How to upgrade Bluetooth to Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

The Bluetooth module in smartphones and smart devices Xiaomi is responsible for stable communication with headphones, fitness bracelets, speakers and other peripherals. Over time, the performance of this module can deteriorate: there are stuttering sound in the headphones, fitness bracelets, speakers and other peripherals. TWS-Headphones, connection breaks or the inability to connect to devices with new protocols (such as Bluetooth 5.3) are not only hardware limitations, but also outdated software.

Unlike a firmware update via MIUI, a Bluetooth stack update is a more nuanced procedure, which can include installing new drivers through system updates, manually flashing the module, or even replacing configuration files. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including models with Qualcomm, Mediatek and Unisoc chips.

Why is Bluetooth not working on Xiaomi?

Before you start updating, it is important to understand the root of the problem, most often the problems are related to:

• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI — Older builds do not support new Bluetooth protocols (for example, LE Audio or LC3).
• 🛠️ Damaged module drivers – after failed firmware or resetting settings.
• 📱 Hardware limitations – budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Not physically support Bluetooth 5.0+.
• 🔋 Energy-saving settings – Aggressive battery optimization can turn off the module in the background.

If your Xiaomi device is released before 2020, it is likely to be equipped with a Bluetooth 4.2 or lower module, in which case a full upgrade to 5.0/5.2 is impossible – you will need a replacement chip, but even for such models, you can improve communication stability by updating the module’s firmware or optimizing the MIUI settings.

Method 1: Update via MIUI system settings

The easiest and safest method is to install the latest version of MIUI, in which the manufacturer can update the Bluetooth stack, which is suitable for all models, including the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and wait for the latest version of MIUI to download.
3. If an update is found, install it and restart the device.
4. After the reboot, check the Bluetooth version in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth (some models show up in About Phone → Full Specification).

⚠️ Note: If your device is on custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), system updates may result in data loss, in which case it is recommended to use alternative methods (see section on the website). ADB).

Check out the current version of MIUI

Connect the device to charge (minimum 50%)

Create a backup copy of the data

Shut down. VPN (It can block update servers)-->

If you still have Bluetooth issues after the MIUI update, move on to the next method. You may need to manually update your drivers.

Method 2: Update Bluetooth stack via Fastboot

This method is suitable for power users and requires an unlocked bootloader, which allows you to flash individual system components, including a Bluetooth module, without completely reinstalling MIUI.

Important: Before you start, check if your Xiaomi model supports bootloader unlocking.

1. Go to the Mi Unlock website.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
3. Download Mi Flash Unlock and follow the instructions.

After unlocking the loader:

1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. bluetooth.img (or similar, for example, bt_fw.bin).
3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
4. Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot flash bluetooth bluetooth.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware through Fastboot can lead to loss IMEI or module failure Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. If the device stops seeing the network after the procedure, try flashing the full version. MIUI via Mi Flash Tool.

Method 3: Update via ADB (for advanced users)

If the system update didn’t help and unlocking the bootloader seems difficult, you can try updating the Bluetooth stack through ADB. This method works on most Xiaomi devices with Android 10+ and does not require unlocking the bootloader.

Steps:

1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the folder with utilities.
4. Execute the commands: adb shell su dd if=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/bluetooth of=/sdcard/bluetooth_backup.img exit exit exit This will back up the current Bluetooth module on the memory card.
5. Download the current version of bluetooth.img for your model (can be found on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
6. Upload the file to your phone’s memory and run it: adb push bluetooth.img /sdcard/ adb shell su dd if=/sdcard/bluetooth.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/bluetooth chmod 644 /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/bluetooth reboot

⚠️ Note: If Bluetooth stopped working completely after the restart, restore the backup by the team:

adb shell


su




dd if=/sdcard/bluetooth_backup.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/bluetooth




reboot

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Before you run through ADB, check that bluetooth.img is compatible with your model, for example, the firmware from Redmi Note 11 is not suitable for the POCO X3 Pro, even if they have the same processor.

Method 4: Optimize MIUI settings for stable Bluetooth

Sometimes Bluetooth problems are not due to outdated firmware, but to incorrect power saving settings or conflicts with other modules.

• 🔋 Turn off battery optimization for Bluetooth: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Special access → Battery Optimization: Find Bluetooth in the list and select Unlimited.
• 📶 Reset network settings: Open Settings → Connections → Mobile network → Reset network settings. Confirm reset and restart the device.

Enable the developer mode for Bluetooth

1. Activate for Developers (see ADB section).
2. Find the Bluetooth Debugging option and turn it on.

If you use TWS-Headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi AirDots 3:

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On Mediatek devices (such as the Redmi Note 10), Bluetooth problems are often solved by disabling the Dual Audio function in the audio settings.

Method 5: Alternative methods for outdated models

If your Xiaomi smartphone is released before 2019 (such as the Redmi 5 Plus or Mi A2), it is not possible to upgrade Bluetooth to the new version hardware.

• 🔧 Use an external Bluetooth adapter (e.g., Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver) that is connected via a Bluetooth device. USB-C 3.5 mm.
• 📱 Install custom software with support for new protocols (for example, LineageOS 20)+ for Mi 8 or POCO F1).
• 🔄 Reverse to the old version MIUI — Sometimes new updates break compatibility with older modules.