How to download the Xiaomi headphone app: official and alternative ways

Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless accessories on the market, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, without a branded application, you lose half the options, from setting up an equalizer to updating your firmware. In this article, we will analyze where to download official software for different models β€” from Mi Earphones Basic to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro β€” and also talk about alternative installation methods if standard methods do not work.

It’s important to understand that each Xiaomi headphone line can use its own app. For example, budget Redmi Buds and premium Xiaomi AirDots need different programs. We’ll talk in detail about how to determine which software is right for your model, and what to do if the application is not on the App Store or Google Play for your region.

Also in this article, you will find answers to common questions: why the app does not connect to headphones, how to update the firmware manually, and whether you can use Xiaomi headphones without branded software. If you just bought a new model or faced problems after the update, here you will find the latest solutions for 2026.

What app you need for your Xiaomi headphone model

Xiaomi has several headphone lines, and each of them may require an app, and here are the basic programs that you will need:

  • 🎧 Mi Earphones (for wired and early wireless models) – Mi Headset or Mi Earphones (old but still supported).
  • πŸ”΄ Redmi Buds (all generations including Redmi Buds 4 Pro) – Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly Mi Earphones).
  • ⚑ Xiaomi AirDots (including AirDots 3 Pro, Air 2) SE) β€” Xiaomi Earbuds or Xiaomi Wear app (for new models).
  • πŸ’Ž Xiaomi Buds (Flagship Buds 4 Pro, Buds) 3T Pro) – Xiaomi Earbuds app with spatial sound support.

To determine exactly which app you want, check the headphone model on your phone’s box or Bluetooth settings. For example, if you have a Redmi Buds 3 Lite, look for Xiaomi Earbuds, which is universal for most wireless models in recent years.

It is worth noting that some new models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) may require an updated version of the application with support for LDAC or ANC. If your software does not see the headphones, try updating it through the app store or download APK directly from the official website.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphones do you have?
Redmi Buds
Xiaomi AirDots
Xiaomi Buds
Mi Earphones (wired)
Another model

Official sources: App Store and Google Play

The most reliable way to download the Xiaomi headphone app is to use the official App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android).

  • πŸ“± Google Play: Xiaomi Earbuds (supports most models).
  • 🍎 App Store: Xiaomi Earbuds (for iOS, but with limited functionality).

If links don’t work, search for Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Headset. Note that the iPhone may have limited functionality, such as not being able to update firmware or customize gestures.

Important: In some regions (e.g. Europe), the app may be called Xiaomi Wear or Mi Fit (an outdated version).If you don't find Xiaomi Earbuds, try these alternatives.

πŸ’‘

If the app doesn’t show up in your region, try changing the country in the App Store/Google Play settings or use a VPN.

APK Download: If the app is not available in your area

If Xiaomi Earbuds is not on Google Play for your country, you can download it. APK-The file is from the official source:

  1. Xiaomi official website: Go to the downloads page and select Xiaomi Earbuds.
  2. APKMirror: a reliable resource with verified versions - link.
  3. Xiaomi Community: Sometimes new versions are posted on the forum – the Xiaomi community.

Before installing the APK, be sure to check:

  • πŸ”’ Permission to install from unknown sources (Settings) β†’ Security β†’ Unknown sources).
  • πŸ“± Compatible with your version of Android (minimum Android 6.0).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ File authenticity (compare hash amount with official source).

Note: Installing APKs from unverified sources can lead to data leakage or damage to your headphones. Use only official links or trusted resources like APKMirror.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for installation APK

Done: 0 / 5

How to connect Xiaomi headphones to the application

Install the app is half the battle, now you need to connect the headphones correctly.

  1. Turn the headphones on in pairing mode: For Redmi Buds: press the button on the case charger for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing. For Xiaomi AirDots: open the case cover and press the button for 10 seconds.

Bluetooth

Xiaomi Earbuds

Add the device

If the headphones are not determined, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your phone.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge headphones up to 50% (at low charge, the pairing may not work).
  • πŸ“± Update the firmware of headphones through the application (if available).

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, some features (such as firmware updates) may not be available. In this case, for critical operations, temporarily connect your headphones to your Android device.

Update the firmware headphones through the application

Regular firmware updates improve sound, fix bugs, and add new features (such as LC3 or LDAC support) to update the headphones:

  1. Connect your headphones to your smartphone through the Xiaomi Earbuds app.
  2. Go to the section "Brand Firmware" or "Update".
  3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

The update time depends on the model:

  • πŸ•’ Redmi Buds 3 Lite β€” ~2 minutes.
  • ⏳ Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro – up to 5 minutes.
  • ⏰ Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro – up to 10 minutes (due to the large firmware size).

⚠️ Warning: If your headphone battery runs out or the connection is interrupted during the upgrade, they may stop turning on. Charge the case to 100% and make sure the smartphone does not run out in the process.

What to do if the update is suspended?
If the update process has stalled by 0% or 100% for more than 10 minutes: 1. Close the app and restart it. 2. Restart the headphones (press the button on the case for 15 seconds). 3. Repeat the update attempt. If the problem repeats, try using another smartphone or contact Xiaomi support.

Alternative applications for headphones Xiaomi

If the official software is not suitable (for example, due to regional restrictions), you can use third-party applications, which will not give full control, but will allow you to configure the basic parameters:

AnnexSupported modelsFunctionsReference
MaterialPodsRedmi Buds, AirDotsEquator, gestures, batteryGoogle Play
Earbuds BatteryAnybody. TWS-headphonesCharge display, notificationsGoogle Play
TWS CheckerXiaomi, Realme, OppoConnection test, code, delayGoogle Play

Third-party applications will not replace official software, but will help in situations where:

  • 🚫 The official app is not available in your area.
  • πŸ”„ You need additional settings (for example, a custom equalizer).
  • πŸ“± You are using your iPhone and want to expand your functionality.

⚠️ Note: Some third-party applications require root access or ADB-It can invalidate warranty and damage your headphones. Use them at your own risk.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the official app, users are facing challenges, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

  • πŸ”Œ Headphones don't connect to the app: Remove the device from the Bluetooth list and reconnect. Update the app to the latest version. Check the compatibility of the headphone model with the software version.
  • πŸ”Š No sound after connection: Switch the codec in Bluetooth settings to AAC or SBC. Turn off the Absolute Volume feature in the Android Developer Settings.
  • πŸ”„ The app is constantly crashing: Clear the app cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Xiaomi Earbuds β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache. Reinstall the software.

If none of the methods did not help, try resetting the headphones to the factory settings:

  1. Put the headphones in the case.
  2. Press the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
  3. Reconnect the headphones.

πŸ’‘

Before resetting the headphones, write down the current settings (for example, assigned gestures) - after resetting them you will have to adjust again.

Can I use Xiaomi headphones without an app?
Yes, the headphones will work like normal Bluetooth devices, but you will lose access to: Equalizer setup, firmware update, battery charge control, gesture settings (e.g., double-touch to switch tracks).
Why does the Xiaomi Earbuds app not see my headphones?
The reasons may be: Headphones are not in pairing mode (see instructions above); an outdated version of the app (update it); model incompatibility (e.g., you're trying to connect the Redmi Buds 4 Pro to the old version of the Mi Headset); conflict with other Bluetooth devices (turn them off temporarily); try to connect the headphones to another smartphone - if the problem recurs, the Bluetooth module in the headphones may be faulty.
How to update the firmware on the iPhone?
Unfortunately, you can't update Xiaomi's headphone firmware through your iPhone -- the official App Store app doesn't support this feature. You'll need to: temporarily connect your headphones to your Android device; download Xiaomi Earbuds from Google Play; update your firmware through Android; return your headphones to your iPhone. That's the only way to work for 2026.
Where to download the firmware for manual installation?
Xiaomi doesn’t officially distribute firmware for self-installation. However, enthusiasts sometimes post firmware dumps on forums: XDA Developers (look for a theme using a headphone model). 4PDA (wireless headphones section) Warning: handheld firmware can turn headphones into a β€œbrick.” Do this only if you’re an experienced user and understand the risks.
How to Reset Xiaomi Headphones if They Are Not On?
If the headphones don't respond to the buttons and don't charge, try hardware reset: Put the headphones in the charging case. Connect the case to the charging (should be a red indicator on the case). Press the button on the case for 30 seconds. Disable the case from charging and wait 1 minute. Try turning the headphones on again. If that doesn't work, contact the service center - maybe the battery or controller is faulty.