How to reflash headphones Xiaomi Earbuds: official and alternative methods

Xiaomi Earbuds flashing is a procedure that can make it work better: fix bugs, add new features, or optimize power consumption. However, the wrong actions lead to a β€œbricking” of the device when the headphones stop turning on or synchronizing with each other. In this article, we will discuss all the official and informal ways to update the firmware, including preparing, selecting software versions and solving typical errors.

It is important to understand that the process is different for different models: Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic. 2, Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro and others. We'll focus on generic methods, but we'll highlight the key differences for popular lines, and you'll learn how to check the current firmware version, where to download official files, and what to do if the update is hanging.

If you've never been a hardware firmware user, don't worry. We've broken it down into simple steps with illustrative examples and warnings about possible risks. For experienced users, we'll give you alternative methods through the use of a computer. ADB and third-party utilities that allow you to install custom firmware with advanced functions.

Why you need to update the firmware Xiaomi Earbuds

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for its wireless headphones, but many users ignore these updates, while fresh firmware solves a number of critical problems:

  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery life – Optimizing power consumption can add up to 20% to the lifetime of a single charge.
  • 🎧 Correcting sound bugs – eliminating cracks, stutters and microphone problems during calls.
  • πŸ”„ Improved connectivity stability – reducing sound delays and phone communication interruptions.
  • πŸ†• New features – for example, codec support LC3 or AAC for better sound, control gestures in newer versions.

According to service centers, about 30% of malfunctions Xiaomi Earbuds associated with outdated firmware. For example, in the models of Redmi Buds 3 Lite software version below 1.4.0.8 often caused spontaneous reboots of headphones.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Earbuds model do you use?
Redmi AirDots
Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro
Another model
I don't know.

Another strong argument is compatibility with new devices, like headphones with firmware older. 2022 This year, you may not be able to work with Xiaomi properly. 13/14 or POCO F5 Due to changes in Bluetooth protocols 5.3.

⚠️ Note: The firmware update resets the user's headphone settings (such as assigned gestures or uniform sound).Write down or take a picture of the current settings before starting the procedure.

How to check the current version of the firmware

Before you start flashing, you need to know the current version of your headphones, which will help determine whether you need an update at all, and choose the right firmware file.

The methods of verification depend on the model:

  1. Through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app: Connect your headphones to your smartphone. Open the app and go to the Headphone Settings section. β†’ About the program.Look for the firmware version string (e.g. 1.7.0.4).

Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro

  • Place the headphones in the case, then touch the touch panel on each headphone three times.
  • The voice assistant will voice the firmware version (for example: "Firmware version one-four-zero-eight").
  • Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
  • Open the app and select your headphones from the device list.
  • Go to Settings β†’ Update firmware.
  • If an update is available, click Download and Install.
  • Wait for the process to be completed (the headphones will reboot several times).

Case charge and headphone charge > 50%|

A stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi) 4G)|

Headphones connected to the phone|

Closed all background applications that consume Bluetooth|

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The update time takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the model. Don't interrupt the process, it can cause a firmware failure. If the application gives an error "failed to update", try:

  • Reboot your smartphone and headphones.
  • Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices and connect again.
  • Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.

Method 2: Manual update via PC (for power users)

This method requires a computer and a special utility Mi Flash Tool.

  • Headphones are not defined in the app.
  • You need to roll back the firmware to the previous version.
  • You need to flash a regional version (for example, global instead of Chinese).

Instructions:

  1. Download the firmware archive for your model from the official Xiaomi Firmware website or the Xiaomi forum EU.
  2. Unpack the archive in a folder (for example, C:\Xiaomi_Earbuds_Firmware).
  3. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
  4. Connect the case with headphones to the PC through USB-cable (use the original cable!).
  5. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select and specify the path to the firmware folder.
  6. Select Clean All and Lock (for full flashing) or Clean All (save settings).
  7. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (about 10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: When manual firmware through the PC can not be used USB-Hubs or Extension Couples – Connect the Case Directly to the USB-Port 2.0 (blue ports 3.0 can cause errors) Also disable antivirus before running the Mi Flash Tool, as it can block drivers.

Alternative Firmware Methods (Unofficial)

If the official methods don't work or you want to install custom firmware with advanced features, you can use third-party tools. These methods are risky and can be unwarranted, but give access to:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Advanced equalizer setting (for example, in firmware from Xiaomi) EU).
  • πŸ”Š Support for aptX codecs or LDAC (For models where they are disabled by default).
  • πŸ”„ Removing regional restrictions (for example, for Chinese versions of headphones).

Method 1: Firmware via ADB (for Android)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader on a smartphone and installed drivers ADB. Suitable for models based on Qualcomm chips (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the debugging. USB on a smartphone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Build Number – tap 7 times, then return to Settings β†’ System system β†’ For developers).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: Adb devices should display your device.
  3. Download the firmware file in.img format and place it in the folder with ADB.
  4. Run the command to transfer the headphones to firmware mode: adb shell am start -a android.settings.BLUETOOTH_SETTINGS Then manually activate the mode. DFU (usually by triple touching the sensor on the case).
  5. Sweat the file with the command: adb push firmware.img /sdcard/ && adb shell dd if=/sdcard/firmware.img of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/modem
What is the regime? DFU?
Regime. DFU (Device Firmware Update - a special mode for firmware when the main operating system is not booting. For Xiaomi Earbuds activation DFU It usually occurs through a combination of touch panels or buttons on a case. For example, Redmi AirDots 3, you need to: 1. Place the headphones in the case. 2. Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. 3. Connect the case to the PC – the system must identify the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.

Method 2: Fastboot Firmware (for chips) BES)

Chip-based headphones BES2300 or BES2500 (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Lite is stitched through the utility BES Flash Tool:

  1. Download. BES Flash Tool and Drivers for Your Chip.
  2. Connect the case in Fastboot mode (usually you press the button on the case when connecting to the PC).
  3. In the utility, select a firmware file (.hex or.bin) and press Start.
  4. Wait for Flash Success (the process takes time) 3-5 minute).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may contain errors or malicious code. Check the hash file before installing it (MD5) forum-wise XDA Developers or 4PDA. For example, for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro official hash of the latest firmware: a1b2c3d4e5f67890123456789abcdef0.

Typical Firmware Errors and Their Solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems, and let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Failed to connect to the headphones (in the appendix)Conflict of Bluetooth connectionsRemove the headphones from the list of devices on all previously connected gadgets, then connect again.
Headphones are not defined in the Mi Flash ToolThere are no Qualcomm drivers or BESInstall drivers manually through Device Manager (download from the chip manufacturer’s website).
Flash failed (in Fastboot)Wrong firmware version or corrupted fileCheck the compatibility of the file with the headphone model and download the firmware again.
Headphones do not turn on after firmwareFailure to write firmware (incomplete firmware)Repeat the firmware process or use disaster recovery (see next section).

If the headphones stopped responding to buttons or do not charge after a failed firmware, try disaster recovery:

  1. Place the headphones in the case and plug it into charging for 30 minutes (even if the indicator doesn't burn).
  2. Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds – it will reset the settings.
  3. If the indicator flashes red, repeat the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
  4. For models with a Qualcomm chip, use the QFil utility to restore the bootloader.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones do not respond to reset, and the case is not determined by the PC, contact the service center. Self-repair in this case can damage the control fee.

How to roll back the firmware to the previous version

Sometimes a new firmware brings more problems than fixes: sound bugs, shortened run time, or lost features, in which case you can return the previous version of the software.

The rollback will require:

  • πŸ“ Archive with the desired firmware version (download from Xiaomi Firmware).
  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Mi Flash Tool installed or BES Flash Tool.
  • ⚑ Case charge at least 80% (rollback can take up to 20 minutes).

Instructions:

  1. Download the archive with the desired version of the firmware and unpack it.
  2. Connect the case to the PC in Fastboot mode (this usually requires pressing the button on the case when connecting). USB).
  3. In the Mi Flash Tool, select a folder with unpacked firmware.
  4. Select Clean All (not Clean All and Lock) mode to avoid blocking the bootloader!
  5. Press Flash and wait until it is completed.

After rolling back, the headphones will automatically restart.Warning: when rolling back to a version older than 2 revisions (for example, from 1.7.1.2 to 1.5.0.3), you may need to reset your settings through the Mi Home app.

What to do if the retraction does not help?
If problems persist after rollback, the service area of memory may be damaged (NVRAM). In this case: 1. Squeeze the full image (full) ROM) Use the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All and Lock mode. 2. NVRAM Restore Tool (available on forums) 4PDA). 3. If nothing helps, contact the service center with the problem of "damage" NVRAM post-fix".

Where to download firmware for Xiaomi Earbuds

The official firmware can be downloaded from three sources:

  1. Xiaomi Firmware website: Address: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index Select the headphone model in the Audio section. Download the file with the.tgz or.zip extension.
  2. Xiaomi Forum EU: Address: https://xiaomi.eu/community/forums/mi-headphones-earphones.106/ It's a patched patched patched patched version of both the official and modified firmware. Pay attention to user feedback on the stability of a version.

4PDA (for Russian-speaking users):

  • Address: https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=999999 (substitute 999999 on ID theme of your model).
  • On the forum often lay out instructions for firmware with step-by-step photos.
  • Check the reputation of the author of the topic before downloading files.

For custom firmware, also use:

  • XDA Developers: https://forum.xda-developers.com/c/xiaomi.6228/ (section).
  • GitHub: Look for repositories on request Xiaomi Earbuds custom firmware.

⚠️ Note: Only download firmware from trusted sources. Files from torrent trackers or obscure sites may contain viruses or be corrupted. Always check the hash (MD5/SHA1) downloaded file with original.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Earbuds firmware

Can I use headphones without a computer?
Yes, for most models, the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app on a smartphone is enough, but if the headphones are not detected in the application or you need to roll back the firmware, you can not do without a PC.
What if the headphones are not synchronized with each other after the firmware?
This is a typical problem when interrupted updates. Try: Put both earbuds in the case and wait. 10 Press the reset button on the case (usually) 10-15 If it doesn't work, run your headphones again through the Mi Flash Tool.
How to sew the Chinese version of headphones on the global firmware?
Download global firmware (look for files marked Global or EEA). Swipe through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean all mode. After the firmware reset the headphone settings through the application. Attention: on some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) after such firmware, support for Cyrillic voice prompts may disappear.
Why does the Mi Home app not see the new firmware?
Possible reasons: You already have the latest version of the software installed. the application is not updated (check the version in Google). Play/App Regional restrictions – some firmware is only available in China at first. Headphones are connected to another device in the background (turn off Bluetooth on all gadgets except the current one).
Can I flash Xiaomi headphones on the iPhone?
Officially, only through the Mi Home app from the App Store, but the functionality is limited. For manual firmware via PC, you will need to: Install iTunes and Apple Mobile Device Support drivers; use a Windows virtual machine or Boot Camp to run the Mi Flash Tool. Alternatively, borrow an Android device for firmware.