Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3 and Redmi AirDots) regularly receive firmware updates to improve sound, connectivity stability and battery life. However, not everyone knows that flashing can be done not only through the official Mi Home app, but also manually – using specialized utilities or even through ADB. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden functions, risks and solutions to typical errors.
It’s important to understand that the wrong firmware can turn headphones into a brick. For example, the 2019 AirDots Basic models do not support AirDots 3 firmware, which will lead to a breakdown of the Bluetooth module. We will discuss in detail how to avoid such errors, where to download official files (and why you should not trust third-party sources), and what to do if the update is suspended by 50%. If you have never done firmware before, start with the Preparation section, which describes all the necessary tools and checks.
What Xiaomi AirDots models can be re-flashed
Not all Xiaomi headphones support firmware updates, and here is a full list of models with methods available:
| Model | Official method | Manual method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots Basic (YYDS) | Mi Home | ADB + Fastboot | Firmware only for versions with BES2300 chip |
| AirDots Pro (TWS) | Mi Home | QFlash Tool | Requires unlocking the loader |
| AirDots 2 (Enchen) | Mi Home | — | Manual firmware is not supported |
| Redmi AirDots (S) | Mi Home | MTK Flash Tool | Only for firmware with.bin extension |
| AirDots 3 Pro | Mi Home / Xiaomi Wear | — | Automatic updates via OTA |
Note: AirDots SE and AirDots Youth models do not have official update support. If you see suggestions for "custom" firmware for these devices, it is fraud or unstable builds that can cause the headphones to fail. Before starting the procedure, be sure to check the model in the Bluetooth settings (name displayed when connected) or on the box.
⚠️ Note: Firmware headphones Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 through unofficial utilities (for example, TWS Toolbox) cancels the warranty. The manufacturer records the facts of interference with the software through log files that are stored even after the reset.
Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start
Before updating the firmware, follow the mandatory steps to avoid errors:
- 🔋 Charge your headphones and case to 100%. If the charge is below 50%, the process may be interrupted during the file integrity check phase.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone has the latest version of the Mi Home app (for Android) or Xiaomi Wear (for iOS.
- 🌐 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. Update "over the air» (OTA) requires a speed of at least 2 Mbps.
- 🔍 Check the current firmware version: Open Bluetooth Settings → Xiaomi AirDots → Device information.
If you plan to manual firmware via PC, additionally prepare:
- 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for the QFlash Tool or ADB).
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (to connect the case in firmware mode).
- 📁 Official firmware file with.bin or.img extension (download only from the official Xiaomi website).
Headphone charge ≥80% | Updated Mi Home| Downloaded official firmware file | Backup Bluetooth settings | VPN and firewalls-->
AirDots Pro and Redmi AirDots may require unlocking the bootloader, which erases all headphone data and requires authorization through a Xiaomi account. Read more about unlocking in the special section.
AirDots Basic|AirDots Pro|AirDots 2/3|Redmi AirDots|Another.-->
Official way: Update via Mi Home
The safest method is to upgrade through a proprietary app, which is suitable for most models and does not require technical skills.
- Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Open the Mi Home app and select the Xiaomi AirDots device in the list.
- Go to the device settings → Update the firmware.
- If a new version is available, click Update and confirm the action.
- Wait until the process is complete (the headphones will reboot automatically).
The update time depends on the model:
- 🕒 AirDots Basic: ~3 minutes.
- 🕓 AirDots Pro: ~5 minutes (because of the chip).
- 🕔 AirDots 3: ~7 minutes (includes optimization) ANC).
⚠️ Warning: If you see a message that says "Error 1008" during the update via Mi Home, it means that the firmware file is corrupted. Solution: delete the headphones from the Bluetooth list, restart the smartphone and repeat the procedure. If the error repeats, download the firmware manually (links in the next section).
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If the Mi Home update doesn’t appear, try changing the Xiaomi account region to “India” or “Global.” New firmware often comes out first for those regions.
Manual firmware through the PC: step-by-step instructions
This method is suitable for power users and requires working with ADB or specialized utilities. We will look at the process using the Xiaomi AirDots Pro using the QFlash Tool.
Step 1: Download firmware and tools
Official firmware files for manual updates can be found:
- 🌍 On the Xiaomi website (Firmware section»).
- 📁 In thematic telegram channels (for example, @XiaomiFirmware), But only if the files are signed with a digital signature Xiaomi Inc.
Also download:
- 🖥️ ADB and Fastboot (for Windows).
- 🔧 QFlash Tool (for Qualcomm chips).
Step 2: Connecting headphones in firmware mode
To put AirDots Pro in firmware mode:
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- Connect the case to the PC via USB-The device manager should have a Qualcomm device HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
Step 3: Firmware through QFlash Tool
Start the QFlash Tool and do the following:
- In the Select Build Type field, select Flat Build.
- In Select Programmer, specify the path to the file. prog_emmc_firehose_8976.mbn (file-in).
- In Load XML, select rawprogram0.xml and patch0.xml files.
- Press Download and wait until it is completed (the process takes ~10 minutes).
Once the firmware is successful, the headphones will automatically restart, and if the case indicator is green, the update has been successful.
What to do if the QFlash Tool is a Sahara Fail error
Solving problems after firmware
Even with a successful update, there may be problems, and let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on | Incompatible firmware | Return the original firmware through EDL-regime |
| The sound is interrupted. | Bluetooth codec failure | Reset the settings in Mi Home → Sound settings |
| The microphone is not working. | The file is damaged. audio_policy.conf | Only reflash the audio section via Fastboot |
| Fast battery discharge | Battery calibration error | Completely discharge and charge headphones 3 times |
If after the firmware headphones are not determined by any device:
- Try resetting them to factory settings: press the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator should flash red 3 times).
- Remove the device from the list of conjugates in Bluetooth settings.
- Connect the headphones again in search mode (the indicator flashes white).
⚠️ Note: If after manual firmware headphones emit a squeak of high frequency when connected - this is a sign of damage to the Bluetooth driver. The only solution is to contact the Xiaomi service center with a check for purchase (the warranty is only maintained with official firmware).
How to unlock the bootloader for firmware
AirDots Pro and Redmi AirDots S models have a locked bootloader that does not allow you to install informal firmware.
- 📱 Smartphone with root rights (or PC with root rights) ADB).
- 🔑 Xiaomi Developer Account (register at dev.mi.com).
- 📋 Serial number of headphones (located on the box or in the Mi Home) → Device information).
The unlocking process:
- Connect the headphones to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold the case button for 8 seconds until the indicator is blue).
- Enter the command: fastboot oem unlock-go If a Device not authorized error appears, log in to the device through the developer account.
- After unlocking, the bootloader will be reset and the headphones will reboot.
Note that unlocking erases all data, including Bluetooth pairs, and that some features may be lost after this procedure, LDAC-codec or transparent mode (for AirDots 3 Pro).
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Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty and may result in the loss of features dependent on the original firmware (e.g., a fast pair with Xiaomi devices).
Alternative methods: risks and opportunities
Beyond the official ways, there are some "castomy" firmware offerings on the web that promise "enhanced sound" or "additional features," and consider the real risks and what's true:
- 🎵 Modified firmware with EQ-Settings: Can change the sound, but often lead to overheating of speakers (especially on AirDots Basic with 7mm drivers).
- 🔄 Supported firmware AAC In fact, Xiaomi AirDots has always supported AAC, But on Android, it may not be activated due to system limitations.
- 🔋 Firmware to increase running time: Most often it is simply a switch off of background processes, resulting in loss of connection stability.
If you do decide to experiment, follow the rules:
- 🔍 Check the firmware on the XDA-Developers forums (look for themes marked with a tag). [STABLE]).
- 📊 Compare the hashes of files (MD5) For example, AirDots 3 Pro has a hash. a1b2c3d4e5f6... (Check the current hash on the Xiaomi website).
- 🛠️ Use open source tools like Mirador to analyze firmware files.
Remember, most of the custom firmware for Xiaomi AirDots is actually repackaged official versions with a changed name. Real modifications (such as those with aptX support) require a replacement of the Bluetooth chip, which is not programmatic.