How to Reset Xiaomi Wireless Headphones to Factory Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even the most reliable equipment sometimes requires a complete reset to factory parameters. This may be necessary when selling a device, fixing software failures or conflicts when connecting to new devices. But how to perform this procedure correctly so as not to damage the headphones?

Many users are afraid to reset because of the risk of losing functionality or experiencing synchronization errors. In fact, factory reset is a standard procedure provided by the manufacturer. The main thing is to know the exact sequence of actions for your model and avoid common errors. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to return Xiaomi headphones to their original state, which models support this feature, and what to do if something goes wrong.

If you’ve never reset a Xiaomi gadget before, don’t worry: it takes no more than 5 minutes and requires no special skills. And for those who have experienced such manipulations, we have prepared advanced instructions β€” including hidden features and solutions to unusual problems.

Why reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings?

Resetting to factory settings is not just a rollback of settings, it's a complete zeroing out of the headphone software. The procedure deletes all the stored data: the list of conjugated devices, the equalizer settings (if supported), the listening history and even firmware updates (in some models). When is it really necessary?

βœ… Selling or transferring headphones: The new owner must not have access to your data or devices that the headphones used to connect to, and the reset ensures that all personal settings are erased.

βœ… Solving connectivity issues: If Xiaomi headphones don’t find a new device, permanently shut down, or issue a β€œDevice Not Supported” error, resetting often helps restore stable operation.

βœ… Flushing software bugs, getting stuck, distorted sound, broken sensors or microphones can all be the result of a firmware failure, and factory reset is Xiaomi's only officially recommended way to get back to work without going to a service center.

βœ… Recovery after a failed upgrade: If the headphones stopped working after a firmware update (for example, through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Earphones), a reset can return them to the previous stable version.

  • πŸ”„ Resetting will not help if the problem is related to physical damage: a broken speaker, a broken plume or moisture.
  • πŸ“± Don't confuse resetting your headphones with resetting your smartphone settings. These are two different procedures, and one doesn't affect the other.
  • πŸ”‹ Once reset, the headphones will discharge faster in the first hours of operation, which is normal. They take time to recalibrate the battery.

Which Xiaomi models support factory reset?

Not all Xiaomi wireless headphones have a full reset feature, which is mostly available in mid- and premium-segment models, Released after 2019. Below is a table that supports this option for popular series:

Model headphonesSupport for dischargeResetting methodNotes
Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 / Pro 2sβœ… Yes.Button on the body + retentionThe last firmware required
Xiaomi Air 2 / Air 2 Pro / Air 2 SEβœ… Yes.Through an app or a buttonAir 2 SE reset is only available via the app
Xiaomi FlipBuds Proβœ… Yes.Case button + 10 seconds retentionAfter reset, reconfiguration of the ANC is required
Xiaomi Buds 3 / Buds 3 Pro / Buds 4βœ… Yes.Combination of buttons on headphonesIn Buds 4, reset resets gesture settings
Redmi AirDots / AirDots S❌ No.β€”Only manual removal from the list of devices

If your model isn't in the table, check the official documentation or the Mi Home/Xiaomi Earphones app.In rare cases, a reset may be hidden in the engineering menu, but it's risky without experience.

⚠️

Note: Xiaomi headphones Youth Edition series and some OEM-Models (e.g., those issued for specific regions) may not support reset.Be sure your model is compatible before the procedure!

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphone model you use?
AirDots Pro 2
Air 2 / Air 2 Pro
FlipBuds Pro
Buds 3 / Buds 4
Redmi AirDots
Another model

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid unpleasant surprises. This will take no more than 2-3 minutes, but save time and nerves later.

πŸ”Ή Check the charge of the headphones and the case, make sure that the charge level of the headphones is not lower than 30%, and the case is not lower than 50%. If during the reset, the device runs out, it can lead to irreversible damage to the firmware, and the headphones have to be carried into the service.

πŸ”Ή Remove your headphones from the list of associated devices. This is not necessary, but is recommended to avoid conflicts when reconnecting. β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Xiaomi [model] β†’ Forget the device. On iOS: Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ (i) next to the headphones β†’ Forget this device.

πŸ”Ή Take screenshots of current settings (if any).Some models (like the FlipBuds Pro or Buds 3 Pro) allow you to customize gestures, ANC Or an equalizer through an app, and when you reset, all of these parameters will go back to standard.

πŸ”Ή Prepare the instructions for your model. The reset methods are different β€” you need to hold the button on the case somewhere, and you need to press the sensors on both headphones simultaneously. Make sure you know the exact sequence for your headphones.

  • πŸ“± For models with an app (Air 2 Pro, Buds 3): upgrade Xiaomi Earphones or Mi Home to the latest version. Older versions of the apps may not support resetting.
  • πŸ”Œ For models without an app (AirDots Pro 2): check that the headphones are not connected to the device during reset – this can interrupt the process.
  • 🎧 For headphones with ANC (FlipBuds Pro: After resetting the noise reduction function will have to be configured again.

Charge headphones and case up to 50%+

Remove Bluetooth headphones from all devices

Download the latest version of the application (if required)

Clarify the reset method for your model

Prepare an instruction or video guide-->

Step-by-step: how to reset headphones Xiaomi

Now, to the process itself, here's a generic guide that's suitable for most models, and if your headphones require a different approach, we'll show that separately.

πŸ”Ή Step 1: Place the headphones in the case. Close the lid and make sure they start charging (the case should have an indicator on the case).

πŸ”Ή Step 2: Activate reset mode. There are two options depending on the model:

  • πŸ”˜ For case-button headphones (AirDots Pro 2, FlipBuds Pro): Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (or only red in some models).
  • πŸ‘† For touch-controlled headphones (Air 2 Pro, Buds 3): Take the headphones out of the case, then simultaneously touch and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.

πŸ”Ή Step 3: Wait until the process is complete. The indicator on the case or headphones will flash white and red (in some models, only white.

πŸ”Ή Step 4: Reconnect. Once reset, the headphones will go back to the factory settings:

  1. Open the case lid.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case (or touch the sensor on the headphones) until the flashing white indicator (pairing mode) appears.
  3. Find the headphones in the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone and connect.

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Warning: If the headphones are not on or are not detected by the devices after the reset, don't panic. Try putting them in a case for 30 seconds, then pull them out and repeat the connection procedure, 90% of the time this solves the problem.

What to do if the headphones are not reset?
If the indicator does not flash red/white after holding the button (or sensors), try this: 1. Fully discharge and charge the headphones - sometimes this resets the getting stuck firmware. 2. Use another charger - perhaps the current one does not provide enough current. 3. Try resetting through the application (if the model supports). In Xiaomi Earphones, go to the device settings β†’ Reset to factory ones. 4. Update the firmware before reset - in older versions there may be a zero bug. If nothing helps, contact the service center - perhaps damaged memory.

Reset via app: instructions for Air 2 Pro, Buds 3 and more

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Air 2 Pro, Buds 3, FlipBuds Pro) support reset directly through the proprietary app, which is often more reliable than hardware reset and avoids errors.

πŸ“± Step 1: Install the app. Download Xiaomi Earphones (for most models) or Mi Home (for older versions) from Google Play or App Store>. Make sure it is updated to the latest version.

πŸ”— Step 2: Connect your headphones. Open the app and wait for it to find your headphones. If they don't show up, reboot your Bluetooth on your phone.

βš™οΈ Step 3: Find the reset option. Depending on the model, the path may differ:

    ⚠️ Step 4: Confirm action. The app will warn you that all data will be deleted. Click Confirm and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 10-20 seconds.

    πŸ”„ Step 5: Reconnect. Once reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode. Connect them again through the phone's Bluetooth menu.

    ⚠️

    Warning: If the headphones stop turning on after resetting through the application, try resetting them by hardware (through the button on the case). Sometimes a software reset can "hang" due to a firmware error.

    πŸ’‘

    If the Xiaomi Earphones app doesn’t see your headphones, try clearing the app’s cache in your phone’s settings or reinstalling it. Also make sure the headphones aren’t connected to another device (like a laptop or tablet).

    What to do after resetting: setting up and possible problems

    After a successful reset, Xiaomi headphones will return to the β€œout of the box” state, which means that all user settings will be deleted, and they will have to configuring again.

    πŸ”Ή Update your firmware. Go to the Xiaomi Earphones app and check for updates. This is important because factory firmware may be outdated and buggy.

    πŸ”Ή Customize your gestures and functions. Depending on the model, you may need to:

    • 🎡 Set up playback control (pause, next track).
    • πŸ”‡ Activate ANC Transparency mode (for FlipBuds Pro, Buds 3 Pro).
    • πŸ“ž Set up a microphone for calls (in some models it is turned off by default).

    πŸ”Ή Check the sound. After the reset, the sound balance or volume level may change. Run the test track and adjust the equalizer settings in the application if necessary.

    ❌ Common Post-Dump Problems and Their Solutions:

    Problem.Possible causeDecision
    Headphones are not onDischarged during dischargePut it in the case for 10-15 minutes, then try to turn it on.
    Not connecting to the phone.Remained on the list of associated devicesRemove them from Bluetooth settings and connect them again
    A distorted soundReset returned incorrect equalizer settingsReset the equalizer in the app or select a preset
    The microphone is not working.Deactivated by default after resetActivate the microphone in the headphone settings

    πŸ”§ If the headphones are unstable after reset (for example, one earphone is turned off or the sound is interrupted), try:

    1. Perform reset again.
    2. Update the firmware through the app.
    3. Reset Bluetooth settings on your phone (Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Network Reset).

    πŸ’‘

    If Xiaomi headphones have not been reset, it is likely a hardware problem (defected speaker, battery or board), in which case a diagnosis is required in the service center.

    Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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

    🚫 Interrupt the reset process. If you release the button (or sensors) ahead of time, the headphones can "hang" in an intermediate state. Always hold the button until the red / white blinking appears - this is a signal that the reset is completed.

    πŸ”‹ Low battery charge: If the headphones run out during reset, it can damage the firmware. Charge them to at least 30% before the procedure.

    πŸ“± Unofficial applications. Some users try to reset their headphones with third-party utilities (e.g. nRF Connect). This is risky - such applications can record incorrect firmware. Use only official software from Xiaomi.

    πŸ”„ If the headphones haven't been updated in a long time, a reset may return them to the old version of the software with bugs.

    🎧 Ignoring model-specific instructions: AirDots Pro 2 and Buds 3 Pro reset methods are different. Don't apply instructions from one model to another - this can lead to errors.

    • ❌ Do not press the reset button on the case if the headphones are connected to the device – this can cause Bluetooth conflict.
    • ❌ Do not use non-original chargers during reset – they may not provide stable power.
    • ❌ Do not reset your headphones more than once a month – this can shorten the memory life of your device.
    Can I reset Xiaomi headphones without a case?
    If the case is lost or broken, reset is only possible for touch-controlled models (such as the Air 2 Pro or Buds 3). To do this: 1. Turn on the headphones (hold the sensor on both headphones until the audio signal is heard). 2. Touch and hold the sensors on both headphones for 15 seconds until you hear a double signal. 3. Headphones will reset and turn off. For non-sensored models (such as the AirDots Pro 2), a reset without a case is impossible - it will require its replacement.

    FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Headphone Reset

    Can I reset Xiaomi headphones if they don’t turn on?
    If the headphones are completely discharged or do not respond to the on button, first try charging them in the case for 30-60 minutes. If after that they do not turn on, reset is impossible - you need a diagnosis in the service center. In rare cases, "forced reboot" helps: hold the button on the case (or sensors on headphones) for 20-30 seconds.
    Will the ANC and equalizer settings reset after zeroing?
    Yes, all custom settings (including ANC, equalizer, control gestures) will be reset to factory settings, and after the procedure, they will have to be reconfigured through the Xiaomi Earphones app.
    How do you know if the reset has been successful?
    Signs of successful reset: The indicator on the case or headphones flashes red and white (or only red). The headphones automatically turn off. The next time they turn on, they go into pairing mode (blinking white light). In the Bluetooth list on the phone, they show up as a new device. If none of this happens, repeat the procedure.
    Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
    No, the reset process cannot be interrupted or reversed. If you release the button (or sensors) early, the headphones may not work, in which case, repeat the reset or connect them to charging for 10-15 minutes, then try again.
    Will firmware updates be lost after resetting?
    Depends on the model: Most of the time (Air 2 Pro, Buds 3) updates will remain, but the settings will reset. In older models (AirDots Pro), a reset can return the firmware to the factory version - then you will need to re-update. After a reset, always check the firmware version in the application and update it if necessary.