Xiaomi scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but their functionality is not always intuitive for beginners. One of the frequent questions owners ask is how to turn on the flashlight on the scooter, especially if the backlight button is missing or not working. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate front and rear lighting for models M365, Pro, Pro 2, 1S, 4 Pro and others, including solutions for non-standard situations.
It is important to understand that the headlight control system depends on the firmware version, the scooter model and even regional settings. For example, in some EU countries, the backlight is activated automatically when driving, and in Russia it may require manual activation. We will consider both standard methods through the button on the steering wheel, and alternative methods through the Mi Home mobile application or third-party utilities like the M365 DownG.
If your flashlight doesnβt turn on despite all the effort, at the end of the article you will find a diagnostic fault table and instructions for fixing typical problems β from oxidized contacts to firmware failures.
Ways to turn on the lamp depending on the model of the scooter
Xiaomi uses three basic lighting control schemes on scooters:
- π Physical button on the steering wheel (models) M365, Pro, 1S)
- π± Software management through the application (models Pro 2, 4 Pro, Essential)
- π Automatic on-the-move (European versions with firmware 1.5.4)+)
Let's go through each option in detail, and let's start with the most common one, the mechanical button.
Method 1: Turning the lamp on through the steering wheel button
Most Xiaomi scooters are equipped with a physical headlight switch located on the left side of the steering wheel under the thumb.It is usually marked with a symbol π‘ or LIGHT. Algorithm of action:
- Make sure the scooter is on (the indicator on the panel is green).
- Press once on the button with the pictogram of the lamp, the front headlight should light up with white light, and the rear dimension - red.
- To turn off, press the button again.
β οΈ Attention: On models M365 And the Pro before 2020, the button may not be illuminated -- look for it to the left of the brake handle:
- π Battery charge (at a level below 10% the headlight may not be switched on).
- π οΈ Integrity of wiring (often oxidized contacts under the steering wheel).
- π Firmware version (update via Mi Home if the scooter is released before 2019).
βοΈ Checking the flashlight button
Method 2: Headlight control via Mi Home app
On Pro 2, 4 Pro and Essential scooters, the flashlight can be switched on remotely via the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
- Connect the scooter to the via Bluetooth app (if not previously connected).
- Open the Control tab in the device card.
- Find the Lighting section (or Light Control in English).
- Activate the slider Turn on the flashlight.
π Important: In some regions (e.g. the EU), the option of headlight control via the app may be hidden due to local regulations:
- π Change your Mi Home account region to Russia or China in your profile settings.
- π Reconnect the scooter to the application after changing the region.
π‘
If the Mi Home doesnβt have a Lighting section, try using the M365 DownG third-party app β it supports advanced settings for all Xiaomi models.
Method 3: Automatic lighting of the lamp when driving
On scooters with firmware 1.5.4 and later (mostly European versions), the headlight can be activated automatically when driving, which is activated through hidden settings:
- Turn on the scooter and unlock it.
- Hold the power button and the flashlight button at the same time for 5 seconds until a double signal is heard.
- The headlamp will then light up when it is over 3 km/h.
β οΈ Warning: Automatic mode can quickly drain the battery if you drive often in the dark.
| Model scooter | Type of lamp switching on | Required firmware | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| M365 | The button on the steering wheel | Anybody. | The button without lighting, located on the left |
| Pro / 1S | Button + app | 1.3.6+ | In Mi Home only switching off is available |
| Pro 2 | Application/automatic | 1.5.4+ | European versions β automatic mode only |
| 4 Pro | Annex | 2.1.0+ | Supports brightness adjustment |
Lantern problems: diagnosis and solutions
If the headlight is not turned on by any of the described methods, the reasons can be both software and hardware. Below is a diagnostic table with typical malfunctions and ways to fix them:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The button doesn't respond, but the scooter is working. | Oxidation of button contacts | Disassemble the steering wheel, clean the contacts with alcohol |
| The headlamp flashes or shines dimly | Poor contact in the headlamp connector | Check the connection of the wire with the control board |
| The light turns on, but immediately turns off. | Low battery charge (<10%) | Charge the battery to 20% or higher |
| The app does not see the "Lighting" option | Outdated firmware or regional restrictions | Update the firmware or change the region in Mi Home |
π οΈ Repair tip: If the wiring is the problem, check the connector J1 under the platform of the scooter, which is often oxidized by moisture. WD-40 oropropyl.
How to remove the steering wheel to clean contacts
Adjustment of luminance and colour temperature of the headlamp
On scooters Xiaomi 4 Pro and Pro 2 with firmware 2.0+, you can adjust the lighting settings.
- Open Mi Home and go to the scooter settings.
- Select the Light Settings section (or Lighting Settings).
- Adjust the sliders: π‘οΈ Color temperature (from warm to cold light). π Brightness (recommended value β 70-80% Balance visibility and energy consumption).
β οΈ Attention: Maximum brightness setting (100%) reduces the operating time of the headlight on one charge to 1.5 hours 3-4 hourly 50% brightness).
π‘
Scooters with LED-headlights (models 2021 and newer) brightness control is available only through the application.
Alternative ways to control the lamp
If standard methods do not work, you can use third-party solutions:
- π± Annex M365 DownG: Allows you to turn on the flashlight even on blocked scooters. APK From the official website and connect to the scooter via Bluetooth. In the Lights section, advanced settings are available, including a strobe for alarms.
- π§ Firmware via ScooterHacking Utility: For advanced users: the utility allows you to change the logic of the headlight (for example, tie it to the brake or cruise control). Requires unlocking the bootloader and risks cancelling the warranty.
- π External Control Module: If the control board is burned, you can install an external controller (such as the Nanrobot Light Controller) with a separate button. β½.
π‘ Useful life hack: If the headlight is burned, and it is not possible to replace it, use a bicycle lamp with a steering wheel mount. USB-Charging (for example, Xiaomi Mi) LED Bike Light is perfect and costs 800 β½.