Xiaomi scooter camera replacement: a complete guide with photos and tips

Xiaomi scooters have long been a popular means of transportation, but their cameras are one of the most vulnerable places. Over time, the optics get cloudy, the matrix fails, and mechanical damage after falls makes shooting impossible. If your scooter stopped recording routes, gives out a blurry image or does not turn on the camera at all, it is time to think about replacing it.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for changing the camera on Xiaomi M365, Pro 2, 1S and others, including choosing compatible modules, disassembling the case and setting up after installation. We will also analyze the typical errors that lead to re-repair, and give recommendations for extending the life of the new camera. Whether you plan to repair the scooter yourself or just want to understand the process before contacting the service, here is all the information you need.

What cameras are installed on Xiaomi scooters and how to choose a replacement

Most Xiaomi scooters are equipped with cameras with a resolution of 720p or 1080p, integrated into the front or rear light.

  • πŸ”Ή Mijia Mini – 5MP camera (set to be installed on the camera) M365, Pro early versions)
  • πŸ”Ή Mijia 4K β€” resolution-module 4K@30fps (pro 2, 1S, 3 Lite)
  • πŸ”Ή Third-party – Universal cameras from third-party manufacturers (for example, GoPro-compatible cameras)

When choosing a replacement, pay attention to:

  • πŸ”Œ The connection connector must match the original (usually) 4-pin or 6-pin).
  • πŸ“ Module dimensions – some cameras will not physically fit in the lamp case.
  • πŸ”§ Compatibility with firmware – cheap analogues may not be recognized by the controller.
πŸ“Š What kind of camera are you planning to install?
The original Xiaomi
Analogue from a third-party brand
Camera with AliExpress
I haven't decided yet.

Important: The cameras from Xiaomi M365 and Pro 2 are not interchangeable without reworking the connectors! If you are not sure about the model, check the markings on the old camera or in the documentation of the scooter.

Replacement tools and materials

For a replacement camera, you will need:

Tool/materialAppointmentWhere to buy
T5-T10 screwdriver setFor disassembling the lamp body and anchoragesAny tool store
Plastic bladesSo as not to damage the latches of the bodyAliExpress, Ozon
KPT-8 thermopasteTo improve heat sink (if the chamber is heated)Computer shops
Tap or shrinkageIsolation of contacts after solderingRadio shops

If you plan to solder contacts (for example, when replacing the connector), additionally prepare:

  • πŸ”₯ soldering iron 30-40W squishy.
  • 🧲 Supper. Sn60Pb40 and flux (e.g., flux, LTI-120).
  • πŸ” loope USB-microscope.

πŸ’‘

Before disassembly, take a picture of the location of all wires and connectors - this will help to avoid errors during reverse assembly.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the camera

The replacement process can be divided into 4 steps: disassembling the body, disconnecting the old camera, installing a new one and building with testing.

Disassembly of the lamp and access to the camera

On most Xiaomi models, the camera is located inside the front or rear light.

  1. Turn off the scooter from power (remove the battery or disconnect the battery connector).
  2. Remove the rubber case from the lamp, undercutting it with a plastic spatula.
  3. Unscrew 2-4 T8 or T9 screws holding the lamp body.
  4. Carefully disconnect the latches around the perimeter (do not pull force - they are fragile!).
What to do if the screws do not twist?
If the screws are "rigged" or have damaged slits, use: - Extractor for screws (sold in car stores). - Rubber tourniquet - put it on a screwdriver for better grip. - Heating with a hairdryer (up to 60 Β° C) - will help to weaken the fixation of the thread.

2. Unconnecting the old cell

When you take off the lid of the flashlight, you'll see a board with a camera.

  • πŸ”Œ Connected via connector (neatly disconnect it by pulling on the plastic tongue).
  • πŸ”₯ The suction is in place (and the suction is in place).

Warning: If the camera is soldered, don't try to tear it off, you'll damage the board tracks. Better warm up the contacts with a soldering iron and remove the solder with suction.

Scooter power cut off

The location of the wires is photographed

The tools for brazing are ready (if necessary)

Marked "+" and "-" on the connector (if there is no color marking)

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Installation of a new chamber

Before installing the new camera:

  • 🧹 Clean the contacts on the board with alcohol (if there were traces of oxidation).
  • πŸ”„ Check the compatibility of connectors - if necessary, re-sweeten the wires.
  • πŸ”§ Fix the camera in the case so that the lens does not touch the flashlight glass (otherwise there will be glare).

If the new camera has a different viewing angle, adjust its position with the help of gaskets made of foam or silicone.

4. Assembly and testing

After installation:

  1. Connect the camera connector to the board (make sure it sat down before the click).
  2. Close the lantern case and twist the screws (do not pull!).
  3. Connect the battery and turn on the scooter.
  4. Check the camera performance through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Scooter.

Correct connection of the connector (turn it 180Β°).

- Integrity of wires (possible break during disassembly).

- Compatibility of firmware (update it through Mi Home).-->

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when replacing a camera.

  • ⚑ Short circuiting occurs when the bare wires touch the body. Always shrink the contacts in isolation.
  • πŸ”„ Confused polarity: The camera will not work if it is not "+" And the "-" is not connected correctly!
  • πŸ“Έ Dirty lens – even a new module can give a cloudy image if the lens is left with fingerprints or dust.
  • πŸ”§ Too tight fixation - clamped screws deform the lantern body, which leads to moisture ingress.

⚠️ Warning: If the camera is working after the replacement, but the image is floating or shaking, the problem may be an unstable mounting of the board.

Setup of the camera after replacement

A new camera may require additional customization, especially if it is from a third-party manufacturer.

  1. Update the firmware of the scooter through Mi Home (sometimes new modules are not recognized on older versions of the software).
  2. In the camera settings menu (Settings) β†’ The device β†’ Camera) calibrate: 🎯 Viewing angle (if image is offset). πŸ”† White balance (for correct color reproduction). πŸ“ Permission (select the maximum if the scooter supports).

Check the night mode – some cameras require manual activation of IR backlight.

If the app doesn’t have separate camera settings, try resetting the scooter to factory settings (Settings β†’ General β†’ Reset).This often helps with problems recognizing a new module.

Cost of replacing the camera: self vs service

The replacement price depends on the model of the scooter and the type of module, and the approximate cost in 2026 is as follows:

Service/detailIndependently.On the service.
The original Xiaomi Mijia 4K camera2 500 β€” 3 500 β‚½4 000 β€” 5 500 β‚½ (work)
Analogue from Third-party (1080p)1 200 β€” 2 000 β‚½2 500 β€” 3 500 β‚½
Replacement of the connector (soldering)Free (if you have a soldering iron)800 β€” 1 500 β‚½
Diagnosis of malfunctionβ€”500 β€” 1 000 β‚½

Self-replacement is cheaper, but it takes time and care. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service - especially if the scooter is guaranteed (self-repair will cancel it).

How to prolong the life of a new camera

To make the new camera last longer, follow these guidelines:

  • 🚿 Avoid driving in the rain – even if the body is sealed, moisture eventually penetrates through seals.
  • 🧴 Clean the lens regularly with a soft napkin for optics (do not use alcohol or abrasives!).
  • πŸ›‘ Do not drop the scooter - blows most often disable it is the camera and gyroscope.
  • πŸ”‹ Watch the battery charge – at low voltage, the camera can work unstablely.

⚠️ Attention: If you travel on dusty roads often, install a protective film with a cutout under the lens on the flashlight, which will prevent sand and scratches from getting on the glass.

It is also useful to check the camera mounting once every 3-6 months - vibrations when driving can weaken the screws, which will lead to a displacement of the module and a blurred image.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the camera with Xiaomi

Can I install a camera with a higher resolution than it was?
Theoretically, yes, but two things to consider: Compatibility with the controller – if the firmware of the scooter does not support 4K, the camera will work in reduced resolution; Performance – recording video in 4K drains the battery faster and heats the board; Better choose a module with the same resolution as the original, but with improved light transmission (for example, with the SONY IMX335 instead of the OV4689).
The camera works when it's replaced, but the image is upside down.
This is a typical problem when you don't connect the connector correctly. Try: Turn the connector over 180.Β° (Sometimes the contacts are mirrored. Update the firmware of the scooter (newer versions often fix the display bugs); manually calibrate the camera in the settings of the Mi Home app. If nothing helps, perhaps the problem is incompatibility of the module - contact the seller for a replacement.
Do I need to replace the camera with a wire?
Most of the time, no, the cameras connect through connectors. The soldering is only required if: You install a camera from another model with an incompatible connector. The contacts on the board are damaged (for example, the tracks are torn off); you modify the scooter (for example, adding an additional camera); For soldering, use a thin solder and a flux without acid so as not to damage the board.
Can I drive without a camera if it breaks down?
Yes, the scooter will work, but you will lose: The ability to record trips (if you used this feature), data for analyzing routes in the Mi Home app, visual fixation of accidents (if the camera was used as a recorder), however, the handling and speed of the camera is not affected by the lack of a camera.
Where to buy the original camera for Xiaomi?
Official modules can be found: πŸ›’ In Xiaomi's branded stores (e.g. mi.com). 🌍 On AliExpress from trusted sellers (look for Original Xiaomi). πŸ”§ Service centers -- sometimes sell used parts after warranty repairs. M365/Pro 2 β€” from 2 500 before 4 000 β‚½. Be careful with cheap counterparts: they often have poorer shooting quality and shorter lifespan.