How to reflash headphones Xiaomi Air 2 SE: official and alternative ways

Xiaomi Air 2 SE is a popular model with Bluetooth 5.0 support, active noise cancellation and long battery life. However, even such a reliable device requires a firmware update over time to fix bugs, improve sound or add new features. Unlike smartphones, reflashing headphones is a process less obvious, but equally important.

In this article, you will find all the current ways to update the firmware for Xiaomi Air 2 SE: from the official method through the Mi Fit application to manual methods using ADB and third-party utilities. We will also discuss how to check the current version of the software, what risks exist if the firmware is incorrect, and what to do if the headphones stop working after the update. If you have never done this manipulation before, do not worry: the instructions are adapted for users of any level.

Important: The upgrade procedure for the Air 2 SE is different from other Xiaomi models (such as the AirDots Pro or Buds 4).Do not use firmware or instructions intended for other devices - this can lead to permanent damage to the headphones.

📊 You have already updated the firmware on your Xiaomi headphones?
Yes, through Mi Fit.
Yes, manually.
No, but I'm planning.
No, I'm not.

1.Why upgrade the firmware on Xiaomi Air 2 SE?

Manufacturers regularly release updates for headphones, and Xiaomi is no exception. Here are the main reasons why you should keep an eye on the relevance of the firmware:

  • 🔊 Improvement of sound: new audio processing algorithms, frequency adjustment, support for additional codecs (for example, LC3 Bluetooth LE Audio).
  • 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption: increasing the running time from one charge, fixing quick discharge bugs.
  • 🛡️ Error Correction: Addressing connection problems, accidental shutdowns, sensor or microphone malfunctions.
  • 🆕 New features: adding noise reduction modes, support for multi-connection (multipoint), improved control gestures.

For example, in one of the latest updates for Air 2 SE, support for transparent mode (skipping external sounds without removing the headphones) was added and a bug with a freeze when connecting to Android 13+ devices was fixed. Without an update, these functions will remain unavailable.

⚠️ Note: If your headphones are stable and functional, forced upgrades can be risky. In rare cases, new firmware versions contain incomplete changes that degrade the user experience. Always check reviews of a particular version before installing.

How do you know if your Air 2 SE needs an upgrade?

  • ⚡ Headphones discharge quickly even at minimum volume.
  • 🎵 The sound is distorted at high frequencies or there are extraneous noises.
  • 🔄 Frequent breaks of connection with the phone, especially when moving.
  • 🖐️ The controls are not working properly (for example, double touch is perceived as one).

2. How to check the current firmware version

Before you start updating, you need to know the current version of the software, which will help determine whether your firmware is relevant, and avoid re-installing the same version.

This can be done in two ways:

Method 1: Through the Mi Fit application

  1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
  2. Open the Mi Fit app (available for Android and iOS).
  3. Go to Profile → My Devices → Xiaomi Air 2 SE.
  4. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) top-right.
  5. Select Device Information or About Program.
  6. Find the firmware version string (e.g. 1.4.0.9 or 2.1.0.3).

Method 2: Engineering menu (for Android)

If for some reason Mi Fit doesn’t display the firmware version, you can use the hidden Bluetooth menu:

1. Enable the developer mode on your smartphone:


- Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (or “Build Number” on other Android devices).




Click on this item 7 times until the notice "You became a developer" appears.





2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable the Bluetooth Debugging option.





3. Install the nRF Connect app from Google Play.





4. Connect the headphones via nRF Connect and go to the Device Information tab. There's a Firmware Revision bar with the firmware version.

⚠️ Note: Not all versions of nRF Connect correctly read data from Xiaomi Air 2 SE. If the app doesn’t show a version, use the first method or check through Mi Fit on another device.

Compare the version with the latest updates available. Up-to-date firmware versions for Air 2 SE can be found on official resources:

  • 🌐 Xiaomi Support Page (section "Audio").
  • 📥 Mi Community Forum (Search by Model) TWS Earbuds Basic 2 SE).

💡

If Mi Fit doesn’t have any information about the new firmware, but users are discussing the latest versions on the forums, wait for the official release for your region. Installing firmware from another localization can lead to malfunctions.

3.Official method: Update via Mi Fit

The easiest and safest method is to use the branded Mi Fit app, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills.

Step-by-step:

  1. Upgrade Mi Fit to the latest version in Google Play or App Store.
  2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
  3. Open Mi Fit and go to the headphone management section (Profile → Xiaomi Air 2 SE).
  4. If an update is available, a notification will appear with an Update or Update button.
  5. Confirm the start of the process and wait until it is completed (usually takes 3-5 minutes).
  6. Do not turn off the headphones and do not close the application until a message about a successful update appears.

During the process, headphones can:

  • 🔄 Reboot several times.
  • 🔥 Heat up (it's normal).
  • 🔇 Temporarily disconnect from the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Fit updates give an Update failed error, try the following steps: Reboot your smartphone and headphones (put them in your case for 10 seconds, then pull them out). Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list and plug them back in. Check the stability of the Internet connection (update downloaded via Mi Fit). If the error repeats, try to upgrade from another device (for example, with Android, if you originally used the iPhone).

Charge the case and headphones to 100%|

Update the Mi Fit| app

Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|

Close the background apps on your smartphone |

Place your headphones next to your phone (within a radius of 1 m)-->

What if the update does not appear in Mi Fit?

Sometimes official updates are delayed for different regions, and if you are sure that new firmware already exists, but Mi Fit doesn’t offer it, try:

  • 📍 Change region in Mi Fit settings (e.g. India or Global). → Settings → Region. Select another region and restart the application.

Clear the cache

Settings → Applications → Mi Fit → Memory → Clear cache

Use another device

💡

Officially updating with Mi Fit is the safest method, as the firmware is being tested for compatibility with your headphone model and region.

4. Alternative Firmware Methods: ADB and Manual Methods

If the official update is not available and the new firmware is out, you can try installing it manually, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.

Method 1: Firmware via ADB (for Android)

This method will require:

  • 📱 Smartphone on Android 8.0+ Bluetooth-enabled.
  • 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
  • 📁 Firmware file in.bin or.zip format (downloaded from forums, for example, 4PDA).

Advantages of this method:

  • ✅ Automatic search for current firmware.
  • ✅ Support for rollback to the previous version (if the new version is unstable).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Not all versions of Air 2 SE supported.
  • ❌ Risk of installing unofficial (modified) firmware.