Reset settings on headphones Xiaomi True Wireless: when you need and how to do it correctly

Xiaomi’s True Wireless headphones (TWS) β€” It's a popular solution for music lovers and active users, but even those that sometimes require a factory reset may be needed when you connect to a new device, after a software failure, or if one of the headphones is no longer synced. Unlike smartphones, where the reset is performed through the menu, the TWS-Headset process depends on the model and version of the firmware.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of resetting for different generations of Xiaomi – from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. You will learn how to distinguish soft reset from a full return to factory settings, which buttons are responsible for what, and what to do if the headphones do not respond to standard combinations.

Why you need to reset settings on Xiaomi TWS

Resetting to factory parameters is a last resort, but in some cases it is necessary.

  • πŸ”„ Connection problems: Headphones are not on the list of available devices or are permanently disabled.
  • 🎧 Headphones out of sync: left/right speaker doesn’t work or plays back latency sound.
  • πŸ”Š Sound failures: cracking, interruptions or lack of sound in one of the headphones.
  • πŸ“± Firmware conflicts: after the update MIUI or change the smartphone headset stopped working correctly.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging problems: the case does not recognize headphones or shows an incorrect charge level.

It's important to understand that resetting removes all the conjugated devices from the memory of the headphones, and after the procedure, you have to reconnect them, like after you buy them, if the problem was a software failure, this will help, if it's a physical failure (for example, a damaged speaker or battery), the reset will not work.

⚠️ Note: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later after reset may require firmware updates through the application Mi Earphones. Without this, some functions (such as noise reduction) may not work properly.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

  1. Check the charge level: Make sure there is enough power in the case and headphones (at least 30%).If the charge is critically low, the procedure may be interrupted.
  2. Disconnect from all devices: Forget headphones in Bluetooth settings on all previously conjugated gadgets (smartphone, laptop, tablet).
  3. Use the original case: Some models (such as the Redmi Buds 4 Active) require the headphones to be in their native case during reset.
  4. Update your firmware (if possible): For models with OTA-enabled updates, check the relevance of the software through Mi Earphones.

If the headphones don’t respond to presses or don’t turn on, try a forced reboot first:

  1. Put both earphones in the case.
  2. Close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
  3. Open the case and remove the headphones – they should automatically turn on.

If that doesn’t work, move on to a full reset.

πŸ“Š What model Xiaomi TWS You're using it?
Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Series
Redmi Buds 4 Pro/Active
Another model
I don't know.

Reset settings on different models Xiaomi TWS

The reset procedure varies depending on the generation and the series of headphones, and below are the current instructions for the most common models.

1. Redmi AirDots (1, 2, 3 generation) and Xiaomi AirDots

These are the simplest models without touch control, and you can reset them with a physical button on your case or headphones.

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually side or back) for 15-20 seconds.
  3. The indicator on the case will flash red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
  4. Open the lid and take out the headphones - they should go into pairing mode (blinking white light).

If there is no button on the case, use the button on the headphones themselves:

Hold the button on the left and right earphones for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the indicators start flashing red/white.

2. Xiaomi Buds 3/3T/3 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Pro

In these models, the reset is performed through sensory control:

  1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the lid and quickly touch the touchpad on both headphones three times at the same time.
  3. Hold your fingers on the panel for 10-12 seconds until the indicators start flashing alternately red and white.
  4. After resetting, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode.

For Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, a firmware update may be required after a reset via the Mi Earphones app, otherwise ANC and transparent mode features will not be available.

3. Xiaomi Buds 4/4 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Active/Lite

In these models, the procedure is simplified:

  1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
  2. Open the lid and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 15 seconds.
  3. The indicators will start flashing purple (Buds 4 Pro) or red/white (Redmi Buds 4).
  4. After resetting, the headphones will be ready for a new pairing.

If the indicators do not flash, try to repeat the procedure, having previously completely discharged and charged the headphones.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before resetting Xiaomi TWS

Done: 0 / 5

4. Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and other noise-canceling models

For ANC headsets (like FlipBuds Pro or Buds 3 Pro), resetting may require additional steps:

  1. Activate ANC mode (if the headphones are turned on).
  2. Put them in the case and close the lid.
  3. Hold the touchpad on both headphones for 20 seconds until you hear the beep.
  4. After reset, wait for the automatic firmware update (if available).
ModelResetting methodIndication of successNotes
Redmi AirDots 1/2/3The button on the case (15-20 seconds)Red + white lightIf there is no button, hold the buttons on the headphones.
Xiaomi Buds 3/3 Pro3 touches + sensor retention (10 seconds)Red/white flashingRequires firmware update after reset
Redmi Buds 4 ActiveSensor retention (15 seconds)Purple lightIt only works with the original case.
Xiaomi FlipBuds ProSensor retention (20 seconds) in ANC modeSound signalAfter reset, check the firmware

What to do if the reset does not work

If the headphones are not reset according to standard instructions, try the following methods:

  • πŸ”‹ Full discharge: Discharge the headphones to 0% and charge to 100%, then reset again.
  • πŸ”„ Change of order: Some models require first to hold the sensor, and then put in the case (and not vice versa).
  • πŸ“± Use of the app: Mi Earphones (for Android) or Mi Home (for iOS) may have a reset option in the settings menu.
  • πŸ”Œ Reset via charging: Connect the case to charging and hold the reset button - sometimes it works.

If Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or newer headphones do not connect to the iPhone after reset, try pairing them with an Android device first and updating the firmware. Only after that they will work correctly with iOS.

⚠️ Note: Redmi AirDots 2 headphones with firmware below 1.4.0.8 may not be reset via the button on the case. In this case, use the buttons on the headphones themselves (hold both at the same time for 20 seconds).

Why don't the headphones drop?
The causes can range from mechanical damage to the button/sensor to software failure of the Bluetooth controller. In 10% of cases, the problem is solved only by flashing through the service center.

How to connect headphones after resetting

After a successful reset, the headphones return to the factory settings and are ready for a new pairing.

Android.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Activate Bluetooth and wait for Xiaomi Buds to appear on the list.
  3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.
  4. When you first connect, you may need to install the Mi Earphones app to customize gestures and ANC.

On iOS (iPhone/iPad)

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (blinking white light).
  3. Select Xiaomi Buds from the list and wait for the connection to complete.
  4. For models with ANC (e.g. Buds 3 Pro), you may need to manually adjust the noise reduction to the Control Point.

If the headphones do not appear in the list of devices:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on the module).
  • πŸ“± Try connecting the headphones to another device (like a tablet) and then go back to the main gadget.
  • πŸ”‹ Make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator on the case should be green or white).

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are connected after reset, but the sound is interrupted, try disabling the AAC codec in the Bluetooth settings (on Android) and switching to SBC. This often solves the problems with stuttering the sound.

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes that make the reset fail, and the most common ones are:

  • ⏱️ Insufficient retention time: Hold the button/sensor for at least 15 seconds (up to 20 for some models.
  • πŸ”‹ Low charge: If the indicator on the case burns red, charge the headphones first.Reset at low charge can cause firmware damage.
  • πŸ“± Not disconnected from other devices: Before reset, forget the headphones in all previously mated gadgets, otherwise they can automatically connect back.
  • 🎧 Use of non-original case: Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4) recognize only the native case.
  • πŸ”„ Wrong sequence: First put your headphones in the case, then hold the button - not vice versa.

Another common problem is that the headphones are reset, but they don't plug in.

  1. Check if the power saving mode is on on the smartphone (it can block Bluetooth-patch).
  2. Update the headphone firmware through Mi Earphones.
  3. Try connecting them to another device to rule out a smartphone problem.

πŸ’‘

If one of the headphones is not working after reset, check if the contacts in the case are dirty.

When Resetting Doesn't Help: Alternative Solutions

If after several attempts to reset the headphones still do not work, the problem may be hardware.

  • πŸ”§ Firmware Update: For models with support OTA (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Buds 4 Pro – check the relevance of the software through Mi Earphones.
  • πŸ› οΈ Contact cleaning: Oxidation or dirt on case/earphone contacts can cause charging and synchronization problems.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery replacement: If the headphones discharge quickly or do not hold the charge, a battery replacement may be required (at the service center).
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Smartphone reset: Rarely, the problem lies in the phone's Bluetooth module.Resetting network settings can help.

If the headphones are physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), resetting them will not bring them back to life. In this case, contact Xiaomi's service center or consider replacing them. Most TWS models are guaranteed 12 months from the date of purchase.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the case or headphones yourself, this will lead to a loss of warranty. Inside, glue joints and miniature plumes are used, which are easily damaged.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi TWS reset

Can I just drop one headphone if the other one is working properly?
No, the reset is always done for both headphones at the same time. If there's only one problem, try rebooting it first (put it in the case for 10 seconds and pull it out). If that doesn't work, you'll have to reset the pair completely.
Once reset, the headphones don't connect to the iPhone. What do you do?
Some Xiaomi models are optimized for Android and may have problems with iOS. Try: First connect the headphones to the Android device and update the firmware. In Bluetooth settings on the iPhone, forget the device and repeat pairing. Disable Auto Switch in AirPods settings (it may interfere with the connection).
How to find out the firmware version on Xiaomi headphones?
For models that support Mi Earphones: Connect your headphones to your smartphone. Open the app and go to Settings β†’ About Headphones. The firmware version will be listed in the Device Information section. For budget models (e.g. Redmi AirDots), the firmware version will not show up.
The reset was successful, but the sound became quieter.
Yes, after reset, some models reset the equalizer settings to factory settings. Return the previous settings in the Mi Earphones app (Section Sound). Also check if Safe Sound is activated in the smartphone settings (Limits Volume).
Can I drop my headphones without a case?
For most models, the case is mandatory, as the reset is initiated through its controller. Except for Redmi AirDots 1/2, where you can hold the buttons on the headphones themselves. If the case is lost, contact the service center for flashing.