How to change the rear camera on the Xiaomi electric scooter: a complete guide with photos and nuances

Why to change the rear camera on the Xiaomi electric scooter and what you need for this

The rear camera on Xiaomi’s electric scooter (M365, Pro 2, 1S, 3 Lite, and others) is not just an accessory, but an important safety feature: it helps to capture traffic, prevents disputes with pedestrians or other road users, and in some models even integrates with a mobile video recording app. However, over time, the camera can fail: stop turning on, give a distorted image or be physically damaged after falls.

If you notice that the rear camera on your Xiaomi scooter has stopped working, don’t rush to the service center. Replacing the module is a task of medium complexity that even a beginner can cope with with with a minimum set of tools. In this article, we will discuss the entire process from choosing a new camera to the final setup, and also talk about the typical errors that can lead to repeated failures.

Before you start repairing, make sure the problem is with the camera, not the wiring or software. For example, if the Mi Home or Xiaomi Scooter app doesn't show the camera, try restarting the scooter (turn off and power on) or reinstall the app. If that doesn't work, it's time to get ready to replace.

Which rear camera to choose for Xiaomi: original vs analogues

The first question that comes up before replacing is, which camera to buy? There are three main options:

• 🔹 The original Xiaomi camera is the perfect choice if you want guaranteed compatibility and quality. However, the price can bite from 3,000 to 6,000 rubles depending on the scooter model. Plus, no connection and setup issues.
• 🔹 Third-party analogues (e.g. Huananan, Yadea, Ninebot) are 2-3 times cheaper than the original, but require careful selection for connector and resolution. Some low-cost models may have worse quality shooting in the dark.
• 🔹 Universal cameras with AliExpress are the most budget option (from 800 rubles), but there is a high risk of running into incompatibility. Often such cameras require rewiring or even firmware scooter.

How do you make the right choice?

• 🔌 The type of connector is different from Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2 than Xiaomi 1S or 3 Lite. Photos of the original connector can be found in the documentation for the scooter or on forums (for example, 4PDA).
• 📷 Resolution and Viewing Angle – Original cameras typically have a resolution of 1080p and a viewing angle of 120°–140°. Analogues may offer 720p, which significantly degrades the detail.
• 🔋 Night mode: If you often ride in the evening, take an IR-lit model (e.g., Xiaomi Camera Module V2).

⚠️ Warning: Some cheap ones may conflict with the scooter firmware, causing app errors or spontaneous camera reboots. Check the reviews for a particular model before buying!

Tools and materials for replacing the rear camera

To change the camera on a Xiaomi scooter, you'll need a minimal set of tools, most of which you'll find in your household or in your nearest electronics store:

Also prepare:

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home or Xiaomi Scooter app – for post-installing camera testing.

⚠️ Warning: If your scooter is warranty, a self-replacement of the camera may invalidate it!

Step-by-step: how to remove an old camera from a Xiaomi electric scooter

Disassembly of the scooter is the most important step, so it is important not to damage the body or confuse the wires.

Step 1. Turn off the power.

Turn off the scooter with the power button and be sure to disconnect the battery (if your model allows it to be removed without completely disassembling), this will prevent short circuits when working with the wires. On the Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2 models, the battery is located under the top cover, on the 1S and 3 Lite - at the bottom.

Step 2. Remove the back cover.

Turn the scooter over and unscrew all the screws on the back cover (usually 4-6 pieces). Use a PH2 cross screwdriver. After that, gently apply the lid with a plastic mediator starting at one of the corners. Be careful - the latches can be brittle!

Step 3. Disconnect the camera connector.

Under the lid, you'll see a camera module connected to the main board of the scooter. The jack is usually fixed with a small latch -- gently press it with tweezers and pull the plug. Don't pull the wires -- it can damage the contacts. If the jack is oxidized, clean it with an alcohol napkin.

Step 4: Remove the camera from the mount.

The camera can be captured in two ways:

• 🔩 On the screws, unscrew them and gently pull the module out.
• 🔗 On the latches, apply a plastic spatula on both sides to the camera.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 1S), the camera is integrated into the taillight, in which case you will have to shoot the entire unit.

Installation of a new camera and connection of wires

Now that the old camera is removed, you can start installing a new one, which is mirrored in disassembly, but there are a few important nuances:

Step 1. Check the compatibility of the connectors.

Compare the new camera jack to the one on the old one. If the number of contacts or their location is not the same, you either have to look for an adapter or solder the wires manually. On the Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2 models, the connector is usually 4-pin, on the 1S - 6-pin.

Step 2. Set the camera in the mount.

Hold the module in reverse order: either twist the screws (don't pull!), or snap to the characteristic click. Make sure the camera is flat - distortion can lead to image distortion.

Step 3. Connect the connector to the board.

Carefully insert the plug into the socket on the scooter board. Make sure the latch is fixed, otherwise the contact may disappear when vibrating. If the connector is tight, don't push it, check if it's oriented correctly.

Step 4. Close the lid and lock the screws.

Make sure all wires are laid neatly and not lided. Twirl the screws backwards. Don't put too much effort into it - the plastic on Xiaomi scooters is quite brittle.

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If the image is upside down after installing the new camera, check the polarity of the connector connection. On some analogues, you need to swap the two extreme wires (usually red and black).

Setup the camera after replacement: synchronization with the application

Physically replacing the camera is only half the battle, and now you have to configure it through a mobile app, and the process may vary slightly depending on the scooter model and the firmware version.

Step 1. Connect the scooter to the application.

Turn on the scooter and open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Scooter app, make sure the scooter is connected to your account and appears in the list of devices. If the connection is lost after disassembly, reset Bluetooth:

1. Press the power button on the scooter for 5-10 seconds before the beep.
2. In the application, remove the scooter from the list of devices and add it again.

Step 2. Check the camera.

In the main menu of the app, look for Camera or Security (the name may vary).

• 🔄 Reboot the scooter (turn off and turn on the power button).
• 📱 Reinstall the app.
• 🔌 Check if the camera connector is tightly seated on the board.

Step 3: Set your shooting parameters.

In the camera settings, you can configure:

• 🎥 Video resolution – Select 1080p for better quality (but note that files will be heavier).
• 🌙 Night mode – turn on if the camera supports IR lighting.
• 🔄 Cyclical recording is useful if the memory on the card is limited.

⚠️ Note: On some scooters (such as the Xiaomi 3 Lite), the camera may not work without a memory card. Make sure that the slot has a microSD of at least 8 GB (format) installed. FAT32).

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If the camera is connected but the image is missing, the problem may be the firmware of the scooter, try updating it through the official app or contact the service.

Common Camera Replacement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a careful replacement, you can make mistakes that will cause the camera to break again or malfunction.

• 🔌 Fragile connection of the connector — if the plug is not fixed by the latch, the contact may disappear when driving through irregularities. Solution: Check the connector after assembly, pulling it slightly — it should not fall out.
• 🔧 Tightened screws -- this can cause cracks in the body or warp the camera mount.Solution: Tighten the screws with moderate effort, without fanaticism.
• 📶 Ignoring firmware updates — the old version of the software may not support the new camera. Solution: Before installing, check the firmware relevance in the Mi Home app.
• 💧 Moisture on contacts -- if the disassembly was done in a wet room, the contacts may become oxidized. Solution: Wash the connectors with alcohol before connecting.

Another common problem is that the camera is working, but the image is shaking or distorted.

• A loose attachment of the module (check the fixation).
• Damage to the plume (look at the wires for the creases).
• Resolution incompatibility (try changing the resolution from 1080p to 720p in the application settings).

If the scooter starts to turn off on its own after replacing it or emits an E:30 error (sensor error), you probably hit the power wires or the speed sensor, in which case you will have to disassemble the scooter again and check all the connections.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the rear camera with Xiaomi