How to remove the camera from the scooter Xiaomi: instructions with photos and videos

Xiaomi’s electric scooters are equipped with a front camera to enable smart parking, obstacle recognition, or travel recording. However, over time, the module may fail, require replacement, or even interfere with tuning. Camera disassembly is a procedure that requires care: improper actions lead to damage to plumes, connectors, or even the motherboard. In this article, we will discuss how to remove the camera from the Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, 1S and 4 Pro scooters without consequences, taking into account the characteristics of each model.

It is important to understand that the camera design is integrated into the scooter control system. On some models (for example, Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Pro), the module is connected to the controller via a control system. FPC-The plume, and on the budget versions, through the standard connector, we will describe both options in detail, specify the necessary tools and warn against common errors. If you plan to replace the camera with a more powerful one or remove it altogether, the instructions will help to avoid breakdowns.

Preparation for dismantling: tools and security measures

Before you start disassembling, make sure you have everything you need, and if you don't have the right tools, it often causes plastic latches to break or screws to break down.

• 🔧 Screwdriver. T8/T10 (for shell screws and chamber attachment).
• 📱 Plastic mediator or guitar mediator (to separate latch).
• 🔍 Loop or flashlight (plate and connectors are often poorly visible).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat (so as not to lose small screws).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 90%+ (Cleaning contacts during re-installation).

Also prepare the workplace: put the scooter on a flat surface, preferably on a soft substrate (a towel or rubber mat) so as not to scratch the case. On Xiaomi models with a smart parking system (for example, 4 Pro) before dismantling the camera, you need to turn off the feature in the Mi Home application, otherwise the controller can block the scooter after rebooting.

⚠️ Warning: Don't disassemble the scooter when power is on! Even when the capacitors in the controller are off, they can keep charge. Unplug the battery or wait for full discharge (leave the scooter off for 10-15 minutes).

If you are shooting a replacement camera, purchase a compatible module in advance. Original parts for Xiaomi are code-marked, for example:

• MDY-01-AM – Camera for M365 and Pro
• SCOOTER-CAM-V2 is a module for 1S and Essential.
• The XM-CAM-4P is a 4 Pro camera with night vision support.

Check compatibility by the serial number of the scooter (is under the QR-steering-column).

Camera Removal on Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2: Step-by-step

The M365 and Pro 2 have similar camera designs above the front wing, and the main challenge is accessing the mounts hidden under the plastic fairing.

1. Unscrew the two T8 screws on the bottom of the front wing (they hold the fairing).
2. Carefully apply the plastic latch mediator around the fairing perimeter, and start on the right side, because there's less risk of breaking the clips.
3. When you remove the fairing, you'll see a camera mounted on a metal plate, and unscrew the two T10 screws holding the module.
4. Disconnect the power connector (it is fixed with a plastic tongue - pull it up, and then pull the plug).

On the Pro 2, the camera is additionally glued to the plate with double-sided tape. To avoid damaging the module, warm up the gluing site with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 60 ° C) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula.

Battery is turned off (or the scooter is discharged)

Photo of the connector made (for the correct connection back)

Tools at hand (tweezers, magnifiers)

Checked for lack of moisture in the connector-->

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi M365 In early versions (until 2019), the camera connector has no lock. The plug only holds due to a tight fit - pull it out strictly perpendicular to the board, without distortions!

If you plan to put the camera back in after dismantling, clean the connector contacts with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, which will prevent oxidation and connection problems.

Features of dismantling on Xiaomi 1S and Essential

On models 1S and the Essential camera is integrated into the top of the steering column and connected via a flexible plume (FPC). This complicates the process, because the plume is easily damaged. M365:

• 🔧 The camera is mounted not on screws, but on latches inside the body.
• 🔌 The plume is fixed by the lock-fixer (you need to lift the black plastic brace before extraction).
• 🛠️ To access, you need to remove the handle of the gas and brake (unscrew the screw). T9 rubber-laid).

Step-by-step:

1. Remove the rubber pads from the steering wheel with a mediator, and underneath them are the screws of the grips.
2. Unscrew the T9 screws and carefully remove the handles (don't pull the wires!).
3. Unscrew the 4 T8 screws on the top cover of the steering column and remove it.
4. The camera is fixed with two plastic latches on the sides - press them at the same time and pull the module up.
5. Open the FPC-shelves locker (lift the black brace) and carefully pull out the plume.

On Xiaomi Essential, the camera plume runs under the controller board. To avoid hitting other connectors, record the board with paint tape before removing the plume.

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If the camera latches broke during dismantling, they can be replaced with similar ones from the repair kit for smartphones (for example, the latches from Xiaomi Redmi are suitable in size).

Dismantling the camera on Xiaomi 4 Pro: working with a smart system

The 4 Pro features an advanced night vision camera with smart parking integration, and connects the module to the controller via a two-pin connector and an additional data plume, and the challenge is to turn off the parking function in the firmware.

Before you physically dismantle, follow the following steps in the Mi Home app:

1. Open the section "Smart Parking" in the settings of the scooter.
2. Turn off the option “Automatic locking at parking”.
3. Reboot the scooter (hold the power button for 5 seconds).

Now, get to the showdown:

1. Remove the front wing by unscrewing 3 T10 screws.
2. Disconnect the camera power connector (it is located to the right of the module and has an orange marking).
3. Unscrew 2 T8 screws on the metal plate of the camera.
4. Carefully lift the module and disconnect the data plume (white locker).

⚠️ Attention: On 4 Pro after turning off the camera, the scooter may give an error ERROR 21 (parking sensor malfunction) To fix it, you need to run the controller through the Xiaomi Flash Tool or reset the settings to the factory.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when dismantling a camera, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• 🔧 Spinning: Use a magnetic-tipped screwdriver and don't put too much effort. If the screw doesn't unscrew, drop it. WD-40 And wait 5 minutes.
• 🔌 Train damage: Never pull the plume, just the plastic lock. If the contacts are bent, straighten them gently with a needle.
• 💧 Moisture intake: Work in a dry room. If the scooter is wet, dry it with a dryer (cold air) before disassembling.
• ⚡ Short circuit: Do not touch the contacts with a screwdriver when the battery is connected. Use dielectric gloves.

Another common problem is the loss of screws. To avoid this, use a magnetic mat or a container of cells. If the screw is lost, replace it with a similar one from the electronics repair kit (the appropriate diameter is M2.5).

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In the models with FPC-plume (1S, Essential) Never remove the plume at an angle, only strictly perpendicular to the connector. Damage to even one contact will cause the camera to fail.

What to do after the camera is taken?

If you have dismantled the replacement camera, install the new module in reverse order.

• The plume or connector is connected to the characteristic snap of the fixer.
• The screws are twisted with a force of no more than 0.3 N·m (the gauntlet will damage the thread).
• The plastic latches of the body are fixed without distortion.

If the camera was shot for tuning (for example, installing an action camera), close the hole with a plug or 3D-On Xiaomi 4 Pro, disabling the camera may require the controller to remove the bug ERROR 21. That'll take a lot of time:

1. Download firmware for your model from 4pda.to or scooterhacking.org.
2. Connect the scooter to the PC via a USB-TTL adapter (e.g. CP2102).
3. Use the Xiaomi Scooter Tools or ST-Link Utility for firmware.

For models without smart parking (M365, Pro 2), turning off the camera does not require additional actions - the scooter will work normally, but will lose the function of recognizing obstacles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about camera dismantling