Reconfiguring Xiaomi wireless headphones: from reset to fine settings

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of price, quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, there are periodic problems: the headphones do not connect, the sound is interrupted, or one of them has stopped working. Most often the solution lies in the correct reconfiguration - from a basic reset to fine calibration of sound through a proprietary application.

In this article, weโ€™ll look at all possible scenarios: how to return headphones to factory settings, adjust them for different devices (Android/iOS/PC), optimize sound and even restore work if they stop turning on. The instructions are relevant for all modern models, from Redmi AirDots to Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro. Particular emphasis is placed on eliminating the synchronization problems between the left and right earphones, which often occur after firmware updates.

When you need to reconfigure headphones Xiaomi

Not all problems require a complete reset, sometimes just reconnect your headphones or update your firmware, and here are the key situations where you can't do without a reset:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ One of the headphones is not connected or permanently disconnected (for example, only the left/right is working).
  • ๐ŸŽต The sound is interrupted, interference or delays appear (especially noticeable in games or when watching videos).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Headphones quickly discharge or incorrectly display the charge level in the application.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The device doesn't detect headphones in the Bluetooth list, although they're enabled.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š After the firmware update, sound artifacts appeared or functions disappeared (for example, noise cancellation).

If the headphones just don't connect to the new phone, try removing them from the list of conjugated devices on the old gadget first. 60 percent of the time, that's enough. But if the problem is deeper -- for example, the headphones don't sync (flash different colors) -- you'll need a complete reset.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of headphones Xiaomi you have?
Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)
Xiaomi Buds (any model)
FlipBuds Pro
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi.

How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

Reset is the universal solution for most software problems, and the procedure varies depending on the model, but the general principle is the same, and it's important that once reset, the headphones will be removed from the memory of all devices, and they will have to be reconnected.

For most models (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds) the algorithm is as follows:

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (usually side or back) for 10-15 seconds.
  3. The indicator on the case will flash red and white (or only red) โ€“ this is a signal of a successful reset.
  4. Close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect.

For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro, the reset is performed through the touch panel on the headphones themselves:

  1. Get the headphones out of the case.
  2. Touch and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
  3. Wait until the indicators start flashing red, then let go.

Make sure your headphones are charged (minimum 30%)

Close all applications that use Bluetooth

Disconnect Headphones from All Devices in Bluetooth Settings

Check that the case is not connected to the charge (this may block the reset)-->

โš ๏ธ Warning: If the headphones don't turn on after reset or flash a non-standard color (e.g. green), this may indicate a hardware malfunction. In this case, try connecting them to another device or contact the service center.

Connecting Xiaomi headphones to a new device

After reset, the headphones go back to search mode to plug them in:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On Android: Open Settings โ†’ Bluetooth, turn on search and select Mi True Wireless (or the name of your model.
  • ๐ŸŽ Nana iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings. โ†’ Bluetooth, find the headphones in the list and tap them. You may need to confirm the connection on the case itself (press the button).
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Nana Windows/macOS: Turn on Bluetooth, select Add Device, and follow the system instructions. On a PC, you sometimes need to manually specify the device type, "Hearphones" or "Audio Device".

If the headphones donโ€™t appear in the list, try:

  • Reboot the Bluetooth module on the device (disable/enable Bluetooth).
  • Remove the headphones from the case and wait 30 seconds - they should automatically go into pairing mode.
  • On some models (Buds 3 Pro) for manual translation into search mode, you need to touch the touch panel on the headphone three times.
Model headphonesInterconnection modeFeatures of connection
Redmi AirDots (1โ€“3)The button on the case (3 seconds)Blinks white if not connected
Xiaomi Buds 4 ProSensor on headphones (3 touches)Supports fast change of devices (Multipoint)
FlipBuds ProAutomatically when opening the caseRequires Mi Earphones app for full setup
Buds 3 LiteThe button on the case (5 seconds)No touch controls, just physical buttons

๐Ÿ’ก

If the headphones are connected but only sound is in one, check the audio balance in the device settings. On Android, this is Settings โ†’ Special features โ†’ Monoaudio.

Customize the sound and microphone through the Mi Earphones app

The Mi Earphones app (available for Android and iOS) allows you to fine-tune the sound, check the charge level of each earphone and update the firmware.

After connecting headphones in the application, the following functions will be available:

  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Equalizer: pre-settings (bass, vocals, classics) or manually adjusting bands.
  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Noise suppression (ANC): Level adjustment for Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro.
  • ๐ŸŽค Customizing the microphone: choosing direction (for calls) and reducing noise.
  • โšก Fast charging: displaying the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Firmware Update: Critical fixes for connection stability.

