Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Separate and What to Do About It
Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users are faced with a problem: the headphones refuse to separate after the first pairing or start working only in mono mode, most often due to a failure in sync between the left and right earphone, incorrect Bluetooth settings or software errors.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways Xiaomi earbuds are separated, from standard methods to hidden features that aren’t mentioned in the official instructions, how to disconnect AirDots, Buds, Earbuds and other models, and what to do if the headphones stop working after a firmware update or mechanical damage, and pay special attention to the typical errors that users make when trying to sync.
Method 1: Standard disconnection through a button on the body
Most Xiaomi models support earphone detachment with a physical button on the case or the headphones themselves, a method that works for Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds and their modifications.
- 🔋 Make sure the headphones are charged (at least 30% charge).
- 📦 Take both headphones out of the case and put them next to you.
- 🔘 Press and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- 🔄 Wait for the beep (usually two short squeaks) – this means that the headphones have disconnected.
If the button on the case is missing (as in the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), use the touchpad on the headphones themselves: touch it 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second. This method works in 80% of cases, but may not work on old firmware.
Get both earphones out of the case.
Check the level of charge (minimum 30%)
Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds
Wait for the indicator to flash red/white-->
⚠️ Warning: If the light flashes only red, it means low charge. Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes and try again. Some models (for example, Redmi Buds 4) block disconnection when charged below 20%.
Method 2: Separation through a Hard Reset
If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to reset completely, which will remove all the conjugated devices and return the headphones to factory settings, and the instructions are suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi AirDots 2, Mi Buds 3 and Redmi Buds 3 Lite.
Algorithm of action:
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Connect the case to the power source (but not to fast charging!).
- Press and hold the reset button (usually located on the back of the case) for 20-30 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
- Open the cover of the case - the headphones will automatically reboot and disconnect.
Once reset, Xiaomi headphones will be ready for a new pairing. Note: on some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4), the reset button is hidden under a protective film - carefully tuck it into a plastic card.
| Model headphones | Reset button retention time | Color of indicator after reset |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots | 15-20 sec. | Red. → White |
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 | 25 seconds | Red (blinks 3 times) |
| Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro | 30 seconds. | Red. → Blue |
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | 20 seconds | Red (permanent) |
⚠️ Warning: After reset, the headphones may temporarily lose touch with the Mi Home app. To restore functionality, remove the device from the app and add it again via the smartphone's Bluetooth settings.
Redmi AirDots (1/2 generation)
Mi True Wireless Earbuds
Xiaomi Buds 3/3 Pro/4
Redmi Buds 3/4 Lite
Another model-->
Method 3: Separation through the Mi Home / Xiaomi Wear app
If Xiaomi headphones are connected to the smartphone through an official app, they can be disconnected software. This method works for models with firmware support via the Mi Home (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T or Redmi Buds 4 Pro).
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
- 🔍 Find your headphones in the list of devices (Smart devices section) → Audio).
- ⚙️ Go to the headphone settings → Additionally. → Separate the headphones.
- 🔄 Confirm the action and wait for the sound signal.
If the option to Disconnect headphones is missing, update the firmware through the application:
- Go to Settings. → Firmware update.
- Download the latest version (if available).
- Connect the headphones to charging and wait for the update to complete.
What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
Method 4: Separation through Bluetooth settings of the smartphone
Sometimes Xiaomi headphones can be disconnected directly through the phone’s Bluetooth menu, a technique that works for Android 10+ and iOS 14+ devices, but may not work on older versions of the OS.
Instructions for Android:
- Open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Find your headphones in the list of conjugated devices.
- Click on the icon. ⚙️ headphone-name.
- Select Disconnect, then reconnect them.
- If the option to disconnect is available, activate it.
For the iPhone, the algorithm is slightly different:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Click on the letter i next to the headphones.
- Choose Forget this device.
- Return the headphones to the case, then take out and plug again.
On some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) after disconnecting via Bluetooth headphones automatically disconnect if they are put in a case and pulled back in 10 seconds.
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If the headphones only connect in mono mode, try connecting them to another device (tablet, laptop), which often helps to wake up the second headphone and restore the stereo mode.
Method 5: Mechanical separation (for older models)
On some early Xiaomi models (such as the first-generation Redmi AirDots), the disconnection can be done mechanically by simultaneously pressing both headphones on the touchpads, a technique rarely mentioned in official instructions, but often saves in situations where software methods do not work.
How to do this:
- 🎧 Get both earphones out of the case.
- 👆 At the same time, touch the touch panels on both headphones and hold for 8-10 seconds.
- 🔊 Wait for the double beep (squeaking).
- 🔄 Place the headphones back in the case, then pull out - they must connect separately.
If the touchpads don't respond, check for contamination. Rub the headphone surface with an alcohol napkin - often dust or fat blocks the sensors. Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic models use mechanical buttons instead of touchpads - press them 3 times in a row at 1 second interval.
⚠️ Warning: Don't put too much effort into tapping touch panels, it can damage the microphone or speaker. If the headphones don't respond after 3-4 attempts, switch to other methods.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successful separation, Xiaomi headphones may not work properly. Consider typical malfunctions and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The headphones are disconnected, but one is not connected. | Battery discharge, Bluetooth failure | Charge the case, reset the settings, connect to another device |
| After separation, the sound is only in one headphone. | Wrong Bluetooth settings on your phone | Turn on Stereo mode in the headphone settings |
| The headphones are constantly disconnecting themselves. | Interference from other devices, outdated firmware | Update your firmware, disable other Bluetooth devices |
| Sensory control does not work after separation | Synchronization failure | Reset (Method 2), then re-conjugate |
If none of these methods worked, the problem could be a hardware malfunction.
- 🔋 Battery (earphones do not hold a charge, turn off after 5-10 minutes).
- 📡 Bluetooth module (permanent communication breaks, impossibility of pairing).
- 🎛️ Touch panels (do not respond to touch, spontaneous pressing).
In such cases, contact the Xiaomi service center or check the headphones for warranty service.
- Battery replacement: 800-1500 ₽.
- Repair of Bluetooth module - 1200-2000 ₽.
- Replacement of the touch panel – 1000-1800 ₽.
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If the headphones are guaranteed, do not try to disassemble them yourself - this will void warranty obligations.