How to Switch a Xiaomi Essential Scooter: a Complete Guide with Photos and Videos

Electric scooter Xiaomi Essential (hereinafter referred to as the M365 Essential or Mi Electric Scooter Essential is one of the most popular models for urban travel, but even such a reliable device requires a firmware update over time to fix bugs, improve control or unlock hidden features. However, the wrong firmware can turn a scooter into a “brick” – so it’s important to follow the proven instructions.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to Xiaomi Essential firmware in every way you can: through the official Mi Home app, cable and third-party utilities, we will learn how to choose the right version of firmware, avoid mistakes and what to do if something went wrong, and also we will uncover myths about “custom” firmware and its impact on warranty.

Warning: If your scooter is warranty-free, any unofficial interference can cancel it. Official updates via Mi Home are safe, but even they sometimes cause failures. So make sure to check your battery power (at least 50%) before starting and back up your settings.

1.Why to flash Xiaomi Essential: real reasons and myths

Many scooter owners believe that the firmware is only used to “overclock” or remove the speed limit, but in fact, the software update solves many more problems:

• 🔧 Bug fix: For example, early Essential firmware versions had problems with suddenly shutting down the motor when charged low.
• 🛡️ Security: New versions close vulnerabilities through which attackers could remotely block the scooter.
• 📱 Application Compatibility: Without Updates, Mi Home may stop connecting to the scooter.
• ⚡ Energy optimization: the right firmware increases the range by 5-10%.

Let’s look at the myths that are often found on the forums:

• ❌ «The firmware removes the speed limit" - not quite so. Official updates do not remove the restriction (maximum 25 km / h), and "custom" firmware can violate the law (in Russia, the limit is 25 km / h according to GOST).
• ❌ «After firmware, the scooter will become more powerful" - the power depends on the controller and the battery, not on the software.
• ❌ «Update ruins the battery" — if you follow the instructions, there is no risk. But interrupted firmware can really damage the battery. BMS-fee.

⚠️ Note: If your scooter is purchased informally (for example, on AliExpress without certification for Russia), some firmware may block its operation. Before updating, check the region in the Mi Home settings - it should match the region of purchase.

2 Which firmware to choose: official vs custom

There are two types of firmware for Xiaomi Essential:

For most users, the best choice is official firmware, which is easy to install and does not carry risks, and custom firmware is only suitable for advanced users who are ready for possible problems.

If you still decide to try custom firmware, pay attention to the version from ScooterHacking Utility (SHU) They support Xiaomi Essential and have an active community that helps with customization.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware contains “backdoors” – hidden features that can pass your travel data to third parties.

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Before installing custom firmware, save the original version of the software. To do this, download it through Mi Home (Update section) and save the file to your computer.

3. Preparation of the scooter for firmware: checklist

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of firmware failures. Follow this checklist to avoid problems:

Let’s now take a closer look at each item:

• 🔋 Battery charge: If the charge is below 50%, the scooter can shut down during firmware. Optimally, 70-100%. Check the level in the Mi Home or on the display.
• 📱 Mi Home: The older version may not support new firmware. Remove it and download the fresh one from the App Store or Google Play. For Android, also check permissions (location and Bluetooth access are mandatory!).
• 🌐 Internet connection: firmware weighs 10 to 50 MB. Mobile Internet may be interrupted - use Wi-Fi. If you update via cable, download the file in advance.
• 🔧 Tools: For custom firmware you will need: Cable USB-TTL (for example, FT232RL) ScooterHacking Utility or DownG Screwdriver to open the case (if you need access to the board)

If you're running through Mi Home, you don't need any additional tools, but even then, don't interrupt the process, because it can cause the controller to crash.

4. Firmware through Mi Home: step-by-step instructions

It's the easiest and safest way, and it's suitable for official updates.

1. Connect the scooter to your phone: Turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Press the power button on the scooter for 3 seconds to turn it on. In Mi Home, click "Add device» → «Scooter» → Choose Mi Electric Scooter Essential.
2. Check the current firmware version: Go to Scooter Profile → Settings → Update: The current version is displayed at the top of the screen (e.g. 1.5.6).

Run the update.

• If a new version is available, click “Update”.
• Confirm the action and wait for the file to load.
• The scooter will reboot automatically (that’s normal!).

The whole process takes 5-10 minutes.

• Check the brakes and gas – calibration is sometimes required (press the brake and gas for 5 seconds).
• Reset to factory settings if the scooter is unstable (Settings) → Reset).

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter doesn't turn on after the upgrade, try resetting it to the factory settings. To do this, press the power button for 10 seconds. If this doesn't work, you'll have to stitch it through the cable.

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Official updates via Mi Home are the only way to ensure that you are not unwarranted, and all other methods are considered "interference with the design".

5. Firmware through cable: for experienced users

This method is needed if:

• No official update is installed (the error “failed to update”).
• You want to install custom firmware.
• The scooter "brickled" after a failed update.

The work will require:

• Cable USB-TTL (for example, CP2102 or FT232RL).
• ScooterHacking Utility (download from the official website)
• The firmware file is.bin.
• Screwdriver to open the hull.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the scooter body: Remove the bottom cover (4 screws under the cross screwdriver). Find the controller board, which is located under the battery.
2. Connect. USB-TTL cable: Connect TX cable RX pay-off, RX ce TX, GND ce GND. Don't plug in. 5V — power is taken from the scooter battery!

Connection diagram:

USB-TTL Cable → Scooter fee





TX            → RX




RX            → TX




GND           → GND

Launch ScooterHacking Utility

• Select a port. COM (Look at the Device Manager»).
• Download the firmware file (.bin).
• Press Flash and wait until it is completed (3-5 minutes).

After the firmware:

• Turn off the cable.
• Gather the body.
• Turn on the scooter and check the work (gas, brake, display).

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If the scooter does not react to gas after firmware, try calibrating the throttle: turn on the scooter, press and hold the gas for 10 seconds, then release.

6. Frequent errors and their solution

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem (e.g., a damaged controller board) in which case it is best to contact a service center.

7. How to roll back firmware to the previous version

Sometimes the new firmware is worse than the old one, like the lags or the power reserve decreases, and you can roll back to the previous version.

Method 1: Mi Home (if the older version is available)

1. Download the desired firmware version from the forum (for example, 4PDA).
2. Rename the file to update.bin.
3. Place it in the root of the memory card (if your scooter supports the upgrade with the memory card). SD).
4. Turn on the scooter and hold the power button for 5 seconds - the update will begin.

Method 2: Through Cable (Universal Method)

1. Download the desired firmware version in.bin format.
2. Connect to the controller via ScooterHacking Utility.
3. Select the old firmware file and click "Flash".

⚠️ Note: Retracement to a version older than the one installed in the factory can lead to unstable work. For example, if your scooter was running 1.3.2 firmware and you roll back 1.1.5, there may be a malfunction in control.

8. FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions