How to connect one headphone Xiaomi to the phone: all the ways to AirDots, Buds and other models

The situation is familiar to many: one Xiaomi headphone is dead, lost or simply not needed for the current task, but the phone insists on connecting both. Why is this happening? TWS-Headphones (including AirDots, Buds and FlipBuds) are default in stereo mode, where the left and right modules are synchronized with each other. However, in some cases – for example, to save charge or during phone calls – the user needs a mono mode when only one headphone is running.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to connect a single Xiaomi headphone to a smartphone, from standard MIUI features to workarounds for older models. You’ll learn which models support mono-mode out of the box, how to make a separate earphone work through Bluetooth settings, and what to do if the phone refuses to see a single device.

⚠️ Important: Not all Xiaomi models support mono-mode at the software level. For example, Redmi AirDots (first generation) cannot physically work separately - their firmware blocks such a connection.

Which Xiaomi headphones support mono-mode?

Before you try to plug in a single headphone, make sure your model allows it. The manufacturer doesn't always advertise this feature, but it can be defined by two criteria:

1. Hardware support: The headphone must have an independent Bluetooth module that can connect to the phone without a paired device.
2. Software support: The headphone firmware should allow mono mode (this depends on the MIUI version and model).

Below is a table of compatibility of popular models. Note that even if the model supports mono mode, it may require updating the firmware of the headphones or smartphone to activate it.

If your model isn't in the table, check the documentation or try to plug the headphone manually (instructions below). Headphones with a Qualcomm QCC3040 chip (such as the Air 2 Pro) usually support mono mode without additional manipulation.

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection (for supported models)

If your Xiaomi headphones officially support mono mode, the easiest way is to connect them through standard Bluetooth settings.

1. Open your smartphone settings and go to the Bluetooth section.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on. If the headphones are already connected, forget the device (click on the gear next to the name and select "Disable" → "Forget").
3. Place one headphone in a case (if it's a TWS), then only pull out the one you want to plug in.
4. Press the button on the headphone (usually 5-10 seconds) until the indicator flashes red and white (pairing mode).
5. In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphone (for example, Redmi). AirDots_R for right) and press "Connect".

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't see a single headphone, try resetting it (press the button for 15-20 seconds until the indicator goes out and blinks again.

Charge the headphone at least 30% |

Remove the headphone from the list of associated devices |

Reset the headphone settings (if necessary)|

Place the second headphone in the case (if it is) TWS)-->

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Air 2 Pro), mono mode is automatically turned on if the second headphone is in the case. If the connection is successful, but the sound is only in one channel (e.g., in the left), check the sound balance in the phone settings (Settings → Sound → Stereo Balance).

Method 2: Use the Mi Earphones app (for new models)

For headphones Xiaomi Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro and some other models, the manufacturer has released the official application Mi Earphones, which allows you to flexibly configure the modes of operation.

1. Download the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone in normal mode (both headphones should be active).
3. Open the app and select your model in the list.
4. Go to the Device Settings section → Headphone mode.
5. Activate the Mono mode option and select which headphone to use (Left, Right or Auto).
6. Turn off the unnecessary earphone (put it in the case). Now, when connecting, only the selected module will be used.

💡 Useful tip: In the Mi Earphones app, you can also configure touch control for mono mode, for example, assign a double touch to turn on / off the microphone or switch tracks.

⚠️ Note: Mi Earphones may not support older headphone models (e.g., first-generation AirDots).In this case, use alternative methods from this article.

Method 3: Manually create a Bluetooth profile (for power users)

If your headphones don't support mono mode at the software level, but you want to try to get around this limitation, you can manually create a Bluetooth profile for single-connection. This method requires root rights or ADB, but it may work on some models.

Instructions for Android:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your computer and open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
4. Enter the command to create a profile: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_disabled 1 This command disables hardware acceleration A2DP, Sometimes you can connect a single headphone.
5. Restart your phone and try to plug the headphone manually (see Method 1).

⚠️ Note: This method can lead to poor audio quality or unstable Bluetooth. After experiments, we recommend that you return the settings back to the command:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_disabled 0

If you have an iPhone, this won't work -- Apple blocks low-level Bluetooth settings. In this case, try Method 4.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for informal support)

If standard methods don't work, you can try third-party apps that emulate mono mode.

• 🎧 SoundAssistant (for Samsung, but it works on Xiaomi) – allows you to reassign sound channels.
• 🔊 Mono Bluetooth Router – Creates a virtual profile for single-player connectivity.
• 📱 Bluetooth Auto Connect – helps to stabilize the connection with one headphone.

Example of settings through SoundAssistant:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Connect both earphones to the phone.
3. Open SoundAssistant and go to Sound Settings → Balance.
4. Move the slider completely left (for the left earpiece) or right (for the right one).
5. Turn off the unnecessary earphone (put it in the case) and the sound will only go through the active module.

💡 Useful tip: Some applications (such as the Mono Bluetooth Router) require permission to access notifications.

💡

The side of the app doesn't guarantee stable mono mode performance. They can conflict with the headphone firmware or MIUI, so only use them if other methods have not worked.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you did everything according to the instructions, connecting one earbud may not work. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🔋 Charge of case and headphones: Sometimes the case blocks the connection if its charge is below 10%.
• 📱 Version MIUI: On older versions (below). MIUI 12) there may be problems with mono mode. Update your smartphone.
• 🎛️ Developer Settings: Turn off the option Absolute Bluetooth Volume in the Developer Menu.

Alternative solutions: If nothing works

If your headphone model doesn’t support mono mode and workarounds don’t help, consider the following options:

• 🔌 Use a wired adapter: Buy a Bluetooth transmitter with mono-mode support (e.g. Baseus) WM01) And plug a single earpiece into it.
• 🎧 Buy a mono-mode headphone: Xiaomi Air 2 Pro or Buds 3 Pro models officially support this feature.
• 📞 For calls: Use hands-free mode or connect the headphone through a 3.5mm audio cable (if you have a connector).

⚠️ Attention: Some users try to physically modify the headphones (e.g., to sell off the microphone in one module) to make them work separately.This voids the warranty and may cause breakage.

💡

If you want mono mode for calls only, try using the headphone as a headset: plug both earphones in, and remove one during the call. Most Xiaomi models will automatically switch to mono sound.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting one Xiaomi headphone