Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market, thanks to a 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 the microphone problems occur, in 90% of these cases, a complete reset to factory settings, a procedure that returns the device to its original state, eliminating software errors.
In this article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for all models, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, and also understand when a reset is really necessary and when the problem lies in something else. We won’t use generic phrases like “strongly recommend” – instead, you’ll get specific actions that are proven in practice, taking into account the nuances of firmware from 2023-2026.
When you need to reset headphones Xiaomi: 5 obvious signs
Resetting is not a universal solution, and it can sometimes even hurt (for example, if the problem is physical battery damage).
- 🔴 Headphones don’t connect to your phone – the device doesn’t see them on the Bluetooth list, even though they’re on and charged.
- 🔴 One earphone doesn’t work – sound comes only from the left or right, although both are on and synchronized.
- 🔴 Constant communication interruptions – the sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds, although the phone is nearby.
- 🔴 Sensor failures – gestures (such as double touching for pause) stopped working.
- 🔴 Misfunction of the microphone – the interlocutor can not hear you, although the headphones are connected to the call.
If at least one of these symptoms is present regularly (more than once), resetting is likely to help, but there are exceptions:
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are physically damaged (for example, after falling or getting moisture), resetting will not restore their performance.
Also, don't drop your headphones if the problem is in your phone or firmware. For example, if other devices (laptop, tablet) connect to your headphones without problems and your smartphone doesn't, it's probably the headset's fault, and in such cases, try forgetting the device in your phone's Bluetooth settings and reconnecting it.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you drop your headphones, follow a few simple steps to avoid the typical mistakes:
- Check the battery — both headphones and case should be charged at least 30%. If the charge is lower, the procedure may be interrupted, and the headphones will “hang” in reset mode.
- Disconnect headphones from all devices – remove them from the list of conjugated gadgets in the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet and PC.
- Use the original cable – if the headphones require a connection to the power source during the reset (relevant for some models), take a branded one. USB-Xiaomi.
- Prepare a needle or paperclip – some models (such as the Redmi AirDots S) will need to press the hidden reset button.
Important: If you are resetting Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones or later, note that after the procedure, you may need to update your firmware through the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app. Without this, some features (such as noise-producing or adaptive EQ) may not work properly.
Make sure the headphones are charged |Disable from all devices |Prepare a paper clip/needle (if you need a reset button) |Download the official Xiaomi app (for models 2023+) |Check for firmware updates-->
Step-by-step: how to reset headphones Xiaomi
The reset procedure varies depending on the model, and below are the current instructions for all popular lines (2019-2026).If your model is not on the list, use the method for the closest generation (for example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro will be suitable for the instruction for Redmi AirDots 2).
1. Redmi AirDots (1–3 generation), Mi True Wireless Earphones 2
Classic budget models with physical reset button:
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicators will flash alternately).
2. Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, Buds 3/4/5 Pro
Flagship models with sensor control:
- Place the headphones in the case and leave the lid open.
- Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until the indicators start flashing red.
- Close the case cover for 5 seconds, then open the headphones will be ready for a new connection.
3. Redmi Buds 4 Lite, