How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: all ways

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular solution for music lovers and active users, but even they sometimes require a complete reset. You may have encountered connection problems, distorted sound or the device simply stopped responding to commands. In such cases, hard reset helps to return the gadget to a factory state, eliminating software failures.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of reset for different models, from Mi True Wireless Earbuds to Redmi Buds 4 Pro. You will learn how to perform the procedure correctly without the risk of damaging the device, what errors users most often make, and what to do if the reset did not help.

Why you need to reset settings on Xiaomi headphones

Factory reset is not just a "reboot" procedure, but it completely clears the memory of the device by removing:

• 🔹 data on pairing with other devices (phone, laptop, tablet);
• 🔹 Custom audio settings (equalizer, noise reduction mode);
• 🔹 Firmware update history (if manually installed);
• 🔹 temporary files that could cause failures.

When might that be useful?

• 🔊 Xiaomi headphones don’t connect to your phone or are permanently switched off.
• 🎧 The sound is interrupted, interference is heard, or one earphone is quieter than the other.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged quickly (even after full charge).
• 📱 Mi Earphones app does not recognize the device.

It's important to understand that resets don't fix hardware breakdowns -- if the speaker fails or the board is damaged, repairs are needed, but 80 percent of the time, the problems are software-based, and you can fix them yourself.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start the procedure, follow a few simple steps to avoid unpleasant surprises:

1. Check the battery. Make sure the headphones are at least 30 percent charged. If the battery runs out during reset, the device may freeze in recovery mode and need to be contacted by a service center.
2. Disconnect from all devices. Remove the headphones from the list of conjugate gadgets in the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet or PC.
3. For some models (for example, Mi AirDots Pro), the reset is performed only when the headphones are placed in the charger case.

Headphone charge >30%|Disconnected from all Bluetooth devices|Headphones are in the case (if required)|Closed all applications using headphones-->

If you use an active noise cancelling (ANC) headphone, such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, turn off this feature in the Mi Earphones app before reset. In rare cases, an ANC enabled can interfere with the correct execution of the procedure.

⚠️ Note: Do not remove headphones from the case during reset unless the instruction requires it. For models with Hall sensors (such as Redmi Buds 3 Lite), this may interrupt the process.

Ways to reset settings for different Xiaomi models

There is no universal reset method for all Xiaomi headphones – the procedure depends on the model and generation of the device. Below we have collected the current instructions for the most popular lines. If your model is not on the list, try methods for a similar series (for example, Mi Buds 4 will fit the instruction for Mi Buds 3 Pro).

1. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds (all generations)

Classic Mi True Wireless Earbuds (including Basic, 2, 2S versions) are reset via a combination of buttons on the body:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Release the button, reset complete. The indicator will light up white (pairing ready).

2. Xiaomi Redmi Buds (3/3 Lite/3 Pro/4 Pro)

For the Redmi Buds line, the procedure is different:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicators will flash red, then white – this is a signal of a successful reset.

💡

If the indicators don't flash, try repeating the procedure by pre-cleaning the headphones and case contacts with a dry wipe.

3. Xiaomi Buds 3/3 Pro/4

Flagship models with ANC support require a different approach:

1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the power source (charging or Power Bank).
3. Press the button on the case 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second. After the fifth press, hold it for 10 seconds.
4. The indicator on the case will flash red, then green - the reset is done.

4. Xiaomi AirDots (all versions)

For AirDots and AirDots Pro, a simplified scheme operates:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 8 seconds.
3. Wait for the double beep and the indicator flashing in red and white.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi headphones with firmware older than 2021 may require you to connect to the Mi Earphones app for a full reset.If the standard method didn't work, update the firmware through official software.

What to do if the reset does not help

In rare cases, even after resetting, problems persist. Here's an algorithm for doing this.

1. Check compatibility. Make sure your phone supports Bluetooth 5.0+ (for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later) and older smartphones may experience conflicts with the LC3 codec.
2. Update your firmware. Run the Mi Earphones app and check for updates. For some models (like Redmi Buds 4 Active), resets only work correctly after you install the latest version of the software.
3. Reset Bluetooth settings on your phone. Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Network Settings Reset (Android) or Settings → Bluetooth → Forget this device (iOS).

If the headphones are still not working:

• 🔌 Try connecting them to another device (tablet, laptop).
• 🔊 Check the sound through the test mode: in the Mi Earphones app, select Diagnostics → Dynamics test.
• 📦 Make sure the case is charged – some models (Mi Buds 4) block the reset when the case is low.

If all attempts failed, the problem may be the hardware, in which case, contact the authorized Xiaomi service center with a check for the purchase (the warranty for headphones is usually 12 months).

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes that make the reset incorrectly or not work at all, and the most common ones are:

• ❌ For example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 requires holding the case button for 15 seconds, not 5-10.
• ❌ Using a non-original charging cable: Some cases (especially Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) require stable power to reset. Cheap cables may not provide the right current.
• ❌ Resetting just one earpiece. If you only reset your left or right earpiece, the synchronization between the two may be disrupted. Always do the procedure for both devices.
• ❌ Ignoring audio signals: Many AirDots Pros provide voice or sound cues (such as double squeaks) that, if ignored, may not be correct.

Another common mistake is trying to reset your headphones that are connected to your phone, always disconnect them from your devices before the procedure, otherwise Bluetooth may block the change of settings.

💡

If the headphones don't connect to the phone after reset, try restarting the smartphone. Sometimes the Bluetooth module "hangs" and requires restarting.

How to Restore Headphones After Resetting

After a successful reset, Xiaomi headphones return to factory settings, which means you have to reset:

1. Hide them with your phone. Open the case cover, press and hold the button on the case (or the sensor on the headphones) until a device called Mi True Wireless... or Redmi Buds appears on the Bluetooth list.
2. Customize sound. In the Mi Earphones app, select your preferred equalizer, noise reduction mode (ANC), and sensor sensitivity.
3. Update the firmware. After the reset, it is recommended to check for software updates, as the factory version may be outdated.

For models with support for Google Fast Pair (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4), the pairing process is simplified:

1. Open the case cover next to your Android phone.
2. On the screen will appear notification New headphones detected – click Connect.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If you use an iPhone, you’ll have to manually connect via Settings → Bluetooth. Note that on iOS, some features (such as customizing sensors) may not be available.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions