How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings via Android: the full guide

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets due to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the headphones stop connecting, one of them fails, the sound is interrupted or synchronization problems, 90% of which are helped by factory resets, a procedure that returns the device to its original state by removing all stored data about connections and settings.

But how do you do this reset so you don't damage your headphones? Which Xiaomi models support this feature, and what to do if the standard method doesn't work? In this article, we'll look at all the reset methods for different models, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, and also tell you how to avoid typical mistakes and what to do if the headphones "burst" after a failed reset.

If you encounter a problem when the headphones are not turned on, synchronized with each other or not determined by the phone, do not rush to carry them to the service. In most cases, reset solves the problem in 5 minutes, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss important steps.

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Why might you need to reset Xiaomi headphones?

Factory reset is a last resort when other methods of problem solving have failed, but in what situations is it really necessary?

First, connectivity issues, if Xiaomi headphones are no longer defined by the phone, are permanently disabled or connected by only one, this is a sure sign of a firmware failure or a conflict of stored data. For example, after an Android update or a smartphone change, the headphones may “forget” the pairing protocol, and reset will help restore the connection.

Second, hardware glitch: one earbud is quieter than the other, the sound is interrupted, the lights are flashing differently than they normally would, and this can be caused by firmware errors, and resetting often solves the problem without going to the service.

Finally, you need to reset before you sell or transfer the headphones to another person, and even if you disconnect them from your phone, the device still has data about previous connections that may interfere with the new owner.

• 🔌 Do not connect to the phone – the smartphone does not see headphones in the list of available devices.
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or distorted – even after the phone and headphones are restarted.
• 🔄 Not synchronized with each other – only one headphone works, the second does not turn on.
• 📱 Conflict after updating the firmware – headphones stopped working correctly with the phone.
• 💰 Preparing for sale – Deletion of all personal connection data.

If you notice any of these problems, try resetting. But before you do, make sure the phone isn't the problem: reboot your smartphone, check Bluetooth on another device, and update your headphone firmware (if available).

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Which Xiaomi models support factory reset?

Not all Xiaomi headphones have a hardware reset feature, which is mostly available in models released after 2019, when the company began to actively introduce its own chips and firmware. Below is a table with popular models and reset support.

If your model is not in the table, check the headphone manual or the official Xiaomi website. For example, older models like the Mi Bluetooth Headset (2017) do not support reset - they can only be reflashed through a PC, which requires special skills.

Important: Some headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pros have a “hidden” reset mode that is activated only through the mobile app. If the standard method did not work, try updating the firmware through Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear.

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Before reset, check the headphones' charge level - if the battery is discharged below 20%, the procedure may end in error.

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Step-by-step: how to reset Xiaomi headphones through the buttons

The most versatile way is to reset hardware with physical buttons or touchpads, and it works on most models, even if the headphones don't connect to the phone. Consider the popular Redmi AirDots 3 and Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.

Step 1. Headphone preparation

Before resetting, make sure that:

• 🔋 Headphones charged (minimum 30%).
• 📴 They are disconnected from all devices (forgotten in Bluetooth settings).
• 🧲 The headphones are next to each other (in pairs).

Step 2: Activation of the discharge regime

For most models, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and hold the touchpad (or button) on both headphones at the same time.
3. After 10-15 seconds, the indicators will flash red and white (or red and blue) – a signal that the reset has begun.
4. Release the buttons and wait until the indicators start flashing white (pairing mode).

Step 3: Reconnect

After reset, the headphones will go back to the factory settings, and now you need to reconnect them:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Find a device called Mi True Wireless or similar.
3. Click "Hide" and confirm the connection.

If the indicators don’t blink or the headphones don’t reset, try an alternative method (see next section).

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Alternative Resetting Methods: Through the App and Android Settings

If the hardware reset didn’t work, try software methods that are suitable for models that support mobile applications (Mi Home, Xiaomi Wear) or integration into the Android system.

Method 1. Reset via the Mi Home app

This method works for Xiaomi AirDots Pro, Buds 3/4 Pro and other models with support for proprietary software.

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open Mi Home, find the headphones in the list of devices and go to their settings.
4. Select Reset settings or Restore factory settings.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the headphones to restart.

