How to make both Xiaomi headphones work: 7 proven ways

You pulled out of the case headphones Xiaomi, but the sound comes only in one thing – the classic problem faced by owners of Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds and others. TWS-The reasons can range from simple discharge to firmware failure, and in this article we will discuss all possible solutions, including hidden settings and hardware checks that are not described in the standard instructions.

It’s important to understand that the algorithm of actions depends on the headphone model and the firmware version. For example, for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, synchronization failure is often associated with the MIUI update, and for older Redmi AirDots S, the problem is usually mechanical contact. We collected universal methods that work on 90% of the brand’s devices, and also added unique chips for specific series (see the compatibility table below).

Basic diagnosis: Checking the obvious

Before you dig deep into the settings, rule out trivial reasons. Start with a visual inspection:

• 🔋 Case and headphone charge level. Case indicator should be white or orange (not red!) If no indication is available, battery problem.
• 🎧 The oxidation or dirt on the metal pads of the headphones and case blocks charging and synchronization.
• 📱 Device Compatibility: Xiaomi headphones may not work properly with iPhones or Android devices below 8.0 due to Bluetooth 5.0 protocol limitations.

If the headphones aren’t defined by the system at all, try connecting them to another smartphone or tablet, which will help localize the problem: the headphones or your device are to blame. For example, Redmi AirDots 2 sometimes conflicts with Samsung phones because of different versions of the Bluetooth stack.

2. Resetting headphone settings to factory

The most effective way to return to work is hard reset. The procedure differs depending on the model:

After reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white). If this does not happen, remove them from the case and hold the power button on the case for another 5 seconds. For models with Qualcomm QCC3040 (for example, FlipBuds Pro), you may need to double reset: first the case, then each headphone separately.

⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi earphones lose their binding to all devices. If you used them with a laptop or smart-TV, you will have to reconnect.

3. Update firmware via Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds

Synchronization failures often occur due to outdated firmware. For example, in Redmi AirDots 2, version 1.2.6 had a bug with a left earphone connection fixed in 1.4.0.

1. Install the Xiaomi Earbuds app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older models).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone and open the application.
3. Go to the Firmware Update section (in Mi Home it is hidden in the Device Profile → Settings).
4. If the update is available, confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

For Buds 3 Pro and newer models, the update can weigh up to 5MB and take up to 10 minutes. Don't interrupt the process, it will lead to "bricking" of the headphones.

Turn off Bluetooth on your phone for 30 seconds |Reboot your phone |Reset your headphones from your case and put them back |Repeat your update attempt-->

If the app doesn't see headphones, try:

• 📱 Remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices and connect again.
• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi app Home/Xiaomi Earbuds.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the app blocks the corporate firewall).

4. Checking hardware faults

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be physical damage.

• 🔌 Charging contacts. Xiaomi headphones often have soldering of contact areas (especially after falls.
• 🎛️ Microphone or speaker, if one earpiece is wheezing or quieter than the other, it may be a membrane that's damaged.
• 🔋 Battery: If the earphone runs out in 10 minutes, it's down below 50 percent of its value, and then just replacing the battery will help.

For self-checking:

1. Take a multimeter and measure the resistance on the headphone contacts. Normal: 0.8-1.2 Ohms.
2. Light a flashlight into the speaker's grille - if dust or moisture is visible, cleaning is required.
3. Shake the earphone: can you hear the noise inside? That could indicate a wire that's disconnected.

⚠️ Note: Disassembly of headphones Xiaomi is not warranty. If the device is warranty, contact the service center with a check. For models Buds 3 Pro and later, there is an extended battery warranty (18 months).

5.Setting up Bluetooth on your phone for stable operation

Sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones, but with the smartphone settings. For example, Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO with MIUI 12+ have a bug that restricts Bluetooth bandwidth to save power.

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the gear icon next to your headphones.
3. Turn off the options: 🔄 Automatic connection (can cause conflicts) 📊 Optimizing energy consumption (reduces communication quality) 🎵 Absolute volume (leads to desynchronization of sound)

Priority of sound

For Android 11+ devices, it is also recommended to:

• 📵 Disable Developer Mode if it has been activated (may knock down Bluetooth settings).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone in Safe Mode and check the work of the headphones – if they work, the third-party app is to blame.
• 📱 Update the Bluetooth stack through Google Play Services (go to Settings) → Annexes → Google Play Services → Update).

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If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, try the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times) to turn off AVRCP 1.6 and enable Bluetooth A2DP Hardware Offload.

Alternative methods of connection

If standard pairing doesn’t work, try non-obvious ways:

• 🔄 Manual pairing mode. Remove the headphones from the case, hold the button on the case for 5 seconds until the white light flashes. Then manually select the device in the Bluetooth list.
• 📱 Connecting through another device. First pair your headphones with your tablet or laptop, then go back to your phone. That resets the Bluetooth cache.
• 🎧 Use one earpiece, put the dead earpiece in the case, and plug the worker in separately, sometimes forcing the system to re-initiate both devices.

For models with Dual Mode support (such as Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro), try:

1. Activate the Game mode in the Xiaomi Earbuds application.
2. Enable Low Latency in Bluetooth settings.
3. Turn off Noise Reduction – it can put additional strain on the connection.

If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one, check the stereo balance:

1. Open Settings → Sound → Audio balance.
2. Make sure that the slider is in the middle (50/50).

7. When to contact the service center

If none of the methods worked, it's probably hardware.

• 🔋 The headphone does not charge at all (even after cleaning the contacts).
• 🎵 No sound, but the connection indicator is on.
• 🔌 The headphone is determined by the system, but immediately shuts down.
• 💥 The body of the headphone is deformed or traces of oxidation are visible on it.

The cost of repair in official Xiaomi services:

Before the service visit:

1. Reset your headphones (see section 2).
2. Take a picture of the check or warranty card (if any).
3. Check by phone if they work with your headphone model.

⚠️ Warning: Some services refuse to repair headphones with traces of opening or moisture. If you drop the device in water, don't mention it - better say that "stopped working for no reason".

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90% of Xiaomi headphone problems are solved by resetting or updating the firmware, and if that doesn’t work, the hardware part (battery, contacts, or chip) is to blame.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones