One Xiaomi headphone does not work: the causes and step-by-step solution of the problem

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular accessory for their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. But even in reliable models like the Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones or Xiaomi Buds, sometimes the typical problem is that one earphone stops working. It manifests itself in different ways: the earphone does not turn on, does not connect to the phone, makes a crackle or does not even say anything while the second one works normally.

The reasons for this behavior can be both software (firmware failure, pairing error) and hardware (a discharged battery, contact damage or speaker). In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved independently without going to the service center - just perform a few simple actions. In this article, we will discuss all possible reasons why one Xiaomi earphone does not work, and give step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting for different models.

Important: If the headphones are warranty, don't disassemble them yourself, it will void warranty obligations. Try software recovery methods first.

1. Check basic settings and connections

Before you start complex manipulations, make sure that the problem is not in the basic things. Often users overlook the obvious points that cause one Xiaomi earphone to fail or connect intermittently.

Start with a check:

• 🔋 Battery charge. Place both earbuds in the case for 10 to 15 minutes, even if the indicator shows a charge. Sometimes one earbud discharges faster due to a faulty battery.
• 📱 Device pairing: Remove the headphones from the list of connected devices in the Bluetooth settings on the phone, then do the pairing again.
• 🎧 Physical damage: Check the earphone for moisture, dirt in the connectors or mechanical defects (cracks, dents).
• 🔊 Sound balance. In the phone's sound settings, check if the balance slider is shifted left/right (e.g., in Settings). → Sound. → Balance of stereo on Android).

If the headphone still doesn’t work after this, move on to a deeper diagnosis. Note: some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi Air 2 SE) have one earphone automatically turned off when charged low — this is normal behavior, not a breakdown.

2. Resetting headphones to factory settings

The most effective way to get the earpiece back on track is to hard reset, which cleans all settings, including pairing data, and often solves connection or sound problems, with instructions varying depending on the model:

For most Xiaomi headphones (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2, Mi Air 2):

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually side or back) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically reboot and will be ready for a new pairing.

For touch-controlled models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro):

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Touch and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear the reset beep.
3. Place the headphones back in the case for 5 seconds, then pull out and pair again.

After resetting, the headphones may require a firmware update. If the problem persists, move on to the next step.

Charge the case and headphones to 100%|

Remove headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices |

Prepare instructions for your model |

Do not interrupt the discharge process

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3. Update to the headphone firmware

Outdated or damaged firmware is a common reason why one Xiaomi headphone stops working. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix connection and sound errors. You can check the relevance of the firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the model).

Instructions for updating:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Wear (for newer ones, such as Buds 4) from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices and go to Settings → Firmware Update.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the headphones!).

Important: Do not use headphones during the upgrade and ensure a stable Internet connection. If the update is interrupted, this can lead to complete failure of the device.

4. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If the software methods didn't help, the problem could be a physical breakdown. Common hardware malfunctions of Xiaomi headphones:

• 🔋 Battery failure – the headphone does not hold a charge or does not turn on.
• 🎵 Damage to the speaker – the sound is distorted or missing, but the headphone connects.
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts – poor contact with the case due to moisture or dirt.
• 📡 Bluetooth module malfunction – the headphone is not determined by devices.

For self-diagnosis:

1. Check if the problem earphone in the case is charging. If the indicator is not on, the contacts or battery may be faulty.
2. Listen to the earphone on another device (tablet, laptop), if the problem persists, a malfunction in the earphone.
3. Examine the speaker for mechanical damage (for example, a torn membrane).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones have been exposed to moisture (sweat, rain, falling into the water), do not turn them on - this can cause a short circuit. Place the device in a dry place for 24-48 hours or use silica gel to absorb moisture.

5. repair of headphones Xiaomi with their own hands

If you are confident in your technical skills and headphones are not guaranteed, you can Attempt self-repair.

Replacement of the battery (relevant for models older than 2 years):

• The batteries in Xiaomi headphones usually have a capacity of 40-60 mAh and eventually lose capacity.
• To replace you will need a soldering iron, a new battery (you can order on AliExpress on the model of headphones) and a plastic mediator to open the case.
• The process requires accuracy - it is easy to damage the board or speaker when disassembling.

Contact cleanup:

• Oxidized or contaminated contacts in the case or on the headphone lead to a poor charge.
• Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol for cleaning. Do not use water or abrasive materials!

⚠️ Attention: When disassembling headphones Xiaomi be careful with flexible plumes - they are often attached to the board without soldered connections and can come off. If you are not confident in their abilities, it is better to contact the service.

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Before disassembling, take a photo of each stage on your phone, which will help you put the earpiece back together correctly, and pay special attention to the location of the sealing gums and the direction of the microphones.

6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center

If all attempts of self-repair failed, it remains to contact the official service center Xiaomi.

• 📅 Headphones warranty (usually 12 months from the date of purchase).
• 🔧 Breakdown is associated with the hardware (dynamics, board, Bluetooth module).
• 💰 The cost of repair is lower than buying new headphones.

How to find a service center:

1. Go to the official Xiaomi website in the Support → Service Centers section.
2. Select your country and city – the system will show the addresses and telephone numbers of authorized partners.
3. Check by phone if they are repairing wearable devices (not all centers work with headphones).

The average cost of repairing Xiaomi headphones in the service:

• Replacement of the battery: 800-1500 rubles.
• Replacement of the speaker: 1000-2000 rubles.
• Repair of fees/Bluetooth-module: 1500–3000 ruble.

If headphones are older than 2-3 years, compare the cost of repairs with the price of new ones – sometimes it is more profitable to buy a new model.

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The official Xiaomi service can refuse repair if the headphones have traces of self-opening or mechanical damage (cracks, dents).

7. Alternative solutions: what to do if repair is impossible

If the recovery of the headphone is unprofitable or impossible, consider alternative options:

Using one working headphone:

• Some models (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3) support mono mode – you can use a single headphone for calls or music.
• In Bluetooth phone settings, select Use as a mono-earphone (not available on all devices).

Purchase of replacement:

• Modern models Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 5 offer improved sound quality and up to 30 hours of work.
• When buying, look for Bluetooth (5.2 or 5.3 for stable connection) and support for LC3 or AAC codecs.

Sale of parts:

• If one headphone is working, it can be sold through Avito or Yulu as a donor for repairs.
• The price of the used headphone Xiaomi in this state: 300-800 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's broken headphone