Why Xiaomi wireless headphones don’t work separately and how to fix it

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face a common problem: one of the headphones stops working in mono mode (in isolation), while in a stereo pair both function normally, which is especially critical if you use headphones for calls, listening to podcasts, or when the second headphone is discharged.

The causes of this malfunction can be both software (firmware failure, incorrect Bluetooth settings) and hardware (discharged battery, damage to contacts). In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to solve the problem, from basic checks to deep reset and manual synchronization, you will learn which Xiaomi models support mono by default and which require additional configuration.

Important: if your headphones have never worked separately, perhaps the model just doesn’t support this feature. For example, the budget Redmi AirDots Basic doesn’t have mono mode, unlike the Mi True Wireless 2 or Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro. Check the specifications of your model before you start diagnosing.

1. Checking the baseline conditions: why headphones may not work separately

Before you start complex manipulations, make sure that the problem is not in the obvious minutiae. Often users overlook simple things, spending time on flashing or resetting.

Here is what you need to check first:

• 🔋 Charge level: One of the headphones may be discharged. Place both earphones in the case for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows charge. Sometimes the power controller fails, and the earphone "thinks" it's discharged, although it's not.
• 🔗 Case Sync: Make sure both earbuds are properly placed in the case and the contacts are not oxidized.Try to clean the contacts with a soft napkin soaked in alcohol.
• 📱 Connect to the device: Some smartphones (especially on Android 10 and below) don’t support mono at OS level. Try connecting your headphones to another phone or PC.
• 🔄 Bluetooth Reboot: Turn off Bluetooth on your phone for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Sometimes the module freezes and that solves the problem.

If the headphones still don't work separately after this, move on to the next section, and if the problem has gone away, it's likely that a temporary communication failure between the headphones or the device was to blame.

2. Resetting headphones to factory settings: step-by-step instructions

If the basic checks didn't work, the next step is to completely reset the headphones, which will remove all the stored connections and return the gadget to the "out of the box" state, the procedure differs depending on the model, but the general principle is similar.

For most Xiaomi headphones (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2/3, Mi True Wireless 2), the reset is done as follows:

Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.|Press and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on headphones) for 15-20 seconds.|Wait until the indicator flashes red and white (or blue and red)|Remove the headphones from the case and try to connect again-->

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

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Touch and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicator on the case should flash red, then white - this is a signal of a successful reset.

Once reset, the headphones will appear on the list of Bluetooth devices as new. Try connecting them separately. If the problem persists, move to manual sync.

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If the headphones don’t connect at all after reset, try removing them from the list of conjugated devices on your phone, then search again.

3. Manual pairing of headphones in mono mode

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi AirDots 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless 2) require forced activation of mono mode.

Here is the universal way for most people. TWS-headphone:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad (or button) on the right earbud for 5 seconds until you hear the beep.
3. Repeat the same for the left earpiece.
4. Place both headphones back in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out.
5. Connect to the headphones via Bluetooth – now they must work separately.

For models with Mi AI Assistant support (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4):

• 🤖 Open the Mi app AI smartphone.
• 🔍 Go to the Devices section → Headphones → Sound settings.
• 🔄 Activate the option Mono Mode (if available).

If manual sync didn't work, maybe the problem is the firmware on the headphones.

4. Firmware Update: Why It Matters for Mono Mode

The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates for Xiaomi headphones that fix bugs, including problems with mono mode. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 after upgrading to version 1.4.0.8 was fixed an error that caused the left earphone to turn off when used separately.

To update the firmware:

1. Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the headphone model).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices.
4. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
5. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

Important: If your headphone model doesn’t support firmware updates through an app (like the old Redmi AirDots Basic), mono mode may not work on them by default, in which case you only have to buy a new model or use headphones in pairs.

5. Bluetooth problems on your phone: how to set up correctly

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the headphones, but with the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, especially for Android devices, where manufacturers often modify communication protocols.

Here's what we can do:

• 📵 Turn off power savings for Bluetooth: Go to Settings → Battery → Save energy and add Bluetooth to exceptions.
• 🔄 Change your Bluetooth profile: in the settings of the connected device (earphones) select a profile A2DP (for music or HFP (call-in).
• 📱 Update the phone OS: on Android 12 and later improved support for mono mode TWS-headphone.
• 🚫 Remove conflicting apps: Some programs (e.g. Bluetooth Auto Connect) can block the earphones from working properly.

If you’re using an iPhone, check if Monoaudio is enabled in the accessibility settings (Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual Content → Monoaudio).

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Xiaomi’s MIUI-enclosed smartphones have a hidden setting to improve communication with the headphones. Activate it using the code ##5376## (Bluetooth Test Menu).

6. Hardware malfunctions: when without service can not do

If none of the software methods worked, it might be the hardware of the headphones that got the problem.

• 🔋 Battery wear: If one earphone discharges quickly or does not hold charge, it can automatically shut down in mono mode. Check the battery life - if it is less than 1 hour, the battery requires replacement.
• 🎛️ Bluetooth module damage: if you fall or get moisture, the antenna or controller may fail, in which case the earphone will connect, but the communication will be unstable.
• 🔌 Contact oxidation: If the earphone is not charging in the case, check the contacts for corrosion.
• 🔊 Failure of the speaker: if the sound is lost in only one headphone, it is possible that the speaker or audio track is damaged.

How to check if it is a hardware problem:

1. Try connecting the “problem” headphone to another device (PC, tablet).
2. Check if it is charged in the case (the indicator should burn red when connected).
3. Listen to if there is a sound when connecting to the phone in mono mode (even if it is intermittent).

⚠️ Attention: if the headphone is not turned on, charged and not determined by any device, do not try to disassemble it yourself. Xiaomi uses adhesive joints and fragile plumes - without experience you risk permanently disabling the gadget.

Cost of repair in the service center:

• Battery replacement: ~1 500–2 500 ₽.
• Repair of Bluetooth module: ~2 000–3 500 ₽.
• Replacement of the speaker: ~1 800–3 000 ₽.

If headphones are guaranteed, contact the official Xiaomi service. Otherwise, assess the feasibility of repair - sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new model.

7. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If all attempts to re-establish the Mono regime have failed, consider alternatives:

• 🎧 Use headphones paired with a splitter app: programs like SoundAssistant (for Android) allow you to duplicate sound in both earphones, even if one of them does not support mono.
• 🔄 Buy a Bluetooth transmitter: some adapters (e.g. Avantek) APTX) Allows you to connect headphones in mono mode forcibly.
• 📱 Use one earphone as a microphone: in the call settings (Android) you can choose which earphone will be active during a conversation.

For owners of Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro there is another life hack:

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The Xiaomi Wear app has a hidden option called Headphone Priority, and if you choose Left or Right, only the earpiece you choose will be active when you connect, even if both are in the case.

If you decide to buy new headphones, pay attention to models with official mono support:

• Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro (Automatic Switching)
• Redmi Buds 4 Active (with a separate mono button)
• Mi True Wireless 3 (configure via the app)

FAQ: Frequent questions about the mono mode in Xiaomi headphones