Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S is well-deservedly popular for its reliability and maintainability, but over time, owners may encounter software errors that are not solved by standard methods. Controller or battery flashing (BMS) becomes the only way to bring the device back to life, reset locked cells or update functionality to improve overclocking dynamics. Owners often look for ways to activate hidden features or simply restore performance after a failed update.
The process of updating the scooter software requires care, as interference with system files can lead to a complete lock of the device. In this article, we will discuss safe methods of flashing through the official Mi Home application and more advanced methods using PCs and adapters for deep diagnostics. It is critical to understand the difference between updating the engine firmware and flashing the battery, since these processes affect different control modules.
Before you start any manipulation, you need to make sure that the electrical connections are working properly and the charge level is sufficient. Wrong actions can lead to a situation where the scooter will stop responding to commands or show an error that requires service intervention. We will look at all the stages of preparation, tools and software that will allow you to perform the procedure yourself and without risk to the equipment.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Any flashing action you take is at your own risk. Interference with the code may void the warranty. Make sure the battery voltage is stable before you start work.
Preparation of equipment and software
To successfully perform the procedure, you will need not only the scooter itself, but also a number of specific tools that will provide a stable connection to the controller. The main device to work will be an Android or iOS smartphone with the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home application installed. In some cases, especially when resetting a BMS, you may need a laptop with Windows operating system and installed specialized software to work with a serial port.
The second important element is a stable Internet connection, since the firmware files are downloaded from the manufacturer's servers at the time of the update. UART-Adapter, make sure you have drivers installed for your converter (usually) CH340 or CP2102). The absence of drivers will cause the computer to simply not see the connected device.
- ๐ฑ Smartphone with Mi Home app installed (China or Europe region depending on the version of the scooter).
- ๐ป Windows Laptop (for Advanced Reset Method only) BMS through UART).
- ๐ UART-adapter (USB to TTL) 3.3V (for deep flashing of the battery only).
- ๐ Charger to connect to the network during the process.
- ๐ง Set of screwdrivers for removing decorative panels and access to ports.
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Before starting the firmware, be sure to fully charge the scooter to 100% and connect the charger to the network to avoid power outages at a critical moment.
It's also worth checking the current firmware version in the app beforehand to see if an update is needed at all. Sometimes users try to reflash the device thinking it will solve the range problem, when it actually requires calibrating the gyroscope or replacing the battery.
Diagnostics and Version Determination of firmware
Before you start the upgrade process, you need to accurately identify the current state of your Xiaomi 1S. The version of firmware is stored in the controller and displayed in the application, however, sometimes the data may not be updated correctly.
Open the Mi Home app, select your scooter from the device list, and go to the settings menu (three dots in the corner). Under About or General Settings, you'll find the "Firmware Version" line. Write down these numbers, as they'll be used to compare them to the current version on the server. If the app doesn't connect to the scooter or shows dashings, it could indicate a Bluetooth module malfunction or a critical controller error.
| Parameter | Value normal | Signs of a problem |
|---|---|---|
| BMS version | 1.x.x or higher | Missing or 0.0.0. |
| ESC version | 1.x.x | Inconsistency with the region |
| Battery charge | > 20% | < 10% (updating is prohibited) |
| Bluetooth status | Connected. | Connection search or error |
It is also important to check the status of the battery cells through a hidden menu or third-party utilities if there is a suspicion of imbalance. Unstable voltage can interrupt the firmware process, which will lead to a brick of the device. If you see sudden voltage surges when connecting the load, first get to the battery repair.
Official Upgrade Method through Mi Home
The safest and most recommended upgrade is to use the regular functionality of the application, and the algorithm is that the application checks for a new version on the server, downloads the data packet and sends it to the scooter controller via Bluetooth, which minimizes the risks because the firmware file passes the integrity check.
To start, make sure the scooter is on and near your smartphone. Open the app, and if an update is available, you'll see a pop-up or red indicator in the device's menu. Press Update or Update. At which point the boot process will begin, which can take 5 to 15 minutes depending on Internet speed and Bluetooth version.
โ๏ธ Checklist before update
During the process, the scooter display may flash the lights, and the power button may change color. Don't press any buttons on the scooter or lock the smartphone screen so that the system does not interrupt the connection. If the update is 99% frozen, don't panic right away - sometimes the final check takes a long time. However, if the process lasts more than 30 minutes unchanged, you may need to restart.
โ ๏ธ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to turn off or move away from the scooter while the indicators blink. Interrupting the data recording in the memory of the controller can make the device inoperable.
Reset BMS and reflashing the battery (Advanced)
Scooter owners often face a situation where the battery is locked (BMS Lock) due to deep discharge or cell balancing error.In this case, a standard update through the app is impossible, since the battery controller is not responding. Requires a BMS reset procedure, which is often called "battery flashing," although technically it is a reset of protection flags.
To perform this operation, you will need to open the scooter deck and access the battery contacts: VCC, TX, RX, GND) board-board BMS. Connect. UART-You can send a special reset command to the laptop and the board, and this action puts the battery back into factory condition, allowing it to be recharged and updated with firmware.
Reset command (example for STM32 Loader utility):
Unlock_BMS --port COM3 --speed 115200
Reset_Flags --allAfter a successful flag drop, you need to balance the cells if the voltage spread is large, and then you can try to update the firmware through the application. Attention: working with a high-voltage battery requires safety. Short circuits can cause fire.
What to do if the BMS is not reset?
Installation of custom firmware and removal of restrictions
Many enthusiasts resort to flashing to remove regional speed limits or increase power. Xiaomi 1S has software limits that depend on the region chosen in the application (China, Europe, USA). Changing the region sometimes allows you to unlock the potential of the engine, but this requires the installation of modified versions of firmware.
The custom firmware installation process is similar to the official one, but the file is downloaded manually, but it is worth remembering that using unofficial software increases the load on the battery and engine. Overheating of components is a frequent consequence of aggressive firmware reflashing without appropriate hardware modification of the cooling system.
- ๐ Increase in maximum speed with 25 km/h 30-35 km/h.
- โก Improvement of acceleration dynamics due to changes in current output.
- ๐ Removal of audible speeding warnings.
- ๐ Possibility of fine tuning of braking recovery.
If the scooter is unstable after installing the custom firmware, there is always the option to roll back to the factory version through the recovery mode (if provided by the software developer) or reflash the device with the original file. Always save a copy of the original firmware before making changes.
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Custom firmware gives an increase in speed, but reduces the battery life and can lead to a denial of warranty service.
Resolving errors after firmware
After a successful upgrade or reset of the BMS, new errors may occur due to the desynchronization of data between the engine controller and the battery, often with an error of "Error 23" or "Error 27" indicating communication problems, in which case the full calibration cycle helps.
To calibrate the gyroscope and accelerometer, place the scooter on a flat surface, turn it on and press the brake and gas simultaneously for 10-15 seconds (the specific combination may depend on the firmware version). Indicators should blink to confirm the reset. If persists error, check the contacts of the plumes going to the display and controller.
It's also worth checking the error logs through the app if it's available in your version, and analyzing the error codes allows you to determine exactly which node needs attention, and sometimes the problem isn't with the software, but with oxidized contacts that just need to be cleaned with alcohol.
Can I re-shoot the scooter if it does not turn on?
Will the mileage drop after the flashing?
Is it dangerous to install firmware from another model, such as the M365?
How to return the factory firmware after custom?
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Regular firmware updates through official channels are the best prevention of software failures and BMS errors.