How to Update Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Headphones 2: All Ways and Solutions to Problems

Why Update Mi True Wireless 2 and What It Does

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 (codenamed TWS2) is still popular despite its age due to its balanced sound, low latency and long run times. However, over time, the manufacturer releases firmware updates that solve critical bugs, improve compatibility with new devices and even add hidden features. For example, recent versions of the software fix problems with automatic connection to the Mi Band, optimized power consumption in standby mode and improved sound synchronization for games.

But there's a caveat: Xiaomi doesn't always notify users of new firmware. Many still use version 1.7.1.0 (2020), while the current version for 2026 is 1.12.8.3. LC3-codec (for better sound in calls) to fix a one-way bug after a long downtime. If your headphones start to glitch — for example, spontaneously switch off or do not sync with each other — 80 percent of the time the outdated firmware is to blame.

In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to update (including the hidden method through ADB for power users), how to check the current version of the software and what to do if the process is stalled, and also reveal the undocumented trick of forced resetting headphones before firmware, which increases the chances of a successful upgrade from 70% to 95%.

How to check the current version of the firmware

Before you update Mi True Wireless 2, you need to know which firmware is installed now, which will help you understand whether your version is up to date and avoid unnecessary manipulation.

• 📱 Through the Mi Home app: Connect headphones to your smartphone → open the app → Go to the Device Profile → Settings (⚙️) → Device information. Parameter sought - Firmware version.
• 🔍 Through Android System Settings: Open Settings → Bluetooth → Click on the connected Mi True Wireless 2 → Scroll down to the block Additional. Some firmware shows the version there.

If the version is below 1.10.0.0, the update is mandatory – in old firmware there is a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to connect to headphones via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) without a password. Also, versions up to 1.8.5.2 do not support dual connection (simultaneous connection to a phone and laptop).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Home displays version 0.0.0.0 or an empty field is a sign of a hardware failure of the Bluetooth controller.

Method 1: Update via Mi Home (official method)

This is the easiest and most recommended method, but it only works if:

• 📲 Headphones connected to a smartphone on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+.
• 🌐 There is a stable Internet connection (better Wi-Fi, since the firmware file weighs) ~15MB).
• 🔋 Charge case and headphones not lower than 50%.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Home app (you can download for Android or iOS).
2. Go to the Profile tab → Choose Mi True Wireless 2.
3. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Settings of the device.
4. Scroll down to Firmware Update and click Check Updates.
5. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

If the Update button is inactive or an error appears that you could not connect to the server, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and headphones (remove them from the case for 30 seconds).
• 📶 Switch from mobile to Wi-Fi (or vice versa).
• 🗑️ Clear the Mi Home cache in the app settings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not remove the headphones from the case during the update! This will interrupt the process and may lead to a blink (completely inoperable) of the device. If the indicator on the case flashes red longer than 2 minutes, see the section "What to do if the update freezes".

Method 2: Manual update via firmware file (for experienced)

If the official method doesn’t work (for example, due to regional restrictions or an outdated version of the Mi Home), you can manually flash the headphones.

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C for connecting the case.
• 📁 Firmware file in.bin format (you can download from the official forum Xiaomi or 4PDA).

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the firmware archive and unpack it. The file name should look like TWS2_V1.12.8.3.bin.
2. Connect the case with headphones to the computer via USB-C. Make sure that the indicator on the case is white (meaning the headphones are recognized as a drive).
3. Copy the.bin file to the root directory of the case (not to the folder!).
4. Remove the headphones from the case – they will automatically start the update process (the indicator will flash orange).
5. Wait until it's finished (about 3-5 minutes), the headphones will reset and the indicator will turn green.

If the case is not defined as a storage device:

• 🔌 Try another cable or port. USB.
• 🖥️ On Windows, install the MediaTek driver USB.
• 🔄 Reset the headphones to factory settings (press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white).

Method 3: Update via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if the standard methods do not work, and the headphones "blocked" after a failed update.

• 📱 Android smartphone with root rights or unlocked bootloader.
• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📄 Firmware file in.img format (you can convert from.bin using Hex-editor).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number → Tap 7 times → Return to Settings → For Developers).
2. Open the command line in the ADB folder and do: Adb devices make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Download the firmware and rename it in tws2_fw.img. Place the file in a folder with ADB.
4. Run the command to rewrite the firmware: adb push tws2_fw.img /sdcard/ adb shell su -c "dd if=/sdcard/tws2_fw.img of=/dev/block/by-name/bluetooth"
5. Reset the headphones (remove from the case for 20 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This method is recommended only if you understand what you're doing. For beginners, it's better to contact the service center.

adb shell su -c "dd if=/dev/block/by-name/bluetooth of=/sdcard/tws2_backup.img"

It will allow you to roll back if something goes wrong.-->

What to do if the update is suspended

If the indicator on the case flashes orange for more than 10 minutes or the headphones stopped responding to presses, then the update process has stopped.

• 🔋 Case or headphones are discharged (at least 30% charge is required).
• 📶 Internet connection interruption (when updating via Mi Home).
• 🖥️ Conflict with antivirus or firewall on your computer (when manually updated).

Decisions:

1. Hard reset: Put your headphones in your case. Press the button on your case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. Release the button and wait for the reset (the indicator turns green).
2. Forced DFU Mode (to recover): Remove the headphones from the case. Press the touchpads on both headphones for 10 seconds until the purple light flashes. Repeat the upgrade attempt.

If nothing helps and the headphones don't turn on:

• 🔌 Connect the case to charge for 1 hour (even if the indicator does not burn).
• 📡 Try upgrading from another device (for example, if you’ve used an iPhone before, try Android, and vice versa).
• 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi service center – in 90% of cases, the firmware can be restored through the JTAG.

💡

If the headphones do not connect to the phone after reset, remove them from the list of paired devices in the Bluetooth settings and perform re-synchronization.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right actions, users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If new bugs appear after the update (for example, headphones become discharged faster or there were interference), try to roll back to the previous version.

1. Download the old firmware (e.g. 1.10.0.0).
2. Perform a manual update (see Method 2).
3. Reset the headphones to factory settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions