What to do if Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are constantly unwinding: the full guide

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. But even the most reliable models (AirDots Pro 2, Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro) sometimes begin to “capricious”: one earphone turns off, then the sound is interrupted, then the device completely ceases to be determined by the smartphone. If your Xiaomi headphones stop for no apparent reason, do not rush to carry them into service. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved by yourself in 5-15 minutes.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes, from simple discharge to software failures, and give step-by-step instructions for each situation. 5.0/5.2 and LC3-codecs that are more likely to suffer from unstable connections, and you will also learn how to prevent repeated shutdowns and what to do if the headphones stop syncing with each other after updating the firmware.

1. Checking the underlying causes: battery, distance, interference

Before you dig deeper, eliminate the obvious factors that can interrupt the connection. Let's start with the simplest one: the charge level. Even if the indicator on the case is green, this does not guarantee that both earbuds are charged the same way. For example, in Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro, it is often common for one earbud to discharge faster due to a faulty contact in the case.

How to check:

• 🔋 See the charge level of each headphone in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (Devices section» → If the difference is greater than 20%, charge both to 100%.
• 📱 On Android, the charge level is displayed in the notification bar when you connect. On iPhone, in the battery widget».
• ⚡ If the headphones are discharged “to zero”, keep them in the case for 10-15 minutes before turning on – sometimes the power controller “hangs” with a deep discharge.

Next is distance and interference. Xiaomi’s wireless headphones run at 2.4GHz, which is sensitive to obstacles and ether congestion, for example, in a subway or mall with dozens of active Bluetooth devices, the connection can break every 2-3 minutes.

What to do:

• 📶 Reduce the distance between the headphones and the sound source (smartphone, laptop) to 1-2 meters.
• 🚇 Keep your phone in your pocket closer to your head, not in your backpack.
• 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, smart watches) that may interfere.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones manually: turn them off in Bluetooth settings, then find them again in the list of devices.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones are turned off when driving (for example, while running), the problem may be in tight contact inside the case. Try to gently move the earphone in the ear - if the sound disappears when you press on a certain area, this is a sign of a mechanical malfunction (repair is required).

2. Resetting headphone settings: when and how to do

If the basic methods didn't work, the next step is to reset the headphones to factory settings, a one-stop solution for most software failures, including:

• One headphone is not connected, and the second is working.
• Headphones are defined as two separate devices.
• The sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds.
• After the firmware update, lags appeared.

Reset instructions vary by model. Here is the one-stop method for most Xiaomi (including AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds):

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

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Touch and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Wait 30 seconds – the headphones will automatically restart.
4. Remove them from your phone’s memory and reconnect them.

After resetting, the headphones may require firmware updates, which we will discuss in the next section.

💡

If one headphone still does not connect after reset, try connecting it separately: take it out of the case only, then find it in the list of Bluetooth devices (may appear as "LE-Xiaomi...").

3. Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

More than 40 percent of Xiaomi headphones' problems are due to outdated firmware, especially if you're using a 2021 model or older.The manufacturer regularly releases updates fixing bugs with connection, codecs and power consumption. For example, AirDots 3 Pro after upgrading to version 1.4.0.7 disappeared lags when listening to music through the Internet. LDAC.

How to check and update the firmware:

1. Install the official app: For Android: Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home (depending on the model). For iPhone: Xiaomi Wear Lite (feature limited).

Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.

Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices.

Go to the Firmware Update (or Firmware Update) section.

Don't turn off the headphones.

If the app doesn’t find updates, but problems remain:

• 🌐 Check the regional settings: some updates are coming first for China, then for the global version. Try changing the region in the app to "China».
• 📱 Update your phone’s firmware: Older versions of Android (below 10) or iOS (below 14) may conflict with the latest headphone versions.
• 🔌 Connect your headphones to another device (tablet, laptop) and check if the update appears there.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process! If the headphones are "hanging" during the installation phase (the indicator flashes blue for more than 10 minutes), put them in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then try again. If the problem repeats, reset (see). Section 2) and try to update again.

4. Bluetooth problems on the phone: diagnostics and solutions

Sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones, it's with the Bluetooth module of the smartphone, and this is especially true for devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco with custom firmware or after failed updates:

• Headphones are connected, but the sound comes with jerks;
• The connection breaks when switching between applications;
• Bluetooth shuts down on its own.

How to diagnose:

1. Connect your headphones to another device (another phone, a laptop), and if they work consistently, your smartphone is a problem.
2. Check whether Bluetooth is “glutching” with other devices (columns, clocks).

Android solutions:

• 📱 Reboot the phone - it resets the Bluetooth cache.
• 🔧 Open the Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Reset network settings (does not delete data, only network settings).
• 🛠️ If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), upgrade the Bluetooth stack via TWRP.
• 📦 Remove the Bluetooth app cache: Settings → Annexes → Show all applications → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache

Solutions for iPhone:

• 🍎 Update iOS to the latest version (older versions have bugs with the latest version) AAC-codec).
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → Mainstream → Transfer or discharge → Reset → Resetting network settings.
• 🚫 Turn off the Audio Auto Switch function in Bluetooth settings (may conflict with headphones).

5. Mechanical malfunctions: how to recognize and eliminate

If software techniques haven't helped, there may be a problem with the hardware. Xiaomi's wireless headphones have several vulnerabilities:

1. Contacts in the case

Over time, the spring contacts in the case become oxidized or deformed, causing one of the headphones to fail to charge and turn off.

• 🔍 Take out your headphones and look at the contacts (metal dots) on the case and inside the case. If they're dimmed or covered with plaque, clean with alcohol.
• 📌 Carefully attach contacts in the case with a plastic card - sometimes they "drown" and do not touch the headphones.

2. Battery.

Lithium polymer batteries in headphones lose capacity after 300 to 500 charging cycles. If the headphones turn off after 10 to 15 minutes of operation, even after full charging, most likely, a battery replacement is required. For Xiaomi, this will cost 800 to 1500 rubles at the service center.

3.Bluetooth antenna

In cheap models (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Lite), the antenna can move away from the board when falls. Symptoms: the headphones work only next to the phone (up to 30 cm) or turn off when turning the head.

4. Microphone or speaker

If the headphones turn off while you're talking, but they're working with the music, the problem is the microphone.

• 🎤 Gently blow the microphone hole (may be clogged with dust).
• 🔊 Turn on your headphones and call another phone – if the person hears you with interference, the microphone is faulty.

💡

If the headphones fell into the water or were exposed to severe humidity, corrosion could damage the board. In this case, self-repair is impossible - contact the service.

6. Features of connection to different devices

Xiaomi headphones can behave differently depending on the device you are connected to.

Connecting to Windows 10/11

Problems: the sound is delayed, the headphones are defined as a “headphone” (without a microphone).

• 🖥️ Install the latest version of the Bluetooth driver (via Device Manager).
• 🔊 In the sound settings, select the format AAC or SBC (Not Hands-Free. AG Audio).
• 🔄 If the sound is interrupted, turn off the power saving for the Bluetooth adapter in the Control Panel → Power supply → Additional parameters.

Connecting to a MacBook

On macOS, headphones can be turned off due to conflict with other Bluetooth devices.

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Remove all unnecessary devices from the list.
3. Press Option (Alt) + Shift and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar → Resetting the Bluetooth module.

Connecting to a TV or console

Many are smart. TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV) and game consoles (PS5, Nintendo Switch) has restrictions on supported Bluetooth codecs. If the headphones are connected, but there is no sound:

• 📺 On the TV, select the format in the sound settings SBC (most compatible).
• 🎮 Nana PS5 may be required USB Bluetooth adapter (built-in module does not support) AAC).

7. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If you’ve tried everything, but Xiaomi’s headphones still do not, here are some non-obvious solutions:

1. Change of Bluetooth codec

Some headphones don’t work well with codec. AAC (Especially on iPhone, but it is stable. SBC. How to change:

• On Android: Install Developer Options (or enable Developer Mode), then select in Bluetooth settings SBC.
• On Windows: Select Additional Settings in your device settings → Codec → SBC.

2. Use of third-party applications

Applications like Bluetooth Auto Connect or SoundAssistant can stabilize the connection by:

• Automatic reconnection at a break;
• Optimization of sound buffer;
• Forced use of a certain codec.

Compatibility check

Some Xiaomi models (such as the AirDots Youth Edition) are not designed to work with iOS and may be disabled due to a protocol conflict.

4.Feedback with Xiaomi

If headphones are guaranteed, contact support through:

• 📧 Official website: Mi Support;
• 📱 Mi Home appendix → «Feedback»;
• 📞 Hotline phone (for Russia: 8 800 775-66-88).

💡

If you bought the headphones less than 14 days ago, you have the right to return them to the seller under the law on consumer protection (Article 25) – even if the defect is not confirmed by the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphone problems