Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 365: official and custom versions

The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 365 remains one of the most popular devices for urban travel even years after its release. However, over time, owners face the need to update the firmware — whether to fix bugs, improve performance or unlock hidden features. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of firmware with official and custom versions of the software, and also explain how to avoid the typical mistakes that can turn the scooter into a “brick”.

It is important to understand that firmware is not just an “air update” depending on the method you choose (via the Mi Home app, DownG or the app). BLE-The process can be very different, like custom firmware. CFW Or ScooterHacking Utility, which allows you to remove the speed limit to 30 km/h, but requires additional manipulation of the controller. And official updates from Xiaomi often block such modifications?

Why to flash Xiaomi M365: official vs custom firmware

Before you start your firmware, decide on a goal. Official updates from Xiaomi usually solve three problems:

• 🔧 Bug fix: fix Bluetooth connection problems, sensor errors, or sudden motor shutdowns.
• 🔒 Security: Closing vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to access control of the scooter.
• 📱 Compatibility: adapting to new versions of Mi Home or Xiaomi Home apps.

Custom firmware (for example, CFW or modifications from ScooterHacking) offer advanced functionality:

• 🚀 Removal of the speed limit (up to 30-35 km/h instead of the standard 25 km/h).
• 🔋 Regenerative braking setting (level) KERS).
• 🎛️ Additional driving modes (e.g. "Sports"+" or "Eco Custom").
• 🔓 Disabling the lock at low battery charge.

But there is a downside: custom firmware is not warranty-free (if it is still valid) and can lead to unstable controller performance, for example, after installing some versions of CFW, users complain of overheating the engine or spontaneous power outage, so check for feedback on forums like 4PDA or Reddit about a particular version of the software before you run the firmware.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Unprepared firmware is the direct route to the "bricking" of the scooter.

Check the current version of the firmware in the Mi Home app

Charge the battery to at least 50%

Download the correct version of the software for your modification (M365, M365 Pro, M365 1S)

Prepare a USB-C cable (for firmware via DownG)

Install DownG or ScooterHacking Utility (for custom firmware)

Backup current settings (if custom software is used)

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Pay special attention to the controller versions. Xiaomi M365 has several:

• 🔹 BMS v1.3 — Early models (until 2018).
• 🔹 BMS v1.5/v1.6 — most-scooters 2018–2020 year-end.
• 🔹 BMS v2.0+ — model M365 Pro and late revisions.

You can find out the version through the DownG app (Device Info section) or by labeling on the controller. The firmware of an incompatible version of the software can disable the control board, in which case you will need a soldering iron and a replacement chip.

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If you are flashing a scooter for the first time, start with the official firmware via Mi Home.This is the safest way, as the app automatically checks for compatibility.

Method 1: Firmware through the official Mi Home app

This is the simplest method, but it only works for official updates.

1. Open the Mi Home app and connect to the scooter via Bluetooth.
2. Go to the Device Profile → Settings → Firmware Update.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
4. Do not disconnect the scooter from the application and do not turn it off during the update.

Official firmware is usually rarely released (every 1-2 years) and its main purpose is to correct critical errors. For example, version 1.5.4 (2021) fixed a bug with a false brake operation when driving on irregularities, but this method is not suitable if you want to unlock additional features.

Method 2: DownG firmware (for custom and official versions)

DownG is a universal firmware tool for Xiaomi M365, which supports both official and custom versions of the software.

1. Download DownG from an official website (down-g.com) or a trusted source (e.g. 4PDA).
2. Connect the scooter to your phone via Bluetooth and open the app.
3. In the Firmware section, select the firmware you want (e.g., CFW 2.1.5 for overclocking or Stock 1.5.4 for returning to the official version).
4. Press Flash Firmware and confirm the action. The process will take 3-7 minutes.

Important nuances:

• 🔌 The scooter must be turned off while firmware is running through DownG (unlike the Mi Home).
• 📱 The phone must be turned off the power saving mode - otherwise the connection may be interrupted.
• 🔄 If the firmware is interrupted, try repeating the process or resetting the controller via Reset. BLE downg.

Once the firmware is successful, the scooter will automatically restart, and if it doesn't, turn off the power and back on.

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DownG allows you to back up your current firmware before upgrading. Always back up your.bin file, which is your insurance in case of a failed firmware.

Method 3: Firmware via BLE and ScooterHacking Utility (for experienced)

This method is suitable for custom firmware with advanced settings (for example, SHU CFW).

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB-C → USB-A (controller-wire).
• 🛠️ ScooterHacking Utility (download on GitHub).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with ScooterHacking Utility and launch the SHU.exe file.
2. Connect the scooter to the computer through USB-cable (the port is under the lid on the steering wheel).
3. In the program, select the COM port (if it is not automatically determined, check the drivers).
4. Press Connect, then go to the Firmware section and select the firmware file (.bin).
5. Start the process with the Flash button and wait for the process to be completed (about 5 minutes).

This method allows you to fine-tune the controller parameters, for example:

- Maximum speed: 25-35 km/h




KERS (recovery): 0-3 (0 = off, 3 = maximum braking)




Starting speed: 3-6 km / h (so that the scooter does not twitch from its place)




- Turning off the audible signal when switched on

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If the scooter does not turn on after firmware through SHU, try resetting the controller settings with the reset settings command in the Tools menu.

Compatibility table for Xiaomi M365

Not all firmware is suitable for all Xiaomi M365 revisions, and the table below shows the proven combinations:

If your model is not listed in the table, check the version of the controller through DownG or on the forums. For example, for the M365 Pro with BMS v2.2, only the official firmware 1.6.2 or special modifications from ScooterHacking will suit.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes experience firmware problems, and here are the most common bugs and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If the scooter does not turn on after firmware, and the battery indicator flashes red 5 times in a row - this means a controller error. 90% of the time, re-firming through DownG with a pre-reset helps (Reset) BLE).

Error 1: Firmware is interrupted by 50-70%

• 📵 Reason: weak Bluetooth signal or phone discharge.
• 🔧 Solution: Connect your phone to charge, make sure the scooter is within 1 meter radius of the device.

Error 2: Scooter not defined in DownG/SHU

• 🔌 Reason: faulty cable, lack of drivers (for SHU) port-lock.
• 🔧 Solution: Try another cable, install drivers CP2102 (for Windows, restart the scooter.

Error 3: After the firmware scooter "twitches" at the start

• ⚙️ Reason: Incorrectly configured Start Speed parameter in custom firmware.
• 🔧 Solution: Return to ScooterHacking Utility and install Start Speed = 5 km/h.

Error 4: Battery discharges in 1-2 days on standby

• 🔋 Reason: custom firmware turned off the "sleep mode" of the controller.
• 🔧 Solution: In the firmware settings, turn on the Deep Sleep option or go back to the official version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi firmware M365