How to reflash Xiaomi Air 2: official and alternative methods

Why Update Your Firmware on Xiaomi Air 2 and When You Need It

Xiaomi Air 2 wireless headphones (TWS Earbuds Basic 2) receive regular updates from the manufacturer despite the budget price. New firmware versions fix bugs, improve Bluetooth 5.0 connection stability, optimize battery consumption and even add support for new codecs - for example, AAC for better sound on the iPhone. However, not all users know that updates can be installed not only automatically through the Mi Fit app, but also manually.

When should you think about flashing? First, if the headphones have started to spontaneously disconnect from the device or one of them discharges faster than the other; second, when there are artifacts of sound (wheezing, cliffs) or problems with the microphone during calls. Finally, manual updates are relevant for enthusiasts who want to test beta versions of firmware with undocumented features, such as customized sound profiles or advanced control gestures.

But it's important to understand that a bad firmware can turn headphones into a brick.

• 🔋 The charge level of the case and headphones is not lower 50% (optimally 80-100%).
• 📱 Compatibility of your smartphone: Android 6.0+ iOS 10+ with the latest version of the Mi Fit.
• 🌐 Stable Internet connection (to download firmware files).

If you’ve never been a firmware user, start with the official method through Mi Fit. Alternative methods (via ADB or third-party utilities) require experience and may be unwarranted.

Official way: Update via Mi Fit app

The most secure and recommended method Xiaomi is to upgrade through a proprietary app, which is suitable for 90% of users and does not require technical skills.

1. Install the latest version of Mi Fit from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth and open the app.
3. Go to Profile → My Devices → Xiaomi Air 2.
4. If an update is available, a notification will appear with the Update button, press it and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

Important: during the update, do not close the application or turn off Bluetooth. If the process is interrupted, the headphones can freeze in the update mode - you will need to reset to the factory settings to exit it (press the button on the case for 15 seconds).

Download the latest version of Mi Fit| Charge headphones and case up to 80%+| Connect headphones to your smartphone | Put on headphones (to confirm the update) | Disable VPN and save traffic

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If there is no update button in Mi Fit, but you are sure that the new firmware is out, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones to your phone (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again).
• 📲 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
• 🌍 Check the region of Xiaomi account: some updates are coming out first for the Chinese region. To change the region, go to Profile → Settings → Region.

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If the headphones started to work worse after the update (for example, there were interference), try to roll back to the previous version of the firmware. To do this, contact Xiaomi support via the Mi Fit application (Feedback section) and request a rollback file.

Handheld firmware through ADB: for experienced users

The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) method is suitable for those who want to install firmware bypassing Mi Fit — for example, if an official update is not available in your region or you are testing custom builds. This method requires unlocking debugging over USB on a smartphone and can lead to a loss of warranty.

What you need:

• 📱 Android smartphone with support ADB (On the iPhone, this method does not work).
• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Platform Tools package.
• 📁 Firmware file in.zip or.bin format (you can download it on the forums Xiaomi.eu or 4PDA).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the smartphone Developer Mode (7 times click on the Build Number in the phone settings) and activate Debugging over USB.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and execute the commands: adb devices (should display your phone) adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.hm.health/com.xiaomi.hm.health.upgrade.UpgradeActivity (this will open the hidden update menu in Mi Fit).
4. In manual mode, select the firmware file and wait for the process to be completed.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Xiaomi Air 2 contains regional restrictions, such as Chinese versions that may not support Russian in voice prompts or have other restrictions on Bluetooth codecs.

⚠️ Note: If after the scaling of the ADB Headphones stopped turning on, try to reset them to factory settings: put both headphones in the case, press the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red.

Alternative methods: third-party utilities and custom firmware

For enthusiasts who want to make the most of Xiaomi Air 2, there are informal tools like the TWS Tool or Earbuddy that allow you to:

• 🎛️ Set up equalizer and sound profiles.
• 🔄 Install firmware from third-party developers (e.g., with support) LDAC or).
• 📊 View detailed information about the battery and headphone iron.

However, the use of such utilities is associated with risks:

⚠️ Attention: Castom firmware may contain malicious code or unstable builds that shorten battery life. Before installing, check forum reviews and hash amounts of files.

Example of popular custom firmware for Xiaomi Air 2:

Before you install custom firmware, back up the original version. To do this, go to the Backup section of the TWS Tool and save the current firmware to your phone, and if you fail, you can return it all back.

Official update via Mi Fit|Hand-held firmware through ADB|side of the utility (TWS Tool, et al.)|I never did, I'm afraid to break it.|Another option-->

Frequent Firmware Errors and How to Fix Them

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and consider the most common errors and their solutions:

1. Headphones are not defined in Mi Fit after the update

The reason: Bluetooth connection failure or firmware incompatibility with your version of the application.

Decision:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and headphones (put them in your case for 10 seconds).
• 📲 Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices and connect again.
• 🔧 Update Mi Fit to the latest version or reinstall it.

2. The update process is getting stuck at 0% or 100%

Reason: Unstable Internet connection or interrupted download of a firmware file.

Decision:

• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile internet.
• ⏳ Wait. 15-20 Minutes – sometimes the process “stops” before the final stage.
• 🔋 Check the case charge: if it is discharged below 30%, the update may be interrupted.

3.After firmware, one earphone does not work

Reason: Incorrect synchronization between headphones or hardware failure.

Decision:

• 🔄 Reset the headphones: press the button on the case for 15 seconds.
• 🔋 Charge the case to 100% and reconnect.
• 🔧 If the problem remains, try flashing the headphones separately (some custom utilities have the option of Single Earbud Flash).

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If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi Service Center, and in most cases, the problem is solved by flashing through specialized hardware (for example, the Mi Flash Tool).

How to check the firmware version and roll back to the previous

To find out the current firmware version on Xiaomi Air 2, do the following:

1. Open the Mi Fit app and go to the section of your headphones.
2. Slap the gear icon (⚙️) top-right.
3. Scroll down to Device Information – there will be a firmware version bar (e.g. 1.4.0.3).

If you have problems after the update, you can regress to the previous version.

1. Download the desired firmware version from a reliable source (e.g. Xiaomi.eu).
2. Use the TWS Tool or ADB for manual installation (the instructions are similar to those described above).
3. After the rollback, reset the headphones.

Important: Xiaomi doesn’t provide an archive of old firmware officially.Shoot files are searched on enthusiastic forums, so always check them for viruses and compatibility with your headphone model (TWS Earbuds Basic 2 or Redmi AirDots 2 are the same device!).

Safety tips: how not to turn headphones into a “brick”

Flashing is always a risk. To minimize the chances of spoiling your headphones, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Use only firmware designed for Xiaomi Air 2 (TWS Earbuds Basic 2 Files for Air 2 Pro or Air 2S won't fit!
• 📡 Turn it off. VPN and proxy before downloading firmware – they can distort files.
• 🔋 Don't interrupt the upgrade process. If the case battery runs out during firmware, the headphones may fail.
• 🛡️ Before using custom firmware, create a backup of the original version.

If you still “brick” the headphones, try the following steps to restore:

1. Put both headphones in the case and connect it to the charger.
2. Press the button on the case for 30 seconds (until the red indicator flashes).
3. Connect the case to the PC and try to flash the headphones through the Mi Flash Tool (you will need a Xiaomi developer account).

In the most severe cases, only soldering a memory chip can help, which will cost more than buying new headphones, so always assess the risks before experimenting with firmware.

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If you plan to sell or give earbuds, return the original firmware before you do so.Castom builds can cause suspicions to the new owner or lead to connection problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions