Xiaomi right earphone does not work: what to do if one earphone does not connect or does not make sound

Why did Xiaomi’s right-hand earphone stop working?

Xiaomi wireless headphones (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless, Buds, and others) are popular for music and calls, but even they are not immune to breakdowns. One of the most common problems is that the right earphone does not turn on, does not connect to the phone or just stays silent, while the left one works normally. The reasons can be both software (firmware failure, battery discharge) and hardware (distormistor damage, contact oxidation).

In this article, we’ll look at all possible scenarios, from basic actions like resetting your settings to disassembling your body to check the board. Importantly, if the headphones are warranty, first contact the Xiaomi service center – self-repair can deprive you of the right to free service.

Let’s start with the simplest: check the charge and connection.

1. Check the charge of the headphones and case

Most often, the right-hand Xiaomi earphone does not work due to the banal discharge. Unlike the left, which is usually the master, the right (slave) can discharge faster, especially if you often use mono mode (only one earpiece).

How to check:

• 🔋 Put both earphones in the case for 10-15 minutes. the indicator on the case should light up or change color (for example, from red to white in Redmi AirDots 3 Pro).
• 📱 Open the case next to the smartphone – a notification will appear on the screen with the charge level of each headphone (works on the phone). MIUI 12+ Android 10+).
• 🔌 Connect the case to charge for 30 minutes, even if the indicator is on. Sometimes the headphone contacts do not fit well with the charging pins.

If the indicator is not on: the problem may be in the case. Try charging it from another cable or power supply. Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 and newer case supports wireless charging - try putting it on a Qi station.

2.Reset the headphones to factory settings

If the right earphone is plugged in but doesn't make a sound or shuts down all the time, hard reset will help, which clears all connection settings and returns the headphones to the "out of the box" state.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models:

1. Put both headphones in the 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 (Redmi AirDots 3 Pro is blue).
3. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicators will flash white).
4. Remove the headphones from the list of connected devices in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings.
5. Reconnect as you did on your first use.

Important: Xiaomi Buds 4 and newer models reset via the Mi Earphones mobile app (Settings → Reset section). If the right earphone still does not work after reset, move to the next step.

Make sure the case is 30%+ charged

Put both headphones in the case

Remove the device from the phone’s Bluetooth settings

Prepare the connection instructions (in the box)

-->

3. Update the headphone firmware

Firmware controls wireless headphones, and failures can cause one of the headphones (most often the right one) to stop functioning properly. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its devices that fix connection and sound bugs.

How to update firmware:

• 📱 Install the official Mi Earphones app (available for Android and iOS).
• 🔗 Connect your headphones to your phone via Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Open the application and go to the Settings section → Update firmware. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
• ⚠️ Do not interrupt the update process and do not close the case - this can lead to complete inoperability of the headphones.

If the app doesn’t find updates, check:

• 🌍 Region of your Mi Account (some updates are first released in China).
• 📋 Compatibility of the headphone model with the app version (e.g. Redmi AirDots S not supported in the latest Mi Earphones versions).

4. Check physical damage and contacts

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be in the hardware. Xiaomi's wireless headphones are sensitive to falls, moisture and mechanical damage.

• 🔍 Cracks on the body (especially near the speaker or microphone).
• 💧 Traces of oxidation on charging contacts (green or white plaque).
• 🎧 Mesh damage speaker (may indicate rupture of membrane).
• 🔌 Luft when connecting to the case (contacts could move away from the fee).

If the earphone falls or comes into contact with water, try the following:

1. Wipe the contacts of the headphone and case with an alcohol solution (at least 70%) and let it dry for 10 minutes.
2. Blow into the speaker of the right earphone - sometimes dust or small debris gets inside, blocking the sound.
3. Shake the earpiece next to the ear – if a noise is heard (such as rattling), it may indicate a detached element inside.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones have a degree of protection IPX4 They are resistant to splashes, but not to full immersion. After contact with water, do not turn them on immediately - let them dry for at least 24 hours in a dry place (for example, with silica gel).

5. Reconnect the headphones in the correct order

In some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2), the right earphone may not work if it was connected to a phone later than the left, due to the Bluetooth protocol, where one headphone is a master and the second one is a slave.

How to reconnect correctly:

1. Remove the headphones from the list of connected devices in Bluetooth settings.
2. Put both headphones in the case and wait until the indicators go out.
3. Take out the right earphone first and wait until it flashes white (pair mode).
4. Connect to it via Bluetooth on your phone.
5. Take out the left earpiece – it should automatically connect to the right one.

If the headphones are connected separately but do not work together, the problem may be in synchronization between them, in which case only reset (section 2) or flashing will help.

💡

Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer models don’t have the connection order – they use Bluetooth 5.2 technology with automatic synchronization. If the right earphone doesn’t connect, try updating the case firmware through the Mi Earphones app.

Disassembly of the headphone: extreme measures

If all the previous methods didn't work and the headphones are no longer guaranteed, you can try to disassemble the right earphone for diagnosis. It's a risky move - without skills you can damage the board or speaker, but sometimes it's the only way to identify the problem.

What could be inside:

You'll need to take this apart.

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or thin screwdriver.
• 🔥 Fryer (for softening glue).
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (screws in Xiaomi headphones are very small).
• 📸 Phone Camera to Photograph the Placement of Parts.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi headphones often use adhesives instead of screws. When disassembling, heat the body with a hairdryer (temperature not higher than 60).°C) to avoid damaging the plastic. Don't pull force - it could tear the plumes!

💡

If you are not sure of your skills, it is better to contact the service.The cost of repairing the speaker or replacing the battery in Xiaomi headphones usually does not exceed 1–2 thousand rubles, which is cheaper than buying new ones.

7. When all you have to do is replace the headphone.

If neither method worked and the disassembly showed serious damage (for example, a burnt chip or a ruptured speaker), there are two options:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center – if the headphones are guaranteed (usually 12 months), the repair will be free.
2. Buy a replacement for the right earpiece - on AliExpress or in specialized stores sold individual headphones for popular models (for example, Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).

Before buying a replacement, make sure that:

• 🆔 The headphone model is the same (for example, Redmi AirDots S and Redmi AirDots 2 are incompatible!).

If you’re buying new headphones, look for independent-connected models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4), where each headphone can work separately, which will protect you from similar problems in the future.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's broken right earphone