How to reflash the scooter Xiaomi M365 Pro: safe instructions with nuances

Reflashing Xiaomi Mijia M365 Pro is a procedure that can radically change the behavior of a scooter, from unlocking speed limits to improving energy efficiency. However, doing the wrong thing will turn your machine into a zero-recoil brick. BLE-connection and direct cable relevant to 2019–2023 models, taking into account the latest firmware versions from the community (including: CFW and DRV).

We won’t convince you to upgrade, but instead we’ll look at when the firmware is justified and when it’s better to leave the stockware. For example, owners of scooters with serial numbers 15M365xxxx (early batches) should think twice: their controllers are sensitive to unofficial firmware, but models with a marker 19M365xxxxxxx and later open up wide customization options, from turning off KERS (recover system) to increasing the maximum speed to 35-40 km / h.

Importantly, once you've got the firmware, the scooter may lose its warranty (if it's still valid), and in some cases, it may lose its certification for legal use on public roads, but if you're ready to experiment, let's get started.

Why to reflash Xiaomi M365 Pro: pros and hidden risks

The main reasons for updating firmware fall into three categories: unlocking constraints, solving hardware problems, and experimenting with functionality. Let's take a closer look at them, along with what can go wrong.

  • πŸš€ Removal of speed limit: stock firmware limits to a maximum of 25 km/h (in some regions 20 km/h, DRV 1.6.1) allows you to accelerate to 35-40 km / h, but keep in mind: this increases the load on the battery and motor, reducing their lifespan by 20-30%.
  • πŸ”‹ Shutdown KERS: The regenerative drain braking system is aggressively activated when you release gas, which is not something that everyone likes, and in alternative firmware, you can turn it off or adjust the smoothness.
  • πŸ› οΈ Bug fix: Early software versions (e.g. 1.3.6) had problems with a sudden motor shutdown or incorrect charge display.
  • πŸ”“ Unlocking for other batteries: if you installed a non-original battery (for example, the battery is not used, 48V 18Ah stock-in 36V 12.8Ah), Stock firmware can block charging. Alternative software solves this problem.

Now, the risks, they can't be ignored:

  • ⚑ Loss of warranty: Xiaomi does not officially support custom firmware.If the scooter fails, the service center will refuse repairs.
  • πŸ’₯ Incompatibility with hardware: firmware for M365 (Not Pro may damage the controller M365 Pro due to different engine and battery parameters.
  • πŸ”Œ Problems with the law: in some countries (for example, in the EU) scooters with unlocked speeds above 25 km / h are equated with mopeds and require registration.

⚠️ Note: If your scooter is equipped with a Lishui controller (you can check by the sticker on the board), the firmware is through BLE may end in error ERROR 20 In this case, direct access to the ports of the controller through a soldering iron will be required.

πŸ“Š Why do you want to make your Xiaomi? M365 Pro?
Increase speed
Shut down. KERS
Fixing bugs
Install an unoriginal battery
Just an experiment.

What firmware exists for Xiaomi M365 Pro: comparison of versions

All firmware for the M365 Pro is divided into two large groups: official (from Xiaomi) and custom (from the community). Official updates are rarely released and usually contain only corrections for critical errors. Custom ones offer advanced functionality, but require caution when installing.

Type of firmwareExamples of versionsPlusesConsComplexity of installation
Official (stack)1.5.4, 1.6.0Stability, compatibility, guarantee maintainedLimited functionality, low maximum speed⭐ (via the Mi Home app)
Castomium (CFW)DRV 1.6.1, ScooterHacking UtilityUnlock speed, set up KERS, support for non-original batteriesRisk of "bricking", possible bugs⭐⭐⭐ (demand BLE cable)
Stock firmware patches1.5.4 + KERS offMinimum risks, stability is maintainedLimited capabilities compared to full CFW⭐⭐ (utilities M365 DownG)

For most users, the best choice is DRV 1.6.1 β€” It is compatible with most controllers. M365 Pro and offers flexible settings, but if your scooter is battery-powered, 48V, Pay attention to the firmware marked 48V in the title (e.g, DRV_48V_1.5.8).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware for Xiaomi M365 (non-Pro) incompatible with M365 Pro because of the different parameters of the motor and the controller, and if you install this firmware, you'll make a mistake. ERROR 30 and possible damage to the fee.

Where to download firmware? Official updates are available through the Mi Home app, and custom updates are available on forums like ScooterHacking or 4PDA. Never download firmware from unverified sources - they may contain malicious scripts that damage the controller.

Preparation for firmware: tools and warnings

Before starting the procedure, make sure you have everything you need.

Smartphone on Android 8.0+ or PC with Windows 10/11

USB-C cable (no need for firmware via BLE, but recommended for backup method)

STM32 adapter (if you plan to run firmware through direct access to the controller)

Charger (the battery must be charged by 50–80%)

Backup of the current firmware (can be done via M365 DownG)

Firmware file in.bin or.dfu format

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Pay special attention to battery power. If the battery is under 20%, the controller may shut down during firmware, causing irreparable damage. The optimal level is 50-80%. Also check that the scooter has no physical damage to the board (especially in the controller area).

If you are flashing through BLE (Bluetooth), install one of these applications:

  • πŸ“± M365 DownG is the most popular solution for Android. Supports backup of current firmware and custom versions installation.

For firmware through a direct cable you will need an adapter STM32 (For example, ST-Link. V2) And soldering -- you have to connect to the controller's contacts on the board, and it's a riskier method, but it's more reliable if you have to connect to the controller. BLE-firmware ends with errors.

What if the scooter does not turn on after firmware?
If the scooter does not show signs of life after firmware (the indicators do not burn, does not respond to the power button), try: 1. Connect the charger and hold for 10-15 minutes - sometimes the controller "wakes up" after recharging. 2. BLE-Firmware, try repeating the procedure with another version of the software. 3. For direct firmware through STM32 Check the correctness of the adapter (contacts) GND, 3.3V, SWDIO, SWCLK 4. In extreme cases, contact the service - sometimes it helps to flash through the programmer manually.

Step-by-step: firmware via BLE (Bluetooth)

This is the safest and easiest method, which does not require disassembling the scooter, and is suitable for most custom firmware, except for those that require changing the bootloader.

Step 1: Install the M365 DownG app (available on 4PDA) and give it all the permissions you need (Bluetooth, file access).

Step 2: Connect the scooter to the app.

  1. Turn on the scooter with a long press on the power button.
  2. Press the power button and the brake button at the same time for 5 seconds - the scooter will emit an audible signal and go into firmware mode.
  3. In the app, click Connect and select your scooter from the list of devices.

Step 3: Back up your current firmware. In M365 DownG, press Backup and wait for the process to be completed (takes 2-5 minutes). Save the backup file in a safe place, it will come in handy if something goes wrong.

Step 4: Download the firmware. Select Flash Firmware in the app, then specify the path to the.bin or.dfu file. The process will take 3-10 minutes - do not interrupt the connection and do not turn off the scooter!

Step 5: Once the firmware is complete, the scooter will automatically restart. Check its performance: test acceleration, brakes and display battery power.

⚠️ Note: If a message appears during the firmware process ERROR 10, which means that the firmware file is incompatible with your version of the controller. Try a different version of the software or scroll through the cable.

πŸ’‘

If the scooter begins to behave unstable after firmware (for example, twitches when accelerating), try resetting the settings to the factory. To do this, press the power button and the brake button for 10 seconds before the beep.

Firmware through cable: for experienced users

This method requires disassembling the scooter and connecting to the controller via an adapter. STM32. It's more complicated, but it's more reliable if BLE-The firmware is not working or a deep modification is needed (e.g., a change) UID controller).

Step 1: Take the scooter apart. Remove the plastic lid under your feet (unscrew 4 screws) and find the controller, which is a green board with an STM32 chip, and it should show the GND, 3.3V, SWDIO and SWCLK contacts.

Step 2: Connect the ST-Link V2 adapter to the contacts as follows:

STM32 Adapter β†’ Scooter controller





3.3V β†’ 3.3V (or VCC)




GND        β†’ GND




SWDIO      β†’ SWDIO




SWCLK      β†’ SWCLK

Step 3: Install the STM32CubeProgrammer program on your PC and connect the adapter via USB. In the program, select Connect, then Erase Chip (complete memory cleaner of the controller).

Step 4: Download the firmware. In STM32CubeProgrammer, press Open File and select.bin. Then press Start Programming. It takes 1-3 minutes.

Step 5: Turn off the adapter, assemble the scooter and check if the scooter doesn't turn on, check if the adapter is connected correctly, or repeat the procedure with another firmware.

πŸ’‘

Firmware through cable is the only way to restore the scooter after a failed BLE update if it stopped turning on.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
ERROR 10Incompatible firmwareDownload the firmware for your version of the controller (check the make on the board).
ERROR 20Problems with BLE-joiningReset the scooter and the phone, reconnect, and if it doesn't work, run through the cable.
The scooter does not turn on after firmwareBootloader or incorrect firmware damagedSwitch through STM32 with full memory clearing (Erase Chip).
Scooter twitches when acceleratingIncorrect settings of KERS or motor currentReverse to stock firmware or configure settings through ScooterHacking Utility.

If you encounter an error that is not described in the table, check the firmware log in the application or program. Often it contains an error code that can be Googled on forums (for example, ScooterHacking).

Can I flash the Xiaomi M365 Pro through an iPhone?
No, firmware applications (like the M365 DownG) are only available for Android. However, you can use your iPhone to connect via BLE to an already embroidered scooter (for example, to adjust settings via ScooterHacking Utility on an Android tablet).
How to return stock firmware after installing custom?
This requires downloading the original firmware (e.g. 1.5.4.bin) and flashing it in the same way as the custom one. If the scooter doesn't turn on, use the method via STM32 with full memory clearing. Links to stock firmware can be found on 4PDA.
Will the scooter with firmware from Xiaomi M365 (not Pro) work?
No, the M365 and M365 Pro have different engine and battery options, and installing the M365 firmware on the Pro version will cause the ERROR 30 error and possible damage to the board.
How to check the current version of the firmware?
Turn on the scooter and simultaneously press the power and brake button for 3 seconds. The display will display the version of the software (for example, 1.3.6). β†’ Settings β†’ About the device.
Is it legal to ride a scooter at unlocked speed?
Depending on the country: in Russia, scooters with a maximum speed above 25 km / h are equated to mopeds and require registration with the traffic police. In the EU, similar restrictions apply.