Replacement of the camera on the Xiaomi scooter: detailed instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi electric scooters are some of the most popular vehicles in the city, but their cameras (especially in models with video recording function) often fail. Problems range from blurry images to complete module failure after a fall or moisture. If your scooter stops fixing the road or gives a Camera Error error, don't rush to bring it to the service: you can do the replacement yourself.

In this article, we will discuss the entire process from fault diagnosis to installation of a new camera, including the choice of a compatible module and the necessary tools. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors that lead to damage to connectors or control boards. The instructions are relevant for Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter Pro 2, M365, 1S and their modifications with Hikvision or Xiaomi Smart Camera cameras.

How do I know if the scooter camera is faulty?

Before you disassemble the scooter, make sure the problem is with the camera, not the software or connection.

• 🔴 Black screen in the Mi Home app when you try to turn on the camera, despite a stable connection Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
• 📷 Artifacts in the video: stripes, "snow", blurring or distorting colors that do not disappear after a reboot.
• 💧 Condensation inside the lens is evidence of moisture (a common problem after driving in the rain).
• 🚨 Mistake. 0x10403 in the application - the code of camera malfunction in Xiaomi firmware.

If the scooter falls to the side of the camera, there is a high risk of mechanical damage to the mounts or disconnection of the plume, and also check whether the camera indicator is lit (usually blue or green) when turned on - its absence often indicates a power failure.

Which camera should I choose to replace?

Not all cameras are suitable for Xiaomi scooters, and the original modules are manufactured by Hikvision (for models with night vision) and Xiaomi Smart Camera (standard).

Beware of cheap, unlabeled products, which often have incompatible firmware or poor-quality lenses.

• 🔹 Original camera with articular MDZ-12-AA (for Pro 2) or MDZ-09-AB (for M365).
• 🔹 Ninebot (Segway) cameras are compatible with Xiaomi in connectors, but may require flashing.
• 🔹 AliExpress Modules – Look for sellers with a rating above 98% and reviews about compatibility with your model.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera (home) is not suitable for scooters – they have a different communication protocol and power!

Tools and preparation for replacement

To disassemble the scooter and replace the camera, you will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver kit: cross-haired PH2 (for shell screws), flat 2.5 mm (for latches).
• 🔨 Plastic blades - for careful removal of the lid without scratches.
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or screw tray (so as not to lose small details).
• 🔌 Multimeter – to check the voltage on the camera connector (should be) 5V).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) — oxidizing.

Before the start of the work:

1. Turn off the scooter and remove the battery (unplug the BMS connector).
2. Take a picture of the location of the screws and wires – this will help with the reverse assembly.
3. Work in a well-lit area without carpets (screws are easily lost).

Battery turned off | Front cover removed | Multimeter camera connector checked | Prepared spare screws | Photos of disassembly stages-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the camera

Disassembly of the scooter to access the camera takes 20-30 minutes. Follow the instructions strictly by steps, so as not to damage the plumes or board:

Step 1 Removing the front cover

Unscrew the 6 PH2 screws around the perimeter of the lid (4 below and 2 under the steering wheel). Carefully tuck the latches with a plastic blade starting at the bottom edge. Be careful - the latches are fragile!

Step 2. Separate the camera

The camera is attached to the control board of two M2×6 screws. Turn off the plume by pulling the black lock up (don't pull the wires!). Check the contacts for oxidation - clean them with alcohol if necessary.

Step 3: Installation of a new camera

Connect the new camera plume to the connector, then lock it with a latch. Make sure the contacts match - the wrong connection can burn the board! Secure the camera with screws without dragging them (maximum torque is 0.3 Nm).

Step 4: Checking the performance

Put the battery on and turn on the scooter. Run the Mi Home app and check the camera image. If the screen is black, reset the scooter and check the contact density of the plume.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on the scooter without a connected camera - this can lead to a controller error and lock the system!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users make mistakes when replacing the camera, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔌 The plume damage -- don't pull the wires, just the plastic locker! If the plume breaks, it can be temporarily repaired with a soldering iron, but it's better to replace it.
• 🔧 The twisted screws are warping the camera body and leading to a blurred image. Use a dynamometer screwdriver.
• 💻 Incompatible firmware - after replacing the camera, update the scooter software through the official application.
• 🚫 Forgotten screws - before assembly, check with the photos that were taken before disassembly.

Critical error: Connecting a 12V camera to a 5V connector (e.g. from a car camera) instantly burns the voltage stabilizer on the control board! Always check the module's performance before buying.

💡

If the camera is working after the replacement, but the image is inverted, check the settings in the Mi Home application → Device → Camera settings → Orientation. In some firmware, you need to manually select Inverted or Mirror Display.

What to do if the camera is not working?

If the camera does not turn on after the module is replaced or if it gives an error, perform the diagnostics using the following algorithm:

1. Check the power: multimeter measure the voltage on the contacts of the camera connector (should be 4.8V-5.2V).No voltage indicates a malfunction of the control board.
2. Test the plume: connect the old camera – if it’s working, the problem is in the new module (return or replacement under warranty).
3. Reset settings: In the Mi Home app, remove the scooter from the list of devices and add it again.
4. Update your firmware: Outdated software may not support new camera models. Use DownG or Mi Scooter Tools for manual updates.

If all the steps don’t work, there are two possible problems:

• 🔹 Control fee is damaged - diagnostics in the service is required (repair cost from 3 000) ₽).
• 🔹 Incompatible camera – even if the connector fits, the data exchange protocol may differ.

💡

In 90% of cases, a camera that is not working after being replaced is associated with poor plume contact or incompatible firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the camera on the Xiaomi scooter