How to reboot Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones: a complete guide with photos

Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones are some of the most popular wireless accessories due to their combination of price, quality and functionality. However, even the most reliable models (Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Mi True Wireless Earbuds 3, Xiaomi Buds 4) sometimes fail: they do not connect to the phone, give out sound artifacts or refuse to turn on at all, and in 90% of cases, a simple reboot or reset solve the problem.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to reboot Xiaomi headphones, from basic power outage to complete reset to factory settings. We will analyze the nuances for different models, explain why headphones can “glut”, and give tips on how to avoid repeated failures. If your Buds suddenly stopped working, do not rush to bring them to the service: most likely, the problem is solved in a few clicks.

Why should Xiaomi headphones be rebooted?

Bluetooth devices, like any electronics, are prone to software failures, and Xiaomi headphones most often have the following problems that require a reboot:

• 🔌 Do not connect to the smartphone, although previously worked stably (the indicator flashes, but the connection is not established).
• 🔊 Sound distorted: cracking, stuttering, playback breaks.
• 🎧 One headphone is not working (for example, the left Redmi Buds is not turned on, and the right is fine).
• 🔋 Quickly discharge or show an incorrect charge level (for example, 100% immediately changes to 1%).
• 📱 Not defined in the list of available devices on your phone or PC.

The reasons for these problems are:

• 📲 Firmware conflicts after updates (especially relevant for Mi True Wireless Earbuds) 2S newer).
• 🔄 Synchronization failures between left and right earphones (typical for TWS-model).
• 📡 Bluetooth interference from other devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, wireless mice).
• 🔋 Faulty battery or power controller (more common after 1-2 years of operation).

Rebooting helps 80% of the time, resets the temporary cache data, restarts the Bluetooth module and restores synchronization between the headphones, and if the problem persists, you will need a factory reset or firmware update.

Method 1: Classic reset (soft reset)

This is the most gentle method that does not remove the conjugated devices and settings, suitable for most Xiaomi models, including Redmi Buds 3 Lite, Mi AirDots and Xiaomi Buds 3T.

Instructions:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds – the indicators on the headphones should go out.
3. Open the case cover and get the headphones out.
4. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
5. Close the case cover and wait 30 seconds - the headphones will reboot.

After you restart, try reconnecting to your headphones. If they don't appear on your device list, reset the pairing on your phone:

• 📱 On Android: Go to Settings → Connected devices → Xiaomi headphones → Forget the device.
• 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth → The "i" badge next to the headphones → Forget this device.

Make sure the headphones are charged (minimum 20%)

Close all applications that use Bluetooth

Disconnect headphones from other devices (laptop, tablet)

Check that the case is not connected to the charging-->

Method 2: Hard reset to factory settings

If a normal reboot doesn’t work, you’ll need a full reset, which removes all the paired devices and returns the headphones to the “out of the box” state, which is suitable for most models, but there are nuances for the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 (see table below).

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
2. Open the lid and get the headphones out.
3. Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones at the same time.
4. Hold for 20-30 seconds until the lights start flashing red and white alternately (on some models, only red).
5. Release the buttons, the headphones will reset. The indicators will go out, then light up white.
6. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.

The new headphones will be called Mi True Wireless EBs. Basic_R Or similarly (depending on the model) they need to be re-cooked with the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Hard reset removes all user settings, including uniform volume (if it was turned off) and customization of touch gestures. Once connected to the phone, they will have to be reconfigured in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app.

Method 3: Reboot through the charging case

If the headphones don’t respond to the touch panels, try rebooting them through the case.This method works for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Buds 3 Pro and Xiaomi Buds 3T.

How to do this:

1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to charging (USB-C or wireless charging).
3. Hold the button on the case (if any) for 10-15 seconds.
4. Turn off the case from charging and take out the headphones.
5. Press the touch panels of both headphones for 5 seconds – they should reboot.

For cases without a physical button (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4):

• Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
• Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
• Take out the headphones and hold the touch panels for 10 seconds.

💡

If the case doesn't respond to a button, try connecting it to another power source (such as a PC via USB), sometimes the problem lies in a faulty cable or adapter.

Method 4: Update the firmware through Mi Home

If Xiaomi headphones are constantly crashing, it may be the problem with outdated firmware. Software updates often solve connectivity and sound issues. This will require the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone (if they are not determined, reset method 2).
3. Open Mi Home, go to Profile → My Devices → Xiaomi Headphones.
4. Press Three dots (⋮) → Settings of the device → Firmware update.
5. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

It takes 2-5 minutes to update. When it's done, the headphones will automatically restart. If there's no update button in the app, your firmware is up to date.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the upgrade process! If the headphones turn off during firmware, they may stop turning on. In this case, only a full reset (Method 2) or contacting a service center will help.

💡

Updating your firmware through Mi Home is the only official way to get new features (like improved noise reduction or support). LC3-codec).

Method 5: Reboot through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

This method is suitable for advanced users and allows you to restart the headphones at the firmware level, it is relevant for models based on Qualcomm QCC3040/3046 chips (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Redmi Buds 4 Active).

Important: Mistakes can lead to loss of functionality of the headphones. Use this method only if others did not help.

Instructions:

1. Install the nRF Connect app on your phone (available on Google Play).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open nRF Connect, find the Mi True Wireless device... and connect to it.
4. Go to the Unknown Service tab and find the characteristic from UUID 0000fff1-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb.
5. Send the AT+RESET command (without quotes) and wait for the OK response.
6. The headphones will reboot. Turn them off and reconnect them.

If the team doesn’t work, try:

• 🔧 Send. AT+FACTORYRESET fully discharged.
• 🔄 Reconnect to the headphones and try again.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When rebooting Xiaomi headphones, users often make mistakes that make the problem worse. TOP-5 Mistakes and how to avoid them:

• ❌ Insufficient charge: Headphones must be charged at least 30%, otherwise the reset will not work.Solution: Connect the case to charging for 15-20 minutes before resetting.
• ❌ Unsynchronized headphones: If left and right headphones are not synchronized, resetting one of them can cause communication to be lost.Solution: Always reset both headphones at the same time.
• ❌ Use of unoriginal cable: Cheap cables may not provide stable power, which means the case does not reboot.Solution: Use the original Xiaomi cable or certified USB-C.
• ❌ Interrupt firmware update: If you turn off your headphones during the upgrade, they may "brick." Solution: Wait until the process is complete (the indicator should burn green).
• ❌ Ignoring indicators: The color and frequency of flashing indicators indicate the status of the headphones.Solution: Check the table in Method 2.

If the headphones are still not working after the reboot:

1. Check them on another device (laptop, tablet).
2. Update your Bluetooth driver on your phone/PC.
3. Reset your network settings on your phone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
4. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center if the warranty is still valid.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions