Update Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic wireless headphones are a popular price-performance model, but their functionality is directly dependent on the relevance of the firmware. Updates fix bugs, improve sound, add support for new codecs (for example, LC3 for Bluetooth 5.2) and optimize power consumption. However, the process of updating these headphones has features that are not always obvious to users.

Unlike flagship models (like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), the Earphones 2 Basic does not receive automatic notifications about new versions of the software. Moreover, the official documentation of Xiaomi often does not mention manual updating methods, which causes confusion. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods – from standard updates through Mi Fit to alternative methods using ADB, and also consider typical errors and their solutions.

Why it is important to update the headphone firmware

The firmware in Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic is responsible not only for the basic functions, but also for:

🔊 Sound quality: new versions optimize low and high frequency processing, reduce distortion at high volume.
🔋 Autonomy: After Updating to Version 1.4.0.8 (2023 year) the time of work increased by 10-15% Optimizing the power consumption of Qualcomm chips QCC3040.
📱 Compatibility: Corrections for the correct operation of the MIUI 14+, Android 13/14 iOS 16+.
🛡️ Security: Closing vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol that could allow third-party devices to connect without authorization.

Critical information: Headphones with firmware older than version 1.2.0.3 (released in March 2022) have a bug that randomly turns off one of the headphones when talking on the phone.

Neglecting updates can lead to:

⚡ Failures when connecting to Bluetooth 5.0 devices+.
🎵 Loss of synchronization of sound in games or videos (delay up to 300 ms).
🔄 Spontaneous reboot of headphones during use.

📊 How often do you update your wireless headphones?

Only in the face of obvious problems.

Six months

Every time a new version is released

Never updated.

I don't know how to do that.

Check the current version of the firmware

Before you start the update, make sure that it is really necessary. To do this, check the current version of the software:

Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
Open the Mi Fit app (or Xiaomi Wear for newer versions).
Go to Profile → My Devices → Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic
Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Settings) and select Device Information.
The firmware version bar will indicate the current number (e.g. 1.3.0.5).

If the application does not display the version, use an alternative method:

Connect the headphones to an Android smartphone.
Install the nRF Connect app from Google Play.
In the main menu of the application, select Device Information.
In the Software Revision section, the firmware version will be indicated.

Firmware version	Release date	Major changes
1.4.0.8	October 2023	LC3 support, improved noise reduction when calling
1.3.0.5	March 2023	Fixed bug with disabling one headphone, optimization of power consumption
1.2.0.3	November 2022	MIUI 14 compatibility added, Bluetooth stability improved
1.1.0.1	July 2022	Original firmware at release

⚠️ Note: If the firmware version is below 1.2.0.3, it is recommended to update as a priority - in older versions there is a critical vulnerability that allows you to connect to headphones without a password.

Method 1: Update via Mi Fit/Xiaomi Wear

It's the official and the safest method, but it doesn't always work.

Make sure that the latest version of Mi Fit (or Xiaomi Wear for MIUI 13+ devices) is installed on your smartphone.
Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
Open the app and go to Profile → Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic.
If you have an update, you'll see a notification with the Update button. Click on it.
Wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes) and don’t turn off Bluetooth or shut down the app.

If there is no update button, try:

🔄 Reconnect the headphones to the phone.
📱 Reinstall the Mi Fit app.
🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes updates are only downloaded with a stable internet connection).

Fully charge headphones and case (at least 50%)

Connect headphones to the phone via Bluetooth

Update the Mi Fit/Xiaomi Wear app to the latest version

Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection

Close background applications that consume the Internet-->

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are turned off during the upgrade and the firmware is not installed, do not try to restart the process immediately. Wait 10 minutes, restart the headphones (hold the button on the case for 10 seconds) and try again.

What if Mi Fit can’t see the headphones?

If the app doesn’t detect Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic, try: 1. Remove headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on the phone. 2. Reset the headphones to factory settings (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the red indicator flashes). 3. Reinstall Mi Fit and reconnect the device. 4. If the problem persists, check the compatibility of your smartphone: the headphones may not work correctly with devices on Android 10 and below or iOS 14 and below due to outdated Bluetooth protocols.

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

If the official update is not available, but you know that there is a new firmware (for example, according to reviews on forums), you can try installing it manually through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), this method requires technical skills and is only suitable for Android devices.

Warning: Incorrect actions can lead to a breeze of headphones. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Download the latest firmware version for Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic from the official Xiaomi website or a trusted source (e.g. Xiaomi Firmware) Earphones2Basic and version (e.g, Earphones2Basic_1.4.0.8.zip).
Unclose the firmware file in the folder with ADB.
Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
Open the command line in the ADB folder and execute the commands: Adb devices adb shell
Download the firmware to the headphones: adb push Earphones2Basic_1.4.0.8.bin /sdcard/ adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.bluetooth/UpdateActivity
Follow the instructions on the smartphone screen.

If the process ends with the ADB: device not found error, check:

🔌 Correctness of cable connection USB.
📱 Is debugging on-line USB phone-setting.
🖥️ Drivers installed ADB PC-only.

adb pull /sdcard/bluetooth/firmware/ backup_Earphones2Basic

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

Method 3: Update through third-party utilities (at your own risk)

There are informal firmware tools for Xiaomi devices, such as the Xiaomi Flash Tool or Mi Flash Pro. However, using them for Earphones 2 Basic carries risks:

⚠️ Ability to install incompatible firmware (for example, from another headphone model).
🚫 Loss of warranty when using unofficial software.
🔧 Difficulty of rollback to factory firmware.

If you still decide to use this method:

Download the Mi Flash Pro utility from the official Xiaomi website.
Connect the headphones to your PC via a Bluetooth adapter (e.g. Xiaomi Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter).
Select a firmware file with the.bin or.zip extension.
Start the firmware process and wait for completion.

⚠️ Note: Third-party utilities often contain malware. Before using, check files through VirusTotal and make sure the source is reliable (for example, a forum). XDA Developers or the official repository of Xiaomi).

Typical errors and their solutions

When updating Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic, users face several common problems:

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
Update "hangs" by 0%	Unstable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection	Reboot your headphones and phone, try again
Error "I was unable to connect to the server"	Problems on the side of Xiaomi servers or VPN blocking	Turn off VPN, check the Internet connection
The headphones stopped turning on after the update	Incompatible firmware version or installation failure	Reset the headphones to factory settings (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds)
The sound has become quieter after the update	Resetting the equalizer settings in firmware	Customize the sound again in the Mi Fit app

If the headphones after a failed update do not respond to the buttons and do not connect:

Put them in the case and connect the case to the charger for 30 minutes.
Hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the red and white lights flash.
Try connecting to the headphones via Mi Fit – sometimes it works even with a “brick”.

💡

If the headphones do not respond to reset, contact the Xiaomi service center. Self-repair can lead to complete loss of performance.

Where to download the official firmware

The official firmware for Xiaomi Earphones 2 Basic is distributed through:

🌍 Xiaomi official website: support section (mi.com/support). Enter the headphone model in search.
📱 Mi Fit app: updates load automatically when you connect headphones.
💾 Forum XDA Developers: Xiaomi Earphone Theme 2 Basic (look for firmware marked with a note) [Official]).

Before downloading, check:

🔍 Model match (Earphones 2 Basic, not Earphones 2 Pro or Buds).
📅 Release date of firmware (current version for 2026 - 1.4.0.8 or later).
🔒 Xiaomi digital signature (files without a signature may be fake).

⚠️ Note: Firmware from sites like 4PDA Needrom is often modified and may contain hidden features (e.g. remote control) and only use them if you trust the source.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the update

Can I roll back the firmware to the old version?

Xiaomi doesn’t officially provide tools to roll back firmware, but if you have a backup of the older version (made through ADB), you could theoretically try flashing it back, with a headphone bree risk of ~30%, so you’d better go to a service center.

Why did the headphones become discharged faster after the update?

This is a temporary effect. Newer versions of the firmware often re-index battery data, which makes the first 2-3 discharge cycles seem accelerated. Fully discharge and charge the headphones 3 times in a row - the problem should disappear. If not, reset the headphone settings via Mi Fit.

Can I update my headphones via iPhone?

Partially.The Mi Fit app for iOS lets you check the firmware version, but the update feature through it is often not available.The alternative is to use a friend's Android device or an ADB installer on a Mac (technical skills required).

How long does the update take?

The standard update via Mi Fit takes 3-7 minutes. Manual updates via ADB can last up to 15 minutes (depending on the speed of the Bluetooth connection).If the process is delayed by more than 20 minutes, interrupt it and restart the headphones.

What if after the update the sound disappeared in one headphone?

This is a typical problem when interrupted update. Try: Reset your headphone settings (hold the button on the case for 10 seconds), connect the headphones to another device and check the sound. If the problem persists, re-swipe the headphones (preferably through ADB).