How to turn on Bluetooth on the Xiaomi scooter: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi scooters have long been an integral part of urban mobility, but their full use is impossible without connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth. This wireless module is responsible not only for synchronizing with the Mi Home/Mi Electric Scooter application, but also for updating the firmware, displaying travel statistics and even activating additional functions like cruise control. However, many owners face the problem: the scooter is not determined by the phone, the Bluetooth indicator does not burn, or the connection is constantly broken.

In this article, we will discuss all the official and alternative ways to turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi scooters, from the basic models of the M365 to the new Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, code 10 or 21 in the application), how to reset the Bluetooth module, as well as the nuances of connection on iOS and Android. If your scooter stopped responding to connection attempts, here you will find a solution.

1 Preparation: What to check before turning on Bluetooth

Before you try to connect the scooter to your phone, make sure that the basic conditions are met. Often the problem lies not in the Bluetooth module itself, but in the little things that users do not pay attention to.

First, check the battery level of the scooter. If the charge is below 10%, the system can lock the Bluetooth module to save energy. Connect the charger and wait at least 30% - this is enough for stable wireless functions. Second, make sure that on your smartphone:

• 📱 Bluetooth enabled (in settings or through the notification panel).
• 🔄 Updated Mi Home or Mi Electric Scooter apps to the latest version.
• 📶 The smartphone is connected to the Internet (to download drivers on the first connection).
• 🔒 All necessary permissions for the application (geolocation, Bluetooth access, notifications) are allowed.

It’s also worth considering that some scooters (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Essential) have a Bluetooth hardware button that can be accidentally turned off. It’s usually located next to the power button or under the lid on the steering wheel. If the Bluetooth indicator on the panel doesn’t flash blue, check the physical position of the switch.

2. Standard method: Connect via Mi Home app

The official method of activating Bluetooth is synchronizing the scooter with the Mi Home app (or Mi Electric Scooter for new models), which may vary depending on the firmware version and regional settings.

1. Install the app: 📱 For Android: download Mi Home from Google Play. 🍎 For iOS: install Mi Home from the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required for data synchronization).
3. Add the device: Press + → Add the device → select Transport → Electric scooter. Make sure the scooter is on (green power indicator is on).
4. Activate Bluetooth: The app will suggest turning on Bluetooth on your phone and scooter. Confirm the request. Wait until the indicator on the scooter flashes blue and green (pairing mode).

Confirm the connection.

• Enter a confirmation code (usually 0000 or 1234).
• Wait until the synchronization is complete (it can take up to 2 minutes).

If the process is stuck in the device search phase, try:

• 🔄 Reset the scooter (hold the power button for 5 seconds).
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Home app.
• 🔌 Connect the scooter to charging (sometimes this “wakes up” the Bluetooth module).

Make sure the scooter is on.

Check the battery charge (>10%)

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone

Update the Mi Home app

Allow all requests of the application-->

3. Alternative ways to enable Bluetooth

If the standard method didn't work, try one of the alternatives, which are especially useful for older models (M365, Pro) or after resetting.

Method 1: Hardware button (for models with a physical switch)

Some Xiaomi scooters are equipped with a hidden Bluetooth activation button to find it:

1. Turn off the scooter.
2. Turn the steering wheel over and find a small hole or switch next to the power button.
3. Press and hold the button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.

Method 2: Button combination (for models without a button)

For scooters without a physical switch (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S), try:

1. Turn on the scooter.
2. Hold the power button and brake button at the same time for 10 seconds.
3. Release when the indicator starts flashing blue and red (diagnostic mode).
4. Press the power button again – Bluetooth must be activated.

Method 3: Resetting the scooter settings

If Bluetooth does not respond at all, reset to factory settings:

1. Turn off the scooter.
2. Press the power button and the accelerator button (gas) for 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the double beep - this is a confirmation of the reset.
4. Turn on the scooter and reconnect via Mi Home.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

When connecting a Xiaomi scooter to a phone, users often encounter typical errors, and we have collected the most common error codes and ways to fix them:

If you see error 21, it means that the firmware version of the scooter is outdated, and you can update it through the official app:

1. Open Mi Home → select scooter → “Device settings” → “Firmware update”.
2. Connect the scooter to charging (updating requires at least 50% charge).
3. Wait until the process is complete (don’t interrupt the connection!).

