One Xiaomi Mi True Wireless headphone doesn't work - what to do? Full instruction 2026

When one Xiaomi Mi True Wireless headphone (or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, Air 2/Pro and other models in the series) stops working, and the second one functions normally, up to 40% of owners face the problem according to service centers. The problem can manifest itself in different ways: the headphone does not turn on, does not connect to the phone, makes a quiet sound or does not even say at all, although the charging indicator is on.

Many users blame defects or wear and tear, but 85% of the time, you can fix the problem yourself without going to the service. In this article, we’ll look at all possible scenarios, from a basic reboot to hidden firmware features that Xiaomi doesn’t advertise. Particular attention will be paid to models with a Qualcomm chip QCC3020 (Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic, where problems are often associated with channel synchronization.

Before you start the repair, answer two key questions:

1. Did the problem occur after a fall, moisture or mechanical impact?
2. Does the earphone respond to button presses (for example, flashing an indicator)?

If the answer to the first question is yes, you probably need to disassemble and diagnose contacts, and if you don't, and if the second question is answered by the headphone, the chances of a software solution are close to 100%.

Basic diagnosis: Checking the obvious

Start with minimal actions that even experienced users often ignore: These steps take no more than 5 minutes, but eliminate 60% of “false” malfunctions.

• 🔋 Check the charge of the earphone and the case. Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator is on. Sometimes the contacts of the earphone oxidize and the charging is unstable. Try to clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 🔄 Reset the headphones. Place both earphones in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull them out and hold the touchpad (or button) on the non-functioning earphone for 15-20 seconds until the red/white indicator flashes.
• 📱 Reset the pairing on your phone. Go to Settings. → Bluetooth, find Mi True Wireless, click "Forget the device." Then reconnect the headphones, holding the button on the case.
• 🎧 Check the mono connection. Some models (like the Air 2 Pro) support single-earphone mode. Try plugging only the silent earphone: pull it out of the case, hold the button until the indicator blinks, then find it in the Bluetooth list.

If after this manipulation, the earphone still doesn't work, move on to the next section. Special attention: if the indicator on the broken earphone doesn't burn at all (even when charging), this may indicate a circuit break or a power controller failure - such cases require repair.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use abrasive materials (e.g. eraser) or metal objects to clean contacts, which can damage the gilded coating and make the problem worse.

2. Resetting headphones to factory settings

If the basic diagnostics didn't work, do a hard reset, which clears all the pairing settings you saved and returns the headphones to a "out of the box" state, which is universal for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances for specific versions.

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the power source (charger or Power Bank).
3. Open the case cover and hold the pairing button (located on the back wall of the case) for 30 seconds until the headphone indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
4. Close the case cover, wait 10 seconds, then take out the headphones and try to connect them again.

For the Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic and Air 2 touch-controlled models, the reset is performed differently:

• Get the headphones out of the case.
• Touch and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 15 seconds until the red light flashes.
• Place the headphones back in the case, close the lid for 5 seconds, then reconnect.

After reset, the headphones may require a firmware update, which is discussed in the next section.

Make sure the case is at least 30% charged |

Get both earphones out of the case |

Connect the case to the charging (required!)|

Hold the reset button exactly 30 seconds (not less) |

After reset, wait for the flashing indicators on both headphones-->

3. firmware update: hidden bugs and fixes

Many issues with Mi True Wireless are related to outdated firmware, especially if the headphones haven't been updated for more than 6 months. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to fix sync bugs, but updates often get "stuck" due to connection errors.

How to check and update the firmware:

1. Connect your headphones to a Xiaomi smartphone (preferably with a MIUI version at least 12).
2. Open the Mi Earphones app (download from Google Play if it isn’t).
3. Go to the Firmwer or Update section. If a new version is available, click Update.
4. Do not turn off the headphones or close the app until the process is complete (it can take up to 10 minutes).

If the update does not start:

• 📱 Remove the Mi Earphones app cache in your phone settings (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Earphones → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones to the phone.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the update is blocked by corporate networks).

Critical information: Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 headphones with firmware below version 1.7.0.3 have a bug that can cause the left earphone to turn off when the battery is low.

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones are turned off or discharged during a firmware update, place them in the case and repeat the process. Interrupting the update may cause the device to "brick" (completely inoperable.

4. Checking hardware faults

If the software methods don't work, you'll have to check the physical condition of the headphones.

