How to reflash the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 365: official and custom firmware

The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 365 remains one of the most popular vehicles even years after its release. However, factory firmware does not always meet the needs of users: someone wants to remove the speed limit, someone needs additional features like cruise control or more accurate charge indication. Flashing allows you to solve these problems, but requires accuracy - wrong actions can bring the device down.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update the software to M365: From official firmware through the Mi Home app to custom modifications using DownG or ScooterHacking Utility, we will pay special attention to the preparation of the scooter, the choice of the firmware version and the typical mistakes that beginners make. If you have never been engaged in firmware before, do not worry: step-by-step instructions with pictures and videos will help you understand even without technical education.

Before you start, consider that any changes to the firmware will take away your warranty (if it is still valid) and may affect security, such as lifting the speed limit to 30.+ Km/h increases the risk of accidents, especially on scooters with worn-out brakes.

1. What firmware is there for Xiaomi M365 and how they differ.

All firmware for Mi Electric Scooter 365 is divided into three types: official, modified (castom) and rollback. Each option has its pros and cons, as well as the level of risk to the device.

• 🔹 Official firmware – released by Xiaomi to fix bugs, improve stability or add new features (for example, support for new regions) installed through the Mi Home app or manually through the.bin file. The main plus is security and preservation of the warranty (if it is still valid), minus limited functionality and the inability to remove hardware locks.
• 🔹 Custom firmware - created by enthusiasts (for example, the ScooterHacking team or DownG) to expand the capabilities of the scooter: ✅ Remove the speed limit (up to) 30-40 km/h depending on the version). ✅ Activate cruise control and driving modes (eco/sports). ✅ Set up brake and accelerator sensitivity. ✅ Correct battery calibration errors: Cons: risk of "bricking" of the scooter if installed incorrectly, possible bugs and lack of support from the manufacturer.
• 🔹 Recoil firmware is an older version of software that you may need if the new firmware is not running smoothly, for example, some users return from version 1.5.5 to 1.3.6 due to brake problems.

It's important to understand that not all firmware is compatible with your version of the controller. M365 There are several board revisions (e.g., 1.0, 1.1, 1.2) and the firmware for one may not work for the other. To find out your revision, open the lid under the steering wheel and look at the markings on the controller (usually starting with the controller). BMS or ESC).

2. Preparation of the scooter for firmware: what to do before the start

Unprepared scooter is the main cause of failed firmware. Follow this checklist to avoid problems:

Pay special attention to battery charge, sew a scooter with a discharged battery (<30%) It can't be done, it can cause a failure during the upgrade and permanent damage to the controller: 50-80%. Also make sure that the scooter does not overheat – if it has been used recently, let it cool down. 10-15 minute.

If you are running through a PC, you will need to:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11 (MacOS or Linux may have driver problems).
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (Original or Quality Certified).
• 🛠️ Software for firmware: DownG, ScooterHacking Utility or Mi Scooter Tools (depending on the chosen method).
• 📁 Firmware file in.bin format (download only from trusted sources, such as ScooterHacking or ScooterHacking) 4PDA).

⚠️ Warning: Never use firmware from unknown forums or file sharing sites. In 2023, there were instances where users downloaded modified files with viruses that blocked the scooter controller and demanded a ransom for unlocking the scooter.

Before you start, back up your current firmware, which will help you recover the scooter if something goes wrong, and DownG has a separate Backup button for that, and ScooterHacking Utility has a Read Flash tab, and save the backup file to the cloud or external drive.

3. Method 1: Update via the official Mi Home app

The easiest and safest method is to install official firmware through Mi Home, which is suitable for those who do not want to take risks and only need bug fixes from the manufacturer, but note that you can not install custom firmware through the application or roll back to the old version.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone (Android or iOS).
2. Connect the scooter to the application via Bluetooth (if not already connected).
3. Go to the section of your scooter and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
4. Select the Firmware Update.
5. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is completed (usually takes 5-10 minutes).

During the update:

• 📵 Do not turn off Bluetooth or close the app.
• 🔋 Do not remove the battery and do not press the power button.
• 📶 Make sure your internet connection is stable (it’s better to use Wi-Fi rather than mobile data).

⚠️ Warning: If during the upgrade via Mi Home, the scooter emits a long beep and stops responding to the buttons, do not panic. disconnect it from the application, turn it off and turn it on again (holding the power button for 5 seconds.

After the successful update, the scooter will restart and a notification will appear in the app. Check the new firmware version in the Device Information section.

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Official firmware via Mi Home is the most reliable way, but with limited features, and you will need manual firmware to unlock speed or additional features.

Method 2: Manual update via PC (DownG or ScooterHacking Utility)

This method is suitable for custom firmware or rollback versions, and we will look at two popular tools: DownG (easier for beginners) and ScooterHacking Utility (more features for power users).