Pay special attention to the section Additional settings:

  • Auto-disconnect: The headphones will shut down after 5โ€“60 minutes of inactivity (savings charge).
  • Voice Alerts: Enable/disable charge level notifications.
  • Touch control: reassigning gestures (e.g., double tapping for the next track).
How to Enable Developer Mode in Mi Earphones
In the main menu of the application, tap 5 times according to the headphone firmware version (in the "About the program"). A hidden menu with extended logs and equipment tests will appear.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Once you update your firmware through the app, your headphones can reset automatically once. Don't interrupt the process, it's normal. If you have a sound problem after the update, reset and reconnect the headphones.

Solving problems with synchronization of left and right earphone

One of the most common problems is when the headphones are connected separately or one of them does not play sound, and this is due to a failure in the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) synchronization protocol.

  1. Reconnect the headphones: Remove them from the Bluetooth list on all devices. Put both earphones in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds. Pull them out and wait until they sync (the indicators should blink the same).

Just drop the headphone.

  • Take out the right earpiece from the case.
  • Hold the button/sensor on it for 10 seconds until the red flashes.
  • Put it back in the case, then get both out and try to connect.
  • Update the firmware through Mi Earphones, if available.

If nothing helps, the problem may be a hardware imbalance (for example, one earphone discharges faster and turns off).

  • Completely discharge both headphones (up to 0%).
  • Charge them in the case to 100% without interruption.
  • Do the reset and try to connect again.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the headphones are synchronized, but the sound is only in one, check the audio balance settings on the device. On Android, this can be hidden in the special features menu.

Optimization of headphones for games and video

Xiaomi wireless headphones are often used for games on a smartphone or watching movies, but standard Bluetooth settings can cause latency to reduce lag:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Use the aptX Low Latency codec (if supported by your phone and headphones:
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Turn off the sound processing:
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Use Game Mode (if you have headphones in your firmware) and it's enabled via the app.

For FlipBuds Pro and Buds 4 Pro, Super Low Latency mode is available, which reduces latency to 80 ms.

  1. Open Mi Earphones.
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Sound mode.
  3. Select the Game Mode (Game Mode).

If latency remains critical (e.g. in shooters), consider using a Bluetooth adapter with aptX LL support for PC or consoles.

Recovery of headphones after a failed firmware update

Sometimes the firmware update through Mi Earphones is flawed and the headphones stop turning on or are not working properly, in which case a forced flash reset with flashing will help:

  1. Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (support section). For example, for Buds 3 Pro files are here.
  2. Use a PC: Connect your headphones to your computer via Bluetooth. Install the Mi Flash Tool or QFil utility (for Qualcomm chips). Follow the firmware instructions in EDL mode (requires unlocking the bootloader).

If firmware through a PC is impossible, contact the service center - independent attempts can damage the device.

โš ๏ธ Note: Firmware through informal tools (such as Fastboot) can lead to loss of features such as touch control or noise cancellation. Use only official files from Xiaomi.

List of error codes when firmware
0x1010 โ€“ mismatch of firmware model and device 0x2020 โ€“ interrupted connection (repeat attempt) 0x3030 โ€“ corrupted firmware file (download again)

Frequent questions and answers

Can I use Xiaomi headphones with iPhone?
Yes, but some features may be limited. For example, iPhones don't work: Display the charge level of each earphone separately (only total %). Some control gestures (e.g., calling voice assistant); Update firmware via Mi Earphones (required Android); The sound and microphone will work fine, but for full functionality it is recommended to use an Android device.
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
The reasons can be different: Active noise cancellation (ANC) โ€” consumes up to 30% of the additional charge. Old firmware โ€” update often optimizes power consumption. Constant Bluetooth connection โ€” turn off the headphones when you are not using. Battery wear โ€” after 2-3 years, the capacity drops by 20-30%. To extend the time: Turn off the ANC if you do not need it. Use the SBC codec instead of AAC (less CPU load). Store the headphones in the case โ€” they automatically turn off.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi headphones?
Fake headphones often have problems with synchronization and sound. Check originality by saying: Make sure the case and headphones have a serial number (sticker or engraved). Download Mi Earphones โ€” fakes are not usually determined by the app. Check the sound quality: the originals have clear high and low frequencies, fakes are dirty bass. Compare the weight: the original headphones weigh about 4-5 grams each, fakes are often lighter. Also pay attention to the packaging: the original box has a hologram, font and clearer in several languages.
What to do if the headphones are not turned on?
If the headphones don't respond to the buttons and don't charge: Put them in the case for 24 hours - sometimes a deep discharge blocks the turn on. Try charging the case with another cable (possibly a problem in the USB-C port). If the indicators don't burn, check the contacts in the case for oxidation (clean with alcohol). For Buds 4 Pro and later: connect the case to the PC and run the diagnosis through the Mi Flash Tool. If nothing helps, most likely, the control board failed. In this case, repair is required.
Can I use one headphone separately?
Yes, most Xiaomi models support monomode. To use one headphone: Take out the right earpiece (right or left) from the case. It automatically switches to monomode and will connect as a separate device. To return to stereo, put both earphones in the case for 10 seconds. Exception: Redmi AirDots 1 does not support monomode for the left earphone.