Xiaomi headphones are not synchronized: what to do and how to restore the connection

Did you pull Xiaomi headphones out of your case, but they don't connect to your phone? Or does one headphone work and the other go silent? Synchronization problems are one of the most common problems in Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones and other models of the brand, and can be attributed to software failures and hardware problems.

In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from basic checks (charge, Bluetooth) to complex manipulations (resetting, flashing), how to diagnose the problem, what tools you will need for repairs and when to contact the service center, and unique life hacks for models with a Qualcomm QCC3040 chip (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro), which are not described in the official documentation.

Basic diagnosis: Checking the obvious

Before you disassemble your headphones or reset your phone, make sure that the problem isn't trivial. According to service centers, 30% of calls for "default" headphones are resolved at this stage.

Start with a check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Case and headphone charge: connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator is on. Sometimes the contacts oxidize, and the real charge level is below displayed. Try to clean the contacts in the case and on the headphones with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Bluetooth on your phone: turn the module on/off in the settings, or better restart the smartphone. On Android, check if the power saving mode is on - it can limit the operation of Bluetooth.
  • ๐ŸŽง Physical condition of headphones: inspect speakers for damage, check if microphone holes are clogged with dust (this can block the on-board sensors).

If Xiaomi headphones have previously connected to another device (tablet, laptop), they can automatically try to connect to it. To avoid this, remove them from the list of conjugated devices on all gadgets except the current one.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of headphones Xiaomi you have?
Redmi AirDots (any version)
Mi True Wireless Earphones
Redmi Buds 3/4 Pro
Xiaomi FlipBuds
Another model

2. Resetting headphone settings: a universal way

Most synchronization problems are solved by completely resetting the headphones to the factory settings. The procedure differs depending on the model, but the general principle is the same: you need to press the buttons on the case or the headphones themselves.

Instructions for popular models:

ModelResetting methodSign of successful discharge
Redmi AirDots (1S/2/3)Open the case, press the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red / white.The indicator flashes white at a frequency of 1 time per second.
Mi True Wireless Earphones 2Take the headphones out of the case, press the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds.The voice assistant will say "Reset successful" (in Chinese firmware - a beep).
Redmi Buds 4 ProPlace the headphones in the case, press the button on the case for 30 seconds (until the indicator goes out).The indicator lights up with purple, then flashes white.

After reset, Xiaomi headphones should appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices as new. If this does not happen, try connecting manually:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ Bluetooth on your phone.
  2. Press Add Device.
  3. Choose Redmi Buds or Mi Earphones (name depends on the model).
  4. Confirm the pairing.

Make sure your headphones are charged (>30%)

Disable them from all devices in Bluetooth settings

Place both headphones in the case (if the model supports)

Prepare a stopwatch to accurately count the time of holding the button-->

3.Chronicity problems between headphones (left/right not working)

If one of Xiaomiโ€™s headphones doesnโ€™t connect and the other one works fine, the problem is headphone synchronization, which is typical for models with master-slave architecture (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2), where one headphone is the master and the second is the slave.

Here's how to reconnect:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Hand-on reconnect: Place both earbuds in the case. Take out the right earbud first (usually the master), wait 5 seconds. Pull out the left one - they should sync automatically.

Firmware update

Mi Air 2 Pro

Mi Home

Xiaomi Wear

Contact checks

For models with Dual Mode support (such as Redmi Buds 3 Pro), try to force the designation of a master headphone:

  1. Reset your headphones (see section 2).
  2. Connect only the right earphone to the phone.
  3. After a successful connection, remove the left one โ€“ it should connect automatically.
What if the headphones are defined as two separate devices?
This problem arises from a failure in the Bluetooth protocol. Solution: 1. Remove both headphones from the list of associated devices. 2. Reset them (see section 2). 3. Connect first the right earphone, then the left one - they must be combined into one headset. If it did not help, update the firmware through the Xiaomi Earphones app (not available for all models).

4. Software failures: firmware, drivers, conflicts

Sometimes Xiaomi headphones donโ€™t sync due to firmware bugs or conflicts with the phoneโ€™s operating system, especially for MIUI devices older than version 12 or smartphones of other brands (for example, Samsung with the One UI shell).

Checklist for elimination of program problems:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ System update. Xiaomi headphones critical that the version MIUI No less than 12.5 (for chip models) QCC3040).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset Bluetooth Settings: Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ โ‹ฎ โ†’ Reset settings This will delete all saved devices and reset the module cache.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Check conflicts with other devices: If you have a smartwatch, fitness bracelet or other headset connected, they may block the connection.

For advanced users: if the headphones are defined but not connected, try manually specifying your Bluetooth profile. On Android, you can do this through the developer mode:

  1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ For developers โ†’ Bluetooth settings.
  3. Select AVRCP version 1.6 and A2DP Sink.
  4. Reboot the phone.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted or there is interference, try turning off the aptX codec in Bluetooth settings (if you have one). To do this, select the SBC Codec in developer mode - it is less demanding for connection stability.

5. Hardware malfunctions: when without repairs can not do

If none of the software methods worked, the problem could be a physical breakdown.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Headphones do not charge in the case (even after cleaning contacts).
  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ One of the headphones emits a constant squeak or crackle.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ The indicator on the case does not respond to the press of the reset button.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one of them (while in the Bluetooth settings it is displayed as a stereoopara).

The most frequent hardware breakdowns:

Problem.Probable causeCan I fix it myself?
Case's not charging.Failure of the power controller or batteryโŒ Smearing equipment required
One earpiece is off.Battery contact collapse or board damageโš ๏ธ Perhaps with experience (need a hairdryer and solder)
Permanent communication breakdownsDamage to Bluetooth antennaโŒ Only the service center.
The headphones are not synchronized with each other.Synchronization chip failure (often after a fall)โŒ Reflashing the chip is required.

If you decide to repair headphones yourself, hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Set of screwdrivers (star) T3, cross-section PH00).
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Dryer for heating the case (temperature 80-100)ยฐC).
  • ๐Ÿงฒ soldering iron (to restore contacts).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Spare batteries (e.g. 301230 for Redmi AirDots 2).

โš ๏ธ Attention: when disassembling the case Xiaomi be careful with the plumes - they are often attached to glue and can break. If you are not sure of their abilities, it is better to contact the service. The cost of repairing contacts or replacing the battery in official Xiaomi centers starts from 800 rubles.

6. Features of synchronization with different devices

Xiaomi headphones can behave differently depending on the device you connect them to. Here are the key nuances:

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco smartphones:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Nana MIUI 12+ Headphones are automatically connected when you first open the case next to the phone (Fast Pair technology).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ If the connection does not occur, update the Xiaomi Earphones app to Google Play or App Gallery.
  • ๐ŸŽต For models with LDAC (For example, FlipBuds Pro, turn on this codec in your Bluetooth settings for better sound.

Devices of other brands (Samsung, iPhone, laptops):

  • ๐ŸŽ On the iPhone may not work auto-connection โ€“ you have to choose headphones manually every time.
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Windows sometimes requires you to install a Qualcomm Atheros driver for stable operation.
  • ๐Ÿค– On Android from Samsung or OnePlus may not work double-touch to control โ€“ this is a firmware restriction.

Game consoles (PS5, Nintendo Switch):

  • ๐ŸŽฎ PS5 Xiaomi does not officially support headphones, but they can be connected via a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter (for example, 8BitDo).
  • ๐Ÿ  Nintendo Switch requires manual input PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).

๐Ÿ’ก

To work consistently with non-Xiaomi devices, disable the Auto Connection to Last Device (if any) function in your headphone settings, which will reduce the number of failures when switching between gadgets.

7. When to contact the service center

If youโ€™ve tried all the ways, but Xiaomi headphones still donโ€™t sync, itโ€™s time to contact the experts.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Headphones overheat when charging or using.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฅ Case swelled or makes extraneous sounds (hisping, crackling).
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ The battery will be depleted in 10-15 minutes (even after replacement).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š The sound is distorted or lost after 1-2 minutes after the connection.

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia (data for 2026):

TownAddressPhone.Average cost of diagnosis
MoscowLetnikovsky street, 10k2+7 (495) 120-44-90500โ€“800 โ‚ฝ
St. PetersburgMarshal Govorov str., 35k2+7 (812) 385-55-60600โ€“900 โ‚ฝ
ekaterinburg8 March, 202+7 (343) 206-66-50450โ€“750 โ‚ฝ

Before the service visit:

  1. Reset your headphones (Section 2).
  2. Prepare a check or confirmation of purchase (if the warranty is still valid).
  3. Check by phone whether they are engaged in repairing your model (some centers do not take headphones older than 2 years).

โš ๏ธ Warning: if headphones are warranty, do not open the case yourself - this will cancel the warranty obligations. Also avoid "handicraft" workshops that offer repairs for 200-300 rubles: they often use non-original batteries that can swell.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Xiaomi headphones

โ“ Why Xiaomi Headphones Only Connect One at a Time?
This is a typical problem for models with master-sleave architecture (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2). Causes: Synchronization failure between headphones (solved by reset, see section 2). The discharge of one of the headphones (check the charge level in the Xiaomi Earphones app). The antenna damage in the guided earphone (requires repair). Try connecting first the right earphone, then the left one - they should combine automatically.
โ“ How to update the firmware on Xiaomi headphones?
For most models, the firmware is updated automatically via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app. Instructions: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open the Xiaomi Earphones app (download from Google Play if it isn't available). Go to the Firmware Update. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until you finish (don't turn off your headphones!). For Redmi Buds 4 Pro models, a newer update can come via MIUI (Bluthooth โ†’ Headphones โ†’ Update).
โ“ Can you connect Xiaomi headphones to the TV?
Yes, but with reservations: ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi. TV or Redmi TV Connection is done through settings โ†’ Bluetooth (need firmware not lower than the MIUI TV 3.0). ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ On TVs of other brands (such as Samsung, LG) You may need a Bluetooth adapter if you TV There is no built-in module. ๐ŸŽฎ For Android. TV (For example, on Nvidia Shield, install the Bluetooth Auto Connect app for stable connectivity. Note: latency may make headphones unsuitable for watching movies (especially on Bluetooth 4.2 models).
โ“ Why Xiaomi Headphones Are Constantly Shutting Down?
Causes of an unstable connection: ๐Ÿ“ถ Interference from other Bluetooth devices (Wi-Fi router, microwaves). ๐Ÿ”‹ Low headphone charge (below 20%). ๐Ÿ“ฑ Outdated firmware of the phone or headphones. ๐Ÿ  Too long distance from the phone (over 10 meters for Bluetooth 5.0). Solutions: Disable other Bluetooth devices nearby. Enable Low Lag in headphone settings (if any). Change the codec to SBC in the developer mode (see section 4).
โ“ How to Reset Xiaomi Headphones Without a Case Button?
If the reset button on the case doesnโ€™t work (or doesnโ€™t, like Xiaomi FlipBuds), try alternative ways to do it: ๐Ÿ”„ For touch-controlled models: Press both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until you hear the beep. ๐Ÿ“ฑ Through the app: in Xiaomi Earphones, find the Reset section (not available for all models). ๐Ÿ”Œ Through discharge: completely discharge the headphones (leave on before turning off), then charge to 100% - sometimes this resets. If nothing helps, contact the service - the control board in the case may be faulty.