What to do if Xiaomi wireless headphones do not work with one ear

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular solution for music, calls and podcasts, but even they are not immune to technical failures. One of the most common problems is that one ear (left or right) stops working. This can happen suddenly — during a listening session, after a firmware update, or even after a long downtime. The reasons are both software (synchronization failure, Bluetooth error) and hardware (damage to the speaker, contacts or battery).

In this article, we will look at all possible causes of malfunction and give step-by-step instructions for diagnosis and repair. Importantly, some methods (such as resetting) are suitable for all Xiaomi models, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, while others require considering a particular firmware version or design. If you are not sure about your headphone model, check it in the Mi Home app or on the box.

Before you bring your device to the service center, try 7 ways to repair yourself — 80% of the time, the problem is solved without a specialist.

1. Check basic settings and connections

Often the problem isn't with the headphones themselves, but with the settings of your smartphone or tablet.

• 📱 Reboot the device that the headphones are connected to. Sometimes a Bluetooth failure is fixed by a simple restart.
• 🔊 Check the sound balance in your phone settings. On Android: go to Settings → Sound. → Stereo balance (or special features settings) → Audio settings. On iPhone: Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual content → Balance.
• 🔄 Turn off and reconnect the headphones. Remove them from the list of associated devices and reconnect.
• 🎧 Check the headphones on another device (another smartphone, laptop or PC) if the problem persists, a malfunction in the headphones themselves.

If you've had a sound after that, the problem was with the phone settings. If you haven't, move on to the next section.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Pro) have the sound balance adjusted directly in the Mi Home app. Make sure that it doesn't activate Monosound or One Ear mode".

2. Resetting headphones to factory settings

If the basic methods didn't work, the next step is to completely reset the settings, which will remove all pairings and return the headphones to factory condition.

For most Xiaomi/Redmi Buds (except FlipBuds):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode.

For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro:

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
3. After reset, connect the headphones again via Bluetooth.

If one ear still doesn’t work after reset, check the headphone firmware (more on this in the next section).

Make sure your headphones are charged at least 30 times%|

Close all applications that use Bluetooth|

Prepare a second device for inspection after reset|

Write down the current sound settings (balance, equalizer)-->

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After reset, the headphones may lose touch with the Mi Home app. To restore functionality, remove them from the app and add them again through Add Device → Headphones

3. Update to the headphone firmware

Outdated or damaged firmware is a common reason one ear stops working. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its headphones to fix synchronization and sound bugs. Check the relevance of the firmware:

1. Open the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models).
2. Select your headphones in the list of devices.
3. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
4. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

If the update doesn’t help or the headphones aren’t defined in the app, try manual firmware via PC.

• 💻 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
• 🔌 Connect your headphones to your PC via Bluetooth.
• 📁 Use the Mi Flash Tool or QFil utility to install firmware (instructions are available on the forums). 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

⚠️ Warning: Manual firmware updates can lead to a complete loss of performance of the headphones if the wrong version of the software is selected. Do this only if you are confident in the model and firmware version!

Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later require for firmware special cable Type-C → USB-A and the program Xiaomi Earphones Updater. Without them update via Bluetooth can end in error.

4. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If the software methods didn't work, it's probably hardware, and let's look at the most common breakdowns and their signs.

For self-diagnosis:

1. Turn on your headphones and check if the light flashes on your ear that's not working, and if it doesn't, it's a power or board problem.
2. Listen to if there's any extraneous noises (creaming, squeaking) that could indicate damage to the speaker.
3. Try to move the earpiece in your hands – if the sound appears at a certain position, the contact may have gone away.

If you don't have experience in electronics repair, you should contact the service. Disassembling Xiaomi headphones requires care - their bodies are often glued together and the boards are fragile.

5. Case and charging problems

Often users overlook that the case of headphones can also be the source of the problem. If one ear is not working, check:

• 🔋 Case charge. Connect it to the charger, the indicator should burn. If not, the case is faulty.
• 🔌 Contacts in the case, clean them of dust and oxidation with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
• 🔄 Sync with the headphones. Put both earphones in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove - they must automatically connect to each other.
• 📶 Case indication. If you don't light up the headphone in the case, you have a problem with contacts or case fees.

If the case is not charging one of the headphones, try to reflash it (for some models, for example, Redmi AirDots 3, there are separate firmware for the case), also check whether the battery inside the case is swollen - this can lead to poor contact.

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If the case doesn't charge the headphones, but it's charging from the mains, the problem is the case power controller, and it's cheaper to replace it than to buy a new case.

6. When to contact the service center

If all of these methods have not worked, you will likely need professional repairs.

• 🔊 The speaker of the headphone is physically damaged (cracks, dents, traces of fluid).
• 🔋 The battery of the headphone or case is swollen or does not hold the charge.
• 📡 Problems with Bluetooth module (the headphone is not detected on any device).
• 🛠️ Requires soldering contacts or replacement of chips.

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi service centers (as of 2026):

Before the service visit:

1. Take a photo of headphones and case (may be required for a warranty case).
2. Check if the warranty is valid (usually 12 months from the date of purchase).
3. Check if you have an authorized Xiaomi service center in your city (list on mi.com).

⚠️ Note: If the headphones were purchased on AliExpress or in unofficial stores, the warranty may not apply. In this case, the repair will cost more — up to 50-70% of the cost of new headphones.

7. Alternative solutions and life hacks

If repairs are too expensive or inappropriate, you can try temporary solutions:

• 🎵 Use one ear as a mono-ear headphone (in some models, such as Xiaomi Buds 4, this can be configured in the Mi Home app).
• 🔄 Buy a replacement earbud on AliExpress or Avito (cost – from 500) ₽). The main thing is that the model coincides.
• 🔧 Re-silver contacts yourself (if you have experience with a soldering iron). YouTube has detailed guides on repairing specific models.
• 📦 Buy a new case (if there's a problem with it) Redmi AirDots cases start at 600. ₽.

If you decide to buy a new headphone separately, pay attention to:

• Serial number - it must match the working headphone.
• Firmware version – otherwise there may be problems with synchronization.
• Battery status – ask the seller for battery life.

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Before you buy a used headphone on Avito, ask the seller to record a video of both headphones, which will help to avoid cheating.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the non-working ear in Xiaomi headphones