Why might you need to reset Xiaomi headphones?
Xiaomi True Wireless headphones (including AirDots, Buds, Earbuds Pro and others) are popular wireless devices, but even they sometimes require factory resets. The reasons can range from simple connection errors to serious software failures.
Most often, users experience problems synchronizing between the left and right earphones when one stops working or connects separately. Another common situation is the inability to connect to the phone after updating the firmware or changing the smartphone. Less often, but there are cases when the headphones spontaneously turn off or produce distorted sound. In all these cases, resetting to factory settings can be the solution.
It's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, and if the problem is a physical breakdown (like a damaged speaker or battery), software manipulation won't help, but in 80 percent of cases, resetting does restore the device to work.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:
- 📱 Turn off your headphones from all devices via the Bluetooth menu. On Android: Settings → Bluetooth → Xiaomi Earbuds → Forget the device. On iOS: Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to the headphones → Forget this device.
- 🔋 Charge the case to at least 30%. Resetting when the battery is discharged can lead to incorrect completion of the process.
- 🎧 Check the headphone sync. If one of them doesn't respond to the presses, try putting both in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out.
- 📲 Update the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on model).Old version may not support reset for new firmware.
If you use headphones with custom firmware (like the modified AirDots Pro 2), note that resetting will bring back the original Xiaomi firmware.This can affect functionality if you're used to custom settings.
⚠️ Note: After resetting all equalizer settings, Mi Account bindings and connection history will be deleted. If the headphones support multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices), this feature will also have to be reconfigured.
Method 1: Reset via Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear
The safest and most recommended method is to use the official app, which is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Earbuds 4C and newer versions.
- Go to the headphone management section. In Mi Home, this can be the Profile → Devices → [Your headphones] tab.
It takes about 30 to 60 seconds to complete, and when it's done, the headphones automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white), and you can plug them into your phone as new.
☑️ Preparation for discharge through the annex
If there is no reset button in the application, this can mean:
- 🔄 You have an outdated version of the app (update via Google Play or App Store).
Method 2: Hardware reset via buttons on the case
If the software method didn’t work or you have an old model without reset support through the application (for example, Xiaomi AirDots Basic), you can use physical buttons. This method is universal, but requires strict adherence to the instructions.
Note: the procedure may vary depending on the model, and the following is a guide for most True Wireless headphones Xiaomi:
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Connect the case to a power source (charger or power bank). This is mandatory - without power, the reset will not start.
- Press and hold the button on the case (usually on the side or back) for 15-20 seconds. On some models (Buds 3T Pro) you need to hold the button until the indicator flashes red and white.
- Release the button. The indicator should flash red (reset started) or go out (successful completion).
- Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).
| Model headphones | Location of the reset button | Retention time | Indication of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots (1/2 gen) | Side on the case, under the cover. | 15 seconds. | Red → white flashing |
| Buds 3/3T Pro | Case back panel | 20 seconds. | Red + White at the same time |
| Earbuds 4C | Inside the case, under the headphone bay. | 10 seconds. | Fast flashing red |
| AirDots Pro 2 | The pairing button (near USB-C) | 12 seconds | Green → red → white |
⚠️ Note: On touch-sensitive case-control models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4), the hardware reset may not work, in which case use only the software method through the application or contact the service center.
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If the button on the case doesn't respond, try using another charger.Some models require a connection to the original Xiaomi cable to activate the reset.
Method 3: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)
This method is only suitable for power users and requires an unlocked bootloader on a Xiaomi smartphone (or other Android device with developer rights).It is relevant if the headphones are not defined by standard methods or have damaged firmware.
To reset via ADB, follow the following steps:
- Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number (click 7 times), then Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
- Connect your phone to your PC and install it. ADB-Drivers (you can download from the Android Developers website).
- Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Enter the command to reset Bluetooth settings: adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.adapter.action.REQUEST_DISCOVERABLE Next: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 0 adb shell settings put global bluetooth_on 1
- Reboot your phone and try to reconnect the headphones.
This method does not guarantee 100% results, as it resets Bluetooth settings on the phone, not in the headphones themselves, but it can help if the problem is due to a conflict of profiles or a cache of connections.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
What if the reset didn't help?
If the headphones are still not working after reset, the problem may be deeper. Here are some steps to diagnose:
- 🔍 Check physical condition: Check contacts in the case and on headphones for oxidation or contamination (clean with alcohol). make sure the rubber seals are not damaged - they can block sensors.
- 📡 Test on another device: Try connecting the headphones to another smartphone or PC. If they work, it's a problem on your phone. iPhones may need an iOS update - some versions have bugs with Xiaomi headphones.
- 🔄 Update your firmware: Launch the Mi Home app and check for headphone updates in the firmware section. If the update is available, don't interrupt the process - this can lead to "bricking".
If none of these methods worked, maybe the headphones have a hardware malfunction.
- 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).
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If the headphones stop working after falling or getting moisture, resetting will not help.
How to avoid problems in the future: prevention
To avoid having to regularly drop your headphones, follow these recommendations:
- 🔋 Don't empty your headphones. Try to put them in a case at 10 to 15 percent charge. Deep discharge reduces battery life.
Important: If you use headphones with an unoriginal charging cable, it can lead to unstable operation of the power controller. Always use Xiaomi certified accessories.
It’s also worth turning off automatic headphone connectivity in Bluetooth settings if you switch between devices frequently, which will prevent conflicts when pairing.