Owners of popular audio equipment from Xiaomi often face the need to update the software, but do not always understand where to look for the right tools. The process of firmware accessories is radically different from updating a smartphone, since the headphones themselves do not have their own screen or interface for selecting files.
Installing new versions of firmware on time is critical to ensuring that wireless connections and active noise cancellation systems work properly. Developers regularly release patches that eliminate channel desynchronization, improve microphone algorithms for calls, and optimize battery power consumption. Ignoring notifications can result in you not being able to take advantage of new features that your model has received after purchase.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available ways to install updates, look at typical connection errors, and offer solutions for cases where the process hangs on a certain percentage. You will learn how to properly prepare gadgets for the procedure to avoid the risk of turning them into a “brick”, and what nuances should be considered when using different versions of the Android and iOS operating system.
Why you need to update the firmware headphones
Many users see headphones as a static device that works on the principle of “buy and forget.” However, modern models such as Xiaomi Redmi Buds or Mi True Wireless Earbuds are complex microcomputers. The software manages everything from the quality of audio encoding by AAC and SBC protocols to the response to touch panels. Updates often contain corrections of critical bugs that can cause spontaneous breaks of the connection or improper display of battery power in the status bar of the phone.
In addition to bug fixes, newer versions often bring functional improvements. For example, after installing an update, the logic of the transparent mode can change or the quality of the voice of the interlocutor improves in windy weather. Xiaomi engineers often add support for new codecs or improve the operation of low frequencies through software patches, not hardware changes. So regular checking for a new version is a way to get the most out of your device without additional financial investments.
Security and compatibility are also important to consider: Smartphone operating systems are updated annually, and older versions of accessories firmware may conflict with new Bluetooth protocols being implemented in Android 13, 14 or iOS 17. This can lead to increased power consumption or unstable connection.
Preparation for installation: what you need to know
Before you start the actual firmware process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. This minimizes the risk of errors and ensures smooth procedure. First of all, make sure that the battery charge in the headphones themselves and in the charging case is at least 50-60%. The upgrade process can take from 5 to 20 minutes, and if the device turns off in the middle, recovery may require service intervention.
The second important thing is the stability of the connection. The update is downloaded and transmitted via Bluetooth, so the distance between the smartphone and the headphones should be minimal (no more than 1-2 meters). Do not leave the phone lying on the table, and the case should be removed in your pocket or other room. It is also recommended to close background applications that actively use the network or Bluetooth, so as not to interfere with the data channel.
☑️ Check before updating
The third aspect is choosing the right app. Different Xiaomi headphones ranges use different programs. Most modern models (Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless Earbuds) use Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly Mi Wear). For Black Shark game models or some specific versions, you may need GameBuds or Xiaomi Wear. Make sure you have the latest version of the app you want from the official Google Play or App Store installed.
⚠️ Note: If during the update the indicator on the case flashes red or the process has stood on 99% and no longer moves 15 Just take a minute to reset your settings, put the case with the headphones back in the charger and let them lie down. 10-15 Often the system will complete the process or recover.
Method 1: Update via Xiaomi Earbuds app
This is the main and most reliable method for the vast majority of users. Xiaomi Earbuds app automatically detects connected devices and offers current versions of the software. To get started, open the app and make sure that your headphones are paired and displayed on the home screen. If the device is not visible, click the pairing button on the case and bring it to the phone.
In the program interface, find a section that is usually called “Device Settings” or has a gear icon. Inside this menu, you will find “Software Update” or “Firmware Update.” If the new version is available, a red dot or “Update” button will appear next to the current version. When you click on it, you start the process of downloading the data packet to your phone and then transferring it to your headphones.
During the upgrade, the smartphone screen will display a progress bar, at which point the headphone screens (if any) or LED indicators may behave unusually: blink quickly, change color or burn constantly. This is a normal behavior indicating that new data is recorded in the memory of the controller.
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Before you start the update, close all music apps and video players. Background audio playback can block access to the audio protocols required for the firmware.
Once the installation is complete, the app will notify you of the successful update and the headphones will automatically restart. It is recommended that you re-pair the device from the Bluetooth list on the phone and reconnect it, which will allow you to apply new configuration files and avoid potential conflicts of the old settings with the new software.
Method 2: Use the Mi Home App App
Some headphone models, especially those positioned as part of the smart home ecosystem, can be updated through the universal Mi Home app, which is relevant if your model is not defined in a specialized audio app or if you prefer to keep all devices in one interface.
To start, add headphones to the Mi Home app if they haven't already been added. This is usually done via the + button in the upper right corner and automatically search for devices nearby. Once the gadget appears on the list, click on its icon to go to the control card. In the upper right corner of the screen, there is often a three-dot menu or settings icon.
In the device settings menu, look for “Check for updates” or “General Settings” → “Check for updates.” If Xiaomi servers find the current version for your specific modification, the system will prompt you to install it. It is important to note that the Mi Home app sometimes runs slower than specialized software, as it downloads more data about the device.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Earbuds | Mi Home | GameBuds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Most audio models | Smart home devices | Game series |
| Speed of operation | Tall. | Medium | Tall. |
| Functional | Extended (Equalizer, gestures) | Basic | Gamer settings |
| Region | Global/China | Depends on the region. | Global |
If the Mi Home app doesn’t offer an update, although Xiaomi Earbuds does, it’s better to use the latter option. Universal apps sometimes don’t contain full audio firmware packages, limited to basic management.
Solving Typical Problems and Errors
The update process doesn’t always go perfectly smoothly, and users may encounter various errors, and one of the most common problems is the message “Can’t download the update” or endless waiting during the verification phase. This is most often due to an unstable Internet connection on your smartphone. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile Internet or vice versa, and also turning off. VPN, If it is activated, as Xiaomi servers can block requests from the IP-address.
Another common situation is that the headphones don't go into upgrade mode. This could mean that the Bluetooth channel is busy with another process or the distance to the phone is too long. Try putting the phone and case nearby, turning off and turning on Bluetooth on your smartphone, and then re-entering the update menu. Sometimes cleaning the app's cache through the Android settings: Settings → Applications → Xiaomi Earbuds → Storage → Clear the cache.
What to do if the headphones stop responding?
If persists are a problem, the app version may be outdated. Go to the app store and check for updates for the software itself. It’s also worth considering that Xiaomi servers can be congested during peak hours, so trying to update late in the evening or early in the morning can be a great success.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to “flash” your headphones with third-party utilities or methods designed for smartphones (for example, through Mi Flash). This is guaranteed to break the device, since the processor architecture in the headphones.
Set up the parameters after the update
Once the new version is successfully installed, it is recommended that you recheck all settings. The update can reset user preferences to factory ones. Go to the headphone control menu and reconfigure the equalizer, noise reduction sensitivity and touch assignment. New firmware versions often change the logic of the sensors, so the usual gestures can start to perform other commands.
Note the new features that may have come up. Sometimes, after an update, new items appear in the settings menu, such as “Autoause when you remove” or “Manage volume double-touch.” Check the update description change list, if available in the app, to see what exactly has changed in your device.
It is also useful to test music and make a test call, which will make sure that the sound quality is not deteriorating, and the microphones are working correctly. If you notice a deterioration in the quality of communication, try in the application settings to find the item “Reset headphones” (not to be confused with a full reset pairing), which calibrates the audio track to the current version of the software.