How to reflash Xiaomi headphones: official and informal ways

Xiaomi headphone flashing is a procedure that can solve connection problems, improve sound quality or add new features. However, not all models support software updates, and the wrong actions can turn a gadget into a “brick.” In this article, we will analyze which Xiaomi headphones can be stitched, where to get official and custom firmware, and also take a Step-by-step look at the process for different models from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro.

It's important to understand that headphone firmware is different from smartphone updates. There are no universal tools like the Mi Flash Tool, and most models are automatically updated through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear. But if the automatic update doesn't work or you want to install an alternative firmware (for example, to unlock hidden features), you'll have to act manually, and we'll show you how to do it safely and without losing warranty.

What Xiaomi headphone models support firmware

Not all Xiaomi headphones can be reflashed. Most budget models (like the Redmi Buds 3 Lite or Mi Basic 2) only get updates via OTA (over the air) and do not have manual installation mode. The table below shows models for which official or informal firmware is available:

If your model isn't on the list, it doesn't mean that firmware isn't possible. For example, some versions of Redmi Buds 3 have been patched by enthusiasts to improve sound, but installing them requires ADB skills and can void warranty. Before you start, check the firmware version in the Mi Home app (Device section). If there's an Update button, then the model supports OTA.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi headphones with Qualcomm chips (such as FlipBuds Pro) are easier to flash than models on Realtek (such as Redmi AirDots 2.

Official update of firmware through the application

The safest way is to update your headphones through branded software.

• 📱 Smartphone on Android (version 8.0 and above) or iOS (12.0 and above).
• 🔋 Charged headphones (at least 50% of the battery).
• 📶 Stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔄 Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on model).

Instructions:

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Open the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for FlipBuds Pro).
3. Go to the connected device section and select your headphones.
4. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → «Update firmware».
5. Confirm the installation and wait until the end (do not turn off the headphones!).

The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. After updating, the headphones will automatically restart. If the Update button is inactive, you already have the latest version of the software installed.

Charge headphones to 100% | Install the latest version of Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear| Connect to stable Wi-Fi | Close background apps on your smartphone | Turn off power saving mode-->

Handheld firmware via ADB (for advanced users)

If an official update is not available or you want to install custom firmware (for example, to unlock LDAC or AAC codecs), you will need the ADB protocol. This method only works for Qualcomm-based models (for example, FlipBuds Pro or Air 2 Pro) and requires:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB-C (case-wire).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot.
• 📁 Firmware file in.bin or.img format.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install ADB Tools from Google.
2. Connect the case headphones to the computer via USB-C (earphones should be inside the case!).
3. Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: adb devices If the device is not displayed, install drivers for Qualcomm.
4. Download the firmware for your model (for example, with XDA Developers) and place the file in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter a firmware command (example for FlipBuds Pro): adb push firmware.bin /sdcard/ adb shell su dd if=/sdcard/firmware.bin of=/dev/block/by-name/modem
6. Wait until the end and restart the headphones.

⚠️ Warning: The wrong dd command can erase critical headphone sections. For models on a Realtek chip (like Redmi AirDots), manual firmware is through the headphones. ADB Impossible – use only official methods.

Fastboot Firmware (for models with USB-C connector)

Some Xiaomi headphones (such as the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro) support Fastboot mode, which allows you to flash them like a smartphone.

1. Connect the headphone case to the computer by holding the reset button (usually located on the back of the case).
2. Open the cmd and check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is determined, go further.
3. Unpack the archive with firmware (there should be boot.img, system.img, etc. files).
4. Fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system.img
5. Reboot your headphones: fastboot reboot

This method is suitable for recovering headphones after a failed update or custom software installation. However, not all models support Fastboot - for example, Redmi Buds 3 can only be flashed through Mi Home.

fastboot getvar all

This will help restore the device if something goes wrong.-->

Frequent mistakes and their solution

When you flash Xiaomi headphones, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the headphones stopped working after an informal firmware, try returning the stock software.

1. Download the original firmware from the Xiaomi website (support section).
2. Connect the case in Fastboot mode.
3. Command: Fastboot flash all stock_firmware.zip

💡

If the headphones after firmware do not respond to buttons or do not connect, try to reset them to factory settings: place the headphones in the case, hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.

How to check the firmware version and compatibility

Before updating, be sure to check the current version of the software, which will help you avoid conflicts and choose the right firmware file.

Method 1: Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear

1. Open the app and select your headphones.
2. Go to “About the device” or “Settings”.
3. Find the firmware version line (e.g. V12.7.4.0).

Method 2: ADB (for advanced models)

1. Connect the case to the computer.
2. Enter the command adb shell getprop ro.build.version.incremental

Compare the resulting version with the latest releases on the Xiaomi website or forums. For example, for FlipBuds Pro, the current firmware for mid-2026 is V14.2.1.8. If your version is older, the update is safe.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware is targeted at specific regions (e.g, CN — China, Global – international version: Installing an incompatible version may result in loss of features (e.g., Xiao voice assistant) AI).

Risks and Consequences of Unofficial Firmware

Installing custom firmware or patches from third-party developers has its pros and cons.

• 🎧 Unlocking codecs (LDAC, aptX).
• 🔊 Improved sound (setting the equalizer at the software level).
• 🔄 Removing restrictions (for example, turning off automatic shutdowns when listening to music).

But there are also serious risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if headphones are warranty, the official service will refuse repairs).
• 🔴 «Bricking" (earphones will stop turning on).
• 📵 Connection problems (for example, permanent disconnection of communication with the phone).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized software.

If you decide to take a risk, follow the rules:

1. Use firmware only from trusted sources (e.g., XDA Developers with a high-rated theme).
2. Create a backup copy of the original software.
3. Check on a loaded case (at least 80%).
4. Do not interrupt the process, even if it is delayed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the firmware of headphones Xiaomi