How to properly divide headphones Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face the need to separate headphones — for example, to connect only one of them to the device, reset settings or eliminate synchronization problems. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of separation for different models, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.

The procedure can vary depending on the firmware version, the headphone model, and even the smartphone operating system. We've collected proven methods that work on Android and iOS, and we've also looked at common bugs that prevent proper separation. If you've tried to separate the headphones, but they automatically connect back, here's the solution.

Important: Some models (such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) have unique splitting algorithms that are not suitable for other lines, so check the exact model of your headphones before you start – it is indicated on the box or in the Bluetooth settings.

Why you might need to share Xiaomi headphones

Separating headphones is not just a technical trick, but a useful feature in several scenarios:

• 🎧 Mono mode: using only one headphone to save charge or convenience (e.g. while talking on the phone).
• 🔄 Resetting: If the headphones are glitching, out of sync, or permanently off, splitting helps to get them back to factory settings.
• 📱 Connecting to two devices: some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pro) support multi-connection but require prior separation.
• 🔧 Diagnosis of malfunctions: if one headphone does not work, its separation allows you to check whether the problem is in the gadget itself or in synchronization.

Also, separation may be required when upgrading firmware — some versions of the software are only installed on split headphones — and it’s also useful if you want to sell or transfer one headphone to another person.

⚠️ Attention: on models of Xiaomi Air 2 SE And then, after separation, the headphones automatically go into new device search mode, which can lead to accidental connection to other people's gadgets within Bluetooth range.

Separation Preparation: What to Do in Advance

Before you split your headphones, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid mistakes:

1. Check the battery: both headphones should be charged at least 30%. On models with a case (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4) enough charge of the case.
2. Disconnect headphones from all devices: remove them from the list of conjugated gadgets in the Bluetooth settings on a smartphone, tablet or PC.
3. Update your firmware (if available): legacy software can block separation. Check the version's relevance through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app.
4. Prepare the case: on some models (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Active), separation is possible only with an open case.

If you share your headphones to reset, please note that after this procedure, all personal settings (such as gesture settings or equalizer) will be deleted. Write them down in advance or take screenshots in the app.

Method 1: Partition through touch buttons (for most models)

It is a versatile method that works on Redmi AirDots 2/3, Xiaomi Buds 3/4, FlipBuds Pro and other touch-controlled models.

1. Place both headphones in the case and close it for 5 seconds.
2. Take out both headphones and wait until they automatically turn on (the indicator blinks).
3. Press and hold the touch button on the right earphone for 10 seconds until you hear a beep (usually two short squeaks).
4. Repeat step 3 for the left earpiece.
5. Put the headphones back in the case – they will no longer sync automatically.

After that, each earpiece can be connected to the device separately. For example, for mono mode use, simply connect the right earphone via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: on models Xiaomi Air 2 Pro and Buds 3T Pro after separation may require firmware update for each headphone separately, otherwise there may be problems with sound.

Method 2: Separation via Mi Home/Xiaomi Earbuds

For models with support for proprietary software (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro), separation is more convenient to perform through the official application. This ensures the safety of settings and minimizes the risk of errors.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Earbuds (for newer ones) from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the app (they should be displayed in the main menu).
3. Go to the headphone settings section → Additional → Separate headphones (the name of the item may differ).
4. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (usually 10-20 seconds).

In some versions of the app, the option may be called “Pair Reset” or “Single Headphone Mode,” and once separated, the app will allow you to control each earpiece separately, such as assigning different gestures or adjusting the sound balance.

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If the app doesn’t have a split option, try upgrading to the latest version. 2023-2026 models (such as Buds 4 Lite) require a version of the app at least 5.12.

Method 3: Separation through hard reset

If the headphones are not shared by standard methods (for example, after a failed firmware update), a complete reset will help. This method is suitable for all models, but removes all user settings.

How to make a hard reset:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close it.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. For models without a button on the case (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3T): Hold the touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 20 seconds.
4. After resetting, the headphones will automatically separate and go into pairing mode.

On Redmi Buds 4 Active and Xiaomi Buds 3 Youth, you may need to re-tether your headphones to the case after a hard reset. Put them in the case and wait 30 seconds for them to sync automatically.

⚠️ Note: on headphones Xiaomi Air 2 and older after reset can be lost calibration of sensors. If after separation, one earphone became worse to hold the charge, perform a recalibration through the application.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, users face problems, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

• 🔴 The headphones automatically connect after splitting: check if the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone are on Auto Connect mode. Turn it off and repeat the procedure.
• 🔊 One earpiece doesn't emit any audible signals, maybe it's a microphone or speaker that's contaminated, and clean the earpiece with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, and try again.
• 📱 The app does not see headphones: remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices, reboot your smartphone and try to connect again.
• 🔋 Headphones discharge immediately after separation: this is normal for models with a shared battery in a case (for example, Redmi AirDots 2.

If none of the methods worked, check if the separation block firmware updates. For example, on Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, firmware versions below 1.4.0.8 may ignore the separation command. Update the software through the Xiaomi Earbuds app.

How to return headphones to the original state (reverse connection)

If you've split your headphones for temporary mono-use or diagnostics, you can re-join them.

1. Place both headphones in the case and close it for 10 seconds.
2. Take them out and wait until the indicators start flashing blue (pairing mode).
3. Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 5 seconds until you hear the beep.
4. The headphones are automatically synced and will be displayed as a single device in Bluetooth.

For models with application support (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), you can use the “Put Headphones together” option in the settings menu, which ensures correct synchronization without losing user data.

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If the headphones do not connect back, check if one of them is not enabled "Left Only" or "Right Only" in the application settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions