How to reboot Xiaomi headphones: all the ways

Xiaomi wireless headphones are popular gadgets that sometimes require a forced reboot, which may be needed when connecting crashes, sound freezes, or after a firmware update. Unlike smartphones, where rebooting is intuitive, with headphones, the process is not always obvious.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to reboot for different models, from the budget Redmi Airdots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. It is important to understand that rebooting (soft restart) and resetting (hard reset) are different procedures. The first simply restarts the device, the second returns it to factory settings. We will focus on the reboot, but we will mention reset where appropriate.

If your headphones don't respond to commands, don't connect to your phone, or make strange noises, don't rush to bring them to the service. In 80% of cases, a simple reboot helps, and then you will find instructions for all popular models, as well as tips for diagnosing malfunctions.

1. Standard reboot through buttons

Most Xiaomi models support hardware reboot with physical buttons on the headphone case or case, which works even if the gadget is frozen and does not respond to touch control.

For headphones with touch control (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro, Redmi Buds 4):

• 🔘 Press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
• 🔄 Wait for the indicator to flash (usually red) → white).
• 🎧 The headphones will automatically turn off and turn on again.

For models with mechanical buttons (Redmi Airdots, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2):

• 🔘 Press and hold the button on one headphone (usually right) for 10 seconds.
• 🔄 The indicator should go out and then flash red.
• 📱 After the reboot, the headphones will be ready for a new connection.

Press the buttons/sensors on both headphones |

Hold for at least 10 seconds |

Wait for the color change of the indicator |

Check the connection after restart-->

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator does not flash after holding the buttons, this may indicate a discharged battery. Connect the headphones to the charging case for 5-10 minutes and try again.

2.Reboot via the Mi Home app

The official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models) lets you control your headphones, including a reboot, which is handy if the physical buttons don’t respond or you’re afraid of damaging your gadget.

Instructions:

1. Open Mi Home and go to Profile → My Devices.
2. Select your headphones from the list (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).
3. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Reboot.
4. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (usually 20-30 seconds).

If the app does not have a reboot option, try:

• 🔄 Update Mi Home to the latest version in Google Play or App Store.
• 📱 Reconnect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
• 🔧 Check if your model supports this feature (relevant for devices older than 2020).

Through physical buttons |

Through the Mi Home| app

Through reset in phone settings|

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3.Reboot through the charging case

A little-known method that works for most Xiaomi and Redmi models is to use a charging case, which is useful if the headphones are running out or not responding to buttons.

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the cover to the power source (USB-cable).
3. Hold the button on the case (if any) for 10-15 seconds. For models without a button, just leave the headphones in the case for 1-2 minutes.
4. Get the headphones out – they will automatically reboot and be ready to connect.

This method is particularly effective for:

• 🔋 Redmi Airdots 3 - Case with Reset Button.
• 🔌 Xiaomi Buds 3 Youth – Automatic Reboot When Connected to Power.
• 🔄 Mi Air 2 SE — Retain the case on charge for 20 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are not turned on after removing the case, check the contacts for oxidation or debris. wipe them with an alcohol wipe and repeat the procedure.

4. Software reboot via smartphone

Some Xiaomi models allow you to reboot headphones directly from the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone, a method that works on devices with MIUI 12 and later, as well as on smartphones from other brands with support for LE Audio.

How to do this:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Find your headphones in the list of connected devices and tap on the gear (⚙️) near-name.
3. Select Disconnect, then Reconnect.
4. If you have the option Reset or Reset – use it.

For iPhone owners:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Click on the "i" next to the headphones and select Forget this device.
• 🔋 Then reconnect the headphones – this will cause them to automatically reboot.

💡

If the headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list, try to turn on search mode: hold the touchpad on both headphones for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and blue.

5. Hard reset (if the reboot didn't help)

If all the previous methods didn't work, you might need a full reset, which will bring the headphones back to factory status by removing all the interface devices and audio settings, and only use this as a last resort!

Instructions for most models:

1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Hold the button on the case (or touchpad on both headphones) for 20-30 seconds.
3. The indicator should flash red and white at the same time - this is a signal for resetting.
4. After resetting, the headphones will automatically restart and be ready for a new connection.

Models with unique combinations:

• 🔴 Redmi Airdots S: Hold the button on the right earphone for 15 seconds, then on the left for 10 seconds.
• 🔵 Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro: five quick touches of the sensor on each headphone + 10sec.
• 🟢 Mi Air 2: Place in the case, hold the cover button 25 seconds until flashing green.

⚠️ Attention: After a hard reset, Xiaomi headphones may lose the Fast Pair feature. To restore it, connect the headphones to your phone via Mi Home and update the firmware.

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Hard reset should only be used in critical crashes, and then you need to reconfigure the controls and equalize the sound balance in the Mi Home app.

6.Diagnostics of problems after reboot

If the headphones have restarted, but problems remain, check this checklist:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔋 Charge level of the case and headphones (the indicator should burn green when fully charged).
• 📲 Your smartphone is compatible with headphones (some features may not work on iOS or older versions of Android).
• 🔄 Availability of firmware updates in Mi Home (Section Update).

For models with LDAC support (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) after rebooting, this codec may need to be re-activated in Bluetooth settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about rebooting Xiaomi headphones