Losing one headphone from Xiaomi is a bad situation, but it is fixable. Even if you are convinced that the second headphone is irrevocably Lost>, do not rush to buy a new pair: in 60% of cases, it is possible to find or restore the system to work at minimal cost. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways - from basic (search for the house using a smartphone) to advanced (buying the original module on AliExpress with a guarantee of compatibility).
The thing about Xiaomi headphones (Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds, FlipBuds, etc.) is that they use unique pairing protocols, which means that just buying any left-hand earphone of the same model is not enough — it may not sync with the first one. So it's important to act systematically: first try to find the lost one, then check the compatibility of the replacement, and only in extreme cases buy a new pair.
This article is relevant for all Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco headphones released after 2019. If your model is older, check the compatibility of the replacement by serial number (located on the case of the charging case).
1.Looking for a lost earphone via Bluetooth
The first thing to do is check the last pairing location. Xiaomi headphones store the connection history, and even if one module is disconnected, the second can remain in the device's memory.
How it works:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on a smartphone to which headphones were connected.
- 🔍 Find your model (e.g. Mi True Wireless 2) in the list of devices.
- 📡 If the earphone is in range (up to 10 meters), the signal level indicator will appear.
- 🔔 Turn the sound on to maximum volume through the device menu – the lost earphone can emit a signal.
💡 Important: Xiaomi headphones automatically go into search mode for 5 minutes after the connection break. If more time has passed, try to press the button on the case for 10 seconds to reset.
💡
If the headphone is under the sofa or in a bag of metal objects, the Bluetooth signal can be shielded. Try to search from a height (for example, standing on a chair) - this increases the range.
2 Use of Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app
Xiaomi’s official apps not only allow you to manage your headphones, but also track their location (if the feature is supported by the model).
- Install the Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Wear (for newer ones).
- Sign in under the same account as when you first connected your headphones.
- Go to the Devices section → Headphones.
- If the model supports geolocation (e.g. FlipBuds Pro), the map will show the last known location.
⚠️ Note: The tracking function only works if the headphone has been connected to the Internet at least once via a smartphone (for example, to update firmware.
Which Xiaomi models support map search?
3.Search by Sound: How to Make Your Headphone Squeak
If the earphone is within audibility, but you can't see it (for example, if you're stuck behind a furniture), you can activate the beep.
| Model headphones | How to turn on the sound | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless 2, Redmi Buds 3/4 | Triple press on the touch panel of the headphone (if it is in the case – open the lid and hold the 5 sec button) | Sound only works at a charge level of >10%. |
| FlipBuds Pro, Buds 4 Pro | Through the Xiaomi Wear app: Device settings → Find the headphone | You can adjust the volume of the signal. |
| Poco Buds X, Redmi Buds 3 Lite | No built-in function. Use a Bluetooth scanner (see section 4) | — |
🔊 Tip: If the headphone is lying in a noisy place (for example, on the street), attach a smartphone to the ear - sometimes the signal is heard only in silence.
4 Advanced methods: Bluetooth scanners and radio modules
If standard methods don't work, you can use specialized applications to find Bluetooth devices, which show RSSI (signal level) and help you determine your location more accurately.
Top.-3 annex Android/iOS:
- 📲 Bluetooth Scanner (Android) - shows MAC-Real-time signal strength and address.
- 📱 LightBlue (iOS) – supports connection to hidden devices.
- 🔍 nRF Connect (cross platform) – a professional tool for working with Bluetooth LE.
📌 Instructions:
- Open the app and start scanning.
- Find your headphone on the list (the name usually contains Mi, Redmi, or Buds).
- Watch for the change in RSSI: the closer the value to 0, the closer the device is.
- Move around the room, fixing peak values.
💡
Bluetooth scanners work even if the headphone is discharged, but not turned off, the main thing is that it is in search mode (blinking indicator).
5.If the search is unsuccessful: Buying a replacement
When you can't find an earpiece, you have two options: buy an original module or an unoriginal replacement.
- ⚠️ The original headphone (with AliExpress, Mi Store) is guaranteed to be compatible, but costs 30-70% of the price of a new pair.
- ⚠️ Non-original (Chinese replicas) may not sync or have worse sound quality.
- 🔧 Self-repair (replacement of the board) is possible only for models with a collapsible body (for example, Redmi Buds 2).
🛒 Where to buy:
| The playground | Pluses | Cons | Average price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Mi Store | 100% original, guarantee | Expensive, limited range | 1 500–3 000 ₽ |
| AliExpress (official sellers) | Price lower, wide selection | Delivery 2-4 weeks, risk of counterfeiting | 800–2 000 ₽ |
| Avito/Yula | Instant purchase, you can bargain | High risk of fraud | 500–1 500 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Service Centers | Verified compatibility | Price as for a new couple | 2 000–3 500 ₽ |
⚠️ Note: When buying on AliExpress, be sure to check: Model name → Serial number. → Compatibility with your case.
For example, Redmi Buds 4 will only fit headphone with the marking TWS4-XX (where XX is the region).
Clarify the model and firmware version of your case|Compare serial numbers (on case and headphone case case case case case)|Check the reviews of the seller on AliExpress|Ask the seller for a video confirmation of performance|Make sure the earphone is not "tied" to another case-->
6.How to avoid losing headphones in the future
Prevention is always cheaper than cure. Here are 5 proven ways to keep your headphones on:
- 🎧 Use belts (e.g. Xiaomi Neckband) for models without ear hooks.
- 🔗 Link a Bluetooth tracker to the case (e.g. Mi Smart Band in search mode).
- 📲 Set up communication break notifications in Xiaomi Wear (Security section).
- 🧲 Buy magnetically mounted models (like FlipBuds Pro) that automatically turn off when you remove them.
- 💼 Keep the case in a special case with a carbine for a backpack.
🔄 Bonus: Some models (Buds 4 Pro) have Auto Connect to the latest device, activate it in the settings so that the headphones will signal themselves when communication is lost.
7. Frequent mistakes when searching and buying a replacement
Many users lose money because of common mistakes.
⚠️ Never buy an earphone marked "Only for" left/right ears – such models do not synchronize with the case and work only in pairs with a “native” companion.
- 🚫 Ignore the case firmware version. For example, Redmi Buds 3 with firmware. V1.2.3 I don't make friends with the headphone. V1.1.8.
- 🚫 Buying a replacement photo without a serial number is often sold by fraudsters under the guise of the originals.
- 🚫 Reset the case before buying a replacement, which can block synchronization with the new headphone.
- 🚫 Use headphones from other brands (e.g. Haylou) – they are not compatible even if they are identical in appearance.
🔧 Tip from the service center: If you bought a non-original earphone and it does not connect, try updating the case firmware through Xiaomi Wear.