Reset wireless headphones Xiaomi: 3 ways to return factory settings

Why Xiaomi Headphones Need a Reset and When Needed

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to the price-performance ratio, but even they are not immune to software failures: sudden shutdowns, phone connection problems, distorted sound or inability to sync between the left and right earphones, which is solved by a factory reset in 80% of cases.

The reset procedure removes all the saved settings: a list of conjugated devices, personalized uniform settings (EQ), firmware updates (if not sewn into hardware memory), this will not hurt the headphones, but will return them to the state of “out of the box.” Importantly, after reset, Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 and newer models will automatically update the firmware on the first connection to a smartphone with the Mi Home application.

When exactly you need a reset:

• 🔄 Headphones do not connect to the phone, although previously worked stably.
• 🎧 One of the headphones (left or right) does not make a sound or is constantly switched off.
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted, interference or distortion is heard.
• 📱 Mi Home app doesn't detect headphones for settings.
• 🔋 After updating the firmware, glitches appeared (for example, headphones discharge in 2 hours).

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset your settings, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

1. Check the battery. Make sure that the case has at least 30% charge. If the headphones run out during reset, the procedure may not work properly and you will have to repeat it again.
2. Disconnect from all devices. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, tablet or laptop and “forget” the headphones (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Remove the device).
3. Reset is only done when both earbuds are active (indicator on fire).
4. Prepare the Mi Home app (if you plan to reset through it) and upgrade to the latest version on Google Play or the App Store.

If you use Xiaomi headphones with custom firmware (for example, modified through ADB or third-party utilities), the reset may return the original version of the software.

💡

If the headphones don't respond to button presses, try clearing the contacts on the case and headphones with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Often, the oxidation of the contacts blocks the correct operation of the sensors.

Method 1: Hardware reset via buttons (for all models)

It is a versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi models, including AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds and Redmi Buds. The main advantage is that you do not need a smartphone or app.

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait until they turn on (the indicator will light up).
3. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
4. The indicators will flash red and white (or blue and red on older models) – this is a signal of the beginning of reset.
5. Release the buttons and wait until the headphones reboot (the indicators will go out and light up again).

After a successful reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white), and now they can be connected to the phone as new.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later, button reset may not work the first time.If the indicators don't flash red, repeat the procedure by holding the buttons for 20 seconds.

Method 2: Reset via Mi Home (for supported models)

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro or Buds 4) support reset directly from the official app, which is more convenient because it doesn’t require button manipulation.

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile → My Devices section.
2. Find your headphones in the list and tap them.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select the device settings.
4. Scroll down and find Reset (or Restore Factory Settings).
5. Confirm the action – the headphones will reboot and will be ready for a new pairing.

If there is no reset point in the application, then your model does not support it - use the hardware method (described above).

Method 3: Reset via the Redmi Audio app (for the Redmi line)

Headphones of the Redmi Buds series (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Active or Redmi Buds 3 Pro) are controlled through a separate application - Redmi Audio.

1. Install Redmi Audio from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphones at the top of the screen.
4. Go to Settings → Reset settings.
5. Confirm the action - the headphones will reboot.

If the app doesn't offer a reset option, use the hardware method (button retention). On Redmi Buds 3 Lite models, resetting through buttons may require holding for 25 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: After being reset via Redmi Audio, the headphones may temporarily disappear from the list of devices in the app. To make them appear again, close and reopen Redmi Audio, then connect to them via the standard Bluetooth menu.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🔴 Indicators do not flash red when holding buttons → Check that both earbuds are out of the case and they're on. Repeat the hold for 20 to 25 seconds.
• 🔄 Headphones dropped, but do not connect to the phone → Remove them from the list of connected devices on your phone and try to connect again.
• 📱 Mi Home doesn't see headphones after reset → Restart the application, turn it on. GPS Or try another smartphone.
• 🎵 Sound missing after reset → Check the sound settings on your phone (it's possible the headphones are connected as a call device, not a multimedia device).
• 🔋 Headphones discharge quickly after resetting → Update your firmware with Mi Home or Redmi Audio.

If none of the methods worked, the problem may be a hardware malfunction (e.g., a dead case battery or a damaged Bluetooth module).

💡

If the headphones are unstable after reset (self-disconnect, do not sync), try updating the firmware through the official application. This will solve the problem in 95% of cases.

What to do after resetting: setup and optimization

After a successful reset, the headphones are ready for a new connection.

1. Update your firmware (if available). Open Mi Home or Redmi Audio and check for updates in the Device Settings section.
2. Set up touch control. In the application, you can reassign tap actions (for example, turn on the voice assistant or switch tracks).
3. Activate Game Mode (if you have one) which reduces the latency of sound, which is useful for gaming and watching videos.
4. Check uniform settings (EQ). The application has preset sound profiles (e.g. Bass, Voice, Balanced).

For models with ANC (active noise cancellation), such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, after reset, the microphones may need to be recalibrated.

1. Open Mi Home and select the headphones.
2. Go to the ANC Settings.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually put on headphones and stay in a quiet room).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions