How to flash the Xiaomi M365 Pro scooter through the iPhone: a complete guide with nuances

Introduction: Why update the firmware of the scooter through the iPhone?

The Xiaomi M365 Pro firmware update is a procedure that improves stability, adds new features and fixes critical bugs. Many owners face a dilemma: how to flash a device when only an iPhone is at hand, not an Android smartphone or a computer. At first glance, the task seems difficult - Apple restricts access to the file system, and standard firmware applications (such as Mi Home or ScooterHacking Utility) do not always work correctly on iOS.

But there is a way out! With workarounds -- cloud services, alternative applications, even browser-based solutions -- you can successfully update the scooter firmware. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, including file preparation, software selection, and step-by-step actions. Importantly, the procedure requires care, because improper manipulation can lead to a locking of the controller or loss of warranty.

If you've never stitched a scooter before, start by reading Xiaomi's official instructions. But remember, the manufacturer doesn't provide direct firmware support through the iPhone, so you do everything at your own risk. Ready? Then get going!

What tools will be needed to run through the iPhone

Unlike Android, where you can connect the scooter to the phone and use it directly. ADB-On iOS, the process is complicated by the limitations of the operating system:

• 📱 iPhones with iOS 14 and newer (older versions may not support the required apps).
• 🔌 Lightning adapter → USB-A/USB-C (depending on the iPhone model) for physical connection of the scooter.
• 💻 Cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox) for transferring firmware files.
• 🛠️ Alternative apps: bootloader for iOS (for downloading files), iSH Shell (Linux terminal emulator) or ScooterHacking Utility (if iOS version is available).
• 🔋 Charged scooter (at least 50% battery) and stable Wi-Fi (for downloading firmware).

Note that some apps (such as Mi Home) may not support scooters via iPhone due to Apple’s restrictions on accessing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in the background.

⚠️ Warning: Never download firmware from unverified sources! Forum or torrent files may contain malicious code that will damage the scooter controller. Use only official Xiaomi repositories or trusted communities like Xiaomi Scooter Hacking on GitHub.

If you don’t have a physical adapter, you can try the wireless method over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but it’s less reliable and requires additional file manipulation.

Preparation of the Xiaomi M365 Pro scooter for firmware

Before starting the procedure, several critical steps must be taken to minimize the risks of failure:

1. Check the current firmware version. To do this, turn on the scooter, press the power button for 3 seconds and watch the version in the Mi Home mobile app (Device → Settings → Information).
2. Back up your settings. Take a note of or take a picture of your current settings (e.g. speed limit, driving mode) because they will be reset to the factory after the firmware is installed.
3. Calibrate the battery. Completely discharge the scooter before shutting down, then charge to 100% without interruption, which will help avoid errors when upgrading.
4. Turn off all modifications. If you've previously installed unofficial firmware or chips, go back to the stock version, or the new firmware may not stand up.

Pay special attention to the state of the battery. If the battery is worn out (capacity below 70%), the firmware may be interrupted due to a sudden shutdown, in which case it is better to replace the battery first or sew the scooter through an uninterruptible power source.

Check the current version of the firmware

Make backup settings

Charge the scooter to 100%

Disable all unofficial modifications

Prepare an adapter to connect to the iPhone-->

If you're scootering for the first time, we recommend starting with Xiaomi's official firmware, even if it's not the newest. Unofficial builds (like CFW or DRV) can give you speed boosts, but often lead to overheating of the controller or rapid wear and tear of the battery.

Step-by-step: firmware through iPhone with cable

This is the most reliable method, but it requires the scooter to be physically connected to the iPhone.

Step 1: Downloading the firmware

1. Open Safari on your iPhone and go to the official Xiaomi website or a trusted repository (e.g., GitHub Xiaomi Scooter).

2. Find the latest stable firmware version for the M365 Pro (the file will be in.bin or.zip format).

3. Download the file through bootloader for iOS or save it directly to iCloud Drive.

Step 2: Connecting the scooter

1. Turn off the scooter (press the power button for 5 seconds).

2. Connect it to your iPhone via Lightning → USB adapter.

3. Make sure the iPhone recognizes the device (you may need to allow access in the pop-up window).

Step 3: Starting the firmware

1. Open the iSH Shell application (terminal emulator) and execute a command to check the connection:

ls /dev/ | grep cu.

If the device is detected, you will see something like cu.usbserial-XXXX.

2. Use the dfu-util utility (it must be pre-installed via iSH) to download the firmware:

dfu-util -a 0 -D /var/mobile/Media/Downloads/firmware.bin --dfuse-address 0x08000000

Replace the file path with the current one!

It takes 5-10 minutes. The scooter will reboot automatically. Don't turn off the cable until it's complete.

Alternative method: firmware without cable (Bluetooth + Wi-Fi)

If you don't have an adapter or the cable doesn't recognize, you can try updating the firmware over the air, which is less stable, but sometimes it works.

1. Download firmware on your iPhone via Safari and save it to Files.
2. Connect the scooter to Wi-Fi (use the iPhone hotspot if there is no other network).
3. Open the web interface of the scooter by going to the address http://192.168.4.1 In Safari, it's IP-default address).
4. Download the firmware file through the Firmware Update section in the web interface.

Cons of the method:

- Not all firmware versions work (starting with 1.5.4 Xiaomi has disabled this feature).

- High risk of breakage of the connection, which will lead to "bricking" of the scooter.

It requires technical knowledge to set up the network.

⚠️ Warning: If the scooter stopped responding to the power button after a failed firmware, don't panic.Try to reset the controller by holding the power button + If that doesn't work, you'll need to run it through ST-Link).

For power users: If the web interface is not available, you can try sending firmware via Telnet or SSH, but this requires root access to the scooter and knowledge of the command line.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the scooter after firmware behaves unstable (for example, arbitrarily slows down or does not keep speed), reset to factory settings:

1. Turn off the scooter.
2. Press the power button + brake button for 15 seconds.
3. Wait for the double beep.

💡

Before you run your firmware, turn off all energy-saving features on your iPhone (e.g., Optimized Battery Charging in Battery Settings). USB-devices during the process.

How to check the success of the firmware

Once the update is complete, you need to make sure everything goes right.

1. Check the firmware version in the Mi Home app or through the button combination on the scooter (hold power for 3 seconds).
2. Test the basic functions: 🛴 Acceleration and braking (must work smoothly). 🔦 Backlighting (headlamps and taillight). 📶 Bluetooth connection. 🔋 Indication of battery charge.

Check the error log.

ScooterHacking Utility

If the scooter is working normally, but you notice a decrease in top speed or an increase in power consumption, it may be that the new firmware has limitations, in which case you can roll back to the previous version or install custom firmware (but this voids the warranty).

💡

After successful firmware, calibrate the controller: turn on the scooter, put it on a flat surface and hold the power button for 5 seconds until the beep. This will reset the gyroscope errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware M365 Pro via iPhone