Update headphones Xiaomi Earphones: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Earphones wireless headphones are some of the brand’s most popular gadgets, but their capabilities are limited not only by hardware, but also by the firmware version. Regular updates from the manufacturer fix bugs, improve sound quality, add new features (for example, support for LC3 or AAC codecs), and even extend battery life. However, many users face problems: they can not find the latest firmware, do not know how to check the current version of software, or are afraid to “brick” the device.

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to update Xiaomi Earphone models 2/3/3 Pro/4, Redmi AirDots and other lines – from automatic update via the Mi Home app to manual stitching through the app ADB. You will also learn what to do if the update is suspended, how to roll back on the previous version and what hidden features appear after the update (for example, the Game Sound mode in Earphones). 3 Instructions are relevant to 2026 Years and tested on the latest versions.

1. How to check the current version of Xiaomi headphone firmware

Before you update your headphones, you need to know what firmware is installed on them, which will help determine whether new software is available for your model and whether you are trying to install an older version (which may cause crashes).

This can be done in two ways:

• 📱 Through the Mi Home app: Open the app → Go to the Profile section → My devices. → Choose your headphones. → Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Device information. Here will be a firmware version string (e.g, V12.7.4.8).
• 🔊 Using voice assistant (for some models): Connect your headphones to your phone, say "Hi Siri" (or activate Google Assistant) and ask, "What firmware version does my Xiaomi Earphones have?". Doesn't work on all models, but is supported in Earphones 3 Pro and later.

If there's no firmware information in Mi Home, try reconnecting your headphones to the app: remove them from the device list and add them again. Sometimes the data doesn't show up because of the cache.

⚠️ Note: If the firmware version starts with V9. or lower, your headphones are outdated and may not support automatic updates, in which case you will need manual firmware (see section 4).

2. Automatic update via Mi Home (the easiest way)

Most Xiaomi Earphones support the “Over the Air” (OTA) update via the company’s app, which is the most secure method, as the firmware is downloaded from official servers and checked for compatibility.

Step-by-step:

1. Make sure the headphones are at least 50% charged (at low charge, the update may be interrupted).
2. Connect them to your phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open Mi Home and go to the headphone management section.
4. If you have an update, you'll see a notification with the Update button. Press it.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (usually 5-10 minutes) and don't turn off Bluetooth or take the headphones out of the case!

After a successful update, the headphones will automatically restart. If the Update button is not updated, then:

• 🔄 You already have the latest version installed.
• 🚫 Your model doesn't support you. OTA-Updates (relevant to old Redmi AirDots).
• 🌐 Connection problems with Xiaomi servers (try changing your network to Wi-Fi).

Update via Mi Fit or Zepp Life (for sports models)

Some Xiaomi headphones that are marketed as “sports” (such as Xiaomi Earphones Sport or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic) are not updated through the Mi Home, but through the Mi Fit or Zepp Life apps.

Algorithm of action:

Headphone charge > 60%|Install the latest version of Mi Fit/Zepp Life|Connect your headphones to the app|You are in the Wi-Fi coverage area.|Turn it off. VPN (It can block Xiaomi servers)-->

After preparation:

1. Open Mi Fit or Zepp Life.
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices. → [Your headphones].
3. If an update is available, a banner will appear suggesting you install it. Click Update now.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. It can take up to 15 minutes.

If the update doesn’t appear, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the headphones (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
• 🌍 Change the region in the app settings to China (sometimes updates are released there earlier).

⚠️ Note: After updating with Mi Fit, some features (such as gesture customization) may reset. Write down your settings in advance or take screenshots.

4. Manual firmware update (for experienced users)

If automatic updates are not available or you want to install a beta version of the firmware with new features, you can manually flash the headphones. This method is suitable for Xiaomi Earphones 3 Pro, Earphones 4 and some versions of Redmi AirDots.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB-C Micro-USB (depending on the case model).
• 📁 Firmware file (you can download on the official Xiaomi website or forums like this) XDA Developers).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the archive with firmware and unpack it in a folder.
2. Connect the case with headphones to the computer in firmware mode (to do this, press the button on the case for 20 seconds until the red and white indicator flashes).
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Flash.
4. Wait until it's finished (about 5-7 minutes).
5. After the reboot, the headphones will be ready to use.

List of official firmware for popular models:

5. Solving problems when updating

Even with automatic updates, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Update hung in the “Preparation” phase.

• 🔄 Reboot the headphones (press the button on the case for 15 seconds).
• 📱 Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices and connect again.
• 🌐 Check your internet connection (update requires stable Wi-Fi).

Problem 2: After the upgrade, the headphones do not connect

• 🔊 Reset the headphone settings: place them in the case, press the button for 10 seconds until the orange indicator flashes.
• 📱 Update the firmware of the smartphone (sometimes connectivity bugs are fixed from the phone side).
• 🔄 Try connecting your headphones to another device.

Problem 3: The sound has gotten worse after the update

• 🎧 Check the equalizer settings in Mi Home (possibly reset settings).
• 🔊 Turn off the Adaptive Sound function (sometimes it doesn't work properly).
• 📉 Reverse to the previous version of the firmware (see Section 6).

💡

If the headphones discharge quickly after upgrading, complete a full discharge/charging cycle: discharge them to 0%, then charge them to 100% without interruption.

6. How to roll back to the previous firmware version

If the new software is unstable (for example, there are problems with the microphone or self-cancels), you can go back to the old version.

Instructions:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, from xiaomifirmware.com).
2. Connect the case to the computer in firmware mode (see section 4).
3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the Clean All option.
4. Wait until the process is completed.

Please note that:

• 🔙 The rollback is only possible on the version that was previously installed on your headphones.
• 📵 After the rollback, the associated devices can be reset.
• ⚠️ Xiaomi does not recommend rolling back more than 2 versions (risk of incompatibility).

💡

Before rolling back, be sure to check which bugs are fixed in the current firmware version. Perhaps the problem is solved not by rolling back, but by resetting or reconnecting.

7. Hidden functions after the update

Newer firmware versions often add undocumented features that Xiaomi doesn’t officially report, and this is what might come after the update:

• 🎵 Game Sound Mode (in Earphones 3 Pro): Reduces latency to 80ms (good for shooters) Activated by triple tapping on left earbud.
• 🔇 Transparent 2.0 (in Earphones 4): improved transmission of external sounds with level adjustment.
• 🔋 Adaptive charging: the case automatically reduces charging current at high temperature, extending the battery life.
• 📱 Fast switching between devices: You can now hold the button on the case for 3 seconds to switch from phone to laptop.

To check for hidden functions:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version.
2. In Mi Home go to the headphone settings → More.
3. If there are new items (for example, Game mode), then the function is activated.

On some models, hidden features are enabled through gesture codes. For example, in Earphones 3 Pro, double tapping on the right earpiece for 2 seconds activates mono mode (sound only in one earpiece).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Earphones update