4.1. Firmware through DownG

DownG – utility with intuitive interface that supports most versions of Xiaomi M365. Download it on the official website downg.com (select the version for Windows).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the scooter to the PC via a USB-Type-C cable. Turn on the scooter (it should be standby, not in motion!).
2. Start DownG and select your model (Mi) M365).
3. Press Connect, the program must identify the controller. If the connection is not established, try reconnecting the cable or rebooting the scooter.
4. In the Firmware section, click Open and select the downloaded firmware file (.bin).
5. Press Flash and confirm the start of the firmware. 3-7 minute.
6. Once completed, disable the scooter and restart it (holding the power button).

4.2. firmware via ScooterHacking Utility

ScooterHacking Utility (SHU) — A more advanced tool that allows not only to flash but also to adjust the controller parameters (for example, calibrate the battery or change the battery). PID-You can download it at scooterhacking.org.

Instructions:

1. Connect the scooter to the PC and launch SHU.
2. In the main window, select Connect – the program will determine the model and version of the controller.
3. Go to the Firmware tab and click Open File, then select the firmware file.
4. Press Write Flash and wait until it is completed (in the process, the scooter can reboot several times - this is normal).
5. After firmware, check the settings in the Configuration tab (such as speed limit or brake sensitivity).

V SHU You can also back up your current firmware (Read Flash tab) or reset to factory settings (Reset to Default).

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If the scooter doesn't turn on or makes strange noises after firmware is done, try resetting the controller settings, holding the power button and the brake button simultaneously for 10 seconds.

5. Typical firmware errors and how to fix them

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, problems can arise, and let's look at the most common mistakes and how to solve them.

• 🔴 Connection Failed: Causes: Failed cable, inappropriate port USB, Solution: Try another cable (preferably original), connect to the port USB 2.0 (not 3.0), reinstall drivers for STM32 (if you use SHU).
• 🔴 Scooter does not respond after firmware: Reasons: incompatible firmware, failure during recording, battery discharge. Solution: try re-stitching using a backup or other version of software. If the scooter does not turn on at all, you may need a soldering iron to restore the controller.
• 🔴 Verification Failed: Causes: corrupted firmware file, controller version mismatch. Solution: download the firmware again from an official source, check the controller's revision.
• 🔴 Scooter twitches or brakes incorrectly: Reasons: incorrect settings PID-Solution: calibrate the controller through SHU (tab PID Tuning) or go back to factory settings.

If none of these methods helped, please refer to the profile forums (for example, 4PDA Describe the problem in as much detail as possible: the firmware version, the controller model, the steps that led to the error, and screenshots (if any).

⚠️ Attention: If after a failed firmware scooter emits three short signals when turned on, this indicates a controller error. In most cases, re-firmware through ST-Link (requires soldering work.

6.How to check the success of the firmware and set up a scooter

After updating the firmware, you need to make sure that everything works correctly, and if necessary, configure new parameters.

First, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge: the indication must be displayed correctly (without jumps or hovers).
• 🚲 Move: accelerate and brake - there should be no jerks or extraneous sounds.
• 📱 Connection to the application: the scooter must sync with the Mi Home without errors.
• 🔊 Audible signals: one short signal should be turned on (successful loading).

If you've installed custom firmware, you've probably got new settings, like ScooterHacking's firmware, you can configure:

• 🏁 Speed limit (from 6 km/h to 40 km/h).
• 🔄 Cruise control (automatic speed maintenance).
• ⚡ Riding modes (eco, standard, sport).
• 🛑 Brake sensitivity (soft/hard).

To change these parameters:

1. Connect the scooter to the PC and open the ScooterHacking Utility.
2. Go to the Configuration tab.
3. Set the desired values and press Write (write).
4. Reset the scooter.

Some custom firmware also supports alternative management applications, such as, M365 Dashboard or ScooterHacking App. They offer advanced telemetry (controller temperature, battery current, cell voltage) and additional features like shutting down KERS (recuperative braking).

7 Risks and Consequences of Flashing: What You Need to Know

Flashing is an interference with the controller, and it has both pros and cons. Before you make a decision, assess the possible risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty: Any unofficial firmware change will void Xiaomi’s warranty (if it is still valid).
• ⚠️ Increased wear: Removing the speed limit to 30+ km/h accelerates wear of bearings, brakes and battery.
• ⚠️ 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.
• ⚠️ Unstable operation: custom firmware may contain bugs that cause the scooter to arbitrarily brake or shut down.

On the other hand, a properly selected firmware can:

• ✅ Improve smoothness of the course by setting up PID-regulators.
• ✅ Extend battery life with accurate calibration.
• ✅ Add useful features like cruise control or temperature display.

If you decide to go, follow two main rules:

1. Make a backup before any firmware.
2. Test the changes gradually – don’t remove all the restrictions at once, but check the scooter’s behavior after each step.

And remember: most of the problems after firmware are due to users’ impatience – interrupting the process, using unverified files, or ignoring instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)