The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter 1S is a complex technical device that requires initial setup for full operation. Many users make the mistake of starting the ride immediately after unpacking, not activating the necessary security features and not checking for software updates. Proper connection to the smartphone through the official Mi Home app gives access to critical parameters such as wheel lock, recovery settings and battery monitoring.
The process of synchronizing the scooter with a mobile device is based on the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, which provides a stable connection with minimal power consumption. Unlike previous models, the 1S version has an improved communication module, but requires strict adherence to the sequence of actions during mating. Ignoring the activation steps can lead to the fact that some functions, including displaying the exact level of charge in percentages, will remain unavailable.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the steps of connection, from battery preparation to solving common connection problems, how to choose the right region in the application, why it affects functionality, and how to update the controller firmware to improve travel safety. Attention to detail at the initial stage will save you time and nerves in the future.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that your smartphone meets the minimum system requirements. Android requires a version at least 5.0, and iOS at least 9.0. It is also critical that the device has geolocation services and Bluetooth, as without them the application will not be able to detect the scooter.
Preparation of the device and mobile application
The first step before you try to connect is to physically activate the battery of the scooter. The factory transport plug installed in the battery compartment blocks the power supply to the controller, so without it being removed, the device will be completely inert. Open the protective cover at the bottom of the deck, find the black connector and pull out the plastic lock, then snugly insert the connector back before you click.
After the power is turned on, the scooter display should light up. If the screen does not respond, set the device to charge for 15-20 minutes, as deep discharge of lithium cells during long-term storage is normal. Make sure that the charger is working properly and the indicator on the power supply is green, and on the scooter flashes red, signaling the charging process.
Now you need to prepare the software environment on your smartphone. Download the official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home) from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It is strongly recommended not to use modified versions of software or applications from third-party developers, as they may not work properly with the new 1S model encryption protocol.
⚠️ Note: Sign up for Xiaomi account (Mi Account) before installing the app. Using temporary or guest profiles often leads to server authorization errors when trying to add a new device.
When you first run the app, you will be asked to choose your region of residence. For the Xiaomi Mi 1S scooter, choosing Russia or Europe is a prerequisite for the correct operation of the update server. If you choose China, the device may be determined, but you will not be able to receive firmware updates adapted for international markets, and you may also experience problems with maps in navigation mode.
The process of pairing via Bluetooth
The pairing procedure in the 1S model has become more automated than its predecessors, but requires carefulness when choosing a device from the list. After turning on Bluetooth on your smartphone and launching the application, click the Add Device button in the upper right corner of the home screen.
Turn on the scooter by holding the power button on the display. The smartphone screen should display a card with a scooter image and the words "Mi Electric Scooter." Do not try to connect to the scooter through the standard Bluetooth menu of the phone settings - this will not give access to control, but only reserve a communication channel, which can cause conflict when trying to connect via Mi Home.
Click on the device that appears in the list. The phone will have a pairing request on its screen, and the scooter will flash a Bluetooth icon. You may need to confirm the pairing code or just click "Plug in." In some cases, the system will ask you to enter a password, which is often the default is 0000 or 1234, but the 1S model most often uses automatic confirmation through a pop-up.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone screen is unlocked while searching, as some power-consuming systems block Bluetooth scanning in sleep mode.
- 🔋 The battery charge of the scooter should be above 10%, otherwise the controller can go into power saving mode and become invisible to external devices.
- 📍 Keep your phone at a distance of no more. 1-2 meters from the scooter during initial pairing for stable exchange of encryption keys.
If the search takes more than 30 seconds, try rebooting the app by completely closing it in the background tasks, and briefly turning off and on Bluetooth on the smartphone itself helps. Once successfully connected, the Bluetooth icon on the scooter display will stop flashing and will burn constantly.
Set up the region and activate functions
Once the scooter is successfully connected, the scooter control interface opens, and it's important to check if the model is right. The title should indicate Mi Electric Scooter 1S. If you see the generic name or the M365 model, it may be that the connection was incorrect and it's worth repeating the procedure.
The next critical stage is activation. GPS-Module and setting of regional restrictions. 1S built-in GPS-Tracker that allows you to track the location of the scooter in real time. To work this feature, you need to allow the application to access the phone's geodata in "Always" or "When using" mode».
In the device settings menu (three dots in the upper right corner), look for Region or General Settings. Here you can activate Pedesterrian Mode, which limits speed to 6 km/h. This is a useful feature for crowded seats, but it should be turned off before you go on the bike path to avoid interference.
☑️ Checking before the first trip
Also available in this section is a recovery type setting: you can choose "Strong" (strong) or "Weak") Strong recovery allows more efficient engine braking and battery charging, but can be uncomfortable for beginners due to a sharp slowdown when releasing the trigger.
Update firmware and diagnostics
Immediately after the first connection, the Mi Home app can report the availability of a new firmware version. Software updates are not just adding new features, but often fixing critical vulnerabilities in the battery management system (BMS) and engine controller.
The upgrade process takes 5 to 15 minutes, during which time the scooter will emit audible signals, and the display can go out and light up again. It is strictly forbidden to turn off the scooter or move away from it during this period.
| Parameter | Normal value. | Critical significance |
|---|---|---|
| Battery charge | 100% - 20% | Less than 20% (risk of shutdown) |
| BMS temperature | 0°C... +40°C | Above +60°C or below -10°C |
| Time to update | 5-15 minutes | More than 30 minutes (mistake) |
| Signal level | Full scale. | 1 division (risk of failure) |
In the diagnostics section, you can also check the serial number of the device, the date of production and the total mileage, which is useful when buying a used scooter or contacting a service center. If the mileage on the new device is more than 5-10 km, this may indicate that the scooter was in use or tested in a store.