How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to their combination of price, 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 there are problems with touch control. 90% of these cases help reset to factory settings, a procedure that returns the device to its original state, removing all user settings and pairs.

In this article, you will find the current 2026 reset methods for all Xiaomi headphones, including Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Redmi Buds, Xiaomi Buds and other models. We will analyze both software methods (via the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Earbuds) and hardware (using buttons on the case of the charging case), pay special attention to the typical errors that users make when resetting, and give recommendations for restoring the headphones after the procedure.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi headphones?

Resetting your headphones to factory settings should not be done at the first time, but only when other methods have failed. Here are the key symptoms that indicate the need to reset:

• 🔌 Headphones do not connect to a phone or PC, although previously worked stably.
• 🎧 One of the headphones (left or right) does not make a sound or connects separately.
• 🔄 Permanent Bluetooth connection breaks, even at a short distance from the device.
• 🔊 Distorted sound, crackling or echo not associated with the audio source.
• 📱 Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app doesn’t recognize headphones.
• 🔋 Quick discharge of the battery case or headphones for no apparent reason.

It is important to distinguish between software failures and hardware breakdowns, for example, if the headphones are not turned on at all (no LED indication) or physically damaged (cracks, moisture), reset will not help - you will need repair or replacement.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all paired devices from the headphone memory, and after the procedure, they will have to be reconnected to all gadgets (smartphone, laptop, tablet).

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

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

1. Check the battery. Make sure the charge case and the headphones are at least 30 percent charged. Resetting at low charge can cause the settings to be incompletely zeroed.
2. Turn off the headphones from all devices. Go to your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, find your Xiaomi headphones, and select Forget the Device (or Disable).
3. Remove the headphones from the Mi Home app. Open the app, find your headphones in the device list, and remove them (usually the option is hidden under "..." or "Settings").
4. Prepare instructions for your model. Reset methods may vary depending on the series. For example, for Redmi Buds 3 and Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, different button combinations are used.

If you are resetting your headphones due to sound problems, check before the procedure:

• 📱 Settings of sound uniformity (left/right headphone balance) in the Bluetooth phone settings.
• 🔊 Sound mode in the Xiaomi Earbuds app (possibly activated Game mode or «ANC», faulty).
• 🎵 Audio source: Try playing audio from another device (e.g., a PC instead of a smartphone).

Charge case and headphones | Disconnect from all Bluetooth devices |Remove from the Mi Home/Xiaomi Earbuds |Find instructions for your model | Check the sound balance in the settings-->

Method 1: Reset via a button on the charging case (for most models)

This is the most versatile method that works for most Xiaomi wireless headphones, including:

• 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2
• 🎧 Redmi Buds 3/4/4 Pro/5
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3/3T Pro/4
• 🎧 Haylou GT1/GT2/GT6 (Xiaomi brand partner)

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to a power source (charging or Power Bank). This is mandatory for some models, such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro.
3. Find the reset button on the case. It's usually located: 🔘 The back of the case (for Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic) 2). 🔘 Under the lid, next to the connector. USB-C (For Redmi Buds 3/4). 🔘 Inside, under a rubber plug (for Xiaomi Buds) 3 Pro).

10-15 seconds

red-and-white

twice

After 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.

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator does not flash after holding the button or burns red for more than 20 seconds, the case is discharged. Connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes and try again.

💡

If the reset button doesn't press (stuck or drowned), try using a toothpick or a paper clip. On some models (Xiaomi Buds 4), the button is hidden under a thin film - gently tuck it with your nail.

Method 2: Reset through touch panels on headphones (for new models)

Xiaomi’s latest generation headphones (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5) often lack the physical reset button on the case. Instead, it uses a combination of touch panels on the headphones themselves, a method that is more complex but equally effective.

Instructions for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and similar models:

1. At the same time, touch the touch panels on both headphones and hold for 10 seconds.

For Redmi Buds 5, the procedure is slightly different:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2. Touch the touch panel on the RIGHT headphone 5 times in a row.




3. Touch the touch panel on the left earphone 3 times.




4. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.




5. The indicator shall flash green - reset is completed.

If the touch panels are not responsive, check:

• 🔋 Headphones charge level (they should be charged at least 20 times%).
• 🧹 Clean touch panels (dust or fat can block touches).
• 🔄 Try repeating the combination by holding the headphones in your hands (sometimes the case interferes with the sensors’ operation).

Method 3: Reset via Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds

For some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Mi AirDots Pro 2), the reset can be done software-based through the official application, which is safer because it eliminates the risk of mechanical damage to buttons or sensors.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Earbuds (for newer ones) from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and find your headphones in the list of devices.
4. Go to Device Settings → Further → Reset (the path may vary depending on the version of the application).
5. Confirm the action. The headphones will reboot and return to factory settings.

If the app does not have a reset option, try:

• 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones (section Update software).
• 📱 Reinstall the application (sometimes interface glitches hide the desired options).
• 🌐 Change the region in the app settings to China (sometimes this opens up additional features).

⚠️ Warning: After resetting through the app, the headphones may temporarily disappear from the list of Bluetooth devices. Wait 1-2 minutes and do the search again.

💡

Resetting via the app is the safest method, but it doesn’t work for all models. If there’s no reset option on the menu, use hardware methods (case button or sensors).

Method 4: Reset via DFU modes (for advanced users)

If standard methods didn't work, and Xiaomi's headphones still don't work properly, you can try DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode, which is a low-level firmware mode that allows you to reset your firmware-level settings. Note: this method is only suitable for power users and can lead to complete failure of the device in case of errors.

Instructions for entering the DFU:

1. Keep your headphones completely depleted (wait until they are turned off).
2. Place them in the case and connect the case to the charging.
3. After 5 seconds after starting charging, press and hold the reset button on the case for 20 seconds.
4. The indicator should light up in yellow or orange, which is a sign of the DFU regime.
5. Connect the case to your PC and use the official Xiaomi Flash Tool software for flashing.

For most users, this method is redundant, but it can save the headphones after a failed firmware update or serious software failure. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service center.

Method 5: Reset via ADB (for Android devices)

This method is suitable for users who have Xiaomi headphones connected to an Android phone and do not respond to standard reset methods. It uses Android Debug Bridge (ADB) - a tool for debugging Android devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on MIUI Version 7 times until the “You’ve become a developer” notification appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

ADB Tools

adb devices

Make sure your device is listed.

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_headset_reset 1

Reboot your phone and try to reconnect the headphones.

This method doesn’t reset the headphones themselves, but clears the Bluetooth cache on the phone, which often solves connection problems. If the headphones still don’t work, combine this method with a hardware reset (through a button on the case).

What to do after resetting: setting up and connecting

After a successful reset, Xiaomi headphones return to the “out of the box” state. To use them again, follow the following steps:

1. Connect to your phone: Open the case cover. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and find your headphones (usually called Mi True Wireless... or Redmi Buds...).
2. Update your firmware: Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app. Go to the Software Update and install the latest version.
3. Configure control: In the app, select actions for touch panels (such as double tap to pause or call voice assistant). Activate ANC (noise reduction) or transparent mode if supported by your model.

If after resetting the headphones are connected, but the sound is distorted or interrupted:

• 📱 Check the Bluetooth codecs in your phone settings (recommended) AAC or).
• 🔊 Turn off noise reduction functions (ANC) — Sometimes they are in conflict with some smartphones.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the sound issues are related to Bluetooth drivers.

💡

If the headphones are plugged in but quickly shut down, try turning off Bluetooth battery optimization in your phone settings. On Xiaomi/Redmi, this is done in the Settings menu → Apps → Application Management → Bluetooth → Battery → No restrictions.

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users experience problems when resetting Xiaomi headphones due to wrong actions or ignorance of nuances.

• ❌ Insufficient case charge: If the indicator does not flash when holding the button, connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes and try again.
• ❌ For example, Redmi Buds 5 requires touching sensors, not a button on the case.
• ❌ Interrupt. If you release the reset button ahead of time, the settings may not reset completely. Hold the button until the indicator gives a signal (blinking or double signal).
• ❌ Ignore updates. After reset, be sure to update the firmware of the headphones - the old version may contain bugs that will cause problems to return.
• ❌ Try to reset through third-party applications. Use only official utilities (Mi Home, Xiaomi Earbuds.

If after several attempts the reset fails, check:

• 🔌 Integrity of the charging cable (sometimes the case is not charged due to damaged USB-C plug).
• 💧 Lack of moisture inside the case (condensation or water ingress may block the reset button).
• 📡 Interference from other Bluetooth devices (turn them off while you reset).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones stop turning on after reset or the indicator is red, do not try to repeat the procedure repeatedly. This may indicate a hardware failure (for example, a failure of the Bluetooth controller.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi headphones