How to reboot Xiaomi headphones: reset, reboot and eliminate errors

Xiaomi's wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. But even the most reliable devices sometimes fail: they don't connect to the phone, they give out distorted sound or refuse to turn on at all. In 80% of cases, a simple reboot or factory reset solves the problem, but how do you do it right so that you don't harm the device?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to reboot for different models – from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. You will learn how a soft reboot (simply switching off / on) differs from a hard reset (complete zeroing of settings), when to apply, and what to do if the headphones do not respond to buttons.

What is the difference between reset and reset?

Many users confuse the two, although they are different, and a reboot (or “restart”) is a temporary power outage of the headphones and then turn on.

• 🎧 Headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted or distorted
• 📱 The device is not identified in the Bluetooth list, although it previously worked.
• 🔋 The battery is quickly discharged for no apparent reason.

Hard reset is the complete removal of all stored data, including paired devices, audio settings, and firmware, when:

• 🔄 Headphones do not respond to buttons or touch controls
• 📵 The device does not turn on or hung on the Mi logo
• 🔊 One earphone works and the other doesn’t (even after charging)

Important: Reset erases all individual settings, including firmware updates (if manually installed) and the headphones return to the "out of the box" state after the procedure.

How to gently reboot Xiaomi headphones (without resetting)

This method is suitable for most models and does not require special skills. Soft reboot helps to eliminate temporary failures in the operation of the Bluetooth module or firmware.

The instructions are universal for all Xiaomi and Redmi headphones (including AirDots, Buds, Haylou):

1. Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds – that’s enough time for the devices to shut down completely.
3. Open the case and get the headphones out. They'll automatically turn on and be ready to plug in.

If the problem persists after that, try forced shutdown:

• 🔘 Press the touchpad (or mechanical button) on both headphones on the 5-7 seconds.
• 🔴 Wait until the indicators go out (this is a shutdown signal).
• 🔄 After 10 seconds, click on the panel again to turn on the devices.

If the headphones don't respond to the sensor or buttons, it could be a battery that's dead, put them in the case for 30-60 minutes, then try again.

⚠️ Note: Do not use foreign objects (needles, toothpicks) to reboot to press a button inside the case.

Hard reset for different models

If a soft reboot doesn't work, you'll need a full reset, and the procedure varies depending on the headphone model, and the instructions for the most popular lines are below.

1. Redmi AirDots (1, 2, 3 generation) and AirDots Pro

For these models, a combination of buttons on the case is used:

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case (near the indicator) for 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicator on the case will start flashing red and white - this is a signal for a reset.
4. Release the button and pull out the headphones. They will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicators will flash white).

2. Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro and Buds 3T Pro

In flagship models, the reset is performed through touch panels on the headphones themselves:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicators will flash red, then go out, which means that the reset was successful.
4. Put the headphones back in the case, then pull out for reconnection.

3. Haylou GT1/GT2/GT6 and other models

Headphones Haylou (a subsidiary of Xiaomi) the procedure is similar to AirDots, but with nuances:

• 🔘 Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (until the indicator flashes with purple).
• 🔄 Release the button, then press again once - the case will reboot.
• 📱 Remove the headphones and reconnect them (they will be in pairing mode).

If the headphones are not identified after reset, try removing them from the list of Bluetooth devices on your smartphone, then search again.

⚠️ Note: After a hard reset, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones may require firmware updates through the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Earbuds app. Without this, some features (such as adaptive noise maker) may not work properly.

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If the headphones don't connect after reset, try using another device (tablet or second smartphone) to set up the initial setup, sometimes the problem lies in the Bluetooth cache on the main gadget.

What to do if the headphones do not respond to reset?

If after all the manipulations, the headphones still don't turn on or reset, the problem may be hardware.

1. Check the charge of the case and headphones: 🔋 Connect the case to the charging on 1-2 hour (even if the indicator does not burn). 🔍 Check the contacts on headphones and in the case – they should be clean and not bent.
2. Try an alternative way to reset: 🔄 For AirDots: Put your headphones in your case, then press the button on your case 3 times quickly (with an interval of 1 second). 🔄 For Buds Pro: Press the sensor on one headphone for 20 seconds, then repeat for the second.
3. Check on another device: 📱 Connect your headphones to another smartphone or PC. If they work, the problem is in your main gadget (for example, a Bluetooth module failure).

If neither method worked, there might have been a firmware failure or a battery failure.

• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).
• 🛠️ Try to reflash the headphones manually (instructions for specific models are on the forums). 4PDA or XDA-Developers).

Reboot one headphone (if the second one is lost or discharged)

It's a common situation where one earpiece is working and the other isn't, and there are many different reasons, like a discharge, a loss of communication between the earbuds, or a hardware malfunction.

For models with mechanical buttons (AirDots 1/2, Haylou GT1):

1. Get the problem earphone out of the case.
2. Press the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Put the earphone back in the case, then pull out - it should sync with the paired device.

For touch-controlled models (Buds 3 Pro, AirDots 3):

1. Touch the touch panel on the non-working headphone for 15 seconds.
2. Wait until the indicator goes out (off signal).
3. Turn on the headphone with a re-touch - it should automatically connect to the second.

If the headphones are not synchronized after this:

• 🔄 Reset the case (press the button for 20 seconds).
• 📱 Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on your smartphone, then connect again.

⚠️ Note: The Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and AirDots 3 Pro headphones use dual-connection technology (each headphone can work independently). If one of them is “lost” for the system, try connecting it separately through the Bluetooth menu by selecting the item “Xiaomi Earbuds Right” or “Left” in the list of devices".

Frequent Reboot Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple reset procedure can go wrong, if you don't take into account the nuances, and here are the most common user errors:

1. Incomplete button retention: Many people release the reset button too early, for example, AirDots needs to hold it for 15-20 seconds, not 5-10, as in a normal switch off, the sign of a successful reset is the flashing of the indicator in two colors (red + white / blue).
2. Ignoring indicators: The color and frequency of the indicator flashing is the "language" of the headphones. For example, red usually means an error or discharge, white - pairing mode, blue - successful connection. If the indicator is constantly on (does not blink), this is a sign of getting stuck.
3. Attempt to reset via app: Some users try to reset via Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Earbuds, but that's not true. Apps only update the firmware and adjust the sound, but don't control the hardware reset.
4. Use of non-original cable: If the case is not charging, the headphones will not reboot. Always use the original cable or certified (with Quick Charge support for Buds Pro models). Cheap cables may not provide the right current, and the indicator will lie about the level of charge.

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If your headphones stop connecting to your smartphone after reset, remove them from your Bluetooth device list first, then search again, and 90% of the time, this solves the problem of the gadget’s invisibility.

Prevention: How to avoid disruptions in the future

To make Xiaomi headphones work stably, follow the simple rules:

• 🔋 Do not discharge headphones "to zero": always put them in the case at the level of charge 10-15%. Full discharge reduces battery life.
• 🧼 Clean the contacts: once a month, wipe the contacts on headphones and in the case with a cotton swab dipped with alcohol.
• 📱 Update your firmware: Use the official Xiaomi Earbuds app to install the latest updates.This fixes bugs and improves compatibility.
• 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave your headphones in the sun or in the cold (optimal range: 0)°S – +35°S).
• 🔗 Disconnect from Bluetooth if not in use: Connecting to multiple devices can cause protocol conflicts.

If you use headphones for sports, buy hydrophobic cases - they will protect the case from sweat and moisture. For Buds 3 Pro and newer models, the official Xiaomi Mi Protective Cover case is suitable.

It’s also worth turning off automatic connectivity to the latest device in Bluetooth settings (if you have one), which will prevent accidental connections to other people’s gadgets in public places.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions