Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless gadgets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: one earphone stops working, problems connecting to the phone, or the sound begins to break, and 90% of these cases help reset to factory settings, a procedure that returns the device to the original parameters and eliminates software errors.
In this article, we will discuss how to correctly reset on different models of Xiaomi headphones – from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. You will learn in which cases you need to reset, how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the headphones do not respond to standard commands. And for the most difficult situations, we have prepared unique recovery methods that are not in the official instructions.
When do I need to reset Xiaomi headphones?
Factory reset is an extreme measure to resort to only if other methods have not worked, and here are the main signs that your headphones need a "reboot":
- 🔌 Connection problems: Headphones are not on the list of available Bluetooth devices, are permanently disabled or only connected one at a time.
- 🔊 Sound distortions: cracking, noise, playback breaks or different volumes in the left/right earphone.
- 🔋 Incorrect battery operation: one headphone discharges 2 times faster than another, or the charge indicator shows incorrect data.
- 🤖 Failures after firmware update: if the headphones stopped working normally immediately after installing a new version of the software.
- 🔄 Freezing: Headphones do not respond to touch, do not turn on/off or are stuck in pairing mode.
Before you reset your settings, try simpler solutions:
- Reboot the headphones (turn off and turn on again).
- Remove them from the list of connected devices on your phone and reconnect them.
- Check the battery power – sometimes problems are caused by low energy levels.
⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all user settings, including Mi Account binding (if supported), listening history and customized audio settings. After the procedure, the headphones will become "like new" - they will have to be reconnected to all devices.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
To avoid additional problems, follow several mandatory steps before resetting:
- Check the battery power, make sure the headphones are at least left. 30% If the battery is dead, plug them into the charging case. 10-15 minute.
- Disconnect from all devices. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet or laptop and remove the headphones from the list of associated gadgets.
- Check out the instructions for your model. Some headphones (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) have unique button combinations to reset.
- Prepare an alternative sound source. During the procedure, you may need another audio device (e.g., to listen to repair instructions).
If your headphones support Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Wear, check the current firmware version. After the reset, you may need to update the software - you should download it to your phone in advance.
Make sure the headphones are charged|Disconnect from all devices via Bluetooth|Find instructions for your model|Prepare a charging case in case of errors-->
Standard reset for most Xiaomi models
Most Xiaomi headphones (including Redmi AirDots 2/3, Xiaomi Buds 4 and others) are reset in one scheme.
- Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Connect the case to a power source (for example, to charge from the phone).
- Open the case cover and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (or orange and white – depending on the model).
- Close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
- Open the lid – the headphones should automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white).
If there is no button on the case (like the Xiaomi Buds 3T), use the touch panels on the headphones themselves:
- Get the headphones out of the case.
- Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear the reset beep.
- Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
After a successful reset, the headphones will appear on the list of available Bluetooth devices as a new device (usually called Mi True Wireless... or Redmi Buds...).
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If the indicator on the case does not flash after holding the button, try holding it longer — up to 30 seconds.
Reset for specific models: features and nuances
Some Xiaomi headphones have unique reset methods, and in the table below we have collected instructions for popular models:
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1st generation) | Hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red/white. | If the button does not respond, try to reset the headphones separately (hold the sensor on each for 10 seconds). |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | Triple press on the left earphone touchpad for 2 seconds. | You need the latest firmware version. After the reset, you need to update the software through the Xiaomi Wear app. |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 15 seconds. | After reset, the application noise reduction calibration may be required. |
| Redmi Buds 3 Lite | Place in the case, open the lid and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the orange indicator flashes. | If the reset did not work, repeat the procedure with the case connected to the charging. |
| Xiaomi Buds 3T | Four-time press on the touch panel of the right earphone in 2 seconds. | After resetting, the headphones will automatically update the firmware when connected to the Internet. |
Mi Account-enabled models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) may need to re-authorize in the app after resetting. If you forget your account details, restore them in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
What if the model is not listed in the table?
What to do if the reset does not work?
Sometimes Xiaomi headphones don't respond to standard reset commands, and here's what you can do in these cases:
- 🔋 Power problem: Connect the case to another charger (preferably the original one from Xiaomi).Sometimes a faulty cable or power supply prevents you from resetting.
- 📱 Phone conflict: Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list on all devices they've ever connected to. Sometimes a "hung" pair in the phone's memory blocks the reset.
- 🔄 Firmware freeze: If the headphones don't respond at all, try a forced reset - hold the button on the case 40-50 seconds (even if the indicator does not flash).
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction: If none of the methods worked, there may be a problem with the case contacts or the headphone chip.
For models with firmware support via PC (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) you can try to restore the software manually:
- Download the official firmware for your model from en.miui.com/a/458.html.
- Connect the headphones to the PC via Bluetooth (if they are somehow defined).
- Use the Mi Flash Tool or Xiaomi Earphones Updater for forced flashing.
⚠️ Warning: Manual firmware updates can lead to a complete loss of performance of the headphones if you choose the wrong version of the software. Do this only if you are confident in your actions or follow official instructions from Xiaomi.
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If the headphones are not responsive to reset and are not determined by any device, most likely the problem is hardware. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact the authorized Xiaomi service center.
How to avoid problems after resetting?
After a successful reset, Xiaomi headphones will return to factory settings, but this does not guarantee that problems will not recur. To minimize the risks, follow these recommendations:
- 📲 Update your firmware: Check for updates in Xiaomi Wear or Mi Earphones immediately after you connect. New versions often fix bugs in previous releases.
- 🔄 Do not connect to multiple devices at once: Multitasking (like connecting to a phone and laptop) can cause conflicts.
- 🔋 Watch out for charge: Headphones discharged below 10% are more likely to fail.Try to put them in the case after each use.
- 🚫 Avoid “hard” reboots: Don’t turn off your headphones while updating your firmware or syncing with your phone.
If you use active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, you may need to reset this mode after resetting.In the Xiaomi Wear app, check:
- Noise reduction level (usually there are options: weak, medium, strong).
- Transparency mode (for conversations or streets)
- Equalizer settings (if the sound gets worse after resetting).
For touch-controlled models (such as Xiaomi Buds 4) you will have to reset your gestures after reset.
- One touch is playback/pause.
- Double touch is the next track.
- Triple touch is the previous track.
- Retention – the inclusion of a voice assistant or noise cancellation.
Alternative methods of recovery
If a standard reset didn't work and you can't go to a service center, you can try advanced recovery methods, which are suitable for advanced users and require care.
Method 1: Reset via engineering menu (for ADB-enabled models)
Some Xiaomi headphones (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) allow you to reset through a hidden engineering menu.
- Install the ADB Tools (Android Debug Bridge) on PC.
- Connect the headphones to the phone and enable the developer mode in the Android settings.
- Enter in command line: adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.aiasst.virtualassistant/.ui.MainActivity Then: adb shell input text "reset\headset"
This method does not work on all models and may require additional commands.
Method 2: Flashing through Test Point
For fully dead headphones (which don’t turn on or respond to charging), it sometimes helps to activate Test Point, a special contact on the board that puts the device into firmware mode, which requires deconstructing the headphones and is only suitable for advanced users.
Details about Test Point
Method 3: Recovery through the second headphone
If one earphone works and the other doesn’t, you can try syncing them again:
- Put both earbuds in the case.
- Take out the working earphone and hold the touchpad on it for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
- Get the second headphone – it should automatically connect to the first.
- If the synchronization did not occur, repeat the procedure by changing the headphones.
⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the headphones still do not work correctly, do not try to disassemble them yourself without experience. Inside, glue joints and fragile plumes are used, which are easily damaged. In this case, the best option is to contact the Xiaomi service center or a proven master of audio repair.