How to reboot the case from Xiaomi headphones: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi’s wireless headphone case is not just a storage case, but a full-fledged charger with its own software. Sometimes it starts to malfunction: it doesn’t charge the headphones, doesn’t turn on the indicator, doesn’t sync with the smartphone or gives out errors when connecting. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by a simple case reboot, a procedure that many users do not even know about.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to reboot for different Xiaomi models (including Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless, Xiaomi Buds and others), explain how soft reset differs from hard, and give recommendations for eliminating typical malfunctions. If your case stopped responding to buttons or headphones are not determined, you are in the right place.

We warn you that not all models support the same reset methods. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 and later uses a different control logic than Redmi AirDots 2. We collected data on all popular series and added unique button combinations for rare cases that are not described in the official documentation.

Why reboot the case from Xiaomi headphones?

Many users mistakenly believe that the case is a "stupid" device without logic of its own, but in fact, it has a microcontroller that controls charging, synchronization with headphones and even firmware updates.

• 🔋 Case does not charge headphones (indicator does not burn or flashes red).
• 📱 Headphones do not connect to the phone, although the case is charged.
• 🔄 One headphone (left or right) is not synchronized with the other.
• 🔄 The case freezes when the lid is opened/closed.
• 📲 Mi Earphones app has an error saying "Device is not responding".
• 🔌 The case is not determined when connected to the charging.

Rebooting helps to reset temporary software errors, clear the connection cache, and restore normal operation. In most cases, this is the first thing to try before going to the service center. However, if the problem recurs after several reboots, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, a dead case battery or a damaged connector).

Method 1: Soft reboot (for most models)

This is the safest and most versatile method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices. It doesn't reset settings, but restarts the case software.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the power source (charger or Power Bank).
3. Press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds.
4. Release the button when the indicator flashes red and white (or goes out and lights up again).
5. Disconnect the case from charging and check the work.

If the indicator doesn’t respond, try holding the button for up to 20 seconds. On some models (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro), the reset occurs only when the power is connected.

Try another cable/charging

Hold the button longer (up to 25 seconds)

Remove the headphones from the case and repeat the procedure

Try a hard reset (mode 2)

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⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Buds 4 and later, the reset button can be touch-sensitive (touch for 10 seconds). If there is no physical button, see method 3.

Method 2: Hard reset (full reset)

If the soft reboot doesn't work, you'll have to reset it completely, and it'll bring the case back to factory settings, remove all the associated devices, and reset the firmware to default.

• 📵 Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
• 🔌 Connect the case to the charging.
• 🔘 Press and hold the button on the case for 30 to 40 seconds.
• 🔄 The indicator should flash red 3 times, then go out and light up white.
• 📱 Disconnect the case from charging and perform re-pairing with the phone.

On some models (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic) you need to:

1. Open the case lid.
2. Press and hold the button for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
4. Open the lid, the case must be dropped.

⚠️ Note: After a hard reset, Xiaomi headphones can stop automatically connecting to previously paired devices, you will have to add them to the Bluetooth list again on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Method 3: Reboot via Mi Earphones

For some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Redmi Buds 4), the manufacturer has added the ability to reset directly from the official application.

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphone model.
4. Go to Settings → Resetting (or Update and Reset) section.
5. Click "Reset the case" and confirm the action.

If there is no reset button in the app, try:

• 📲 Update the case firmware (section Update software).
• 🔄 Disable and reconnect headphones in Bluetooth phone settings.
• 📵 Remove headphones from the list of devices and perform re-pairing.

On Xiaomi Buds 4 and later, a reset via the app may require you to connect the case to the charger. If the button in the app is inactive, check that the case is at least 20% charged.

1. Reboot the phone.

2. disable VPN or firewall (they can block the connection).

3. Install an older version of the application (sometimes new updates contain bugs).

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Method 4: Reboot through discharge/charge (for "hang" cases)

If the case has stopped responding to the buttons completely and does not turn on, you can try forced discharge. This method works in 60% of cases when the device freezes due to a power controller error.

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Connect the case to the charge and leave for 2-3 hours (even if the indicator does not burn).
3. Turn off the charger and wait 10 minutes.
4. Press the button on the case and hold for 15 seconds.
5. If the indicator does not catch fire, repeat the discharge cycle (leave the case without charging for 12 hours, then connect again).

This method often helps if the case does not turn on after a firmware update or prolonged downtime, the main thing is not to interrupt the charging process, even if it seems that nothing is happening.

⚠️ Warning: If the case still doesn't react after discharging/charging, don't try to disassemble it yourself! There's a lithium-ion battery inside that's easy to damage.

Method 5: Update the case firmware (if the reboot didn't help)

Sometimes the case malfunctions are due to outdated firmware, and the manufacturer regularly releases updates that correct synchronization and charging errors to update the software:

1. Make sure the case is at least 50% charged.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the Mi Earphones app.
4. Go to the Software Update (or Firmware Update) section.
5. If an update is available, click “Update” and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the case!).

The update process takes 3-5 minutes, during which time:

• 📵 Don't remove the headphones from the case.
• 🔌 Do not turn off the case from charging (if it is connected).
• 📱 Don't close the Mi Earphone app.

After updating the case will automatically restart. If in the process there is a failure (for example, Bluetooth will turn off), try again or perform a hard reset (mode 2).

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Updating the firmware through the app is the only official way to fix the case software errors. No "manual" firmware from third-party sites is not supported by Xiaomi and can bring the device down!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when rebooting the case, which leads to even bigger problems.

• 🔋 Use non-original chargers. Xiaomi cases are voltage sensitive. Charging from an unknown manufacturer could damage the power controller.
• 🔘 Press the reset button with sharp objects, which damages the micro-switch. Use only your finger (or stylus for touch buttons).
• 💦 Trying to disassemble the case without experience, there's a battery inside that's easy to puncture, and it can cause a fire!
• 📱 Interrupt firmware updates. If the update process is interrupted, the case can turn into a brick and require a flashing in the service.

Also common mistake is ignoring the indication, if the indicator flashes red for more than 1 minute after reset, it is a malfunction signal.

1. Try another cable and power supply.
2. Leave the case on charge for 12 hours.
3. If it doesn’t help, contact the service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rebooting Xiaomi case