Reset Xiaomi Earbuds to factory settings: full instruction with photos and videos

Why Xiaomi Headphones Need a Reset and When It’s Really Needed

Xiaomi Earbuds wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets in the company’s lineup, but even they are not immune to software failures. If your headphones suddenly stop connecting to your phone, give out a synchronization error between the left and right module, or the sound has become intermittent, it’s time to reset, which returns the device to factory settings, removing all stored pairs of connections and temporary data.

It's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea. For example, if the problem is a physical damage to the speaker or a discharged battery, software reboot will not help. However, in 80% of cases, it is the reset that solves the typical problems: from constant connection breaks to incorrect operation of the touch buttons. Next, we will discuss how to perform the procedure for different models, from Redmi AirDots to flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Headphone charge level (minimum 30% for successful reset)
• 📱 Compatibility of your smartphone (Android) 6.0+/iOS 10+)
• 🔄 No active firmware updates in the Mi Home app

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Incorrect preparation can lead to incomplete reset or even damage to the firmware. Follow this checklist to avoid errors:

Remove headphones from the list of conjugated devices in the Bluetooth menu of the smartphone

Charge the case to 100% (the indicator should burn green)

Remove the headphones from the case and place them next to each other (no further than 10 cm from each other).

Close all background applications that use Bluetooth (music players, instant messengers)

Turn it off. VPN Power saving modes on the phone-->

Pay special attention to the item about de-listing devices. Many users miss this step, which causes the headphones to automatically connect to the old profile after reset - and the problem seems unresolved. On Android, the path to delete: Settings → Connected devices → Headphones → Forget. On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth → I icon next to the headphones → Forget this device.

If you use the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app, be sure to untie your headphones in it.

1. Open the app and go to the Profile → My Devices section.
2. Find Xiaomi Earbuds in the list and click on three dots next to each other.
3. Select Remove the device and confirm the action.

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If the headphones don't appear on the list of available Bluetooth devices after reset, try rebooting your smartphone. Sometimes the Bluetooth stack cache requires cleaning.

Resetting through a button on the case: a universal method for all models

Most Xiaomi Earbuds models support hardware reset via a physical button on the charging case, which works even if the headphones don't turn on or respond to touch touch touch.

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds, then open.
2. Press and hold the reset button (usually located on the back of the case next to the indicator). For models without a dedicated button, use the touchpad on the case - touch it 5 times in a row.
3. The indicator on the case will flash red and white (in some models, only white). Hold the button until the blinking is permanent white (usually 10-15 seconds).
4. Release the button. The headphones will automatically turn off and reboot.

The critical nuance is that if the light flashes red for longer than 20 seconds, it's a low charge signal. Connect the case to charge for 10 minutes and repeat the procedure.

Resetting via Mi Home: a software method

If the hardware reset didn’t help or your model supports advanced settings (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), use the proprietary app. This method is more gentle and allows you to save some user profiles.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Open Mi Home (or Xiaomi Wear for new models) and select your headphones from the device list.
3. Go to Settings → Additional → Resetting settings.
4. Confirm the action. The headphones will reset, and the indicator on the case will flash green.

After the software reset, the headphones will automatically shut down, so you can reconnect them.

• 🔄 Open the case cover and hold the pairing button (usually 3 seconds).
• 📱 In the Bluetooth smartphone menu, select Xiaomi Earbuds from the list of available devices.
• ✅ Confirm the pairing. Some models will need to enter PIN-code (default 0000 or 1234).

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Software reset via the application does not always delete all data. If the problem is related to the firmware, use hardware reset (through the button on the case).

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often make mistakes that negate their efforts, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If the headphones are connected only one at a time after reset (for example, only the right one works), this indicates a synchronization gap between the modules. Place both headphones in a case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then remove and hold the touchpads on both headphones at the same time for 10 seconds.

Error 1: Headphones don't appear in Bluetooth list after reset

• 🔌 Check that the case is charged (the indicator should burn when the lid is opened).
• 📵 Reboot the Bluetooth module of the smartphone: turn off / turn on the aircraft mode.
• 🔄 Try connecting from another device (tablet or second phone).

Error 2: The indicator flashes red and does not turn white

This means that the headphones are discharged or there has been a firmware error.

1. Connect the case to charge for 1 hour (even if the indicator is green).
2. Repeat the reset 10 minutes after the start of charging.
3. If the problem persists, update the firmware through Mi Home (Update section).

Error 3: After reset, the sound in one earphone disappeared

The culprit is a stereo pair synchronization failure.

1. Place both headphones in the case.


2. Close the lid and wait 1 minute.




3. Pull out the headphones and hold the touch panels for both 15 seconds.




4. Indicators should flash synchronously (white → red → white).

Reset for specific models: nuances and differences

Despite the general logic, some Xiaomi Earbuds models have unique reset features.

Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)

The most common model with the simplest reset procedure, the main difference is that there are no touch panels on the case, use only the physical button on the back.

• 🔋 Charge the case to 100% (the indicator should burn green, not orange).
• 🔄 Press the reset button 3 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

This model supports dual reset, hardware and software, to clean the firmware completely.

1. Perform a hardware reset (button inside the case).
2. Connect the headphones to Mi Home and select Settings → Restore factory settings.
3. Wait until the end (the indicator flashes blue).

Xiaomi Buds 4/5 Pro

The flagship models with support for LDAC and ANC require an additional step:

• 🎧 After reset, be sure to update the firmware through Xiaomi Wear.
• 🔊 Recalibrate. ANC: Go to Settings. → Noise suppression → Sizing.

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For models with ANC (active noise cancellation) after reset, you may need to reset your sound profile. Go to the app and select Sound → Personalization to restore your preferences.

What to do if the reset did not help: alternative solutions

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

1. Firmware update

Outdated software often becomes a source of glitches.

1. Connect the headphones to the Mi Home.
2. Go to the Device Profile → Software Update.
3. If a new version is available, download and install it (earphones must be charged by 50%+).

Compatibility check

Some Xiaomi Earbuds models don’t work well with iOS or older Android devices. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro requires Android 8.0+ for the ANC to work properly.

3. Diagnostics of hardware problems

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones don't charge in the case after reset, check the contacts for oxidation. wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (do not use metal objects!).

Signs of hardware malfunction:

• 🔴 The indicator on the case does not burn when connected to charging.
• 🎵 The sound is distorted or lost in one headphone (even after resetting).
• 🔋 Headphones discharge in 1-2 hours at full charge.

In such cases, contact the service center. Xiaomi provides a 12-month warranty for headphones (if you have a check).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Earbuds Reset