Update of the firmware headphones Xiaomi: the full guide

Modern wireless headphones are not just ear speakers, but full-fledged computers with their own software. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often face the need to update firmware to fix connection errors, improve noise cancellation or simply add new features, a process that seems simple, but requires care and consistency, otherwise the gadget can turn into a “brick”.

Many users ignore notifications of new versions of software, believing that the device is stable. However, developers regularly release patches that eliminate critical vulnerabilities of the Bluetooth protocol and optimize battery life. Regular maintenance of the software part is the key to the long and high-quality operation of your audio system. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the process.

Before you start, you need to understand that the update is a replacement of the internal code of the device. For Mi True Wireless Earbuds or Redmi Buds headphones, this process usually goes through the smartphone, but there are nuances for different models. It is important to prepare the device and make sure that the battery is charged at least 50-60%, as a voltage surge or discharge at a critical moment can interrupt the recording of data.

Why do I need to update the headphone software at all?

The main reason Xiaomi engineers are releasing new firmware versions is bug fixes. Users often complain about desynchronization of sound in games or periodic connection breaks when passing through walls. Connection stability is directly dependent on the quality of the code controlling the Bluetooth module. New algorithms allow the device to reconnect faster and better hold the signal in noisy ether.

The second important aspect is functionality. Sometimes the manufacturer adds support for new codecs or improves the performance of the active noise reduction system (ANC). For example, after an update, you can have a transparency mode or change the frequency balance in the equalizer. Without installing an actual firmware, you simply will not be able to take advantage of these features, even if the hardware of the headphones supports them.

⚠️ Warning: Installing beta versions of firmware can cause the device to run unstable. Always check the status of the version before downloading, especially if you are not a tester.

Security is also worth mentioning. Like any smart device, headphones can have vulnerabilities in data protocols. Updates often contain security patches that close holes through which it is theoretically possible to intercept control or data. Ignoring updates leaves your Mi True Wireless Earphones potentially vulnerable.

Preparation for the procedure: what to do before the start

The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation. First of all, make sure that your smartphone has a stable Internet connection, since the firmware file can weigh from 10 to 50 MB. Download will be interrupted if the network disappears at the most inopportune moment, which can cause a file verification error.

Battery is critical, not just the headphones themselves, but the phone as well. If the smartphone goes into power-saving mode during data transfer, the process can be stopped by the system, it is recommended to keep the phone charge above 70%, and the case with headphones should be fully charged.

It is also worth turning off any VPN-Sometimes the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app cannot properly communicate with the update server through foreign countries. IP-Direct connection often solves the problem of "hanging" during the verification phase of the version.

Update via official Xiaomi apps

Depending on the headphone model, you’ll need either the Mi Home app or the specialized Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly known as Mi Earbuds). Flagship models like the Mi True Wireless Earphones Pro often use the Xiaomi Wear ecosystem.

Once you connect the headphones to your smartphone, the app automatically checks, and if there's a more recent version on the server, you'll see a pop-up or a red indicator in the device's menu, and the process is as follows: you click "Update," and then the data packet starts loading, at which time the headphones can emit beeps or flash an indicator.

Important: Do not open the case lid or remove the headphones during the upgrade. Interrupting contact with the case at the time of writing data to the memory of the chip can cause one earphone to stop seeing the other. If the update requires a reboot, the device will do it itself.

Upgrade Methods Comparison: OTA vs. Manual Mode

Users are often confused in terms, not understanding the difference between an automatic air-to-air update (OTA) and a manual installation.OTA (Over-The-Air) is the standard method where a file is downloaded to a phone and streamed to headphones over Bluetooth.This is convenient but depends on the quality of the wireless channel.

Manual mode or cable upgrades (for some wired models or through a special dock) are less common, but are necessary in case of critical failures. The table below compares the main characteristics of methods for wireless models Redmi and Mi.

Only the first method is suitable for 99% of users: manual firmware through an engineering menu or third-party utilities like mi-flasher (the conventional name) is required only if the headphones are “bricked” and no longer defined properly.

Common mistakes and ways to solve them

Even if all the instructions are followed, the process can go wrong, the most common mistake is the message “failed to download” or the endless progress bar by 99%, which is often due to unstable Internet or the fact that Xiaomi servers are overloaded, as the update came out for millions of devices at once.

Another problem is that the left and right earphones are out of sync after the upgrade, and one may update and the other may not, or they may forget each other, and in this case, a full reset helps, and usually you need to pinch the touch pads on both earphones on the headphones on the headphones. 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash red.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is quiet or the bass is gone after the update, don't rush to carry the device for repair. Try resetting the equalizer settings in the application or reinstall the control application itself.

Sometimes users complain that the battery has become worse after the update, which is normal for the first 2-3 charging cycles while the power controller is being calibrated.

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If the update is hanging, don't panic. Put your headphones in the case, close the lid and wait 5 minutes. Then plug the case into charging for 10 minutes, then try to open the app again.

Recovery after a failed firmware

In the rare cases where the process is interrupted intentionally or because of a failure, the headphones can enter Recovery Mode, in which they do not play sound, but can be seen on the Bluetooth list as "Mi BT Headset" or similar neutral name, which means that the base loader is alive and the device can be saved.

Recovery often requires a re-update attempt through the official app. If it doesn't see the device, try pairing again, ignoring the old entries in the phone's memory. Delete the headphone profile from the Bluetooth list, turn off Bluetooth, turn on again, and find the device.

If the software methods don't work, you just have to go to an authorized service center, and you can disassemble Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 or more expensive models for soldering memory chips, which is a job for professionals with a microscope and a soldering station, because the case is usually glue.

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The bottom line is that 95 percent of update problems are solved by simply restarting the app and trying again. Don't be afraid to try again if the first attempt failed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)