Modern wireless headphones such as the Xiaomi Air 2 and their modifications (Pro, SE, L) are complex digital devices that require periodic maintenance of software. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that not only fix small bugs, but also radically change the sound quality, stability of Bluetooth connection and noise cancellation. Many users ignore these notifications, considering them unnecessary, but it is timely firmware that often solves problems with channel desynchronization or quiet sound.
The process of updating firmware may seem complicated only at first glance. In fact, the Xiaomi ecosystem is as automated as possible, and the entire procedure takes no more than five minutes. However, there are a number of critical nuances that failure to comply with which can lead to the fact that the device will no longer be defined by the smartphone. In this article, we will analyze all the available ways to update the software, the necessary preparatory actions and answer frequent questions that arise from headsets owners.
Before you start taking action, make sure your smartphone is fully ready to interact with accessories. The Bluetooth module must work correctly, and the Android or iOS version must meet the minimum requirements of the application manager. Ignoring basic compatibility requirements is the most common reason for failure when trying to install a new version of the software.
Preparation for the renewal procedure
The success of the operation depends on the quality of preparation. The first thing you need is the official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Earbuds for some regions), which acts as a bridge between the headphones and the update server. Make sure the application is installed from the official store (Google Play or App Store) and has an up-to-date version. Older versions of managers may not see the new firmware packages released by the manufacturer.
The second critical factor is the charge level. The headphones should be charged at least 50-60%, or better, up to 100%. The process of writing data into the internal memory of the headset is energy intensive, and if the battery sits in the middle of the procedure, the device can turn into a brick requiring service repair. Also check the charge of the smartphone itself: a sudden disconnection of the phone will break the connection and interrupt the transfer of files.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to update the headphones if they are in a low-charge case. Remove them and make sure the indicators are on or flashing, confirming the active state.
Internet connection stability is the third pillar of a successful upgrade. Firmware files can weigh between 10 and 50 MB and require a stable communication channel to download. It is recommended to use a Wi-Fi network, as 4G/5G mobile Internet can have unstable ping, which will lead to download error or damage to the archive.
Check the current version of the firmware
Before any manipulations begin, you need to diagnose the current state of the device. Often it turns out that the headphones are already running the current version, and the user tries to do extra work. To check, log into the Mi Home app, select your Xiaomi Air 2 card, and go to the device settings menu (usually three dots in the corner or the settings button).
In the list that opens, look for “About the device” or “firmware version.” The numbers listed there (e.g., 1.0.5 or 2.3.1) indicate the current state. Compare this information with the data in the official forum or in the description of the latest version in the application itself. If the application itself offers an update, it is usually marked with a red dot or pop-up when you log in.
Sometimes the system doesn't display the available updates right away, so you have to force the list to be updated by pulling the screen down to update the data (swipe down). If that doesn't work, try removing the device from the Bluetooth list in your phone's settings and adding it again, resetting the headphones themselves.
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If you’ve changed region in the Mi Home app, the update history may reset. Xiaomi Air 2 headphones often require a “China” or “Russia” region, depending on the device version.
Update via Mi Home app
This is the main and most secure method recommended by the manufacturer. The algorithm is simple, but requires attention to detail. Once you connect your headphones to your smartphone and log in to the control interface in the application, the system automatically checks for a new version of the software on the server. If the update is available, you will see a notification.
Click on the Update or Update button, and the data packet loading process will begin, and the progress bar may be displayed on the screen at this time. It is important not to fold the app or block the smartphone screen, as some operating systems may restrict background activity, which will cause the connection to break.
Once loaded, the installation phase will begin: Headphones can emit audio signals or voice signals (such as Updating), and indicators on the case or the headphones themselves can often flash, which is a normal behavior indicating that new data is written into internal memory.
☑️ Checklist before update
Once the process is complete, the headphones can automatically reboot and disconnect, which is a standard situation, and you'll need to reconnect them to the Bluetooth menu to make sure the device is working properly and the new version is applied.
Alternative method through Xiaomi Earbuds
For global versions of headphones, especially those sold outside China, sometimes the use of a specialized application Xiaomi Earbuds is more effective. It is lighter and sharpened specifically for audio devices, ignoring the extra functionality of the smart home. The interface is more minimal, but the functionality of the firmware works identically.
When you first run the app, you'll ask for permission to use geolocation and Bluetooth, which are mandatory requirements for Android. Once you find your Air 2, you'll see your connection status in the "My Devices" section. If a new version is available, an update icon will appear next to the model name.
The advantage of this method is that it is less likely to conflict with the system settings of the phone's energy saving. If the Mi Home constantly "loses" headphones during the upgrade, the transition to Xiaomi Earbuds often solves the problem of connection stability.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use third-party, unofficial firmware applications. They may install modified software that will disqualify you from warranty or disrupt high-quality codecs.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be technical failures. One of the most common problems is the “failed to download” error or the endless process by 99%. Most often this is due to unstable Internet or crowded app cache. Try clearing the cache of the Mi Home app in the Android settings (Applications → “Mi Home” → “Memory” → “Clear cache”).
Another common situation is that the headphones can't see each other after the upgrade, which means that the left and right channels have been desynchronized, and you'll need to reset the problem, usually by pressing the touch zones on both headphones for a long time (about 10-15 seconds) until the color of the indicator changes.
The table below will help to diagnose the problem by symptoms more quickly:
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Update stuck at 10% | Weak Bluetooth signal | Bring the headphones closer to the phone (up to 10 cm) |
| The "Not Enough Space" Mistake | Cache overflowed | Clear the cache of the Mi Home app |
| Headphones are not on | Firmware failure or discharge | Set on charging for 30 minutes, then reset |
| Only one headphone works. | Dissynchronization of channels | Complete reset (Reset) according to the instructions |
What do you do if nothing helps?
Features of the update for different regions
It is important to understand that regional versions of headphones may have different firmware structures. Chinese versions (CN) and Global versions (Global) often differ even visually. Attempting to install Chinese firmware on a global model (or vice versa) through a standard application is usually blocked by the system automatically.
However, if you have purchased a device designed for the Chinese market but are using it with the Europe/Russia region of the application, you may not receive notifications about the updates, in which case, the Mi Home application settings need to temporarily change the region to China. After changing the region, the device may require re-pairing, but the current software will become available.
Don’t be afraid of changing the region: it doesn’t erase data from the phone, it just changes the list of servers the app is communicating with. Once the region is successfully updated, you can return the region back, although it is often recommended to leave the “China” region for stable operation of Chinese gadgets.
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Changing your region in the Mi Home app is a legal and secure way to access hidden or unavailable firmware updates in your region.