Resetting Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the headphones stop connecting to the phone, one of them does not work, the sound is interrupted or artifacts appear, 90% of which are helped by factory resets, a procedure that returns the device to its original state, as after purchase.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all current Xiaomi models (including Redmi Buds, Airdots, FlipBuds, etc.), learn how to avoid typical reset errors, and what to do if the headphones do not respond to standard methods, and we will also analyze when a reset is really necessary, and when the problem can be solved more easily – for example, by rebooting or updating the firmware.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi headphones?

Resetting your headphones is not the first time you fail, but only in certain situations, and here are the key signs that the device needs a “hard reboot”:

• 🔌 Headphones do not connect to the phone, although previously worked stably (even after removal from the list of conjugated devices).
• 🎧 One of the headphones (left or right) does not make sound, despite charging and correctly connecting.
• 🔄 Constant communication interruptions while listening to music or talking.
• 🔊 Distorted sound, crackling or echo that does not disappear after cleaning the speakers.
• 📱 Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app doesn’t recognize headphones.

If you're facing one of these problems, resetting is a reasonable step, but before you start, check:

• ⚡ Headphone charge level (minimum threshold for resetting is 30%).
• 📲 Compatibility of your smartphone with headphones (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro require Android 6.0)+ iOS 10+).
• 🔄 Availability of firmware updates in the official application Xiaomi Earbuds.

It is important to understand that reset removes all user settings, including:

• 🎵 Equalizer profiles.
• 🔇 Settings of noise-maker.
• 📶 Priority of connection to devices.
• ⚙️ Customization of sensory gestures.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones were connected to several devices (for example, a smartphone and a laptop), after resetting them will have to pair again on each of them.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

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

1. Remove the headphones from the list of conjugate devices on all the gadgets they've been connected to, and this will prevent conflicts when you reconnect. → Bluetooth → ⚙️ headphone-name → Delete. In iOS: Settings → Bluetooth → i near the device → Forget this device.
2. Charge the headphones to a level of at least 30%. Reset at low charge can cause firmware failure.
3. Prepare an official app (Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Home) – it will be necessary for some models.
4. Check the physical condition: clean the contacts of the charging case and the speaker from dust with a cotton swab.

If the headphones do not respond to button presses or do not charge, try the following manipulations:

• 🔋 Place the headphones in the case for 10-15 minutes, then remove and try to turn on.
• 🔌 Connect the case to another charger (use the original cable) USB-C Micro-USB, depending on the model).
• 🔄 Reboot the smartphone to which the headphones are connected.

If the headphones are still not working after this, move on to reset. In most cases, this solves the problem, but if the reset did not help, it may be a hardware malfunction (for example, a damaged battery or Bluetooth module).

Method 1: Reset through buttons on headphones (universal method)

This method works for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Buds 3/4 Lite, Xiaomi Buds 3/4, FlipBuds Pro and others. The instructions may vary slightly depending on the design of the headphones, but the general principle is the same.

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 5-10 seconds, then remove them.
3. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds (for models with physical buttons, press both buttons).
4. The headphones will flash red and white (or red and blue depending on the model), signaling the start of reset.
5. Release the buttons and wait until the indicators start flashing white/blue (pairing mode).

After that, the headphones will be reset to the factory settings, and now they can be connected to the phone as a new device.

⚠️ Warning: If the lights don't flash after holding the buttons or are constantly on red, it could mean battery drain or hardware malfunction. Try charging the headphones in the case 30+ minutes and try again.

💡

If the headphones don’t respond to touch touch, try not pressing the center of the panel, but closer to the edge – sometimes the sensors are unevenly located.

Method 2: Reset via official appendix (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro) support reset directly through the company’s app, which is more convenient because it does not require manipulation of buttons, but only works if the headphones are at least briefly connected to the phone.

Instructions for the Xiaomi Earbuds application:

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Open the Xiaomi Earbuds app (you can download it from Google Play or the App Store).
3. Go to the Device Settings section (or About in English).
4. Select the Reset option.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (earphones will automatically turn off).

For the Mi Home app (relevant to older models):

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Mi Home, find your headphones in the list of devices.
3. Go to Settings → Additional → Reset.
4. Confirm the reset and wait for the headphones to reset.

If the app doesn't see headphones, try:

• 📱 Reinstall the application.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📋 Remove headphones from the Bluetooth list and reconnect.

Method 3: Reset via charging case (for new models)

Some modern Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4) support resetting through a combination of actions with a charging case. This method is useful if the headphones do not respond to button presses.

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the power source (charging).
3. Open the case cover and press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 10-15 seconds.
4. Indicators on the case and headphones will start flashing red and white - this is a reset signal.
5. Release the button and wait until the indicators light up white (pairing mode).

If there is no button on the case, try an alternative method:

• 🔌 Connect the case to the charging.
• 📱 Remove the headphones from the case and immediately place back 5 times in a row (with an interval of 1-2 seconds).
• 🔄 After the fifth time, close the lid and wait 30 seconds – the headphones should reset.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all models. If the headphones do not reset after the manipulation of the case, use the button method (described above) or contact the service center.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users have trouble resetting Xiaomi headphones, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

A few other key points that will help you avoid mistakes:

• 🔋 Do not interrupt the reset process – if you release the buttons ahead of time, the headphones may freeze.
• 📱 Use the original charging cable – poor quality cables may not provide enough current to reset.
• 🔄 Check the firmware version – if the headphones have not been updated for a long time, the reset may not work correctly (update the firmware through the Xiaomi Earbuds app).

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If the headphones continue to function unstable after reset, check them on another device (such as a tablet or a second smartphone).

What if the reset didn't help?

If Xiaomi headphones still don’t work properly after reset, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Discharged battery – try charging the headphones in a case for 1-2 hours, then repeat the reset.
• 📱 Bluetooth problems on your smartphone – check the work of the headphones with another device.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware - update the software through the official application.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction – damage to the speaker, battery or Bluetooth module.

Diagnostic activities:

1. Check the headphones on another device (for example, on your iPhone if you have Android, or vice versa).
2. Update the firmware through the Xiaomi Earbuds app (if the headphones are connected at least somehow).
3. Do a smartphone reset (only if the problem is exactly on the phone side).
4. Contact the service center if all previous steps have not helped.

If the headphones after reset stopped turning on at all (the indicators do not burn, do not respond to charging), this may indicate:

• 🔌 The problem with case contacts - try to clean them with alcohol.
• 🔋 Power Controller Failure – Requires Repair.
• 💧 Moisture intake – if the headphones are not waterproof (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Lite are classed IPX4, But it doesn't save you from being completely submerged in water).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi headphones