Xiaomiβs wireless headphones are some of the brandβs most popular gadgets, but even experienced users sometimes face the question of how to tell if the headphones are fully charged in the case? This is especially true for models without explicit indicators on the case or with a non-obvious alert system. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of checking, from visual signals to hidden functions in the proprietary application.
Many owners of Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones or Xiaomi Buds mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply put headphones in a case and wait a couple of hours. However, charging time depends on the model, battery status and even ambient temperature. For example, the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with support for fast charging will reach 100% in 40 minutes, whereas the budget Redmi Buds 3 Lite can take up to 2 hours. Without knowing these nuances, it is easy to leave the headphones in the case for the whole night - or, conversely, take them out too early.
To avoid confusion, we have compiled all the current charging testing methods, from standard to little-known, and at the end of this article, you will find a compatibility table with charging times for popular Xiaomi and Redmi models.
1. Indicators on the case: decoding of colors and blinking
The most obvious way to look at the lights on the case case case case, but here's the catch: different models use different warning schemes. For example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 has one indicator showing the state of charge of the case, and Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro has separate LEDs for each headphone and case.
The general principle is:
- π’ Green light (constant or slow blinking) β charging completed (100% or close to it).
- π΄ Red light β less than 20% charge, requires a network connection.
- π‘ Yellow/orange: 20% to 80% charge (some models signal charging process).
- π‘ Fast flashing white β charging error (check contacts or cable).
It is important to consider that models with wireless charging (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) indicator may behave differently, for example, when placed on a Qi-charging LED can burn blue, not green.
β οΈ Attention: Redmi Buds 4 headphones have an Active indicator on the case that doesn't show the charge of the headphones, only the battery level of the case itself.
If your case is equipped with several indicators (like the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), pay attention to their location:
- π Left indicator - charge of the left earphone.
- π Right indicator - charge of the right earphone.
- π Central indicator - case charge.
2. Sound signals: what do squeaks and melodies mean
Many Xiaomi models not only signal charging status with light but also with sound, but these signals are often ignored as normal system notifications.
π One short signal when placing headphones in a case:
- β Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2 β Confirmation of Start Charging.
- β οΈ Redmi Buds 3 Pro β signal low charge case (less than 10%).
π Two short signals:
- β Most models have full headphones.
- β Xiaomi Buds 4 has a case connection error (check magnetic contacts).
π Long signal or melody:
- π΅ Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro β the charge case exceeded 80%.
- π Redmi AirDots 3 β activate the fast charging mode (if the case is connected to the network).
π‘ Tip: If the headphones make sounds, but the indicator on the case is not burning, try reloading the headphones. To do this, remove them from the case, press the touch panels for 10 seconds, then return them back.
π‘
To distinguish the full charge signal from other notifications, record the sound on your phone and compare it to the official tunes in the user manual (usually they are on the Xiaomi website).
3. Check through the Mi Fit/Life app
The Mi Fit app, or Mi Life for some regions, is the most reliable way to know the exact percentage of charge.
- The app must be updated to the latest version (older versions may not support newer models).
- Headphones should be connected to the phone via Bluetooth (even if they are in the case).
- In some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Active), the charge data is updated only after being removed from the case.
π± Step-by-step instruction:
- Open Mi Fit and go to Profile β My Devices.
- Choose your headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro).
- The main screen of the device will be displayed: π Left/right headphone charge (percentage). π¦ Case charge (if supported).
β οΈ Note: The application can only display the charge of the case if the headphones have not been removed from it for more than 24 hours.To update the data, open the case cover or remove one earphone for 5 seconds.
What if the Mi Fit doesnβt show charge?
4. Charging time: how long to wait to 100%
If the indicators, sounds, and app don't work, you can target the standard charging time, but it varies depending on the model, the type of charging (wired/wireless), and even whether the case is on the grid.
π Average values for popular models:
| Model | Time to fully charge headphones in the case | Case charging time | Support for fast charging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | 40-50 minutes | 1 hour (wireless), 1.5 hours (wireless) | Yes (10 min = 3 hours of work) |
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | 1.5 hours to 2 hours | 2 hours | No. |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | 1 hour | 1.5 hours | Yeah (Qi and wired) |
| Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 | 1.5 hours | 2 hours | No. |
| Redmi AirDots 3 | 2 hours | 2.5 hours | No. |
π Important: If the case is connected to a power source (outlet or power bank), the headphones will be charged in parallel with the case, but priority is given to the case. 3T Pro first charges the case to 20%, and then begins charging headphones.
π‘ Lifehack: To speed up the process, use the original cable and power adapter with Quick Charge 3.0 support. Non-original cables can increase charging time by 30-50%.
Use the original USB-C cable
Connect to the adapter with Quick Charge 3.0+
Do not use wireless charging for urgent charging
Charge at room temperature (15β25Β°C)
Avoid charging from a laptop (low current)
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5. Check through the Bluetooth menu on the phone
Not everyone knows, but some Xiaomi models display the charge level directly in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone. This method works on devices with Android 8.0+ and iOS 13+, but only for headphones with support for the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) protocol.
π² Instructions for Android:
- Open Settings β Connected devices β Bluetooth.
- Find your headphones in the list and click on the gear (βοΈ) near-name.
- If the model supports the function, you will see the charge level bar with percentages for each headphone and case.
π Instructions for iPhone:
- Open Settings β Bluetooth.
- Find the headphones in the list and tap the i icon next to the name.
- If the data is transmitted, the name will appear under the inscription Charge: X%.
β οΈ Note: On iPhone, this method only works for models with Apple chips W1/H1 (Not for Xiaomi, but some new headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 4 Pros can display charge via standard protocol. Android supports are wider, but depends on the firmware version of the phone.
6. Alternative methods: if nothing works
If none of these methods worked, try these non-obvious techniques:
π Checking through the voice assistant:
- π€ On Android, activate Google Assistant and say, "Show me my headphones." If the model is supported, the assistant will voice percentages.
- π On iPhone, ask Siri: "What charge does my headphones have?" (works only for AirPods, but some Xiaomi models may be recognized as "wireless headphones").
π Discharge test:
- Fully charge the headphones in the case (in your opinion).
- Pull them out and turn on the music at maximum volume.
- If the headphones last more than 3 hours (for most models), then the charge was close to 100%.
π§ Resetting headphone settings:
- Put the headphones in the case.
- Press the touch panels on both headphones for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white quickly.
- After reset, try recharging your headphones β often this solves problems with improper status display.
Critical information: Headphones Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2 and Redmi AirDots S do not transmit data about the charge neither in the application nor in the Bluetooth menu. The only way to check their charge is to focus on the time (2 hours in a case) or sound signals (two squeaks = 100%).
π‘
If neither method worked, the problem is likely to be the case contacts or the headphone battery. Try cleaning the contacts with alcohol or contact the Xiaomi service center.