• 🔌 Charging contacts – oxidation or pollution leads to unstable eating habits.
• 🎛️ Microphone/Speaker – Moisture or dust can block sound.
• 🔋 Battery: bloating or loss of capacity (especially after 1.5-2 years of use).
• 📡 Bluetooth antenna – a cliff after a fall or a strong bend.

How to diagnose:

1. Visual inspection: Light a flashlight into the speaker's grille - if dust or moisture is visible, gently brush with a soft brush. Do not use cotton swabs (the fibers may remain inside).
2. Contact test: Take a multimeter (vertebrate mode) and check the resistance between the charging contacts on the headphone and the case. Normal value is 0.5-1.5 Ohms. If resistance is tending to infinity, contact is cut.
3. Battery check: If the headphone is discharged in 10-15 minutes or does not hold a charge, most likely, a battery replacement is required. In Xiaomi services, this service costs from 800 to 1500 rubles (depending on the model).

For active noise cancellation (ANC) models such as the Mi Air 2 Pro, the additional test is:

• Enable ANC mode in the Mi Earphones app.
• If there is a hissing or background noise in the “silent” earphone, there is a problem in the ANC microphone (replacement is required).

5. Features of connection to different devices

Problems with one headphone are often selective — for example, both work with Xiaomi, but on the iPhone the left one turns off, which is due to the peculiarities of implementing the Bluetooth protocol in different OSes.

For Windows 10/11 devices, additionally:

1. Open the settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Find Mi True Wireless and click “Delete Device”.
3. In Device Manager, delete all records called Qualcomm QCC3020 (this is a Bluetooth headphone chip).
4. Restart the PC and reconnect the headphones.

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If the headphones aren’t detected on a MacBook, try connecting them in DFU mode: hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes yellow. Then select the device from the Bluetooth menu.

6. When to contact the service: signs of malfunction

If all of the above methods didn't work, it's probably a hardware problem, and here are some signs that self-repairing isn't feasible:

• 🔥 The earphone heats up when charging or using (the risk of short circuit).
• 🔕 The indicator does not burn at all (neither when charging nor when switching on).
• 💧 The headphone has been in water or other liquid (even if it has been running for some time afterward).
• 🔊 The sound is distorted, wheezing or crackling is heard (damaged speaker).
• 🔄 The headphone is constantly reconnected (every 1-2 minutes) - a sign of a malfunction of the Bluetooth module.

Cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers (2026):

• Battery replacement: 800-1500 ₽ (model-wise).
• Replacement of speaker/microphone – 1200–2000 ₽.
• Board repair (contact soldering, chip replacement) – 1500–3000 ₽.
• Full replacement of the headphone under warranty is free (if the production defect).

The warranty for Mi True Wireless is 12 months from the date of purchase. If the headphones are purchased officially (via Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video, etc.), repairs under warranty are possible upon presentation of a check. For models purchased on AliExpress or from unofficial sellers, the warranty is valid only if they have an international certificate.

⚠️ Note: If you disassembled the headphones yourself, the autopsy marks will cause a denial of warranty repair. In this case, contact informal services - the cost will be lower by 30-40%.

7. Alternative solutions: if repair is not feasible

If repairs cost more than 50% of the cost of new headphones, consider alternatives:

• 🎁 In official Xiaomi stores there are discounts of up to 30% when handing over old headphones (even faulty ones).
• 🔧 AliExpress sells parts for Mi True Wireless: speakers (from 300) ₽), batteries (from 200) ₽), fee (from 500) ₽). Replacement requires a soldering iron and experience with microelectronics.
• ♻️ Recycling with a bonus: Some services (e.g. EcoTechnique) accept electronic garbage and discount new equipment.
• 🔊 Using a single headphone. Many Xiaomi models support mono-connection. You can use a working headset as a headset for calls.

If you’re buying new headphones, look for the TrueWireless Stereo Plus, where each headphone has its own Bluetooth module, which reduces the risk of re-breaking.

• Redmi Buds 4 Pro - improved synchronization, support for LC3-codec.
• Xiaomi Buds 4 – long battery life (up to 30 hours).
• Mi True Wireless Earbuds 3 is a semi-open design, less problems with pressure in the ears.

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Before buying new headphones, check them for compatibility with your smartphone. For example, the Mi Air 2 Pro only unlocks the full potential with devices running MIUI 12+ or Android 11+.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones that don't work