The Xiaomi M365 remains one of the most popular vehicles in the city, but many owners face difficulties when connecting to a smartphone for the first time. Without proper synchronization, you will not be able to track speed, battery level or update firmware — which means that you lose up to 30% of the functionality of the device. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connecting (via Mi Home, Xiaomi Scooter and alternative applications), typical errors and give tips for troubleshooting.
It's important to understand that the M365's connection process is different from newer models (like the Pro 2 or 4 Pro) because it has a different version of the Bluetooth module and data exchange protocol. If you bought a used scooter, chances are that the previous owner didn't reset — this is one of the main reasons why the smartphone doesn't see the device.
What you need to connect Xiaomi M365
Before you start synchronizing, prepare:
- 📱 Smartphone on Android 6.0+ or iOS 11.0+ (On older versions of the application may not work)
- 🔋 Charged scooter (battery level not lower than 20% - otherwise the Bluetooth module is turned off)
- 📲 Official Mi Home app (for Android) or Xiaomi Scooter (for iOS)
- 🔄 Stable Internet connection (needed for downloading firmware and authorization in Mi-account)
If you have a Xiaomi M365 Pro or a modification with firmware 1.5.4+, you may need additional software - M365 DownG (for downgraded firmware in case of errors). Note: Scooters with blocked ESC (electronic controller) are connected only through specialized utilities like ScooterHacking Utility.
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Before connecting, check if the phone is power saving mode is turned on - it can block the background work of Bluetooth and interfere with synchronization.
Step-by-step: Connection via Mi Home
This is the basic way that works for 90 percent of users.
- Install Mi Home from Google Play or App Store. Important: Use the European region (Russia/Europe) when registering for an account, otherwise the scooter may not appear in the list of devices.
- Turn on the scooter with a long press on the power button (3 seconds). Make sure the indicator on the control panel flashes blue - this means that the Bluetooth module is active.
- Launch Mi Home and click Add Device (+ icon in the top right corner). In the search bar, type in Mijia M365 or select Transport category.
- Start scanning. The app will suggest holding the button on the scooter — do this until you hear the beep.
- Confirm the connection in the pairing window on your phone. If you request a firmware update, opt out at this stage (check version compatibility first!).
After successful connection, the application will display:
- 📊 Current speed and mileage
- 🔋 Battery level (by cell)
- ⚙️ Cruise control settings and driving modes
- 🔔 Travel history and errors, if any)
The scooter is displayed in the list of Mi Home| devices
The indicator on the control panel is burning green |
The appendix shows the battery level |
Speed and cruise control settings available-->
Alternative ways of connecting
If Mi Home doesn’t see the scooter or makes a mistake, try these methods:
1. via the Xiaomi Scooter app (for iOS)
It's the official utility for Xiaomi scooters, but it's only available to iPhone users.The connection algorithm is similar to Mi Home, but there are additional features here:
- 🔄 Automatic firmware update (with compatibility check)
- 📍 Map of trips with notes about falls
- 🛠️ Diagnostics of errors ESC and BMS (battery-control)
2. via M365 DownG (for downgrade firmware)
This method is needed if:
- 🚫 Scooter "locked" after failed update
- 🔄 We need to roll back the firmware to the factory version.
- ⚠️ There's a mistake. ERROR 21/22 plug-in
Instructions:
- Download M365 DownG from GitHub (Windows only!).
- Connect the scooter to the PC via USB-OTG cable (you need an adapter for the charging port).
- Run the utility and select firmware version 1.3.6 (the most stable for the M365).
- Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the scooter during the process!
What if the M365 DownG can't see the scooter?
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right connection, there can be failures.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ERROR 10 | Low battery charge (<10%) | Charge the scooter to at least 30% and reconnect |
| ERROR 21 | Incompatible firmware | Reverse to version 1.3.6 via M365 DownG |
| The scooter does not turn on after the update | ESC controller failure | Reset the settings with the Power + Mode button (hold 10 seconds) |
| App doesn't see scooter | Bluetooth module disabled or reset | Reboot the scooter (turn off/on) and check your phone settings |
⚠️ Note: If after connecting the scooter began to arbitrarily brake or gives an error ERROR 36, immediately disconnect it from the app! It's a sign of a brake controller malfunction - driving in this condition is dangerous.
Scooter setting after connection
When synchronization is complete, we recommend you to immediately configure the key parameters:
- Driving modes: Eco - speed limit to 15 km / h (saves charge) Standard - up to 25 km / h (optimum for the city), Sport - up to 30 km / h (consumes the battery faster)
Cruise control:
Mode
Backlight:
Settings → Light
PRO update:
Do not install beta versions.
For advanced users, the M365 DownG can activate hidden features such as:
- 🔓 Unlock speeds up to 35 km/h (requires modifications) ESC)
- 🔋 Display the exact voltage of each battery cell
- 🛡️ Disabling the driver's weight restriction
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking speeds above 25 km/h cancels warranties and increases the risk of accidents.
Safety and operational advice
Connecting to a phone is not only a convenience, it's also an added risk.
- 🔒 Do not share access to the Mi Home application - you can remotely block the scooter through it.
- 📱 Turn off Bluetooth after a trip if you don’t use tracking – it will reduce battery consumption of the phone.
- 🔄 Update your firmware regularly, but only through official sources. "Hacked" versions often contain viruses.
- 🛡️ Install. PIN-Scooter code (in the Mi Home settings) → This will protect you from theft.
If you are buying the Xiaomi M365 from hand, you should:
- Check your connection history in Mi Home (Devices → Linked Accounts).
- Reset the scooter to factory settings: Hold the Power + Mode + Brake for 15 seconds.
- Make sure the serial number on the frame matches the data in the application (otherwise it can be a “gray” import).
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Xiaomi M365 scooter with firmware below 1.2.7 is vulnerable to hacking via Bluetooth. Update the software, even if "everything works"!