How to reflash the Xiaomi Pro scooter: official and alternative ways

Xiaomi Pro electric scooters (including the M365 Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3 and 4 Pro models) require periodic firmware updates to fix bugs, improve energy efficiency and unlock hidden features. However, improper flashing can turn your vehicle into a “brick” – an inoperable device with damaged firmware. In this article, we will discuss all current methods of updating, from official methods through the Mi Home application to manual stitching through the STM32CubeProgrammer and alternative tools like DownG or ScooterHacking Utility.

It's important to understand that flashing is not just a new version of software, it affects the BMS controller, the ESC, and even the brake sensors. Any failure at any stage can lead to unstable operation, a decrease in top speed or a complete failure of the electronics. So before you start, check the firmware compatibility with your model and prepare a backup plan in case of failure.

1. Preparation of the scooter for flashing

Before you start the upgrade, make sure your scooter is ready for the procedure.

• 🔋 Battery charge: Levels should be in the range of 40-80%. Full charge (100%) or discharge below 20% can cause errors when writing data to the controller.
• 📱 Smartphone / PC: For the official update you need a phone with Mi Home (version no lower) 6.0). For manual firmware - a computer under Windows 10/11 administrator.
• 🔌 Cables and adapters: Original USB-cable for connecting to the scooter (do not use cheap analogues - they may not provide a stable connection).
• 📡 Internet: stable Wi-Fi connection (for downloading firmware) or mobile Internet with a speed of at least 10 Mbit / s.

Pay special attention to the current firmware version.

1. In the Mi Home app: open the scooter card → Settings → About the scooter → Firmware version.
2. Through DownG: connect the scooter to your PC, run the utility, and check the Firmware Version string.

⚠️ Note: If your scooter was purchased on the secondary market, pre-reset to factory settings via Mi Home.This will remove the binding to the previous owner and avoid conflicts when upgrading.

2. Official Update via Mi Home

The safest way to do this is to use the Mi Home app, which is for most users and doesn't require any technical skills.

1. Connect the scooter to your phone via Bluetooth (make sure it’s on and nearby).
2. Open Mi Home, select your scooter on the home screen.
3. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and confirm the action.
5. Wait until the process is complete (the scooter will reboot automatically).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Security: Firmware tested by Xiaomi, the risk of “bricking” is minimal.
• ✅ Automation: All stages (download, install, reboot) occur without your participation.
• ✅ Preservation of warranty: Official updates do not violate warranty terms.

However, there are limitations:

• ❌ Lack of custom features: Official firmware often blocks overclocking, disabling speed limits, and other "tricks».
• ❌ Update delays: Xiaomi may not release patches for older models for months (e.g., updates, M365 Pro 2019).

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If the Mi Home update freezes during the Preparation phase, try reconnecting the scooter to your phone or restarting the app, often by changing the region in Xiaomi account settings (e.g., Singapore or Hong Kong).

Manual Update via DownG (for power users)

DownG (or its ScooterHacking Utility) allows custom and official firmware installations to bypass Mi Home, a method that gives you more control, but requires caution.

• 💻 Windows computer (macOS/Linux unsupported).
• 🔌 USB-Type-C (for new models) or USB-MicroUSB (for new models) M365 Pro).
• 📁.bin firmware (download from trusted sources, such as ScooterHacking).
• 🛠 DownG utility (last version - GitHub).

Step-by-step:

1. Install DownG and drivers for the scooter (go with the utility).
2. Connect the scooter to the PC in the off state.
3. Press the power button for 5 seconds to turn on firmware mode (on some models you need to hold Power + Torch).
4. Run DownG, select the COM port (if it is not automatically determined, check the drivers).
5. Press Connect, then Open File and select the firmware file.
6. Click Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 3-7 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If there is an error during firmware through DownG STM32 Error, immediately disable the scooter from the USB Reboot it manually (holding the power button for 10 seconds) and restart the utility may solve the problem, but if the error is repeated, the firmware is incompatible with your model.

I downloaded the correct version of the firmware for my model.

Installed drivers for the scooter (STM32)

Disabled antivirus (it can block DownG)

Charged the scooter to 50-70%

Prepared a backup battery (in case of failure)

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4. Alternative firmware: pros and risks

Custom firmware (e.g. CFW from ScooterHacking or DRV) allows:

• 🚀 Remove the speed limit (from 25 km/h to 30-35 km/h).
• 🔋 Optimize battery consumption (change the discharge/charge algorithms).
• 🔧 Add new features: cruise control, customizable ride modes, display controller temperature.

But there are also serious risks:

Critical information: Firmware at unlocked speeds above 30 km/h can cause accidents due to unstable braking system at high speeds. The manufacturer sets restrictions for a reason - it is associated with safety and regulatory regulations of many countries.

5. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, users are faced with problems. Let's look at typical scenarios:

• 🔴 DownG's "No Device Found" error: Reason: Wrong drivers or faulty cable.Solution: Reinstall drivers STM32 manually via Device Manager (select Update Driver) → Search on this computer and specify the folder with drivers from the DownG archive).
• 🔴 Scooter does not turn on after firmware: Reason: Incompatible version of software or interrupted writing process. Solution: Try to flash again with another.bin file. If it does not help, contact the service (possibly damaged bootloader).
• 🔴 Mi Home app doesn't see new firmware: Reason: App cache or outdated version. Solution: Clear the Mi Home cache in your phone settings or reinstall it. Also check that the scooter is connected to the same region as your Xiaomi account.

If the scooter after a failed firmware does not respond to the power button, try "resuscitation":

1. Turn off the battery for 10 minutes (unplug the BMS connector).
2. Connect the charger and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
3. If the indicators do not light up, the controller is required to be soldered in the service.

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Before any firmware save a backup of the current software! In DownG this is done through the Backup button (the file will be saved in.bin format and useful for rollback).

6. Post-firmware optimization

A successful upgrade is only half the battle, so that the scooter is stable:

• ⚙ Reset your settings in Mi Home (Settings) → Resetting to factory. This will eliminate the possible conflicts between old and new firmware.
• 📊 Calibrate the battery: Completely discharge the scooter before shutting down, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
• 🔧 Check the brakes: After acceleration (if the firmware removes the speed limit), the braking distance increases. Adjust the brake pads or install an additional disc brake.

For custom firmware (CFW), additional settings are available through DownG:

• KERS (regenerative braking) setting to increase range.
• Change of change PWM-scaling-up.
• Activation of Eco/Turbo modes with individual speed limits.

Remember that changing the controller parameters can lead to overheating or premature wear of parts, for example, increasing the current above 18A by Pro 2 reduces the life of the motor by 30-40%.

7. Where to download firmware and tools

Official firmware:

• Mi Home (Support section)
• Xiaomi EU Forum (in the branches on scooters).

Custom firmware and utilities:

• ScooterHacking (the largest CFW archive for Xiaomi)
• GitHub DownG (the latest version of the utility)
• 4PDA (Russian-language discussions and guides).

⚠️ Note: Only download firmware from trusted sources. Files from torrents or obscure sites may contain malicious code that will damage the scooter controller or steal your Xiaomi account details.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions