How to combine Xiaomi wireless headphones: instruction + error solving

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even proven models like Redmi Buds 4, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro sometimes have problems syncing with each other or with a smartphone. If one earphone does not connect, the sound is only in one channel, or the device is not detected at all, this article will help to understand the causes and fix the problems.

The process of combining headphones depends on the model and version of the firmware, but the overall algorithm remains similar. We will look at standard synchronization methods, forced resetting, as well as rare cases where the problem lies in the hardware, and pay special attention to models that support Dual Mode (simultaneous connection to two devices), where the combination algorithm may differ.

Before you start setting up, make sure both headphones are charged (indicators should burn or blink when removed from the case), and your device (Android, iOS or Windows) supports Bluetooth 5.0 or later.

Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Merge: The Main Reasons

Problems with syncing wireless headphones usually boil down to a few typical scenarios, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔋 A discharged battery of one of the headphones or case – even if the indicator is on, the charge level can be critically low for the connection to be installed.
• 📱 Conflict with another device – headphones could remain connected to an old smartphone, tablet or laptop in the background.
• 🔄 Firmware failure – especially relevant after automatic updates via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
• 🎧 Mechanical damage to contacts in the case or on the headphones themselves, due to which one of them is not charged and synchronized.
• 🔗 Bluetooth protocol incompatibility – if your device runs on Bluetooth 4.2 and headphones require 5.0+.

In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by software methods such as resetting or forced reconnection. However, if the headphones are physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), repair or replacement may be necessary. Note that active noise cancellation (ANC) models are more likely to suffer from software failures due to additional sound processing algorithms.

⚠️ Note: If headphones Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro or Redmi Buds 3 Lite stopped combining after updating the firmware, do not try to roll it back manually through third-party utilities. This can lead to a complete loss of functionality).

The standard way to combine Xiaomi headphones (for most models)

This method is suitable for most people. TWS-Xiaomi headphones, including the Redmi Buds series, Mi True Wireless and Xiaomi Buds (except models with Dual Mode support, for them, see the next section:

1. Remove both earbuds from the charge case. Wait for the lights on them to flash white/red (meaning they're on and ready to plug in).
2. Put the headphones back in the case for 5 to 10 seconds, then pull them out again, and this force them to sync.
3. On your Android/iOS/PC device, turn on Bluetooth and search for the name of your headphones (e.g., Redmi Buds 4 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) in the list of available devices.
4. Click on the name of the headphones to connect. PIN-Type 0000 (standard code for most Xiaomi models).

After successful connection, the headphones should light up blue or green (depending on the model) and stop blinking. If the sound is only in one headphone, check the audio balance in your device's settings or reset (instructions in the next section).

Remove both earphones from the case

Check the flashing of indicators (white/red)

Place it back in the case for 5-10 seconds

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Find headphones in the list of devices-->

Features of combining for models with Dual Mode (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5, etc.)

Dual Mode-enabled headphones have a slightly different synchronization algorithm, which is because they can remember multiple connection profiles, which sometimes leads to conflicts. Here's how to combine them correctly:

• 📱 Disable headphones from all previously paired devices via Bluetooth settings (forget the device).
• 🔄 Reset: Place the headphones in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
• 🎧 Take the headphones out of the case and wait until they are synchronized with each other (indicators should flash synchronously).
• 🔗 Connect to the first device, then activate Dual Mode in the headphone settings (via the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app).

The Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 models also have an automatic switching feature available, and if it doesn’t work properly, turn it off in the app settings and re-sync it.

⚠️ Attention: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Active have protection against accidental reset. If after holding the button the indicator does not flash red, repeat the procedure, first removing the headphones from the case and placing them next to you (at a distance of no more than 10 cm).

Redmi Buds 4|Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro|Mi True Wireless 2|Redmi Buds 3 Lite|Another model-->

Forced resetting: When standard methods don't work

If the headphones are still not combined, you will need a full reset to the factory settings, which removes all the paired devices and returns the headphones to the original parameters.

For touch-controlled headphones (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5):

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
3. Get the headphones out of the case – they should automatically synchronize (indicators flash synchronously).

For headphones with a button on the case (Redmi Buds 4, Mi True Wireless 2):

1. Put the headphones in the case and connect the case to the power source (even if it is charged).
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Remove the headphones – they should reset and be ready for a new connection.

After resetting, Xiaomi headphones may require re-configuration via the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app. For example, for the Buds 4 Pro, you will need to re-activate the ANC (noise reduction) and adjust the control gestures.

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If the headphones don’t join up after reset, try connecting them to another device (like a tablet or laptop) to help you determine if the problem is in the headphones or in your smartphone.

Solving Connection Problems with Specific Devices

Sometimes Xiaomi headphones refuse to merge not because of their malfunction, but because of the features of the device you are trying to connect them to.

Connect to an Android smartphone (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO):

• 📱 Update the firmware of the smartphone: go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🎧 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: Settings → Battery → Energy conservation → Settings → Bluetooth (disable optimization).

Connection to iPhone or iPad:

• 🍎 Forget the device in Bluetooth settings, then reset the headphones.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes iOS blocks the connection of new accessories without rebooting.
• 📱 Update iOS to the latest version: older versions may not support Bluetooth 5.2 protocols+.

Connect to Windows 10/11 or MacOS:

• 💻 Remove all previously paired devices in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Update Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager.
• 🎧 Use Compatibility Mode: Some Xiaomi models require a Headset connection instead of a headset one. A2DP (configuration is available in the properties of the device).

If the headphones connect to one device but don’t join when connected to another, the problem is likely to be a conflict of Bluetooth profiles, in which case a full reset of the headphones and re-synchronization will help.

Hardware malfunctions: when without repairs can not do

If all software methods have been tried, but the headphones still don't work together, the problem may be in the hardware.

• 🔋 One of the headphones does not charge in the case (the indicator does not burn or burns dimly).
• 🎧 The headphone does not turn on after extraction from the case (no flashing of the indicator).
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or distorted even after a successful connection.
• 💧 Visible damage: oxidation of contacts, cracks on the body, traces of moisture.

The most vulnerable elements in Xiaomi wireless headphones:

1. Charging contacts – over time, become oxidized or contaminated, leading to poor contact and discharge of one of the headphones.
2. Bluetooth antenna – can be damaged by a fall or strong compression.
3. Battery - loses capacity after 300-500 charging cycles, which is why the headphone discharges in a few minutes.

If the headphones are guaranteed, contact the Xiaomi service center. Otherwise, repairs can cost 50-70% of the cost of new headphones. For example, replacing the battery in Redmi Buds 4 costs about 1000-1500. ₽, Replacement of Bluetooth antennas – 1500–2000 ₽.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to disassemble the headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 – their body is glued together and easily damaged on opening. This will lead to loss of warranty and may aggravate the problem.

Frequent questions and answers

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If Xiaomi headphones don't combine, 90% of the time, factory resets help. Start with it before you look for more complex solutions.