How to Update Xiaomi’s Bluetooth Headphones: The Complete Guide

Modern wireless headsets from Xiaomi and Redmi are complex hardware and software complexes that require regular maintenance. Many users face connection problems, signal breaks or unstable noise cancellation, without even knowing that the reason lies in an outdated version of the firmware. Updating the firmware is a key step in eliminating most software failures and improving sound quality.

The process of updating the firmware of the headset controller is often ignored by owners for lack of explicit notifications or lack of understanding of how to do it correctly. However, it is in new versions of the software that developers fix critical Bluetooth stack errors, optimize microphones and improve ANC algorithms. Without the current version of firmware, many new features, such as spatial audio or improved transparency mode, may simply not work.

In this article, we will take a look at all the known ways to update the software for different headphone lines, including Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Redmi Buds. You will learn why the standard Bluetooth menu of a smartphone often does not give the desired result and what specialized applications you need to install to fully manage the device. We will also discuss precautions to turn the case into a “brick”.

Why it is important to update the headphone firmware

Many people think of headphones as static devices that work on and forget, but inside each case and the cups themselves. TWS-The headset has microcontrollers that control power consumption and data transfer, and manufacturers routinely release patches that eliminate left- and right-hand-channel dissynchronization, a common problem with budget models. Without installing updates, you risk running into accelerated battery drain.

In addition, newer versions of the software often include improvements to audio codecs such as AAC or SBC, which directly affects the latency of sound when watching videos or games. If you notice that the sound in games is behind the picture, or the voice of the interlocutor has become metal, the first thing to do is check for updates, in some cases, this solves 90% of the problems with connection stability.

There is a common misconception that if the headphones work properly, you don't need to touch them. In fact, background optimization processes can be disrupted after a long downtime or change of the main smartphone. Resetting and subsequent updating often returns the device to factory performance. Ignoring the manufacturer's recommendations can lead to the headset not correctly determine the charge of the case.

⚠️ Warning: Never try to update the headphones if the charge of the case or the cups themselves is below 50%. Interrupting the firmware process due to battery discharge can lead to irreversible damage to the controller, and it will be impossible to restore the device without a service center.

Preparation of the device and smartphone for the procedure

Before you start the process, you need to make sure your smartphone and headset are in perfect condition for data transfer. Connection stability is the foundation of successful firmware. Any interference with a Bluetooth module while writing data to a chip can be fatal. So it's important to close all background applications that can use the Internet or Bluetooth.

Recommended to disable VPN-Services and proxy connections, as they can block the connection to the servers of Xiaomi Cloud, where the update package is downloaded, and make sure that the smartphone is enabled geolocation is a system requirement for Android to work with Bluetooth devices low power. Unincluded GPS The app may not see your headset.

For the procedure you will need:

• 📱 Android-based smartphone (version 8.0 and higher) or iPhone (iOS 12)+).
• 🔋 Charged headphones and case (minimum on the 60-70%).
• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (mobile internet may be unstable).
• 📲 Installed official appendix for device control.

It is important to understand that different models require different approaches. If you have old Mi AirDots, the process may be different from the new Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. Make sure you download the exact app that supports your model. Using third-party utilities can lead to incompatible code installation.

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Open the case and remove the headphones before the procedure, but do not remove them from your ears if the application requires you to check the position of the sensors. However, for the firmware process itself, it is better to put them in the case and close the lid, unless the instruction says otherwise.

The main applications for headphone management

Xiaomi’s ecosystem is fragmented, and different product lines use different software platforms. Understanding which app you want will save you a lot of time. Mistaking software is the most common reason why users can’t find the Update button.

For flagship models and devices released after 2021, the main tool is Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly known as Mi Buds M8), which is focused on audio devices and provides the deepest access to equalizer settings and noise reduction modes, which is through which notifications of new versions of software often come.

For a wider range of devices, including fitness bracelets and some Redmi Buds headphones, Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) is used. If your headset is not defined in a specialized audio app, try to find it in this universal hub. Often, the firmware update is “sewn” in the general profile of the device.

There is also the Xiaomi Wear app, which is an international version for wearables, and the table below shows the model-specific choice of the app:

If none of the official apps see your headphones, it may be a global version that requires you to change the region in your app settings to China or India, but this may affect the language of the interface and the availability of some services.

Step-by-step instructions for software update

The firmware process may seem complicated only at first glance, and if you follow the algorithm carefully, you have a 99% chance of success, and the key is not to panic if it takes longer than expected, and sometimes the progress indicator can freeze for a few minutes, which is normal for a file integrity system.

Consider the universal action algorithm that is suitable for most modern Xiaomi and Redmi models:

1. Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and pair with your headphones. Make sure they are connected to both Audio and Phone.
2. Run the appropriate app (e.g. Xiaomi Earbuds) and wait for the device to be discovered.
3. Go to the headphone settings menu (usually the gear icon or three dots in the corner).
4. Find Software Update or Firmware Update, and if a new version is available, a red dot or Update button will appear.
5. Press the button and put the case with the headphones next to the smartphone. Do not touch the device until it is completed.

During the process, you'll hear the characteristic beeps in your headphones, and the LED on your case can light up orange or start flashing. This is a standard reaction. Interrupting at this point is unacceptable. If the update is interrupted, do not rush to reconnect the headphones — give the application 5-10 minutes to try again to connect.

Once you've successfully installed it, you'll hear a voice message, "Update complete," or something like that. The headphones can automatically reboot and disconnect. That's normal behavior. You'll need to click on the case again to connect to your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If during the update, the indicator on the case started flashing red and white at the same time (or other uncharacteristic color) and stopped responding to presses, it may be that the firmware is damaged. 15-20 minutes without opening the lid.

Problem Solving: Headphones are not updated

It is not uncommon for the update button to be inactive or the process to freeze. Often the cause lies in the app cache or the conflict of Android versions. If you use Xiaomi with a MIUI or HyperOS shell, the system can aggressively kill the application's background process to save energy, considering it unnecessary.

To solve this problem, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find your headphone app and select Autostart. Allow the app to run in the background. It's also worth clearing the app's cache before you try again. Sometimes it helps to turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone.

Another common problem is that the headphones have forgotten each other, and if the left and right channels are not synchronized, the update will not work, and then you need to perform a full reset, usually by pinching the touch areas on the headphones or the button on the case on the case on the headphones. 10-15 - Just a few seconds until the light flashes a certain way.

In rare cases, Xiaomi servers can be overloaded, especially on days of major updates for popular models.If nothing helps, wait. 2-3 For an hour or so, try to perform the procedure from another IP-Addresses (switch from Wi-Fi to mobile internet or vice versa).

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90% of the update errors are solved by completely resetting the headphones to the factory settings and re-pairing before trying firmware.

Impact of firmware on sound quality and autonomy

Users often ask if they should upgrade if "and that's how it works." The answer is in the details. Newer versions of firmware often calibrate drivers. That means that the bass can get deeper and the high frequencies cleaner. Engineers are constantly working on algorithms for signal processing, and that's what gets you through updates.

Also, power optimization is critical: In early software, the Bluetooth controller can run inefficiently, consuming excess power even in simple modes; the update can correct the logic of going to sleep, which will extend the life from one charge by 10-15%; for active users, this is a significant difference.

There are exceptions, however. In rare cases, new firmware may contain bugs that were not detected in the test. If you notice a deterioration in communication or sound quality after an update, there is always the option of rolling back, although this is more difficult. This often requires a factory reset that returns the last stable configuration, or waiting for the next patch.