How to flash Xiaomi headphones: official and alternative methods

Xiaomi headphone firmware is a procedure that can solve connectivity problems, improve sound or add new features. However, the wrong actions often lead to the “bricking” of the device, especially if you use informal files. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to update software for AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds and others, including manual firmware through ADB and recovery from crashes.

It's important to understand that not every model supports manual updates. For example, Redmi AirDots 2 is only flashed through the Mi Fit app, whereas Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro allows you to install firmware through Fastboot. We will describe each method in detail, specify compatibility with specific models and warn about the risks. If your headphones stopped turning on after a failed update, there is a section at the end of the article about recovery.

Before you start, check the current firmware version.

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Open the Mi Fit app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models).
3. Go to the device section → About the programme.

1. Official update via Mi Fit/Life

Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its headphones, fixing bugs and adding features (for example, support for LC3 for Buds 4 Pro).

• 📱 Requires a smartphone on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+ (Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear).
• 🔋 The headphones and the case should be charged ≥50% – otherwise the update will be interrupted.
• 🌐 A stable Internet connection (better than Wi-Fi, as files weigh 10–50 MB).
• ⚠️ Do not turn off Bluetooth during the process – it will cause a failure.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the latest version of Mi Fit (for older models) or Xiaomi Wear (for newer ones).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone and open the application.
3. Go to the section of your device → Update firmware.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (takes 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Headphones Redmi AirDots S (model) TWSEJ04LS) do not support updates via Mi Fit – they require manual firmware (see Section 3).

After the update, the headphones will automatically restart. If the application appears "failed to update" error, try it.

• Reconnect the headphones to the phone.
• Clear the cache of the Mi Fit app in Android settings.
• Use a different smartphone (sometimes it helps to change the device).

💡

If the update is 0% hanging, reboot the headphones: put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove and try again.

2. Compatibility of models with firmware types

Not all Xiaomi headphones are stitched the same way, below is a table with supported methods for popular models:

Important: Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro headphones with firmware below 1.4.0.8 do not support manual updates via ADB - only the official one. If your version is older, use the method from Section 3.

For models with ADB support (e.g. Buds 4 Pro) you will need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB-C (case-wire).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot (instructions for installation in section 3).

💡

Before manual firmware, always check the model of the headphones by marking on the case (for example, MDJ07 for Buds 3 Pro).

3. Manual firmware through ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable for models with ADB support, such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro. Warning: wrong actions can turn headphones into a “brick”. If you are not sure, better use the official update.

What you need:

Download ADB Tools from [official site](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)|Install case drivers (if Windows doesn't recognize the device)| Download firmware for your model (see XDA Developers or 4PDA forums)| Charge the case and headphones to 100%| Connect the case to your PC in Fastboot mode

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Step-by-step:

1. Connect the case to the PC via USB-C, holding the reset button (usually on the back) for 10 seconds until the red indicator lights up (Fastboot mode).
2. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder and type: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, the drivers are installed correctly.
3. Sweep through the firmware file (for example, buds4pro_fw.bin): fastboot flash firmware buds4pro_fw.bin fastboot reboot
4. Wait for the case to reboot (the indicator will turn green).

⚠️ Note: If an error occurs after the fastboot flash command "FAILED (remote: unknown command" means your model doesn't support this method. Don't try to stitch in other ways, it will cause a breakdown.

Where can I get firmware?

• 🔍 Official files are sometimes posted on the Xiaomi website (Firmware section).
• 🛠️ Look for unofficial firmware on XDA Developers or 4PDA, Check reviews – some files contain errors.

4.Restore headphones after a failed firmware

If your headphones don't turn on, plug in, or turn red, don't panic. 80 percent of the time, they can be brought back to life, and the key is not to try to stitch them again until you reset.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Case reset: Put your headphones in the case and close the lid. Press and hold the reset button on the case for 15 to 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and green. Open the lid - the headphones should be reset to factory settings.

Firmware via service mode (for Buds 3/4 Pro):

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED


adb shell input keyevent 3

Repeat the process from Section 3.

Chip replacement (extreme case):

Bluetooth

⚠️ If after reset, the headphones Redmi AirDots 2 emit a squeak and do not connect - this is a sign of damage to the firmware DSP. You can restore them only through a specialized programmer (refer to the service).

If none of the methods worked, check:

• Does the indicator on the case burn when connecting to charging (if yes, a problem with the battery).
• Have the contacts oxidized in the case (clean with alcohol).
• Whether the plume between the battery and the board has been damaged (a common problem after falls).