One Xiaomi headphone does not work: reasons and 7 ways to fix wireless headphones

Did you pull out your favorite Xiaomi wireless headphones, turn on the music, but the sound comes from only one ear? GT1/GT2 The reasons can be both software (firmware failure, battery discharge) and hardware (damage to the speaker or contacts). 80% In case of malfunction, it is possible to eliminate it yourself - without contacting the service center.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible reasons why one Xiaomi earbud is silent, and give you step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions, learn how to reset, flash your device, clean your contacts, and even replace your battery if it's the problem, and for complex cases, tell you how to find original parts and avoid running into a fake.

Before you put your headphones in the shop, check out the simple solutions: maybe it's a dead battery or a dirty contact in the case. Let's start with the basic diagnostics!

1. Diagnostics problem: why is one headphone Xiaomi silent

The first thing you need to do is to determine the nature of the malfunction, and that depends on which repair method you choose, and here are the key signs and their possible causes:

  • πŸ”‹ The headphone does not turn on at all (no indication, does not respond to buttons) β†’ battery discharged, control board or contacts in the case are damaged.
  • πŸ”Š The earphone is on, but there's no sound. β†’ speaker problem, grid contamination or firmware failure.
  • 🎧 The sound is interrupted, there is interference. β†’ weak Bluetooth signal, interference from other devices or damaged cable (in semi-wireless models).
  • πŸ”„ The earphone is working and it's shutting down. β†’ unstable connection to the case, wear of contacts or failure of synchronization.

Pay special attention to touch-controlled models (such as Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 or Redmi Buds 3 Pro). Often the problem lies in the sticking of the sensor, which causes the earphone to "think" that it was removed from the ear, and mutes the sound. Check this out simply: lightly tap on the body of the broken earphone β€” if the sound appears, it is the sensor that is to blame.

πŸ“Š What type of headphones do you have Xiaomi?
Fully wireless (TWS)
Semi-wireless (with cable)
Consignment note/full-size
I don't know the model.

Important! If the earphone is on, flashing, but there is no sound, try connecting it to another device (smartphone, tablet, laptop). If the problem persists, a malfunction in the earphone itself. If the sound appears, the Bluetooth module of your gadget is to blame.

2. Basic actions: what to do first

Before you take your headphones apart or bring them to the service, follow 5 simple steps. In 60% of cases, this is enough to return the sound:

  1. Reset the headphones. Place both earphones in the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds. Then pull them out and check the work.
  2. Check the charge. Make sure the case is charged (the indicator should burn), and the headphones are correctly positioned on the contacts. Sometimes it is enough to move the earpiece in the socket to start charging.
  3. Reset Bluetooth settings on your smartphone: Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Click on the gear icon next to the headphones β†’ Forget the device then perform re-pairing.
  4. Update the firmware. Some models (Mi True Wireless 2, Redmi Buds 4) are available with updates via the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear.
  5. Check the earphone on another device (another smartphone, PC) to help eliminate the problem from the source of the sound.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-repair checks

Done: 0 / 5

A critical mistake many users make is trying to fix headphones without checking the charge of the case. In Xiaomi models, the case not only stores, but also synchronizes the headphones. If it is discharged, one of the headphones can fall off the pair.

⚠️ Attention! Do not use faster chargers with higher power to charge the case 5W (1A/5V). This can damage the power controller and lead to unstable headphones.

3. Resetting Xiaomi headphones to factory

If the basic methods didn't work, the next step is to completely reset the settings, which will remove all pairings and return the headphones to factory condition.

Model headphonesResetting methodNotes
Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 15 seconds until red and white flashes.After resetting, the headphones are automatically synchronized with each other.
Mi True Wireless 2 / SEPlace the headphones in the case, press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator will become white).The Mi Home application is required to re-pair.
Haylou GT1/GT2Hold both touchpads for 10 seconds until the lights start flashing red-blue.After resetting, the headphones may require a firmware update.
Xiaomi FlipBuds ProPress the button on the case 5 times in a row, then hold for 5 seconds.Reset is only available at the case charge level above 30%.

Once reset, Xiaomi headphones may not sync with each other.

