Xiaomi wireless headphone firmware: a complete guide from A to Z

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even in such devices, there are periodic problems: unstable connection, low volume, fast battery discharge or lack of support for new features.

In fact, you can flash Xiaomi headphones at home without having to resort to service centers, the main thing is to follow the proven instructions, use official software and avoid common errors. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from determining the current version of the firmware to recovering the headphones after a failed update, focus on AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds and other popular series, and also tell you how to get around the typical locks from the manufacturer.

Why you need to update the firmware of Xiaomi headphones

A firmware (or firmware) is the firmware that controls all components of the headphones, from the Bluetooth module to the battery, and the manufacturer regularly releases updates to:

• 🔧 Fix connection errors (for example, when one earphone is turned off or the sound is interrupted).
• 🔋 Optimize battery consumption – after upgrading, headphones can keep a charge 10-20% longer.
• 🎧 Add new features: codec support LC3 (for LE Audio), improved noise reduction or gesture customization.
• 🛡️ Removing security vulnerabilities (relevant for voice-enabled models).

Not all updates are equally useful, however. For example, some users of Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 complained that the microphone quality deteriorated after the update to version 1.4.0.7, so it is worthwhile to check the feedback on forums (for example, 4PDA or MIUI Su) about a particular version of the software before you start the firmware.

⚠️ Note: The firmware cancels the warranty if it is carried out by informal methods (for example, through the use of a firmware). ADB Official updates via the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Earbuds warranty will not be voided.

Preparation for firmware: what to do in advance

Incorrect preparation is the main reason for the headphones to “brick” (when they stop turning on).

1. Check the model and the current firmware version.

Charge the headphones and the case.

50%

Prepare a PC or smartphone.

Mi Home

Windows 10/11

Qualcomm

QCC30xx

Also make sure you have a backup of the headphone settings (if they support gesture customization or equalizer).

Official way: Update via Mi Home app

The safest method is to use proprietary software, which is suitable for most models, including AirDots 3 Pro, Buds 4 and FlipBuds Pro.

1. Download Mi Home (for older models) or Xiaomi Earbuds (for newer ones) from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Put the headphones in your case, open the lid, and hold the button on your case (usually 5-10 seconds) until the light flashes. Then select the device in the Bluetooth list on your smartphone.
3. Check for updates. In the app, go to headphones → Settings → Firmware Update. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Wait until it's done. It'll take 5-15 minutes. Don't close the app or turn off Bluetooth.

If the update is not available, it is possible:

• 🌍 Your region is not supported (for example, firmware for AirDots) SE Solution: Change region in Mi Home to China (in account settings).
• 📵 Headphones are not original (fake). Check the serial number on the Xiaomi website.
• 🔌 Update the Mi Home to the latest version.

💡

If the update hung during the Preparation stage, restart the smartphone and headphones (hold the button on the case for 20 seconds), then try again.

Manual firmware via PC: for experienced users

If the official update is not available, or if you want to install custom firmware (like a modified equalizer), you'll need a manual method, which is more complex and risky, but it gives you more options.

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers are needed).
• 🔌 USB-Type-C Cable (to connect the case).
• 📁 Firmware file in.bin or.hex format (download only from trusted sources, such as Xiaomi Firmware).
• 🛠️ QFlash Tool or DFU Tool (for Qualcomm chips or BES).

Step-by-step:

1. Install drivers. Download and install Qualcomm Driver (for chips) QCC30xx) What to do if the PC does not see the case in mode DFU?1. Try another. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0). 2. Turn off all others. USB-3. Hold the button on the case for longer (up to 20 seconds) – sometimes it takes longer to transition to the case DFU. 4. Check the cable - it should support data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable). Firmware compatibility table for popular models Not all firmware files are suitable for different models. Below is a table with current versions of the software and compatibility: The latest official version of Chipset Supported firmware Features Xiaomi AirDots (1 gen) 1.7.0.3 BES2300 Official (Mi Home), handheld (DFU) No support. LE Audio's frequent microphone problems after update. AirDots 3 Pro 1.4.0.7 QCC3040 Official, manual (QFlash) Supports aptX Adaptive. In manual firmware, you can activate hidden codec. Buds 4 Pro 2.1.0.5 QCC5151 Official (Xiaomi Earbuds) Automatic update via app.Handheld firmware is risky due to bootloader protection. FlipBuds Pro 1.8.0.2 QCC5141 Official, manual (requires unlocking) Supports ANC. When manual firmware need to disable the protection through ADB. Important: Headphones on a chip QCC51xx (For example, Buds 4 Pros have protection against unofficial firmware. Trying to install custom software without unlocking the bootloader will lead to locking the device. Frequent errors and how to fix them Even when following the instructions, you can crash: 🔴 Error "Device not found" in QFlash Tool Reason: drivers not installed or case not in mode DFU. Solution: Check Device Manager (should be displayed by Qualcomm) HS-USB QDLoader 9008. If not, reinstall the driver manually. 🔄 The headphones were stuck in the Updating phase, because the connection is interrupted or the charge is not enough. Solution: hold the button on the case for 30 seconds to reset, then repeat the firmware. 🎵 There's no sound after the firmware. Reason: incompatible version of the software or reset. Solution: reset your headphones to the factory (Settings) → Reset in the annex) and reconnect. 🔋 Case doesn't charge after firmware is damaged Power Controller (rarely, but it happens with manual firmware) Solution: contact service center - self-repair is impossible. 💡If the headphones stopped turning on after a failed firmware, try to return to the factory version through the mode. DFU. To do this, download the stock firmware for your model and repeat the process. If after firmware, the headphones do not respond to buttons, do not connect or flash red, do not panic - in 80% of cases they can be restored. Algorithm: Check the charge. Connect the case to charge for 30 minutes - sometimes the problem is in the discharged battery. Reset to factory settings. For AirDots: hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator is white. For Buds 4 Pro: three times press the touchpad on the headphone for 5 minutes - repeat the official process with the silicate for the silica.
2. If nothing works, maybe the memory chip is damaged, and then the only thing that helps is the soldering in the service center.

For models with a secure bootloader (such as FlipBuds Pro), you may need a special unlock key that only Xiaomi gives out on request.

1. Contact support through the official website.
2. Provide the headphone serial number and purchase check.
3. Wait for a response (usually 3-5 days).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions