How to update headphones Xiaomi Airdots: the full guide

Xiaomi’s current wireless headphones and Redmi sub-brand are complex microcomputers that require regular software maintenance. Many users are faced with a situation where one of the headphones stops working, the sound becomes intermittent or the device simply can’t see the phone. 90% of the time, the problem is not hardware failure, but the desynchronization of the firmware on the left and right modules.

The manufacturer periodically releases updates to improve the stability of Bluetooth connection and optimize touch control. However, unlike smartphones, there is no “Check Updates” button in the usual Android settings menu.

In this article, we’ll break down all the current flashing techniques for Airdots 1, 2, 3, Pro and Redmi Buds. You’ll learn how to use official tools, third-party utilities, and a forced synchronization method that often helps even when other methods are powerless.

Why it is important to monitor the version of the headphone firmware

Internal logic of work TWS-The True Wireless Stereo is built on a constant exchange of data between two independent modules, and if the software of one of them is outdated or damaged in the previous failure, a version conflict arises. This leads to the fact that the devices cease to “understand” each other, which is expressed in the absence of sound in one channel or the inability to create a stereo pair.

Xiaomi engineers also patch vulnerabilities regularly, and the updated firmware can significantly extend battery life by managing the chip’s energy savings more efficiently. It’s critical to understand that the update often fixes latency, which is especially important for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Ignoring available updates can lead to complete failure of the accessory. In some cases, the desynchronization is so great that the headphones simply no longer identify in the list of available Bluetooth devices. Timely update of the software is a preventive measure to avoid complex repairs or purchase of a new kit.

Preparation for the update: checking the current version

Before you start taking action, you need to diagnose the current state of the devices. Standard tools of the Android or iOS operating system, you can not find out the version of the Xiaomi Airdots firmware, and this will require specialized software that can read hidden service data.

The official tool for owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is the Mi Wear app (formerly known as Mi Earbuds). Users of other Android brands will have to use the universal utility Xi Earbuds or AndroPods. These applications allow you not only to see the version number, but also to initiate the process of downloading new data.

The connection process for diagnosis is as follows:

• 📱 Make sure that Bluetooth on your smartphone is on and the headphones are in a case with the lid open.
• 📲 Launch the app and wait for your Airdots or Redmi Buds to be automatically detected.
• 🔍 In the main menu of the application, find the field "firmware version" or "software version».
• 🆚 Compare the number with the latest version available on the official website or in the application description.

If the application shows the Connected status but does not display the firmware version, this may indicate that the device is operating in base mode or the communication is unstable, in which case, before updating, it is recommended to perform a full reset.

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If the app doesn’t see the headphones, try connecting the phone to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, as some older firmware versions don’t work well when distributing 5GHz internet.

Method 1: Update via Mi Wear (Official Method)

The most secure and recommended method by the manufacturer is the use of the Mi Wear ecosystem application. This method is suitable for most modern models, including Airdots 2, Airdots 3 and Redmi Buds 3 Pro. The algorithm of actions here is as automated as possible, minimizing the risk of user error.

First, make sure that the charge of the case and the headphones themselves is at least 50%. Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge can lead to the "fixing" of the device, after which it will be extremely difficult to restore it. Connect the smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network, since the firmware file can weigh several megabytes.

Procedure:

• 📥 Open the Mi Wear app and go to the connected headphone card.
• ⚙️ Find the menu item "Check for updates).
• 🔄 If a new version is found, click the “Update” button and put the headphones in the case without closing it.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to end, the headphones will flash white or orange.

⚠️ Warning: During the update, it is strictly forbidden to open the camera app, take incoming calls or switch between heavy apps.This can break the Bluetooth connection and interrupt the recording of data.

Once the procedure is completed, the headphones will automatically restart, the new version number and the status "Update Completed" should be displayed in the app, and if the process is 99% frozen for more than 5 minutes, you may need to repeat the procedure, having previously performed the reset.

Method 2: Use of third-party utilities (Xi Earbuds, AndroPods)

Smartphone owners from Samsung, Huawei or Realme often can not fully use the functionality of Mi Wear due to the limitations of background processes. MIUI or the lack of Google services in older versions of the software. In such cases, third-party developers come to the rescue, who have created excellent analogues for managing the software. TWS-headset.

One of the most popular programs is Xi Earbuds, which supports a wide range of models, including the old Airdots 1, which are no longer officially supported. The interface of the application is minimalistic, but functional: it allows you to see the charge of each headphone separately and, most importantly, update the firmware.

Update process through third-party software:

• 💾 Download and install Xi Earbuds from Google Play Store.
• 🔗 Connect your headphones to your phone via the standard Bluetooth menu.
• 🚀 Launch the application, it automatically counts the model and the current version of the software.
• ⬇️ If an update is available, a notification will appear – follow the instructions on the screen.

Importantly, AndroPods is also a powerful tool that can be useful for advanced users, allowing not only to update, but also to reconfigure touch control, changing the number of clicks to activate functions, which is not available in effluent mode.

Method 3: Forced synchronization and reset (Hard Reset)

If standard methods don't work, headphones can't see each other, or the update freezes, you need to do forced synchronization, which actually erases the old configuration and makes the modules "get to know" each other again, often tightening up current communication parameters.

There are two main ways to reset for different generations of Airdots. For the first version (classic white oval) you need to remove the headphones from the case and quickly press 5 times on the touch areas of both headphones at the same time.

For the Airdots 2, Essential and Redmi Buds, the procedure is different:

1. Put both earphones in the charger case.
2. Hold the touch panels on both headphones for 20 seconds without removing them from the case.
3. The indicators should flash red several times, which signals a successful reset.
4. Close the case for 10 seconds, then open and re-interface the phone.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, you need to delete the old headphone entry in the phone's Bluetooth menu ("Forget the device"), otherwise the phone will try to connect using old, no longer relevant encryption keys.

Often, after this procedure, the headphones find each other themselves and create a stereo pair, and if one of them keeps silent, repeat the reset procedure, but this time hold the buttons for a little longer, up to 30 seconds, this is guaranteed to clear the internal memory of errors.

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Hard Reset is a universal solution to 90% of the problems with communication between the left and right earphone, even if the official update is not installed.

Common Errors and How to Resolve Them

The firmware process is a delicate operation, and users often encounter typical problems, and one of the most common mistakes is the “boot error” or the endless update cycle, which usually occurs due to an unstable Internet connection or low battery charge.

Another common problem is desynchronization after the update, such as the left earbud has been updated and the right one hasn't, or they've been updated to different versions, in which case the sound balance is disrupted and the stereo effect disappears, the solution is one: perform a full reset (as described in the previous section) and restart the upgrade process, making sure that both earbuds are tightly seated in the case contacts.

If the application gives an error "Device not found":

• 🔋 Check the contacts in the case - wipe them with a dry cloth, perhaps oxidation interferes with charging during firmware.
• 📶 Turn it off. VPN Proxies on your smartphone can block the connection to Xiaomi servers.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone to clear the Bluetooth stack cache.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the charging case itself. If it is discharged or its firmware is outdated, it may not be transmitting data to the headphones correctly. Try fully charging the case from the other cable and power supply before starting the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)