Xiaomi Earbuds are popular wireless headsets that combine sound quality, convenience and affordable price. However, even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the headphones stop connecting to the phone, one of them does not work, the sound is interrupted or charging problems, in most cases, these problems are solved by simply restarting or resetting the settings to the factory.
In this article, you will find detailed instructions on all the ways to reboot Xiaomi Earbuds (including AirDots, Air 2, Air 3, Buds 4 and others), as well as tips for troubleshooting. We will analyze when a soft reboot is enough, and when a full reset is required, how to avoid errors when updating the firmware and what to do if the headphones “die” after discharge. If your headset behaves inadequately, do not rush to carry it to the service: in 90% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself in 5-10 minutes.
When should I restart Xiaomi Earbuds?
Rebooting or resetting Xiaomi headphones is required in several typical situations:
- 🔌 Connection problems: Headphones are not on the list of available Bluetooth devices, are permanently disabled or only connected one at a time.
- 🔊 Sound failures: the sound is interrupted, distorted, in one of the headphones is quieter or absent at all.
- 🔋 Charging malfunctions: headphones do not charge in the case, the case does not determine the level of charge, the indicators burn incorrectly.
- 🤖 Errors after update: after firmware, the headphones malfunction or do not turn on.
- 🧹 Preparation for sale: before transferring the headset to the new owner, it is recommended to reset all settings.
It is important to distinguish between a soft reboot (simple off/on) and a hard reset (fabricated back), the former for temporary failures, the latter for serious software errors, and if the headphones do not respond to buttons or do not turn on at all, disaster recovery may be required through the service menu (not available on all models).
⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse headphone reset with firmware updates. Reset erases all user settings (e.g. device binding), and firmware changes software. Incorrect updates can make the headset fail!
Soft reboot: how to turn off and turn on headphones
If Xiaomi Earbuds are starting to glittle but are responding to button presses, start with a simple reboot.This method works for all models, including AirDots, Air 2, Air 3, Buds 4 and others.
Instructions:
- Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 10-15 seconds – the headphones will automatically turn off.
- Open the case cover. The headphones should turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white or blue).
- Connect them to your phone via Bluetooth.
If the headphones do not turn off automatically when placed in the case (for example, due to a failure), use manual shutdown:
- 🎧 On the model. AirDots/Air 2: Press and hold the touch panel on one of the headphones for a while. 5–7 seconds until the indicator goes out.
- 🎧 On the Air model 3/Buds 4: Touch and hold the touch area on both headphones at the same time 5 seconds.
After turning off, wait 30 seconds and turn on the headphones again by pressing the touch panel 1 time (or until the indication appears).
☑️ Post-reset verification
Hard reset to factory settings
If the soft reboot doesn't work, you'll need a full reset, and this procedure removes all the settings you saved, including:
- 📱 List of conjugate devices (earphones will “forget” your phone).
- 🔊 Individual sound settings (equalizer, noise reduction).
- ⚙️ Firmware updates (on some models, the reset returns the old version of the software).
Resetting instructions for different models:
| Model | Resetting method | A sign of success |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi AirDots (1st generation) | Put the headphones in the case, open the lid. Press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. | The indicator flashes red → white → red. |
| Xiaomi Air 2 / Air 2 Pro | Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 10 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white. | The indicators flash alternately red and white. |
| Xiaomi Air 3 / Buds 4 | Put the headphones in the case. Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes orange. | The case indicator flashes orange, then white. |
| Xiaomi Buds 3 / Buds 3T Pro | Touch and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 15 seconds until voice confirmation is heard. | The voice assistant says "Reset successful" (on some firmware). |
Once reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode, plug them into the phone as a new device.
⚠️ Note: On Air 3 and later reset models, you may need to update your firmware again via the Mi Earphones app (formerly Mi Home) without which some features (such as noise reduction) may not work properly.
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If the headphones don’t connect after reset, try removing them from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone and pairing them again.
What to do if the headphones do not respond to reset?
If Xiaomi Earbuds don’t turn on, flash, or respond to button clicks, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔋 Full discharge of the battery (including the case).
- 💧 Moisture or short circuit.
- 🔧 Software failure after failed update.
- ⚡ Damage to contacts in case or headphones.
Try these steps in order:
- Charging for 30 minutes: Connect the case to charging and wait at least 30 minutes, even if the indicator is not on.Sometimes the power controller locks at deep discharge.
- Emergency recovery (for Air 2/Air 3/Buds 4): - Connect the case to charge. - Press and hold the button on the case for 30 seconds. If the indicator blinks, release the button and wait for the reboot. - On models with touch-sensitive headphones, simultaneously touch and hold the panels on both headphones for 20 seconds.
- Contact check: Clean contacts in the case and on headphones with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Sometimes oxidation or dirt interfere with charging.
- Connect to another device: Try connecting your headphones to another phone or PC. If they are detected, the problem may be in your main device.
If none of these methods worked, and the headphones are still showing no signs of life, there's probably a hardware failure.
- 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).
- 🛠️ Check the headphones for physical damage (bloated batteries, traces of oxidation).
- 🔄 If the headset is old, consider buying a new one – repairs can cost more.
What if the headphones are connected but there is no sound?
Firmware Update: How to Avoid Errors
Many problems with Xiaomi Earbuds are due to outdated or damaged firmware.
- 🎵 Bugs with sound (wheezing, cliffs, non-synchronous playback).
- 🔌 Connection problems (permanent communication breaks).
- 🔋 Incorrect operation of the charge indicator.
- 🎙️ Mikphone failures during calls.
How to properly update the firmware:
- Install the official Mi Earphones app (formerly Mi Home) from Google Play or the App Store.
- Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
- Open the app, select your headphone model.
- Go to the Firmware Update (or Firmware Update) section.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the headphones!).
Important rules:
- 📶 Use a stable Internet connection (better Wi-Fi).
- 🔋 Make sure the charge level of the headphones and case is not below 50%.
- 📱 Don’t interrupt the upgrade process (it can “kill” headphones).
- 🔄 After the update, reset your headphones if they are unstable.
⚠️ Warning: Do not update your firmware through third-party apps or "custom" firmware! this can cause permanent damage to your headphones. Use only official Xiaomi software.
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Updating your firmware is an effective way to fix software bugs, but only if you follow the instructions. Incorrectly updating your headphones can knock you out!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When restarting or resetting Xiaomi Earbuds, users often make mistakes that exacerbate the problem.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Reset during firmware update | The headphones stop turning on ("brick"). | Wait for the update to finish (the indicator will stop flashing). |
| Use of a non-original charger | Power controller damage, battery bloating. | Charge the case with certified cables and adapters (5V/1A). |
| Interruption of the discharge process | The headphones may not turn on or malfunction. | Hold the reset button until the indication appears (at least 15 seconds). |
| Update firmware via VPN or unstable Internet | Damage to firmware files, errors in work. | Use a reliable Wi-Fi connection. |
| Storing headphones in a wet place | Corrosion of contacts, failure of batteries. | Keep the case in a dry place, avoid water. |
A few more tips:
- 🔄 After reset, always re-pair your phone, even if the headphones are connected automatically.
- 📱 If the headphones aren’t being identified, try connecting them to another device (like a tablet) to rule out a smartphone problem.
- 🔋 Do not keep headphones in the case completely discharged – this reduces the life of batteries.