Resetting Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones are some of the most popular wireless accessories, thanks to a 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 there are problems with synchronization between the left and right module, in 90% of these cases, a complete reset to factory settings, a procedure that returns the device to its original state, as after purchase.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all models, from the budget Redmi Buds to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, and also analyze the hidden nuances of reset that are not written in the official manuals. For example, why after a reset, headphones may not appear in the list of available devices and how to fix it in 30 seconds. If you encounter one of these problems, read on!

When you need to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

Reset is not a universal solution, but it is effective in most typical situations, and here are the key signs that your headphones need a “hard reboot”:

• 🔌 Do not connect to the phone – the device is visible in the Bluetooth list, but the connection is constantly broken or requires input PIN-code (although it was previously automatically connected).
• 🎧 One headphone does not work – the left or right module does not make sound, flashes red or does not turn on at all.
• 🔄 Synchronization problems – headphones are connected separately, but do not work in stereo mode (sound comes from only one of them).
• 🔊 Sound distortion – cracking, stuttering, or interrupting playback, even if the source (phone/PC) is operating stably.
• 📱 Firmware conflicts - after updating MIUI or changing smartphones headphones behave inadequately (for example, spontaneously turn off).

Resetting is also recommended before selling or transferring the headphones to another user, which will remove all the binding to your devices and clear the memory of the associated gadgets, but remember: after the procedure, you will have to reconfigure the gestures, equal the volume and connect the headphones to each device.

⚠️ Attention: If the headphones are physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), the reset is unlikely to help.In this case, check the integrity of the case and contacts of the charging case - repair may be required.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid the typical mistakes:

1. Charge your headphones and case. Make sure both earphones have a charge level of at least 30% (the indicators should be white or green). If the battery is discharged, the reset may stop and the headphones will stop turning on.
2. Turn off all devices. Go to your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, PC or tablet and forget your headphones. This will prevent you from automatically connecting during the reset.
3. Check the case. Make sure the contacts on the case and headphones are clean (no oxidation or dirt).
4. Prepare an alternative sound source. After resetting, the headphones will have to be reconnected, during which time you will need another device (for example, wired headphones).

If you use headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC), For example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Redmi Buds 4 Active, before reset, disable this feature in the Mi Earphones app (if installed). ANC can block the discharge process.

A universal reset method for all Xiaomi models

Most Xiaomi headphones (including the Mi Buds series, Redmi Buds, Haylou and others) support the standard reset procedure through a button on the case.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to a power source (for example, to charge from the phone). Importantly, the case must be connected to the socket or powerbank, otherwise the reset will not start.
3. Press and hold the reset button (usually located on the back of the case) for 10-15 seconds.
4. The indicator on the case will flash red and white (or red and blue in some models).
5. Wait until the indicator lights up in permanent white (about 30 seconds) and this is a signal of a successful reset.

The headphones will then automatically reboot. Take them out of the case, they must be in pairing mode (blitzing white/blue light) and can now be connected to the phone as new.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi AirDots (first generation) models may not have a reset button. In this case, use the software reset via the Mi Earphones app (section described below).

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If the reset button doesn’t respond, try using a needle or paper clip – sometimes the contacts are contaminated and don’t work with a light press.

Reset via Mi Earphones app (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Redmi AirDots 3) support software reset via a proprietary app, which is more convenient if the physical button on the case is missing or not working.

Here's how to do it:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphone model in the list.
4. Go to Settings → Resetting (or Additional → Restore Factory Settings).
5. Confirm the action. The headphones will reset, and the indicator will start flashing white/blue.

If the app doesn't have a reset option, try updating the headphone firmware (Update section), which sometimes solves connection problems without completely resetting.

Special cases: resetting headphones without a button and cover

If you lose your case or the reset button is broken, there are alternative ways to bring your headphones back to life. TWS-Xiaomi headphones, but require care.

Method 1: Reset by holding touch buttons

Many models (such as the Redmi Buds 3 Lite or Mi Buds Basic 2) support reset by holding touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press the touch panels on both headphones for 10-15 seconds.
3. The indicators will flash red, then white. Release the buttons.
4. Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.

Method 2: Discharge until completely switched off

This method works if the headphones do not respond to any commands:

1. Use your headphones until they are completely discharged (until they turn off).
2. Put them in a case and wait 24 hours (this will reset the temporary data in memory).
3. Connect the case to the charge and wait for the full charge.
4. Get the headphones out - they should reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: This method may not work for models with non-volatile memory (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.

What to do after resetting: setting up and connecting

After a successful reset, Xiaomi headphones will return to the “out of the box” state.

1. Connect to your phone: Open Settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone. Pull out the headphones from your case — they should appear on the list as Mi True Wireless... or Redmi Buds... Click on the headphone name to pair.

Set up your gestures (if supported):

• 👆 Double touch - playback / pause.
• 👇 Triple touch - the next track.
• 👈 Retention - Calling the voice assistant.
• Update your firmware: Go to Settings → Update the software in the Mi Earphones app and install the latest version (this will fix possible bugs).

If the headphones don't appear in the Bluetooth list after resetting:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Try connecting from another device (such as a tablet or PC).
• 🔋 Check the headphones’ charge – if the battery is under 10%, they may not broadcast the signal.

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After reset, Xiaomi headphones lose all previous settings, including binding to devices, and they will have to be reconnected on each gadget (smartphone, laptop, Smart TV, etc.).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after the proper reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If neither of these methods worked, check the headphones on another device (like a PC or a Bluetooth TV). If the problem persists, it's likely a hardware defect and needs repair.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions