Modern wireless headphones like the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro are complex microcomputers that require periodic software maintenance. Owners often wonder how to update the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro to fix possible connection errors or improve noise reduction, a process that does not require a connection to a computer, but critically depends on the stability of the Bluetooth connection and battery power.
The manufacturer regularly releases patches that optimize active noise reduction (ANC) and reduce game latency. Ignoring updates can cause you to miss important functional improvements available for your model. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the steps of the procedure, from preparing gadgets to troubleshooting common problems.
It's worth noting that a firmware update is not just a change of numbers in the settings, but a deep flashing of the internal headphone controller. An unstable connection at this point can cause the device to malfunction, so before starting the procedure, make sure that you are in the zone of confident reception of the Wi-Fi signal and near the power source.
Preparation for the installation of a new version of the software
The first and most important step is to properly prepare all the components of the system. You will need the headphones Xiaomi Air 2 Pro, charged case and smartphone with Android or iOS. the Update process occurs exclusively through the mobile application, so having a stable Internet connection on the phone is a prerequisite.
Make sure the case is at least 50% charged and the headphones inside are at least 30% charged. If power is cut off during the recording process, the device can go to a “brick” state and stop being determined by the phone, and it is also recommended to close all background applications that can use Bluetooth, such as navigators or activity trackers.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove the headphones from the case during the process of downloading and installing the firmware.This will interrupt the data transfer and may damage the software part of the device.
It is especially important for Android users to give the app all the permissions you want, including geolocation access. Without that, Android won’t allow the app to scan your Bluetooth devices to find your headphones. On iOS, it’s easy to allow access to the local network and Bluetooth when you first run.
Necessary software
The main tool for managing Xiaomi headphones is a specialized application Mi Buds M8. Previously, the Xiaomi Earbuds application was used, but for the Air 2 Pro model, the developers recommend the Mi Buds M8, since it contains more relevant drivers and support for new features.
In some regions, the app may not be available or work properly, so you can use the universal Xiaomi Wear app (formerly Mi Fit), which also supports this model, although the interface may differ, and the main thing is to make sure that the version of the app is the last available in the store.
Where to download the APK file?
Once you install the app, you need to create a Mi Account or log in to an existing one, which is required to synchronize your settings and save your equalizer preferences and gesture management in the cloud, and without authorization, some features may not be available.
Step-by-step instructions for updating
The upgrade process is intuitive, but it requires care at every step. Open the Mi Buds M8 app and plug in your headphones. Make sure the home screen displays your current battery charge and connection status. If the app suggests updating itself when you first start, you'll agree.
Follow the algorithm further:
- 📱 Open the app and go to the main screen where your Xiaomi Air 2 Pro is displayed.
- ⚙️ Find the Settings menu item or the three-dot icon in the upper right corner.
- 🔄 Select the option "Firmware Update).
- 📥 Click the Download button and wait until the data packet is downloaded.
☑️ Checklist before update
After downloading, the installation process will begin, at which point an orange or white indicator may light up on the case indicator, signaling work, do not press the * button on the case, do not open the lid. The system will overwrite the old files to new ones and reboot the modules.
After the procedure is completed, the app will notify you of the success, and the headphones will automatically reconnect to the smartphone. It is recommended to immediately check the microphone and noise reduction to make sure the installation is correct.
Set up the parameters after the update
Immediately after installing the new version of the software, it is recommended to reset the equalizer and noise reduction settings so that they are applied correctly. The new firmware may contain modified sound processing algorithms that conflict with the old user profiles. Go to the "Sound" or "Equalizer" section of the application.
Notice the new modes that may have emerged, often adding voice-enhanced Transparency modes or improved noise-canceling modes for windy weather, and adaptive noise-canceling can now work more accurately by analyzing the environment in real time.
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Take a screenshot of the equalizer settings before the upgrade. If you find the sound strange after the firmware, you can quickly return all sliders to their original position.
Also check the touch control. Sometimes, after the update, the sensitivity of the touches or the logic of double/triple taps changes. Test all gestures to make sure they perform the actions you want, such as switching tracks or calling an assistant.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter errors. The most common problem is that the process gets stuck at a certain percentage (e.g., 45% or 90%). In this case, do not panic or rush to close the application. Often the process simply takes longer due to the low speed of the Bluetooth connection.
If the update is dead for more than 15 minutes, try the following:
- 🔋 Put the headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
- 📱 Remove the device from the Bluetooth list in your phone settings ("Forget the device").
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try to start the process again.
⚠️ Note: If the indicator on the case flashes red and white at the same time after a failed update, this may indicate a critical error. In this case, leave the headphones in the case on charging for 30 minutes, then try resetting to factory settings.
Another cause of error could be an antivirus or battery “optimizer” on a smartphone that aggressively interrupts background processes. Add the Mi Buds M8 app to the exceptions or a whitelist so the system doesn’t interrupt data transfer.
Version comparison and new features
Each firmware version has some changes, and earlier versions may have had problems with the left and right channel being desynchronized, which patches have fixed, and newer versions focus on connection stability and running in noisy air conditions.
Below is a table of the major changes that developers often make at different times in the lifecycle of a device:
| Type of update | Description of the changes | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Major (vX.0.0.0 ) | New functions, changing the interface | A noticeable change in the logic of work |
| Optimization (vX.1.0.0) | Improved stability of Bluetooth | Fewer communication gaps |
| Security patch | Correcting vulnerabilities | Security of data |
| Audio tuning | Frequency adjustment | Change in tone of sound |
You can follow the release of new versions in the About us or Update Check section inside the application. The current firmware version for stable operation of the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro should be at least 3.4.6.0, although the figures may vary depending on the region of sales.
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Regular firmware updates extend the life of the headphones, as it optimizes the algorithms for battery energy consumption.