Xiaomi Wireless Headphones Are Not Turned On: How to Reboot and Restore

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets due to the ratio of price to quality, but even they are not immune to failure. Most often, users are faced with a situation where the device stops responding to the on button, does not connect to the phone or suddenly turns off. The reasons can be different from a discharged battery to a software failure after a firmware update. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to reboot and restore the health of Xiaomi headphones, including forced reset, diagnostics of the charge case and check contacts.

It's important to understand that not all methods are universal. For example, Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 have different button combinations to reset. We will describe in detail the procedures for the most common models and give recommendations on how to avoid repeated failures. If the headphones are still warranty, you better contact the service center - self-interference can void warranty obligations.

Why Xiaomi Headphones Are Not Included: The Main Reasons

Before you start rebooting, it is worthwhile to understand the possible causes of the malfunction, and most often the problem lies in one of the following factors:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharged – even if the case shows charge, the headphones themselves may not recharge due to poor contact.
  • πŸ”„ Software failure – after updating the firmware or incorrectly disconnecting from the device.
  • 🎧 Contact contamination – dust, moisture, or oxidation on the contact areas of the case or headphones.
  • πŸ”Œ Case malfunction - if the case itself is not charged or transfers power to headphones.
  • πŸ› οΈ Hardware failure: damage to the board, battery or power button.

According to service center statistics, 60 percent of the time, the problem is solved by forced reboot or cleaning of contacts. The remaining 40 percent is due to hardware malfunctions that require repair. If Xiaomi headphones do not show signs of life (the indicator does not flash, do not respond to charging), first check the case β€” it may be discharged or damaged.

Also worth considering is the model of the device. For example, Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE has a separate reset button on the case, and in Redmi Buds 4 Pro you need to hold the touch panel on both headphones.

πŸ“Š What kind of headphones Xiaomi you have?
Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)
Mi True Wireless (any version)
Redmi Buds (3/4 Pro)
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi.

Method 1: Forced reboot through buttons

The easiest and safest method is hardware reboot, which works on most Xiaomi models if the problem is caused by a temporary firmware failure. You don't need any additional tools, just the headphones and the case.

Instructions for most models (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Redmi Buds 3/4):

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Connect the case to the power source (charger or Power Bank).
  3. Open the case cover and hold the button on the case (or touch panel on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds.
  4. The indicator on the case should start flashing red and white (or blue) colors – this is a signal of a successful reset.
  5. Close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then remove the headphones and try to connect again.

For touch-controlled models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Air 2 Pro):

  • πŸ‘† Hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
  • πŸ”΄ Wait until the indicators start flashing red, then let go.
  • πŸ”„ Place the headphones in the case and reconnect.

Check the charge of the case (the indicator should burn)

Use the original charging cable

Make sure the headphones are clean and dry.

Do not interrupt the reset process until completed-->

If you're not turning on your headphones after you restart, move on to the next one, and maybe the problem is deeper and requires you to reset to the factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects (clips, needles) to dump, this can damage the contacts. Do all manipulations with clean dry hands.

Method 2: Resetting settings to factory

If a simple reboot doesn't work, the next step is to completely reset, which removes all the conjugated devices and returns the headphones to their original settings, usually when the connection fails or when the firmware update fails.

Reset algorithm for different models:

Model headphonesReset combinationSign of successful discharge
Redmi AirDots (1–3)Hold the button on the case for 20 seconds with the lid openBlinking red β†’ white light
Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2Tap the touchpad of each earpiece three times, then hold for 10 secondsDouble flashing red
Redmi Buds 4 ProHold the touch panels on both headphones for 15 secondsVoice message "Reset"
Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SEPress the button on the case 5 times, then hold for 10 secondsThe indicator flashes blue.

Once reset, Xiaomi's headphones will automatically go into pairing mode to reconnect them:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Bluetooth on your phone.
  2. Remove the old pair of headphones from the list of devices.
  3. Remove the headphones from the case – they should appear in the list of available devices as Mi True Wireless or similar name.
  4. Press "Connect" and confirm the pairing.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones don’t appear on the Bluetooth list after reset, try connecting them to another device (tablet or laptop) to help eliminate a smartphone problem.

If the reset didn’t work, the problem may lie in the hardware β€” for example, in damage to the battery or power controller, in which case we recommend contacting the service center, especially if the headphones are warranty.

Method 3: Checking the charging case and contacts

Often, Xiaomi earbuds don't turn on because of the headset itself, but because of the case problem, and if the case doesn't charge or transfer power to the headphones, they just won't be able to turn on. Here's how to diagnose and fix these malfunctions:

Step 1: Checking the Case Charge

  • πŸ”Œ Connect the case to the charger (preferably the original one).
  • πŸ”¦ Look at the indicator: if it doesn't burn or flashes red, the case is discharged or faulty.
  • ⏱️ Wait 30 minutes β€” if the indicator hasn't changed, the problem is in the case.

Step 2: Clearing contacts

Over time, the contact areas of the case and the headphones accumulate dust, sweat or oxidation, which prevents normal charging.

  1. Take a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution (at least 70%).
  2. Gently wipe the contacts on the case and headphones.
  3. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes (do not use a hair dryer!).
  4. Place the headphones in the case and check if charging has started (the indicator should burn or blink).
What to do if the contacts are oxidized?
If you see green or white coating (oxidation) on the contacts, use an eraser for a careful cleaning. Then wipe with alcohol. Do not use sandpaper or abrasives - this will damage the coating!

Step 3: Checking the cable and power supply

Sometimes the problem is a faulty cable or adapter.

  • πŸ”Œ Use the other USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
  • πŸ”„ Connect the case to another power source (computer, Power Bank).
  • πŸ“± Check if the case is being charged from another charger (e.g., a phone).

If the case is still not charging, its battery or power controller may be faulty, in which case home repair is virtually impossible - you will need to replace the board or battery in the service center.

⚠️ Warning: Don't disassemble the case yourself -- the adhesives and miniature components are used inside. Incorrect assembly can lead to permanent breakdown.

Method 4: Update the firmware through the Mi Home app

If Xiaomi headphones are on but are not running smoothly (self-disabled, not connected to the phone), the problem may be with outdated firmware. Software updates often solve software bugs and improve compatibility with devices.

To update the firmware:

  1. Install the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
  2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
  3. Open Mi Home β†’ Profile β†’ My devices and find your headphones.
  4. If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click "Update".
  5. Do not turn off the headphones or close the app until the process is complete (usually takes 2-5 minutes).

Important nuances:

  • πŸ“± Upgrade is possible only at a charge level of at least 50%.
  • πŸ”„ If the process is interrupted, the headphones may stop turning on - in this case, only resetting will help (see Method 2).
  • 🌐 Some models (like the Redmi Buds 4 Pro) are less likely to receive updates than the flagship Mi True Wireless.

πŸ’‘

Updating the firmware through Mi Home is the only official way to flash Xiaomi headphones. Do not use third-party utilities or "custom" firmware - this can bring the device down.

If there are no available updates in the Mi Home app, but the headphones are not working correctly, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reconnect them to the phone (remove and re-hide).
  • πŸ“΅ Disable Bluetooth on other devices to avoid conflict.
  • πŸ”‹ Completely discharge and charge the headphones (sometimes this resets temporary errors).

Method 5: Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If none of the previous methods worked, it's probably a hardware problem, and here are the most common malfunctions and their signs:

Symptoms.Possible causeDecision
Headphones do not respond to the button, the indicator does not burnDamage to battery or food boardReplacement of the battery in the service
The indicator flashes, but the headphones do not turn onBluetooth controller failureFlashing or replacing the module
One earpiece is working, the other isn't.Contact damage or dynamicsCleaning contacts or replacing the headphone
The headphones are turned on but immediately switched off.Short circuit or overheating of the batteryDiagnostics in the service

For self-diagnosis:

  1. Try connecting the headphones to another device (laptop, tablet).
  2. Check if they are responsive to charging (whether they are heated when connected to the case).
  3. Light a flashlight in the case connector - whether there are foreign objects or oxidation.

If Xiaomi headphones are warranty, don't try to disassemble them yourself. Xiaomi's official service centers in Russia and the CIS usually repair or replace the device for free when confirming factory defects. The list of addresses can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service.

⚠️ Warning: When you disassemble the headphones, you risk damaging the microphone, the speaker, or the plumes, and even if the repairs are successful, the body will be leaked, causing moisture and dust.

Failure prevention: how to extend the life of headphones Xiaomi

To avoid repeated inclusion issues, follow these guidelines:

  • πŸ”‹ Do not discharge the headphones to zero β€” charge them at a level of 20-30%.
  • 🌑️ Avoid overheating and cold - do not leave headphones in direct sunlight or in the cold.
  • πŸ’§ Keep moisture out – even if the model has IPX4 protection, don’t use them in the rain or in the shower.
  • 🧹 Clean regularly – remove earwax and dust from the speaker grid with a soft brush.
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware – keep an eye out for updates in the Mi Home app.

Also avoid:

  • ❌ Use of non-original chargers (they may damage the battery).
  • ❌ Storage of headphones outside the case (this increases the risk of mechanical damage).
  • ❌ Connecting to multiple devices at the same time (may cause Bluetooth crashes).

The average life of Xiaomi wireless headphones when properly operated is 2-3 years. After that, the battery starts to run out quickly, and there may be problems with turning on. If the headphones last longer, it may be worth considering buying a new model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rebooting Xiaomi headphones

❓ How do you know if Xiaomi’s headphones are completely out of order?
If the indicator on the case does not burn when connecting to charging, and the headphones do not respond to the pressing of the buttons, most likely they are discharged. Try leaving the case on charging on the 1-ZXXZ-2 for an hour, then check again. You can also try to connect the case to another power source (for example, to the USB- port of the computer).
❓ Can I reflash Xiaomi headphones manually?
Xiaomi does not officially provide manual headphone firmware tools. All updates are installed through the Mi Home app. Using third-party firmware can result in a complete loss of device performance and warranty cancellation. If the headphones are not updated through the app, contact the service center.
❓ One earphone is working and the other one's not. What do we do?
First check if the broken earphone is charged in the case (the indicator should flash when placed in the case). If so, try resetting (see Method 2). If not, the problem may be in the contacts or battery. Also try to connect the headphones to another device to rule out a problem with the smartphone.
❓ Xiaomi headphones turn on, but immediately turn off. What's the matter?
This problem is often related to: A discharged battery (try to fully charge the case and headphones); a firmware failure (reset settings); overheating (let the headphones cool for 10-15 minutes); Bluetooth conflict (remove the headphones from the list of devices and reconnect). If the problem persists, contact the service - the power controller may be faulty.
❓ How much does it cost to repair Xiaomi headphones in a service center?
Cost depends on the model and type of malfunction: Battery replacement: 800-1500 β‚½. Board or controller repair: 1500-3000 β‚½. Speaker replacement: 1000-2500 β‚½. If headphones are warranty, repair is free. A list of official Xiaomi service centers can be found on the manufacturer's website.