooth 4.2.+ (M365 First revision does not support).
- π If the charge level is below 10%, the application can block the shutdown.
- π After remote shutdown, the scooter can automatically turn on when driving (protection against theft).
If the βStopβ button in the app is inactive, check:
- The firmware version of the scooter (update through Settings β Software Update).
- Application permissions (location access and Bluetooth must be enabled).
- Battery state (at temperatures below +5Β°C, the application may limit functions).
Power button |
Through the Mi Home| app
I'm taking the battery out.|
Another way.-->
Method 3: Forced shutdown when getting stuck
If the scooter does not respond to a button or freezes (for example, after a drop or firmware update), hardware reset will help.
- Turn off the charger (if the scooter is charging).
- Turn the scooter upside down to gain access to the bottom panel.
- Find the red reset button (located next to the controller, under the cover).
- Press it with a thin object (such as a paper clip) and hold it for 10-15 seconds.
After the scooter is dropped:
- π Reboot (the indicator will flash green).
- π May show incorrect charge level (full discharge/charging required for calibration).
- β οΈ Reset cruise control settings and driving modes (you will have to adjust again).
β οΈ Warning: Do not confuse the red reset button with the fuse (black or white connector nearby!
What if the scooter does not turn on after resetting?
Method 4: Battery shutdown (extreme case)
If the scooter is completely locked and other methods fail, the battery is physically shut down, and this method is not recommended for regular use, because:
- π Risk of damage to connectors with frequent shutdowns.
- π Resets mileage and error data (on some models).
- β‘ May cause a voltage surge if switched off under load (e.g. while driving).
How to turn off the battery correctly:
- Turn off the scooter in the standard way (if it responds to a button).
- Turn over the scooter and remove the bottom cover (a T20 or T25 screwdriver will be required).
- Carefully disconnect the battery connector (usually white or orange, with a lock).
- Wait 1-2 minutes before reconnecting.
| Model scooter | Type of battery connector | Features of disconnection |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi M365 (1st revision) | White 8-pin | The lock is fragile - don't pull the wires! |
| Xiaomi Pro 2 | Orange 10-pin | Additional protection is required |
| Xiaomi Essential | Black 6-pin | The connector is located closer to the front wheel |
| Xiaomi 4 Pro | Red 12-pin | There's an extra safety lock. |
π‘
If the scooter doesn't turn on after the battery is turned off, check the fuse (the little black box on the wire), sometimes it burns out when you short it out. You can replace it yourself - the part costs ~ 100 rubles.
Method 5: Automatic timer shutdown
Few people know, but Xiaomi scooters have a built-in auto-disabled function when inactive. By default, it is set to 5-10 minutes, but the time can be changed:
- Turn on the scooter and connect to the Mi Home app.
- Go to Settings. β Energy conservation.
- Choose the interval: 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 30 minutes.
- Save the settings - the scooter will confirm the change with a double signal.
Useful facts about auto-disconnection:
- β³ Nana M365 The first version of the timer works only at a complete stop (if you roll the scooter with your hand - it will not turn off).
- π In Eco mode, the time to auto-disconnect is increased by 20%.
- π΅ If the scooter is connected to Bluetooth (for example, to a phone), the timer may not work.
This feature is useful if you often forget to turn off the scooter, but it has a disadvantage: with prolonged downtime (for example, at work), the battery will gradually drain in the background.
π‘
Auto-disconnection does not work if the scooter is on charge or connected to the application via Bluetooth, in which case it will remain in standby mode until manually switched off.
What happens if you turn off the scooter incorrectly?
Instant power outages (e.g., pulling out the battery while driving) can have serious consequences:
- π Damage. BMS: The battery controller loses cell data, which leads to incorrect charging.
- π₯οΈ Firmware failure: On models with electronic brakes (Pro 2, 4 Pro) sensor calibration can fly.
- π Short circuit: If the battery is turned off under load, the risk of sparking or melting the connector.
Symptoms that the scooter was turned off incorrectly:
- The charge indicator flashes red/green alternately.
- The scooter is turned on only after several attempts.
- The app shows a Battery Error or System Fault error.
If after improper shutdown the scooter behaves strangely, do:
- Complete discharge and charging (battery calibration).
- Reset via the red button (see Method 3).
- Update the firmware through the application.
β οΈ Warning: If the scooter is squeaking high-frequency or not holding a charge after reset, don't try to repair it yourself. These are signs of damage to the power circuit, and a diagnostic service is required.