How to reboot headphones Xiaomi Mi True Wireless: all ways

Why you need to reboot headphones and when to use it

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless headphones (including the Basic 2, TWS 2, Air 2 and AirDots Pro models) sometimes require a forced reboot — just like any electronics — which helps solve most problems related to sound freeze, lack of connection to a smartphone or incorrect sensors.

Typical situations where rebooting is necessary:

  • 🔊 Headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted or distorted.
  • 📱 The device is not identified in the Bluetooth list on the phone.
  • 🔋 One of the headphones discharges faster than the other or does not charge in the case.
  • 🎧 Touch buttons do not respond to touch.
  • 🔄 After the firmware update, glitches appeared.

It's important to understand the difference between a simple reset and a full reset to a factory setting. The first one simply restarts the headphone system without affecting the pair settings. The second one erases all data, including connection history. In 80% of cases, a soft reset is enough.

📊 What is the problem with your Xiaomi headphones?
Not connecting to the phone.
The sound is interrupted.
One earpiece is down.
Not charging in the case.
Another problem.

Method 1: Software reboot via touch buttons

The safest method, which does not require additional devices, is suitable for all Mi True Wireless models, except for the AirDots Youth Edition (they have a different control scheme).

Instructions:

  1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
  2. Wait 10 seconds – during this time the devices will completely shut down.
  3. Remove the headphones from the case and hold the touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 15 seconds.
  4. Release the buttons when the headphones flash red and white (on some models – only white).

☑️ Preparations for reset

Done: 0 / 4

If after restarting the headphones do not automatically connect:

  1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone.
  2. Remove the Mi True Wireless from the list of conjugates.
  3. Return the headphones to the case, then pull out and hold the buttons for another 5 seconds until you hear the connection sound.

⚠️ Note: AirDots Pro and Air 2 Pro models may need to reset gestures in the Mi Home app after the reboot. If the sound is quieter, check the equalizer settings.

Method 2: Hard Reset to factory settings

This method erases all user settings, including connection history and customization of management.

  • 🔄 Software reboot didn't help.
  • 📵 The headphones are connected, but immediately switch off.
  • 🔊 The sound disappears seconds after playback.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Mi True Wireless 2 and later:

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Connect the case to the power source (charging or Power Bank).
  3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 20 seconds.
  4. The indicator on the case should flash red 3 times - this is a signal of a successful reset.
  5. Take out the headphones and reconnect them as if they were new devices.

For older models (AirDots Basic, AirDots SE):

  1. Hold the touch buttons on both headphones at the same time.
  2. After 10 seconds, the lights will flash red and blue.
  3. Release the buttons and wait for the automatic shutdown.
Model headphonesCombination for Hard ResetSign of successful discharge
Mi True Wireless 2The button on the case (20 seconds)3 red flashes
AirDots ProSensors on both headphones (15 seconds)White → Red → Shutdown
AirDots BasicSensors (10 sec)Red + blue
Air 2 SECase button (15 seconds)2 red flashings

⚠️ Note: After a hard reset on models with ANC (Active noise cancellation may require recalibration of the microphones. ANC In the Mi Home app and follow the instructions.

Method 3: Reboot via the Mi Home app (for stitched models)

If your headphones are connected to the Xiaomi ecosystem and have the latest firmware, you can initiate a reboot through the official app, which is suitable for models with MIUI Pop-up support (for example, Air 2 Pro or Buddy).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile → My Devices section.
  2. Choose your headphones from the list.
  3. Tap it on. ⚙️ Settings → Additionally. → Reboot.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (30-60 seconds).

If the option to restart is not available:

  • 📱 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.
  • 🔄 Check for firmware updates for headphones in the Software Update section.
  • 🌐 Make sure your region in the app is set as China (some features are hidden in global versions).

💡

If your headphones are quieter after rebooting through Mi Home, try turning off the Adaptive Sound feature in your device settings. It automatically adjusts volume based on ambient noise, but sometimes it doesn't work properly.

Method 4: Reboot with a smartphone (Android)

A little-known trick: Some Mi True Wireless models support a reboot command via Android's Bluetooth settings.This works if the headphones are connected but glitchy.

How to do this:

  1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
  2. Find your headphones in the list and tap on ⚙️ (settings).
  3. Select Forget the device (don't be afraid - it's temporary).
  4. Return the headphones to the case, then take out and hold the touch buttons for 10 seconds.
  5. Connect again – the device will reboot automatically.

For owners of Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco smartphones there is an alternative way:

Settings → Special features → Hearing devices → Headphone settings → Reset

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 13+ After such a reset, you may need to reconfigure the double-touch and voice assistant. Check these settings in Bluetooth Settings → Additionally.

Method 5: Hardware reboot (if the headphones don't respond)

In critical cases, when the headphones do not turn on, do not respond to buttons and do not charge, hardware reset will help. This method is associated with the risk of data loss, but often saves "brick" devices.

What to do:

  1. Put the headphones in the case and connect it to charging for 1 hour (even if the indicator does not burn).
  2. Take out the headphones and hold the touch buttons for 30 seconds.
  3. If the indicators do not catch fire, place the headphones back in the case and repeat step 2, but with the lid open.
  4. If you successfully reset, you will hear the sound of the switch on and see a flashing white light.

If the headphones don't respond anyway:

  • 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable and power supply (preferably original from Xiaomi).
  • 🧲 Check the case for magnetic interference – sometimes metal objects close to block the contacts.
  • 🔋 Leave your headphones in your case for 12 hours on charge – it’s possible that the battery is completely discharged.
What to do if one earpiece is not turned on?
If one earphone is left dead after a hardware reset, the problem may be the charging contacts inside the case, wipe them carefully with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (don't use water!). If that doesn't work, the battery or power controller is likely to have failed and will need repairs.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make common reboot errors that can make the problem worse.

  • 🚫 Interrupt the reset process – if you start holding the buttons, wait until the end (flickering indicators).
  • 🚫 Use non-original chargers with higher voltage 5V/1A — This can damage the power controller.
  • 🚫 Resetting if the headphones are discharged below 10% - this will lead to a firmware failure.
  • 🚫 Try to disassemble the case or headphones without experience - inside fragile plumes and microphone membranes.

Also, pay attention to external factors that can interfere with normal work:

  • 📶 Bluetooth interference from other devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, wireless mice).
  • 🌡️ Extreme temperatures – headphones can turn off when overheating or cooling below 0°C.
  • 💧 Moisture – even after a slight ingestion of water, contacts can oxidize.

💡

If the headphones continue to glitch after the reboot, check the firmware version in the Mi Home app. Outdated versions of the software often cause connection and sound problems.

Why do the headphones only connect one at a time?
This is a typical problem for the Mi True Wireless 2 and Air 2 SE models. The reason is a failure of synchronization between the right and left headphones. Solution: Return both headphones to the case. Hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (until flashing red). Pull out the headphones and wait 30 seconds - they should sync automatically. If it does not work, perform a hard reset (mode 2).
How do I know if the headphones have really rebooted?
Signs of a successful reboot: 🔴🔵 The indicators flash red and blue (or white, depending on the model). 🎵 Audible turn on signal is given (on models with voice prompts). 📱 In the Bluetooth list, the device appears as new (requires reconnection). If none of this has happened, repeat the procedure or try another method.
Can I reboot my headphones without a case?
Yes, but it's harder. For models without a button on the case (like AirDots Basic): Hold the touch buttons on both headphones at the same time. In 15-20 seconds, the lights should go out and light up again. If the headphones are discharged, this method will not work — you have to charge them to at least 20% first.
Why did the headphones become quieter after the reset?
This involves resetting the equalizer and volume limiter settings. Solution: Open the Mi Home app and go to the headphone settings. Select the sound profile Bass boost or Custom. Turn off Safe Sound (if any). On Android, also check the system volume settings for media and Bluetooth devices separately.
How often should headphones be rebooted for prevention?
Regular restart is not required, but it is recommended to do it in the following cases: 🔄 Once 1-2 month to clean the cache of Bluetooth connections. 📱 After updating the firmware of the smartphone or headphones. 🎧 If you notice a slowdown in the response of touch buttons, frequent reboots (for example, once a week) will not improve the operation of the device, but only increase battery wear.