How to turn on the mode of separate work in wireless headphones Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi wireless headphones have long ceased to be just an accessory — they have become an integral part of everyday life. One of the most popular features is the ability to use each headphone separately (mono mode), which is convenient for phone conversations, listening to podcasts or when you need to free one ear. However, not all users know how to activate this mode correctly, especially if the headphones behave unstable: they connect, then fall off, then work only in stereo.

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to configure mono mode for popular Xiaomi models - from budget Redmi AirDots to flagship Xiaomi Buds. 4 Pro. You will learn how to enable a separate work through the Mi app Home/Xiaomi Wear, what to do if one earbud doesn't connect, and how to reset to factory settings, and also unique features that aren't written about in the official instructions, like how to make the headphones automatically switch to mono mode when you remove one of them.

What Xiaomi models support the work separately

Not all Xiaomi wireless headphones are mono-mode, depending on the chipset, firmware version, and even the region of sale, and here is a list of models with confirmed support:

• 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots (all generations) – basic support, but requires manual reconnection.
• 🎧 Redmi AirDots 2/3/3 Pro – stable mono-mode through the application.
• 🎧 Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2/2S — automatic switching when removing the headphone.
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3/3T Pro, Buds 4/4 Pro – advanced settings in Xiaomi Wear.
• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro – support for mono-mode only for right-hand earphone.

Note that even if your model is on the list, the feature can be disabled by default. For example, in Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, mono mode is activated only after updating the firmware to version 1.4.0.8 and higher. You can check the current version in the Mi Home app in the About Device section.

Method 1: Configure with Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear

The most reliable way to turn on mono mode is to use the official application, and the algorithm of actions depends on the headphone model and the software version:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Wear (for newer ones) from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to your phone via Bluetooth (if they are not already paired).
3. Open the app and find your headphones in the list of devices. For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, the path will be: Profile → Headphones → Sound settings → Headphone mode.
4. Select Mono Mode or Use separately (the name may differ).
5. Save the settings and restart the headphones (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).

For Redmi AirDots 2 and AirDots 3 models, the Mi Home may not have a direct mono mode option.

Update your headphones to the latest version

Go to Settings → Additional → Mode of work

Select the left/right earphone (only one!)

Confirm the choice and wait for the beep.-->

Importantly, in some regions (e.g. for European firmware), the mono mode option may be hidden, and to unlock it, you have to change the region in the Mi Home app to China or India.

Method 2: Manual reconnection via Bluetooth

If the app doesn't work or the headphones aren't defined, you can try to force mono mode on your phone's Bluetooth settings, which works for most models, but requires re-pairing:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your smartphone.
2. Find your Xiaomi headphones in the list of connected devices and click on the gear (or “i” on the iPhone).
3. Select Forget Device (on Android) or Delete This Device (on iOS).
4. Put both headphones in the case, then only pull out the one you want to use (e.g. the right one).
5. Press the button on the headphone case for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes (usually white or blue).
6. Connect the headphone to your phone as a new device, and the second headphone will remain disconnected.

This method works on Xiaomi AirDots Youth Edition and Redmi AirDots S, but has a drawback: the next time you remove both headphones, they will work again in stereo mode. To return mono mode, you will have to repeat the procedure.

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If the headphone does not want to connect separately, try resetting it: put both headphones in the case, then press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator changes color from red to white.

Table: Compatibility of mono-mode by model

If your model isn't in the spreadsheet, check the documentation or update the firmware. For example, Redmi Buds 4 Active only received mono mode support after an update in July 2023.

Solving problems: one headphone is not connected

A common complaint from users is that one of the headphones doesn't want to work separately, although the model supports it.

• 🔋 Battery's dead: even if the indicator on the case is green, the earphone can be discharged. Put it in the case for 10-15 minutes.
• 📱 Bluetooth conflict: on Android, reset the Bluetooth cache in Settings → Annexes → Show it all. → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Synchronization failure: put both earphones in the case, then get only the one you need. If it doesn't work, reset the settings (see instructions below).
• 🛠️ Contact damaged: check the metal contacts on the headphone and in the case - they should be clean (wipe with alcohol).

If the earphone is connected, but the sound is only in one, try:

1. In the Xiaomi Wear app, go to Sound Settings → Balance and check if the slider is shifted left/right.
2. On iPhone, open Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual → Stereo Balance and set the slider in the middle.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 headphones can “forget” mono mode after updating the firmware. To return the feature, you will have to reconfigure it through the application.

Resetting settings to factory

If none of these things work, it's a complete reset, which removes all pairings and brings the headphones back to the factory settings, and it's universal for most models.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the button on the case (or touch panel on the headphones) for 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicator should flash red and white (or red and blue) – this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. After reset, connect the headphones again via Bluetooth.

For touch-controlled models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro):

1. Touch and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
2. Wait for the double beep and the indicator to flash.

Once reset, you'll have to reset the mono mode, and if the problem persists, check the headphones on another device -- possibly a malfunction in the phone's Bluetooth module.

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Resetting is a last resort, and before you do that, make sure to check the firmware version and try to update it, and 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved software-free, without any hardware intervention.

Hidden chips: automatic switching and other life hacks

Few people know, but Xiaomi headphones have hidden features that make it easier to use mono mode:

• 🔄 Auto-switching: In Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later, you can set up to automatically turn off one headphone when you remove another. → Smart functions → Auto-disable the headphone.
• 🎵 Different Sound Sources: On Android 10+ You can connect the left earphone to the phone, and the right to the laptop (via Bluetooth Settings). → Additionally. → Double audio).
• 🔋 Savings: In mono mode, the headphone consumes the battery 30-40% slower than in stereo.
• 📞 Microphone Priority: Redmi AirDots 3 Pro allows you to choose which headphone to use for calls (in microphone settings).

Another lifehack for owners of Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: if mono-mode works only on the right earphone, you can change the roles of headphones in places.

1. Connect both earphones to the phone.
2. In the Xiaomi Wear app, go to Settings → Headphone appointment.
3. Select the option to change places - now the left earphone will become the main one.

These features may not be available in older firmware versions, and if they are not in your app, upgrade your headphones and Xiaomi Wear/Mi Home to the latest version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about mono mode in Xiaomi headphones