How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: instructions for all models

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the headphones stop connecting to the phone, one of them does not work, the sound is interrupted or disappears altogether, 90% of which are helped by factory resets, a procedure that returns the device to the original parameters and eliminates software errors.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all current models, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. We will analyze when exactly you need a reset, how to perform it correctly without the risk of damaging the device, and what to do if the headphones do not respond to standard actions. You will also learn about hidden diagnostic functions that the manufacturer does not advertise, but that can save the gadget from breakdown.

When you need to reset headphones Xiaomi: 5 clear signs

Resetting your headphones isn't the first small problem, sometimes you just need to reboot your Bluetooth on your smartphone or update your firmware, but there are situations where resetting becomes the only solution:

• 🔌 Headphones do not connect to the phone, although previously worked properly (the device does not appear in the list available for pairing).
• 🎧 One headphone does not work – does not make a sound, does not charge in a case or flashes a red indicator.
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or distorted despite a stable connection (the problem is not related to the audio source).
• 🔄 Headphones spontaneously turn off after 5-10 seconds after connecting.
• ⚙️ Failures after firmware updates – for example, touch gestures stopped working or sound changed.

If you have any of these symptoms, it's likely that the reset will help, but check before the procedure:

• 📱 Bluetooth on your smartphone – try connecting your headphones to another device.
• 🔋 Case and headphone charge – a discharged battery can simulate software failures.
• 📦 Physical damage – inspect contacts in the case and on headphones for oxidation or dirt.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are in the water or have been mechanically impacted, resetting won't help - repairs are needed. In such cases, the procedure may even exacerbate the problem by causing a short circuit.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting headphones is a simple procedure, but it requires preparation, and if you ignore these steps, you risk losing important data or facing new problems.

First, you can disconnect your headphones from all the devices they've been connected to before, and that's not just your smartphone, but your laptop, tablet, or smart-TV. Otherwise, you can have conflicts when you reset. On Android, you can do this through Settings. → Bluetooth → ⚙️ (headphone) → Disable/Delete. On iOS - Settings → Bluetooth → i (information) → Forget this device.

Second, check the battery power. Make sure the case and headphones are at least 30 percent charged. If the charge is critically low, the reset may stop and the device will stop turning on, especially for models with ANC (active noise cancellation), which consume more energy.

Finally, prepare an alternative sound source for the duration of the procedure, such as connecting wired headphones or a speaker to avoid being left without audio on your smartphone.

Remove headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on all gadgets |

Charge the case and headphones to at least 30% |

Prepare alternative headphones/columns |

Check the physical condition of the contacts and the body-->

A universal reset method for most Xiaomi models

Most Xiaomi wireless headphones (including Redmi AirDots 2/3, Xiaomi Buds 3/4 and FlipBuds) support the standard button-on-case reset procedure, which works even if one of the headphones doesn't respond or charge.

Instructions:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the power source (for example, to charge from a smartphone).
3. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the case for 10-15 seconds.
4. The indicator on the case will flash red and white (or orange and white, depending on the model) – this is a signal of a successful reset.
5. Release the button and wait until the indicator starts flashing white – the headphones are ready for a new connection.

If the indicator does not flash red/white, try:

• 🔌 Use another charger – perhaps the current one does not provide enough current.
• 🔄 Repeat the procedure with the case lid open (for some models this is a prerequisite).
• ⏱️ Hold the button longer – up to 20-25 seconds.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro, the reset button can be hidden under a silicone plug. Carefully tuck it with a nail or plastic card to avoid damaging the case.

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If the headphones don’t connect to your phone after reset, try connecting them to another device (like a laptop) and then back to your smartphone, which sometimes helps wake up the Bluetooth module.

Reset via Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear mobile app

For some models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or FlipBuds), the reset can be done software-based through the official application, which is less radical than hardware reset, and allows you to save some of the settings (for example, the sound profile).

Instructions for Mi Home:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile → My Devices section.
2. Find your headphones in the list and tap them.
3. Go to Settings (⚙️) → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (usually 10–30 seconds).

For Xiaomi Wear (relevant for new models):

1. Launch the app and select your headphones.
2. Go to Device Settings → General → Reset to factory.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

The advantage of this method is to keep firmware history, and once reset through the app, the headphones don't need to be updated again, but if the problem is with the firmware itself, the hardware reset will be more effective.

What to do if resetting does not help: diagnosis and alternative solutions

If the problem persists after the reset, the causes can go deeper, from damaged firmware to hardware malfunctions.

1. Check firmware.

Outdated or damaged firmware often causes crashes. Update it through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app:

• 📱 Open the app and connect the headphones.
• 🔄 Go to the Device Settings → Update of the PO.
• 📥 If a new version is available, download and install it.

2. Check compatibility with the device

Some headphone models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) are optimized for Xiaomi smartphones and can work unstable with devices from other brands. Try connecting them to a Redmi or POCO phone - if the problem disappears, it's about Bluetooth stack compatibility.

3. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If neither reset nor update helped, check:

• 🔋 Contacts in the case - clean them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 🎛️ Microphone and speakers – gently blow the holes with compressed air (do not use sharp objects!).
• 🔌 Charging cable - try another USB-cable.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones make extraneous sounds (squeaking, wheezing) or are not detected by any device, this may indicate damage to the Bluetooth module.

Resetting Xiaomi headphones without a case: is it possible?

It's not uncommon for the case to be lost or broken, but the headphones are still working, and unfortunately, most Xiaomi models don't support a reset without a case, they do it to power and initialize the process, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Use of charger

If you have a wireless charging pad (Qi), try putting your headphones on it and holding the reset button (if you have one on your headphone case), which works for wirelessly-enabled models like the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro.

Method 2: Connecting to another case

Some Xiaomi cases are versatile — for example, a Redmi AirDots 2 case can charge AirDots 3. Try borrowing a case from a friend or buying a used one on Avito/AliExpress.

Method 3: Software reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If the headphones are at least temporarily connected to an Android smartphone, you can try resetting through ADB.

1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your phone and activate Debugging over USB.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.device.action.PAIRING_REQUEST -e android.bluetooth.device.extra.DEVICE"MAC-headphone" (MAC-The address can be found through the Bluetooth Scanner app).
3. After that, try resetting through the standard Bluetooth menu.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB This can cause Bluetooth to work in an unstable way on your smartphone.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple procedure like resetting can go wrong if you make mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

• ⏳ Insufficient button holding time – many users release it after 5-7 seconds, although it takes 10-15 seconds to reset.
• 🔋 Battery discharge - if the case charge is below 10%, the reset may be interrupted.Always check the charge level before the procedure.
• 📱 Failure to remove your Bluetooth headphones before reset, which leads to conflicts when reconnecting. Remove the device from all your gadgets in advance.
• 🔄 Use of unoriginal cable – cheap cables may not provide stable power, which is why the reset will not be completed.
• 🚫 Interrupting the process – if you release the button too early or remove the headphones from the case, the device can “hang” in the update mode.

If you make one of these mistakes, try repeating the reset by following the instructions strictly. If the headphones stop responding completely, leave them on charging for 1-2 hours, and then try again.

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The most common reason for a "failed" reset is a case charge that is insufficient. Always start the procedure with a full battery!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Headphone Reset