How to turn on Bluetooth on the Xiaomi Mi 1S scooter: the full guide

Activating a wireless connection on an electric vehicle opens up access to advanced functionality, allowing you to monitor the battery status, update the firmware and adjust ride parameters. For the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S, this process has its own features that distinguish it from the settings of conventional smartphones or tablets. Users often face difficulties when trying to find a device in the list of available gadgets without understanding the specifics of the communication protocol in this ecosystem.

Unlike traditional gadgets, it doesn’t require manual search through the standard settings menu for initial activation. Main control is carried out exclusively through specialized software that acts as an intermediary between the owner and the electronics of the scooter. Understanding this principle allows you to avoid unnecessary actions and quickly establish a stable connection between the devices.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for successful pairing, consider possible causes of failures and provide solutions for common technical problems, you will learn how to properly prepare an electric scooter for connection and what nuances should be considered for stable operation of the telemetry system.

The principle of operation of the Bluetooth module in electric scooters Xiaomi

The Mi Scooter wireless technology is designed to minimize user interference with system processes, the communication module is constantly in standby mode, but only becomes visible to external devices under certain conditions, and is done for energy saving and safety purposes, so that outsiders cannot access the control of the vehicle.

The main difference is that you don't have to manually turn on Bluetooth with a button on the body. The system automatically activates the radio module when the scooter is powered on. However, in order for the phone to "see" the device, you need to perform a number of preliminary actions related to starting the control application.

⚠️ Note: trying to pair through the standard Bluetooth menu in the Android or iOS settings will not lead to successful connection of the functionality. The device may appear as an unknown gadget or not appear at all, since full operation requires authorization through the manufacturer's servers.

The data protocol here is not only used to transmit commands, but also to encrypt control signals, which is why direct connectivity without using official software is often blocked by built-in security mechanisms, and understanding this architecture helps to properly configure the interaction between the mobile device and the transport.

Preparation of the smartphone and installation of the necessary software

The first and most important step is to install the right software on your mobile phone. Without a dedicated application, you can not activate and use a Bluetooth connection. There are several versions of programs, but for global models, including the Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S, it is recommended to use an international version.

You need to download the Mi Home or Xiaomi Home app from official Google Play or App Stores. In some regions, a separate Xiaomi Scooter app is also available, which is tailored exclusively for electric vehicles and can work more stable in specific cases. Make sure that the version of your phone’s operating system meets the minimum developer requirements.

πŸ“Š What application you use to connect to?
Mi Home (Xiaomi Home)
Xiaomi Scooter
Ninebot (eScooter)
Other

Once installed, you need to register and log in to your Mi Account, which is the link to your account that allows you to save your travel history and settings in the cloud. When you first start, the application will request permission to use geolocation and Bluetooth β€” these points must be confirmed, otherwise the search for the device will not begin.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting a scooter

The pairing process requires a consistent execution of actions. Disruption of the steps can lead to the fact that the phone will not detect the vehicle. Before you start, make sure that the power indicator is on the scooter and all the necessary communication modules are on the phone.

First, open the app and press the add-on button. The system will prompt you to scan. QR-code or select a device from a list. For the Mi Scooter model 1S often enough just to be next to the included scooter, and the application will automatically prompt it to add to the top of the list of available gadgets.

When you connect, you may see a pairing code confirmation request on your phone screen, or you may just notice pairing, and the scooter display may flash a Bluetooth indicator at that time, and after successful synchronization, the battery charge and mileage data will be updated in real time.

If the automatic search didn't work, you can try the manual method. In the app, select the category "Transport" or type in the search model "Mi Electric Scooter 1S." Follow the on-screen instructions, which may include a long press of the power button to go into pairing mode, although this model rarely requires this.

Configure parameters and functions in the application

Once the connection is successfully established, the user can access advanced settings, which allow the Bluetooth channel to change speed modes, adjust braking recovery, and update the controller firmware, which make the trip more comfortable and safe.

In the menu, you'll find a telemetry section that shows the current battery status, engine temperature and general travel statistics, and a wheel lock feature that is software-activated and sounds when you try to move the scooter.

FunctionDescriptionIt requires movement.
Speed modeSwitching between pedestrian, standard and sports modeNo.
Update of the PODownload new versions of firmware for controller and BMSNo.
Running offZero kilometer (not available in all versions)No.
DiagnosticsCheck engine and battery errors in real timeNo.

It is important to note that some settings, such as recovery sensitivity or gyroscope calibration, may be hidden in the engineering menu or only available after upgrading to the latest version.

Solving Device Detection Problems

Quite often, users are faced with a situation where the scooter is turned on, the application is running, but the connection is not established. This can be caused by a Bluetooth cache in the phone's operating system or a temporary failure in the operation of the scooter module. First of all, try to restart the smartphone.

If the reboot didn't work, reset the Bluetooth connection on the side of the scooter, turn off the vehicle, wait 10-15 seconds and turn it on again, and in some cases, double-press the power button to switch speed modes helps, which restarts the communications controller.

⚠️ Note: If the scooter was previously linked to another Mi Account, you can't break that connection through the app on the new phone.

Also worth checking for permissions for the application in your phone settings. Make sure location access (GPS) is allowed, as in Android, scanning of Bluetooth devices without GPS enabled is often blocked at the system level.

Update firmware via Bluetooth connection

One of the main reasons owners are looking to connect is to update firmware.The manufacturer regularly releases patches that improve the performance of BMS (battery management system) and correct errors of the speed controller.

The update process is fully automated. If you have a new version, the app will notify you, you need to connect your phone to Wi-Fi to download the file, and then, being next to the scooter, start the installation process, at which time the progress bar will be displayed on the screen.

It is critical that you do not turn off the scooter or interrupt the application until the process is complete. Interrupting the data recording in the controller memory can cause electronics to malfunction. If the upgrade is successful, the scooter can emit a characteristic audible signal or flash indicators.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Why is the scooter not visible in the list of devices, even though Bluetooth is enabled?
The most common problem is that there are no permits for the Mi Home app, check if geolocation and Bluetooth are allowed in your phone's privacy settings, and make sure the scooter is not connected to another phone in the background.
Can you drive a scooter without an internet connection?
For initial activation and binding of the device, the Internet is mandatory, but after successful setting and saving the profile, basic functions such as speed viewing and locking can work without an active connection to the network, using only a local Bluetooth channel.
How to untie the scooter from an old account?
In the Mi Home app, you go to the device profile, scroll down to the end of the settings list, and select "Delete Device" or "Untie" and then the scooter resets the Bluetooth settings and is ready for the new binding.
Does Bluetooth’s constant operation affect the battery discharge of the scooter?
The Bluetooth module in the Xiaomi Mi 1S consumes minimal energy, but if the connection is constantly active and large amounts of data are being transferred, it can slightly accelerate self-discharge during long downtime.