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If the scooter is not updated through the Mi Home, try using the DownG app (available for Android) which allows you to install firmware manually, but requires caution - an incorrect firmware can cause the scooter to fail.

5. Features of connection on iOS and Android

The process of pairing a Xiaomi scooter with a phone may vary depending on the operating system. Let’s consider the key nuances for each platform.

For Android.

On Android devices (especially versions 10+) there may be problems with permissions.

• 🔧 In your phone settings, open Apps → Mi Home → Permissions.
• 📍 Enable geolocation (required for some regions).
• 🔄 If the scooter is not located, try turning off the charge saving for the Mi Home app.
• 📱 Some phones (e.g. Xiaomi, Redmi) need to additionally enable Autostart for Mi Home in the battery settings.

For iOS (iPhone)

On the iPhone, the main problem is system limitations. Apple blocks the background Bluetooth for some applications.

• 🔄 Go to Settings → Mi Home → turn on Bluetooth and Location (select When Used).
• 📱 Close all background applications before connecting.
• 🔌 If the scooter is not detected, try connecting via DownG (jailbreak or alternative App Store required).
• 🔄 Once connected, don’t turn off the Mi Home app — iOS can break the connection.

The iPhone may also have a "Device Not Supported" error, which is because Xiaomi sometimes limits compatibility for users from certain regions.

1. In your iPhone settings, change the region to “China” or “Singapore”.
2. Reinstall Mi Home.
3. Repeat the connection attempt.

6.If nothing helps: diagnosis and repair

If you’ve tried all the ways, but the Bluetooth on Xiaomi’s scooter still doesn’t turn on, the problem could be hardware.

• 🔌 Power Bluetooth module: often leaves contact on the board. Disassemble the steering wheel and check the wires going from module to main board.
• 🔧 Antenna damage: If the scooter fell or got wet, the Bluetooth antenna could come off. Visually inspect it (usually located under the steering wheel).
• 🔋 Main board malfunction: If the power indicator is on but the scooter is not responding to the buttons, the controller may have burned.
• 📡 Interference from other devices: Try connecting elsewhere (away from Wi-Fi routers, wireless headphones).

For self-diagnosis, you can use the DownG app (available for Android):

1. Connect the scooter to your phone via DownG.
2. Go to the Diagnostics section → Bluetooth.
3. Check the status of the module. If it says Error or Disconnected, the module is defective.

The cost of repairing a Bluetooth module in service centers:

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Before you go to the service, try resuscitating the Bluetooth module: disconnect the scooter from power for 24 hours. Sometimes this resets the frozen processes in the controller.

7 Prevention: How to Avoid Bluetooth Problems in the Future

To Bluetooth on the Xiaomi scooter worked stably, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Don't let the battery run completely (below 5%). This can knock the module settings down.
• 🌧️ Avoid driving in the rain or in extreme humidity — getting water on the board often puts Bluetooth out of order.
• 📱 Regularly update the firmware of the scooter through Mi Home (every 2-3 months).
• 🔌 If the scooter is not in use for a long time, turn it on at least once a month for 10-15 minutes to maintain the electronics.
• 🔄 After the firmware update, reset settings (see Section 3).

It's also useful to know:

• 📡 Bluetooth on Xiaomi scooters runs at 2.4 GHz. If you have many devices at home on this frequency (Wi-Fi, wireless mice), there may be interference.
• 🔋 At low charge (<15%), the scooter can automatically turn off Bluetooth to save power.
• 📱 Some phones (especially Samsung) need to manually add a scooter to the list of trusted Bluetooth devices.

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If the scooter stopped connecting after a fall or impact, do not try to repair it yourself - there is a risk of damage to the controller.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)