How to reset Xiaomi Redmi wireless headphones to factory settings: full instruction

Why you need to reset Xiaomi Redmi headphones and when to do it

Xiaomi Redmi wireless headphones are a popular solution for music lovers and active users, but even they sometimes require a complete reset to factory settings. This procedure helps eliminate software failures, connection problems or sensors that are not working correctly. For example, if the headphones stop automatically turning on when extracting from a case, do not sync with each other or give a distorted sound, reset is often the only working solution.

However, not all users are aware that hard reset removes all user settings, including Mi Account binding, connection history and individual audio profiles. Some models, such as Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi AirDots 3, may require resetting control gestures after reset, so before the procedure, it is worth weighing the need: perhaps the problem is solved by simply restarting or updating the firmware through the Mi Home app.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔧 Step-by-step instructions for all popular Xiaomi Redmi models (including Buds) 3/4, AirDots, Earbuds)
• 📱 How to prepare headphones and smartphone before reset
• ⚠️ Typical errors that lead to the “bricking” of the device
• 🔄 Alternative ways to solve problems without completely resetting

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset your Xiaomi Redmi headphones, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid data loss and make it easier to reconfigure:

1. Check the charge level. Make sure that the case and the headphones themselves have at least 30% of the charge left, and the reset can be interrupted when the battery is low, leading to irreversible firmware errors.
2. Turn off all devices. Go to your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, find your headphones, and select "Forget the device" (Settings). → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Forget it. This will prevent conflicts when reconnected.
3. Update your firmware (if possible). Open the Mi Home app, find your headphones in the device list, and check for updates. Sometimes you don't need to reset, just install the latest version of the software.

Pay special attention to the headphone model. For example, for Redmi Buds 4 Active and Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, the reset process is different because of different versions of the chipsets. If you are not sure about the model, check it out on the box or in the Mi Home app in the About Device section.

Reset to factory settings: universal instruction

Most Xiaomi Redmi models support reset via a combination of buttons on the case or the headphones themselves. Here is the basic algorithm that works for Redmi Buds 3/4, AirDots 2/3 and similar devices:

1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid. Make sure the indicator on the case flashes, which means that the devices are recognized.
2. Find the reset button. It's usually located on the back of the case (near the USB-C connector) and marked as Reset. In some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Pro), the button is hidden under a plug.
3. Press the button for 10 to 15 seconds. The indicator on the case will flash red, then go out and light up white. This is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Wait for the reboot. The case and the headphones will automatically reboot. And then you can remove the headphones, and they'll be ready for the new binding.

Important: For touch-controlled models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Active), instead of a physical button, a long touch of the sensor on both headphones is used simultaneously (5-7 seconds). If the indicator does not respond, repeat the procedure or check the charge of the case.

Resetting via Mi Home: an alternative method

If the physical Reset button is missing or not working, you can use the official Mi Home app, which is suitable for most models released after 2021, including the Redmi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Earbuds 3.

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth and open Mi Home.
2. Go to the Profile section → My devices and choose your headphones.
3. Open the device settings (cog in the upper right corner).
4. Scroll down and press Reset. Confirm action.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (the headphones will reboot and a notification will appear in the app).

The advantage of this method is that there is no risk of mechanical damage (for example, if the Reset button is stuck). However, it only works if the headphones are successfully connected to the smartphone.

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and re-enable Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones manually through Settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔌 Connect the case to charging for 5 minutes – sometimes it “wakes up” the Bluetooth module.

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If after reset via Mi Home, the headphones do not appear in the list of available devices, try resetting the network settings on your smartphone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).

Solving problems after discharge

Even after a successful reset, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If one of the headphones (e.g. the right one) is not making sound after reset, check for physical damage. In Redmi AirDots 3 and later, each headphone has a separate Bluetooth module, and failure of one of them requires warranty repair.

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones are constantly squeaking or flashing red for more than 1 minute after reset, this is a sign of a hardware malfunction. Don't try to reset the device, but go to a service center.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes that lead to a failed reset or even a broken headphone.

• 🔋 Reset at low charge. If the indicator on the case flashes red, first charge the device.Reset at a battery level below 10% can damage the power controller.
• 🛠️ Use sharp objects to press the Reset button, this risks damaging the contacts, it's better to use a plastic paper clip or a toothpick.
• 📵 If the light flashes white, don't remove the headphones from the case or turn off the power.
• 🔄 Reset without decoupling from Mi Account. In some models (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) after reset, you may need to re-authorize in the Xiaomi account.

Another common mistake is to try to reset headphones connected to multiple devices at the same time (such as a smartphone and a laptop), which can cause a conflict of Bluetooth profiles. Before reset, be sure to remove the headphones from the list of conjugated devices on all gadgets.

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If the headphones are not determined by any device after reset, try connecting them to another smartphone or PC. Sometimes the problem lies in the Bluetooth drivers of the main gadget, not in the headphones themselves.

When Resetting Doesn't Help: Alternative Solutions

If after several attempts to reset the problem persists, it may not be the settings, but a hardware or software malfunction.

• 🔄 Update your firmware manually. For some models (like the Redmi Buds 3 Pro) on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers lay out firmware that can be installed via PC.
• 🎧 Check the headphones on another device. Connect them to a tablet or a second smartphone — if the problem recurs, the headphones are to blame, not your gadget.
• 🛠️ Clean the contacts. Gently wipe the metal contacts on the headphones and in the case with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
• 📞 Contact Xiaomi support. If the headphones are warranty, don't try to disassemble them yourself - this will void the warranty.

For models that support LDAC or aptX Adaptive (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Pro), sound problems may be due to codec incompatibility.

1. Go to Bluetooth Settings on your smartphone.
2. Find your headphones and open "Additional options".
3. Choose SBC (the most versatile) instead of AAC or aptX.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions