How to set up Xiaomi headphones so that both work at the same time: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular accessory due to the combination of price and quality, but even they sometimes fail users. One of the most common problems is that one headphone is connected, and the second one is silent or not detected. The reasons can vary from simple discharge to firmware failure. In this article, we will analyze all possible solutions, including hidden settings and diagnostics of hardware malfunctions.

It's important to understand that the algorithm of actions depends on the headphone model. For example, Redmi AirDots and Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro have different reset modes and synchronization methods. We'll look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific lines. If you've tried reconnecting your headphones via Bluetooth, but the problem remains, don't rush them into service. In 90% of cases, you can restore both headphones on your own.

Before you start setting up, check the obvious: headphone charging (the indicators should burn when you connect to the case), clean contacts in the case and no physical damage. If everything is fine, proceed to the diagnosis according to our instructions.

1. Check the basic parameters before setting up

Often the problem isn't with the headphones, but with the device they're connected to. Start by diagnosing your smartphone or PC.

• 🔋 Case and headphone charge level: Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes. If the indicators do not light up, the battery or power controller is a problem.
• 📱 Bluetooth version on the smartphone: Xiaomi headphones require Bluetooth 4.2+. Check in the phone settings: Settings → The phone. → Bluetooth version.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices: Disable all other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, speakers) – they can interfere with the connection.
• 🛠️ Firmware updates: Outdated smartphone or headphone software can cause crashes.Update both devices.

Pay special attention to the charging case. If the contacts inside are contaminated or oxidized, the headphones will not sync with each other. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Also check if the case lid is tightly closed - if it is not tightly attached, protection against accidental switching can work.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones were recently purchased and never worked synchronously, there is a high probability of marriage. In this case, do not waste time setting up - contact the store for replacement under warranty. one headphone is not charged in the case, there is no reaction to the reset, the indicators do not burn.

2.Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

The most effective way to get back synchronization is hard reset. The procedure is different for different models, but the general principle is the same: reset all settings and repair the headphones. Below are the instructions for popular lines.

For Redmi AirDots (all generations) and Mi True Wireless Earphones:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually sideways) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case cover - headphones should automatically go into pairing mode (indicators flash alternately).
4. Connect them to your phone via Bluetooth.

For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro and Mi Neckband:

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear the reset beep.
3. Place the headphones back in the case, then remove - they should sync automatically.

If the headphones still don’t work together after reset, try forced synchronization:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait until they start flashing.
3. Press the right earphone touchpad 5 times in a row (for Buds 4 Pro) or hold it for 5 seconds (for AirDots) and this triggers a forced search mode for the second headphone.

Make sure your headphones are charged (>30%)

Disable Bluetooth on all devices except the current one

Wipe the contacts in the case

Prepare the charger (in case of prolonged discharge)-->

3. Setup via Mi Home or Xiaomi Earphones app

Xiaomi’s official apps not only allow you to update your firmware, but also diagnose connection problems. Download them from Google Play or the App Store:

• 📱 Mi Home – for basic models (Redmi AirDots, Mi Basic).
• 🎧 Xiaomi Earphones – for flagship headphones (Buds) 3/4 Pro, FlipBuds).

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
2. Open the app and select your model from the list of devices.
3. Go to the Settings section → Reset (or Reconstruction).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically reboot the headphones and sync them.

If the application shows an error "Device not found" or "Connection error", try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📲 Remove headphones from the list of associated devices and connect again.
• 🔌 Connect your headphones to another phone/PC for verification.

⚠️ Warning: After updating the firmware through Mi Home, the headphones may temporarily shut down. Don't interrupt the process! Wait until it's finished (the indicators will stop blinking) and reconnect them manually.

4. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If the software didn't work, you might have a physical breakdown, and let's look at the typical symptoms and their causes.

To check the dynamics:

1. Connect the problem headphone to the phone separately (remove the second from the case).
2. Turn on the music at maximum volume.
3. If there's no sound, the speaker is faulty. If there's sound, but it's quiet, you can block it with a grid (clean it with a needle).

Critical point: if after falling or getting moisture, one earphone stopped working, do not try to disassemble it yourself. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and similar models use adhesive joints, and if you open it neatly, you can damage the microphone or antenna.

5 Manual firmware update via PC

If your headphones are buggy because of outdated software, and updating through your phone doesn't help, try flashing them manually.

• 💻 Computer with Windows 10+ macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (to connect the case).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website or forum) 4PDA).

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder on the desktop.
2. Connect the case with the headphones to the PC via cable.
3. Press the button on the case for 10 seconds until the computer detects a new device ("Mi True Wireless" or similar).
4. Run a firmware file (.exe or.bat) on behalf of the administrator.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. It'll take 2-5 minutes.

After the update:

• Disconnect the case from the PC.
• Remove the headphones – they should automatically sync.
• If required, reset (see section 2).

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware or remove the cable until the process is complete. In the event of a failure, the headphones may turn into a brick and require repairs to the service. If during firmware, the indicators on the case go out - this is normal, do not panic.

💡

Before you run your firmware through your PC, disable the antivirus, which can block firmware files as “suspicious.” Also check that the cable supports data transmission (not all charging cables are suitable for this).

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard methods don’t work, try the non-obvious solutions:

Connection via Developer Mode (Android)

Sometimes the headphones don't get defined because of the limitations of the operating system.

1. Activate Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and click on it 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option “Bluetoothbug” and turn it on.
4. Reboot your phone and try to reconnect the headphones.

Use of third-party applications

Apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect or Repair Bluetooth can help if the phone drivers are the problem.

• 🔍 Scanning available devices.
• 🔄 Forced reconnecting headphones.
• 📊 Shows signal strength and possible interference.

For the iPhone:

• Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
• Click on the icon "i" next to the headphones and select "Forget this device".
• Turn off/turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone.
• Reconnect the headphones.

Connecting to another device

If the headphones are running on another phone/PC, the problem is your main device.

• 📲 Update the firmware of the smartphone.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings.
• 🛠️ Remove Bluetooth cache: Settings → Annexes → All applications → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

💡

If Xiaomi headphones connect to another device but not your phone, the problem is with the smartphone software, not the headphones. Start by clearing the Bluetooth cache and resetting the network settings.

7. When do you contact the service?

If you have tried all the methods, but one of the headphones still does not work, you may need professional repair.

• 🔋 The headphone does not charge in the case, and cleaning the contacts did not help.
• 🔊 There is no sound even when connected to another device.
• 💥 Headphones fell into the water or were subjected to severe blows.
• 🔄 After firmware, the indicators do not respond to pressing.

The cost of repair in official Xiaomi services:

Before the service visit:

• 📋 Write down the headphone serial number (located on the case or in the Mi Home app).
• 📸 Take a picture of the check or warranty card (if any).
• 🔄 Try resetting your headphones again – sometimes the problem is solved just before repairs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones