How to Update Xiaomi 70mai Dash DVR: Full Guide

Modern car gadgets require regular maintenance, and Xiaomi 70mai Dash Cam is no exception: Owners often face the need to improve the functionality of the device or eliminate software failures that interfere with stable recording.

The manufacturer periodically releases new versions of firmware that optimize video compression algorithms and improve compatibility with memory cards. Ignoring these updates can lead to the recorder no longer seeing the drive or not displaying the time correctly, so it is important to know how to properly initiate this process.

There are several ways to update the system, each with its own specifications and requirements: you can use a wireless connection via a smartphone or manually install files from a computer, and the choice of method depends on the current situation and the tools available at hand.

Why you need to update the Registrar’s firmware

The main reason developers release new versions of software is to fix vulnerabilities and bugs. Recording stability is critical to proving you're right on the road, and software bugs can be fatal at the right time. Updates often contain patches that fix problems with cycling overwrite or freezing at low temperatures.

In addition to bug fixes, newer versions bring functional improvements, such as support for larger memory cards, improved WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) for night shooting, or more accurate GPS coordinates. Sometimes changes affect the interface of the mobile application, making it more convenient to control the device.

⚠️ Warning: Installing untested or modified firmware can cause the device to fail. Use only official files from the manufacturer's servers.

Also consider accessory compatibility. If you plan to connect an external GPS module or a second camera, make sure your current version of the software supports these features. Often, older versions of firmware simply "don't see" new hardware without an upgrade.

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Before you start the update, be sure to remove the memory card and format it on your computer in FAT32 format with a cluster size of 32 KB, even if the registrar suggests doing it yourself.

Preparation for the renewal procedure

Before you start any manipulation of system files, you need to do thorough preparation, this minimizes the risk of errors in the recording process, the first step should always be to check the battery level, if the update is planned through a mobile application, or the stability of the car's power.

You need to make sure you use a quality memory card. The speed of the drive's write directly affects the ability to install updates on the fly. If the card is damaged or has a low speed class, the process can be interrupted in the middle, which will damage the system partition.

  • πŸ”‹ Charge your smartphone to at least 50% or connect it to the charger during the process.
  • πŸ’Ύ Free up space on your memory card or back up important video files.
  • πŸ“Ά Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection to download the current data packet.
  • πŸš— Park your car in a confident signal reception area or use your home Wi-Fi network.

It's also important to check your device model. There are many modifications to the 70mai lineup (A500S, A800, Lite, and others), and firmware from one model won't fit another. A mischosen file can turn a device into a brick.

β˜‘οΈ Readiness for renewal

Done: 0 / 5

Method 1: Update via mobile application

The most popular and convenient method is to use the official 70mai app for Android or iOS, which automates most processes, minimizing user involvement, and the app will find the available version of the software and suggest installing it.

To get started, run the app on your smartphone and connect to your DVR's Wi-Fi network. Usually, the network name contains the device model, and the default password is listed on the case or in the instructions. After successful pairing, a notification will appear on the home screen that a new version is available.

Press the "Update" button and wait for the file to load. The speed of the process depends on your Internet connection. Once downloaded, an automatic installation will begin, during which the registrar can reboot several times, do not interrupt the connection and keep the smartphone screen active.

πŸ“Š How do you prefer to update your gadgets?
Through the app on the phone.
Through the computer and memory card
I'm waiting for an update at the car service.
Never update.

In some cases, the automatic update may not start, so you should try manually checking for updates in the device settings within the application. The path usually looks like: Device settings β†’ Device About β†’ Software Update.

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Automatic updates via the app are the safest method, as the system itself checks the compatibility of the firmware version with your model.

Method 2: Manual installation from a computer

If the wireless method doesn't work, or you want to install a particular version of the firmware, use the manual method, which requires a computer, a card reader, and the memory card itself, which is considered more reliable when recovering broken devices.

First, you need to download the current firmware file from the official Xiaomi 70mai support site. The file usually has the.bin extension and weighs from 30 to 100 MB. Once downloaded, place this file in the root directory of the memory card without putting it in folders.

File name: update.bin


Location: Root catalog of memory card

Put the memory card in the DVR switched off and plug in the power. The device automatically detects the update file and starts the installation process. The screen may display a progress bar or flashing indicator. Wait for an audible signal or a voice message of success.

⚠️ Note: Formatting a memory card before manual installation is mandatory. FAT32, The registrar does not consider the update file.

Once installed successfully, update.bin can be automatically renamed or deleted by the system. If it does not, manually delete it so that the device does not try to run the update again each time it restarts.

Compatibility table and software versions

Understanding version numbering helps determine the relevance of your software. Different device models have their own version line, and it makes no sense to compare them. Below is a background on the main series.

Model of the deviceThe latest stable versionKey developmentsYear of release
70mai A500S1.6.5GPS improved, date bug fixed2023
70mai A8001.8.2Optimizing night shooting, 4K support2026
70mai Lite1.4.0Stability of Wi-Fi connection2022
70mai Pro Plus+1.7.1Improved ADAS algorithm2023

It is important to note that the version number does not always indicate the novelty of features. Sometimes a higher number means only fixing critical security bugs, and it is better to check the relevance through official support channels or enthusiast forums.

Where to find hidden beta versions?
Beta versions of firmware are often posted on the international 4PDA forum or in the official Telegram channels of the 70mai community, and installation of such versions is only manual and at your own risk, as they may contain unstable code.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

During the upgrade process, various failures can occur, most often users encounter an Update Failed error or an endless reboot cycle, which can be caused by damage to the firmware file or insufficient voltage levels in the onboard network.

If the update is stuck at a certain percentage, don't rush to turn off the power. 10-15 If you haven't made any progress, try replacing your memory card with another one, and you format it beforehand.

  • πŸ”„ File Not Found: Check if the file is at the root of the card and has the correct name.
  • ⚑ Low Power Error: Connect the Registrar to the Original Cable and Power Unit, Not the Car Lighter.
  • πŸ“Ά Network error: Try handing out Wi-Fi from another smartphone or using a 2.4GHz home network.

If the device stops responding to commands (received a β€œbootloop”), a hard reset procedure may be required, usually by pressing the power button or a hidden reset button for 10-20 seconds when power is connected.

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Use memory cards only from proven brands (Samsung, SanDisk, Kingston) with a speed class U1 or U3. Cheap analogues often cause upgrade failures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I upgrade the registrar without a memory card?
No, for manual installation, a memory card is mandatory, since the firmware file must be read from it. When updated through the application, the file is temporarily stored in the internal memory of the device, but the presence of a working memory card is still recommended for the correct operation of the system.
What happens if you turn off the registrar during the update?
This is a critical error that is highly likely to damage the bootloader, and the device may stop turning on or require reflashing through special engineering cables (UARTs), which is only possible in a service center.
Are the settings reset after the update?
In most cases, user settings (resolution, cyclic recording, G-sensor sensitivity) are saved. However, after updates to firmware version, it is recommended to reset to factory settings through the Settings β†’ Factory Reset menu to exclude software conflicts.
How to check the current version of the firmware?
Go to the settings menu of the registrar itself (via the buttons on the case) or in the application select the device. In the "About" or "About" section, the version number (Version) will be indicated, for example, 1.6.5.