Xiaomi headphones don’t connect to each other: a complete guide to restoring communication

You took out Xiaomi Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earbuds, but instead of the usual sound signal, silence? One earphone connects to the phone, and the second one "silent" or flashes red? This problem is familiar to many owners of the brand's wireless headphones, and the causes can lie in software failures and hardware malfunctions. In 80% of cases, the situation can be fixed independently without going to the service center, most importantly, act according to a proven scheme.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons Xiaomi headphones don’t sync with each other, from the banal battery discharge to hidden Bluetooth settings. You’ll learn how to reset your headphones to factory settings, update your firmware (yes, the headphones have software too!), and what to do if the problem lies in your smartphone. And for owners of models with Mi AI Assistant support, we’ve prepared an exclusive life hack for forced resynchronization.

We warn you right away that if the headphones are physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), software methods will not help. In this case, you will need a diagnosis in an authorized Xiaomi service. But in 9 out of 10 cases, the software is to blame - and that's good news!

1. Checking the basic parameters: battery, case and indicators

Before you dig deep into the settings, make sure that the problem isn't on the surface, and let's start with the obvious one: charging devices.

• 🔋 Charge level of the case and headphones: even if the indicator on the case is green, it does not guarantee that the headphones are charged. Take them out and check the indicators on the ears themselves. Red or flashing orange is a sign of discharge.
• 🔌 Quality of connection of the case to charging: try using another cable or power supply. Sometimes contacts inside the case oxidize - gently wipe them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
• 🔄 Reset the case: unplug the case from charging, pull out the headphones, then insert them back in and close the cover for 10 seconds.

If the headphone indicators don't burn at all, it could indicate a full discharge or battery malfunction.Plug the case to charge for 30 minutes, then try again.For Redmi Buds 3 Pro models and later, check if the white indicator on the case is on when connecting to the USB-C - if not, the power controller may have failed.

⚠️ Note: if the headphones Xiaomi do not charge in the case for more than a day, do not try to disassemble them yourself - this will lead to loss of warranty.

2.Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If the basic manipulations didn't work, the next step is a hard reset, which removes all the connections that you've saved and returns the headphones to the "out of the box" state, and the way you reset depends on the model.

After reset, Xiaomi headphones should automatically sync with each other and go to search mode (the indicator will flash white).

1. Take the headphones out of the case and wait until they turn off (the indicators will go out).
2. Place them back in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
3. Open the lid – the headphones should turn on and sync.

Make sure your headphones are over 30%|

Check the firmware version in the Mi Home| app

Turn off headphones from all devices in Bluetooth | settings

Use the original case (not third-party charging cases)-->

Critical information: If the left or right earphone is still not connected after the reset, this may indicate damage to the Bluetooth module, in which case a replacement of the board, which is performed only in Xiaomi service centers, is required.

3. Update the firmware of headphones through Mi Home

Few people know, but Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have their own firmware that can be updated.Outdated software often causes synchronization problems, especially after updating Android or iOS on a smartphone.

To update the firmware:

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open Mi Home → Profile → Settings → Add the device → Headphones.
4. Select your model from the list. If the headphones don't show up, tap Other Device → Manual and type in the model name.
5. After connecting, go to the device section and check for updates in the Settings → Firmware Update menu.

Important nuances:

• 📱 For Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, firmware updates can come automatically via Mi. AI Assistant.
• 🔄 If the update hangs during the booting stage, reconnect the headphones and try again.
• ⚠️ Do not interrupt the update process – this can lead to “bricking” headphones.

After a successful firmware update, the headphones will automatically restart and should sync. If the problem persists, move to the next section.

4.Problems on the smartphone side: Bluetooth settings

Sometimes it’s not the gadget itself that’s to blame, but the device you’re trying to connect to, especially for Xiaomi smartphones, which have additional Bluetooth optimization features built in.

What to check on your phone:

• 📵 Flight mode: Even if it's turned off, temporary crashes can block Bluetooth. Put your phone in flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off.
• 🔄 Bluetooth Cash: Go to Settings → Annexes → All applications → Bluetooth, press Storage. → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Energy Conservation: In Settings → Battery → Power saving mode disable optimization for Bluetooth.
• 🔗 Associated devices: remove the headphones from the list and reconnect. On Android: Settings → Connected devices → Previous connections → Headphones → Forget it.

For owners of Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO smartphones, there is a hidden setting that often solves the problem:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional Settings.
4. Activate the option to Show Connection Notifications and Auto Connect to Audio Devices.

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, the problem may lie in the limitations of iOS for devices with the protocol AAC. Try connecting your headphones to your Android smartphone and updating your firmware through Mi Home, then go back to your iPhone.

5. Hardware malfunctions: when without service can not do

If none of the software methods worked, it could be a hardware problem, and here are the signs that indicate a physical malfunction:

• 🔴 One of the headphones does not charge in the case (the indicator does not burn).
• 🎧 There is sound, but the quality is poor (wheezing, interruption) even after resetting.
• 🔌 The headphone does not turn on at all (no indication, does not respond to pressings).
• 💧 Visible signs of moisture (oxidation of contacts, corrosion).

The most common hardware problems:

If the headphones are warranty, do not try to repair them yourself - this will void warranty obligations. Contact the official Xiaomi service center with a check of purchase. The average warranty repair period is 7-14 days.

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Before visiting the service, take a photo of the headphone serial number (usually indicated on the case or in the Mi Home app) - this will speed up the diagnostic process.

6. Hidden features and life hacks for Xiaomi headphones

If standard methods don’t work, try these non-obvious tricks, which are rarely mentioned in official instructions:

• 🔊 Forced synchronization through sound: place the headphones in the case, then open the lid and quickly press the touchpad on the left earphone 5 times. This activates forced pairing mode (works on Redmi Buds 3 Pro and newer).
• 📡 Change Bluetooth channel: on Android in Settings → System system → Developer mode → Select Bluetooth settings AVRCP Version: 1.6 (if available) This can solve problems connecting to older devices.
• 🔄 Alternative reset: for models with Mi AI Assistant say in voice, “Hey Mi, reset your headphones,” then confirm the action in the app.
• 🎵 Test mode: Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 8 seconds until you hear a voice message "Test mode." In this mode, the headphones bypass some Bluetooth limitations.

For owners of Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, there is an exclusive Dual Device Connection feature that sometimes conflicts with the standard connection.

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open Mi Home → Headphones → Settings → More
3. Turn off the option of connecting to two devices at the same time.
4. Reset the headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds).

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If Xiaomi headphones connect to the phone but do not sync with each other, the problem in 90% of cases is solved by resetting through the case or updating the firmware.

7. Frequent Questions and Myths About Xiaomi Headphones