Method 2. Reset via Bluetooth settings on Android

Some models (such as Xiaomi Buds 4) support reset directly from the Bluetooth menu:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones in the list and click on the gear (⚙️) near-name.
3. Select Forget the device (this will delete all connection data).
4. Return the headphones to the case, pull them out and hold the touchpad for 15 seconds until the red light flashes.

Method 3: Resetting through ADB (for advanced users)

If the headphones do not respond to any commands and are not determined by the system, you can try resetting through the system. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires command line skills and is only suitable for Qualcomm-based chips.

adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.adapter.action.REQUEST_DISCOVERABLE

But this is a risky way to do it, because if you use it incorrectly, you can damage the firmware on your headphones, and you should go to the service center.

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Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to even bigger problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them.

Mistake 1: Discharge interrupted early

If you release the reset button ahead of time (for example, 5 seconds instead of 10), the headphones can "hang" in an intermediate state.

• Put the headphones in the case for 30 seconds.
• Remove and repeat the procedure by holding the button for at least 15 seconds.

Error 2: Headphones don’t sync after resetting

If only one earpiece is running after reset, the problem is the pair connection is broken.

• Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
• Pull them out and hold the touchpads on both headphones at the same time.
• Wait until the indicators start flashing at the same time.

Error 3: Headphones are not detected by the phone after reset

Sometimes a reset causes the headphones to stop showing up in the Bluetooth list. Causes and solutions:

• 📱 Outdated phone firmware - update Android.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices – disable all other Bluetooth devices.
• 🔋 Low charge headphones – charge them up to 50% and reset again.

⚠️ Attention: If the headphones squeak or flash red for more than 30 seconds after reset, this is a sign of hardware failure.Do not try to repeat the reset repeatedly, this can aggravate the problem.

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What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosis and repair

If none of these methods have brought the headphones back to life, the problem could be more serious than just a firmware failure.

1.Check the charging case

Sometimes the problem is not in the headphones, but in the case:

• 🔌 Connect the case to another cable or charger.
• 🔋 Check if the charge indicator on the case is on.
• 🧲 Try to clean the contacts of the case and headphones with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

2. Update the headphone firmware

Outdated firmware can cause conflicts with newer versions of Android. The update often solves connection issues:

• Install the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app.
• Connect the headphones and check for updates in the About Device section.
• If the update is available, install it and reset again.

3. Check compatibility with the phone

Some Xiaomi models (especially new ones) may not work properly with older Android 8 and lower smartphones.

• 📱 Update your phone to the latest version.
• 🔄 Try connecting the headphones to another device (tablet, laptop).
• 🛠️ Install an alternative Bluetooth stack (e.g. Bluetooth Auto Connect).

4. Contact the service center

If all methods have been tried and the headphones still don’t work, there may have been a hardware failure:

• 🔧 Faulty Bluetooth module.
• 🔋 Damage to the battery or power controller.
• 💧 Getting moisture (even if the headphones have protection) IPX4).

In this case, self-repair is not recommended – contact the official Xiaomi service or an authorized center.

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If the headphones don't respond to reset and don't turn on, don't try to disassemble them yourself - this can lead to a loss of warranty.Most Xiaomi models have a non-shatterable body and repair requires special equipment.

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How to avoid problems with Xiaomi headphones in the future

To avoid having to regularly drop your headphones, follow these recommendations:

1. Proper connection and disconnection

• 🔌 Always turn off your headphones via Bluetooth menu, rather than just turning them off with a button.
• 📱 Do not connect your headphones to multiple devices at the same time (e.g., your phone and laptop).

2. Firmware update

• 🔄 Check for updates in Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app regularly.
• 📡 Update the firmware only with a stable Internet connection and headphone charge >50%.

3. Headphone care

• 💧 Avoid getting moisture, even if the model has protection. IPX4/IPX5.
• 🧹 Clean your headphones and case with a soft brush once a month.
• 🔋 Do not leave the headphones discharged for a long time – this reduces the battery life.

Storage and transportation

• 🧳 Always keep your headphones in a charging case when not using them.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating (do not leave in the sun) and hypothermia (do not wear in the winter in an outer pocket).

Compliance with these rules will prolong the life of your headphones and minimize the risk of failures.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Headphone Reset