How to update the firmware of headphones Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even the most advanced technology requires regular software updates. New firmware versions fix bugs, improve connection stability, add support for new codecs (such as LC3 or AAC), and even extend battery life. But how to properly update the firmware on Xiaomi headphones, if the official documentation is often silent about the nuances?

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to upgrade, from the standard method through the Mi Fit app to alternatives using a PC or Bluetooth transmitter. We’ll focus on the typical bugs that can turn a simple procedure into a headache, from “hanging” the headphones during the boot phase to completely losing communication with the device. And you’ll learn how to check the current firmware version and what to do if the update is interrupted in the middle and the headphones stop responding to the buttons.

Why upgrade the firmware of Xiaomi headphones?

Many users have not updated their software for years, unaware of the opportunities they are losing, and here are just a few reasons to install the latest firmware:

• 🎧 Improvement of sound: New signal processing algorithms (e.g, DSEE In some models, they make the sound more voluminous, and the bass - deeper.
• 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption: in firmware for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or AirDots 3 After the update, the work time increased 10-15%.
• 🔄 Bug fix: Problems with spontaneous shutdown, sound stuttering with a weak Bluetooth signal or incorrect operation of touch buttons are solved.
• 🛡️ Security: Closing vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to connect to your headphones.

For example, in the firmware V12.5.4.0 for Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro added support for LDAC, a high-resolution codec that was previously available only on flagship models. and in Redmi Buds 4 Active after upgrading to V1.4.0.6 fixed the problem with the microphone that “swallowed” voices during calls.

⚠️ Note: Some updates may reset user settings (such as button assignment or sound uniformity) Record or take a picture of the current settings before starting the procedure.

How to check the current version of the firmware

Before you update the software, you need to know which version is installed now, which will help you understand whether your firmware is relevant and avoid re-installing the same version.

The methods of verification depend on the model of headphones:

1. Through the Mi Fit/Life app: Connect your headphones to your smartphone. Open Mi Fit (or Mi Life for some models). Go to the device section → Headphone settings → About the program. Find the firmware version bar (e.g., V1.7.1.0).
2. Using Bluetooth settings for Android (for some models): Settings → Bluetooth → Click on the gear icon next to the headphones → Additional → Software version
3. Through audio cues (rarely): Some models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) triple tap the touchpad to voice the firmware version.

If the firmware version starts with V0. or V1.0.0.0, it’s probably factory firmware and should be updated, and it’s also worth checking the relevance by comparing your version with the latest releases on Xiaomi’s official website or thematic forums (such as 4PDA).

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If the headphones don’t display the firmware version in Mi Fit, try reconnecting them: remove the device from Bluetooth, restart the smartphone and reconnect the headphones.

Preparation for the update: checklist of mandatory actions

Incorrect preparation is the main cause of failures when updating. Follow this checklist to avoid problems:

Charge headphones up to 50% or more

Charge the case to 100%.

Ensure a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or 4G/5G)

Close background applications on a smartphone

Disable VPNs and Firewalls

Connect the headphones to the original charger (not powerbank!)

Check the free space on your smartphone (minimum 500 MB)

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Pay special attention to battery power. If the headphones run out during the upgrade, this can lead to a "brick" (completely inoperable) of the device. For example, Redmi Buds 3 Lite is known to have a bug: If the firmware is interrupted when the charge is below 30%, the headphones stop turning on and require flashing through the headphones. EDL-The service (and this is a service case).

We also recommend:

• 📱 Use the original application (Mi Fit or Mi Life) – third-party utilities can install unofficial firmware.
• 🌍 Connect to a Russian or European server in your Mi Account settings (if available) to avoid regional restrictions.
• 🔌 Update firmware in the room with a good Wi-Fi signal – mobile Internet can be interrupted at the most inopportune moment.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (for example, from third-party developers), updating through official software can lead to conflict and the headphones will fail.

Method 1: Update via Mi Fit (recommended method)

This is the easiest and safest way to do this, and is suitable for most models (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds, etc.) and is the most relevant for Mi Fit 5.6.0 and later.

Step-by-step algorithm:

1. Install the latest version of Mi Fit from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphones from the device list.
4. Go to Device Profile → Settings (cog icon) → Update the firmware.
5. If a new version is available, click Update and confirm the action.
6. Wait until the process is complete (usually 3-10 minutes) and the headphones will reboot automatically.

During the update:

• 📵 Don't turn off Bluetooth.
• 🔌 Do not remove the headphones from the case (if you update through it).
• 📴 Don't close the Mi Fit app.

If the Update button is inactive, check:

• 🔄 Internet connection status (try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or vice versa).
• 📱 Mi Fit version of the app (update it if available).
• 🌐 Account region (some updates are first released in China, then in the global version).

Method 2: Update via PC (for power users)

This method will be useful if:

• 🖥️ Headphones are not updated through Mi Fit (boot error).
• 🔧 You need to “roll back” the firmware to the previous version.
• 🛠️ Headphones "blinked" after a failed update.

For firmware through the PC you will need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (to connect the case).
• 📁 Firmware in.bin or.fw format (you can download it on xiaomifirmware.com or 4PDA).
• 🛠️ Firmware utility (for example, MiFlash or QFil for Qualcomm chips).

Instructions for Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 (based on the Qualcomm QCC3040 chip):

1. Download the archive with firmware and unpack it in a folder.
2. Install Qualcomm QDLoader drivers (if Windows doesn’t find them automatically).
3. Put the headphones in EDL mode: 1. Remove the headphones from the case. 2. Press the touch panels on both headphones for 15 seconds (until the red LED flashes). 3. Connect the case to the PC via USB (earphones must be inside!).
4. Open QFil, select the firmware file (prog_emmc_firehose_8976.mbn) and press Download.
5. Wait for the process to finish (5-7 minutes) and the headphones will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware on your PC can permanently damage your headphones. If you're not sure what you're doing, contact a service center. For example, firmware from AirDots 3 on AirDots 2 will damage the bootloader.

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PC firmware is an extreme method, only use it if you can't upgrade through Mi Fit and your headphones aren't stable.

Method 3: Update via Bluetooth transmitter (for older models)

Some models (First-generation Redmi AirDots or Mi Basic Earphones) do not support Mi Fit updates, but can receive airborne firmware (OTA) when connected to a dedicated transmitter, a method rarely documented but works for a number of devices.

What you need:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android 8.0+ Bluetooth 5.0 support.
• 🔗 The nRF Connect app (available on Google Play).
• 📡 Firmware file in.hex format (can be found on profile forums).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install nRF Connect.
2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, select DFU (Device Firmware Update).
4. Download the firmware file (.hex) and press Start.
5. Wait until the process is completed (it can take up to 20 minutes).

This is a technique that's good for enthusiasts because it requires technical expertise, and for example, for Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, you can install modified firmware that supports aptX, but the risk of bricking the device remains.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems.

If the headphones stopped responding after a failed update:

1. Try resetting: 1. Place the headphones in the case. 2. Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds (until the red/white LED flashes). 3. Remove the headphones and reconnect.
2. If the reset didn’t help, use EDL mode (see Method 2).
3. In the end, contact the Xiaomi service center.

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If you lose sound in one headphone after the update, check the balance of sound in the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone. Sometimes resetting the settings resets it by 0% for one channel.

FAQ: Frequent questions about firmware updates