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Take out only the main headphone (usually the right one) and connect it to the phone.
  3. Through 10-15 Take out the second headphone – it must automatically connect.

πŸ’‘

If your headphones don't sync after reset, try connecting them to your phone one by one, first on the right, then on the left, and in some models, the headphone is automatically detected when you first connect.

4. Contact cleansing and dynamics: step-by-step instructions

One of the most common reasons why one Xiaomi earphone doesn't work is because it's contaminated contacts or clogging the speaker, and dust, earwax, or moisture can disrupt the connection to the case or block the sound.

  • 🧴 Cotton swabs (better with a plastic rod).
  • πŸ’§ Alcohol wipes or isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%).
  • πŸ” Lupa (optional, for accurate cleaning).
  • πŸͺ₯ Toothpicking (to remove dried dirt).

How to clean contacts in the case and on headphones:

  1. Turn off the case from charging and take out the headphones.
  2. Soak the cotton swab in alcohol and gently wipe the gold contacts on the headphones and in the nests of the case.
  3. To remove persistent contaminants, use a toothpick wrapped in cotton.
  4. Let the contacts dry. 5-10 minutes before connection.

How to clean the earphone speaker:

  1. Remove the silicone ambushes (if they are removable).
  2. Bring the earphone down with the speaker and lightly tap on the body to shake out the dust.
  3. Soak the cotton swab in alcohol and walk gently across the speaker grid. Don't push -- the membrane is very thin!
  4. For deep cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner at minimum power (keep at a distance of 5 cm).

⚠️ Attention! Never use sharp objects (needles, knives) or abrasive materials (paper sandpaper) to clean, which will damage the speaker's protective mesh and disable the earphone.

What to do if the headphone gets water?
If the Xiaomi earphone stopped working after moisture hits: 1. Turn it off immediately and get it out of the case. 2. Wet with a napkin visible moisture. 3. Place the earphone in a silica gel container (shoebox bags) for 24 hours. 4. Do not turn on the earphone until it completely drys (at least 12 hours). If there is no sound after drying, most likely, contacts have oxidized or the board has failed.

5.Firmware problems: how to update or reflash headphones

Firmware failures are a common reason why one Xiaomi headphone doesn't work properly, such as when you upgrade, you may lose sound in one of the headphones or synchronize, and this is solved by flashing or rolling back to the previous version.

Official updates are available through the Appendices:

  • πŸ“± Mi Home (for Mi True Wireless, Redmi AirDots).
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Wear (for Haylou, FlipBuds).
  • πŸ”„ Mi Fit (for some older models).

How to update firmware:

  1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
  2. Open the Mi Home app (or analog) and find your model in the list of devices.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Update firmware.
  4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

If the official update doesn't help or doesn't, you can try the manual firmware on your PC.

  • πŸ’» The Mi Flash Tool program or TWS Toolbox (for firmware) TWS-headphone).
  • πŸ”— Firmware for your model (download only from trusted forums, for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).
  • πŸ”Œ Type-C Cable (to connect the case to the PC).

⚠️ Attention! Non-professional firmware can permanently disable your headphones. If you're not sure about your skills, you better contact the service center. Especially for models with a closed bootloader (for example, Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2).

πŸ’‘

Before firmware, be sure to check the version of your headphone model in Bluetooth settings (the name usually contains an alphanumeric code, for example, the name is not used in the Bluetooth settings, TWSEJ04LS). Installation of firmware from another revision will lead to the inoperability of the device.

6. Hardware malfunctions: when repairs are needed

If none of the software methods worked, the problem is probably hardware, and here are the most common malfunctions and their signs:

MalfunctionSigns.Renovation method
Breakdown of dynamicsThe earpiece is turned on, but there is no sound (even after resetting).Replacement of the speaker (swinging iron and experience required).
Battery damageThe headphone discharges quickly or does not hold the charge.Replacement of the battery (in the service or on your own).
Oxidation of contactsThe headphone only works in a certain position in the case.Cleaning with alcohol or replacing a contact group.
Breakdown of Bluetooth moduleThe headphone does not connect to any device.Replacement of the module (expensive repair, often cheaper to buy new ones).

How to disassemble the Xiaomi headphone for repair:

  1. Take off the silicone embroideries.
  2. Put the plastic cover with a thin screwdriver or mediator (start with the junction of the halves of the body).
  3. Carefully separate the front from the back, avoiding sudden movements (there may be thin plumes inside!).
  4. Disconnect the battery (if you need a replacement) or speaker.

To replace the speaker or battery, you will need:

  • πŸ”§ A soft-sweetened iron (no more power) 30W).
  • πŸ•―οΈ Solder and flux (e.g, LTI-120).
  • πŸ” Microscope or magnifier (for accurate soldering).
  • πŸ› οΈ Tweezers and antistatic bracelet.

πŸ’‘

When soldering the speaker or battery, use a low-temperature solder (melting point not higher than 180).Β°C) to avoid damaging the board. It is also recommended to use flux gel, which prevents contact oxidation.

Previous articleChoose Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 and Redmi Buds. 3 Pro uses adhesive body connection. When disassembling, you have to heat the body with a hairdryer (temperature). 60-80Β°C) to soften the glue. Without it, there's a risk of breaking the latches.

7. Contacting the service center: what you need to know

If self-repair does not help or you are not confident in your abilities, you can contact the Xiaomi service center.

  • πŸ“„ Check or warranty card, without it, repairs will be paid (even if the warranty is still valid).
  • πŸ•’ The warranty period.For most Xiaomi models, it is 12 months from the date of purchase.
  • πŸ’° The cost of repair. The replacement speaker costs 1,500 to 3,000. β‚½, batteries: 1,000–2,000 β‚½, fees from 3,500 β‚½.
  • ⏳ Repair time: 5–14 days in official services, 1–3 days in informal services.

How to find the official Xiaomi service:

  1. Go to the site. mi.com/ru/service/center.
  2. Enter your city in the search field.
  3. Select a service center with the label "Official Partner".
  4. Call ahead and check if they are repairing wearable electronics (not all centers take headphones).

Before the service visit:

  • Reset the headphones to factory settings (this is a requirement of most centers).
  • Remove them from the list of associated devices on your smartphone.
  • If the headphones were in the water, do not hide this fact - otherwise the warranty will be canceled.

⚠️ Attention! Unofficial services often use unoriginal parts that can make sound worse or reduce operating time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones that don't work

πŸ”Š Why one Xiaomi headphone is quieter than another?
This can be caused by: Mesh-wire-contaminating speaker (clean with alcohol) Charge level difference (charge both earphones to 100%). Failure of sound balance in smartphone settings (check in Settings) β†’ Sound. β†’ Balance L/R). If the problem persists, the speaker membrane may have been damaged.
πŸ”‹ How to check which headphone Xiaomi is the main (master)?
In most Xiaomi models, the main headphone is the right one. To know for sure: Put both earphones in the case. Pull out just one earphone and try to connect it to the phone. If the connection is past, this is the main earphone. The second will connect automatically. In Redmi Buds 3 Pro models and the newer headphone role can dynamically switch.
πŸ› οΈ Can you fix Xiaomi headphones yourself if the microphone is not working?
Yes, if the problem is: Pollution of the microphone hole (clean with a needle or compressed air); bad contact of the microphone plume (disassemble the earphone and check the soldering); If the microphone does not work due to damage to the board, repair at home is almost impossible - it requires a replacement module.
πŸ”„ What to do if after updating the firmware stopped working one headphone?
Try: Reset your headphones to factory settings. Reset your firmware through your PC (if you have an old backup). Contact the service β€” sometimes the firmware will fly off because of an interrupted update. In Mi True Wireless 2 models, a forced reset can help after a failed update: hold the touchpad for 30 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
πŸ’Έ How much does it cost to repair Xiaomi headphones in the service?
Cost depends on fault: Type of repair Cost (β‚½) Cleaning / replacement contacts 500-1 200 Replacement dynamics 1,500-3000 Battery replacement 1000-2000 Replacement board (soldier) 2000-4000 In official Xiaomi services repair warranty free, but only if the breakdown is not the fault of the user (for example, not getting moisture).