How to flash Xiaomi headphones: official and hidden ways

Xiaomi headphone firmware is a process that many users find difficult or even risky.In fact, with the right approach, software updates can improve sound, increase battery life and fix bugs. However, not all models support manual updates, and some require special utilities from the manufacturer.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of firmware for popular models - from Redmi Buds 3 Pro to Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro. You will learn how to check the current version of the software, where to download official files, and what to do if the headphones "brick" after a failed update. Particular attention will be paid to hidden features that Xiaomi does not advertise, but which can significantly expand the capabilities of your gadgets.

Important: The firmware procedure for wireless headphones is different from upgrading smartphones or smartwatches. There is no one-size-fits-all solution here - each chipset (like the Qualcomm QCC3040 or BES2300) requires a different approach. If you're a beginner, start with the official method through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear app.

Which Xiaomi headphones can be flashed and which ones can not

Not all Xiaomi models support firmware updates, but the manufacturer only provides official files for flagship and some mid-range devices. Here is the current list for 2026:

• ✅ Supports firmware: Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 3 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4, Xiaomi Air 2 Pro, Xiaomi Air Dots Pro 2
• ⚠️ Partial support: Redmi Buds 3 Lite, Xiaomi AirDots 3 (Bagfixes only via OTA)
• ❌ Not supported: Redmi AirDots (1st generation), Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, most OEM- models for other brands

To see if you can upgrade your model, check it on Xiaomi’s official website under the “Firmware” section. If your model isn’t there, it doesn’t always mean there’s no firmware – sometimes files are posted on enthusiast forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Also consider the version of the chipset:

• 🔹 Qualcomm chipsets (QCC302x, QCC304x) — typically support OTA- updates through an application.
• 🔹 Chipsets BES (BES2300, BES2500) – often require manual firmware via PC.
• 🔹 Realtek chipsets (RTL8763) – updates are rare, usually only to fix critical bugs.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware on Jieli headphones (e.g., AC696X) can lead to irreversible loss of functionality.These models are often used in low-end devices and are not designed to be manually upgraded.

How to find out the current version of firmware on Xiaomi headphones

Before you update the software, you need to find out which version is installed now.

1. Through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app: Connect your headphones to your smartphone → Open the app → Go to Devices → [Your model] → Settings → About the program. Here's a line like Firmware: V12.7.8.4.
2. Through Engineering Menu (for some models): Press both touchpads for 10 seconds until you hear a voice message with the version.

If neither method worked, try to find information on the box or in the documentation. Sometimes the firmware version is shown in fine print on the sticker under the charge case cover.

Update via Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear app

This is the most secure method recommended by Xiaomi.Suitable for most models with Qualcomm chipsets and some BES.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the latest version of the Mi Home app (for Android) or Xiaomi Wear (for iOS).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphones from the device list.
4. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
5. If the update is available, click Download and Install.
6. Wait until the end (the headphones will reboot several times).

It takes 5-15 minutes. Don't turn off Bluetooth or remove the headphones from the case during the upgrade. If the battery of the case is discharged below 30%, the application can block the installation.

Download the latest version of Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear|

Charge the case to 100%|

Connect your headphones to Wi-Fi (for some models) |

Close all background apps on your phone |

Make sure the headphones are connected to the phone you are updating from.-->

⚠️ Warning: On iPhone, the update via Xiaomi Wear may not work due to iOS limitations.In this case, use an Android device or alternative methods.

If the update doesn’t appear in the app, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones to the phone.
• 📱 Change the region in Mi Home to China (sometimes updates come earlier).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge (some firmware requires stable power).

Manual firmware through PC: a step-by-step guide

If there is no official update, but you found firmware on forums (such as 4PDA or XDA), you can try manual installation.

Tools required:

• 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11 (macOS/Linux may require additional drivers).
• 🔌 Type-C or Micro-USB cable (depending on the case model).
• 📁 Firmware in.bin or.hex format (e.g. redmi_buds_4_pro_v14.2.6.bin).
• 🛠️ Firmware utility: QFlash Tool (for Qualcomm), BES ToolBox (for BES2300), or DFU Util (for Realtek).

Instructions for Qualcomm chipset (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Pro):

1. Download and install the QFlash Tool.
2. Connect the case with the headphones to the PC via cable. The headphones should be in the case, the case on.
3. Press the button on the case for 10 seconds to translate it into DFU Mode (the indicator should flash red and blue).
4. Start the QFlash Tool, select the downloaded firmware file (.bin).
5. Press Start and wait until it is completed (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Turn off the case and restart the headphones.

Instructions for the BES2300 chipset (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots 3):

1. Download BES ToolBox.
2. Connect the case to the PC by holding the 15 button for seconds (should be defined as BES2300Y_DFU).
3. In BES ToolBox, select File → Open and download the firmware.
4. Click Start Flashing and wait for the Success message.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware headphones with a chipset BES2300 through unofficial files can disable ANC or transparency mode support. Before upgrading, back up the original firmware via BES ToolBox (Backup option).

Frequent Firmware Errors and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have a failure, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the headphones stopped working after a failed firmware:

1. Try hardware reset: put the headphones in the case, press the button on the case for 30 seconds.
2. Use the backup firmware (if any). For example, FlipBuds Pro can find files marked recovery.bin.
3. Contact Xiaomi Service Center – some models can only be restored with special equipment.

💡

If you lose sound in one headphone after firmware, check the volume balance in the Bluetooth settings on your phone. Sometimes the update resets the settings to mono mode.

Alternative Firmware: Pros and Risks

On the forums of enthusiasts (for example, 4PDA) often upload custom firmware with advanced functions:

• 🎛️ Additional equalizers (e.g., ViPER4Android for headphones).
• 🔊 Enhanced ANC or Transparency mode.
• ⚡ Optimizing energy consumption (increasing operating time).
• 🎵 Support for LDAC or aptX HD codecs (if the chipset supports).

However, custom firmware has serious disadvantages:

• ❌ Loss of warranty (Xiaomi does not support unofficial software).
• ❌ Risk of "bricking" (earphones may stop turning on).
• ❌ Unstable operation (accidental blackouts, microphone noise).

If you still decided to try the custom firmware:

1. Check out the reviews on the forum and see how many users have been successful.
2. Make a backup of the original firmware (via BES ToolBox or QFlash).
3. Use only firmware designed for your exact model and chipset revision.

💡

Custom firmware can add new features, but almost always deprive the headphones of official support for OTA- updates.

How to roll back the firmware to the previous version

If after the update there are bugs (for example, headphones quickly discharge or poorly synchronized), you can try to roll back to the old version of the software.

1. Find the archive firmware on Xiaomi’s official website or on 4PDA.
2. Download a file marked downgrade or rollback (if any).
3. Repeat the manual firmware process (see section above), but select the older version.

Important: Not all models support rollbacks, for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro can only be rolled back within 48 hours of the update, and then the system blocks the downgrade.

If the rollback fails:

• Try to stitch the recavatory firmware (if available).
• Contact Xiaomi support – sometimes they provide special files for rollbacks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the firmware of Xiaomi headphones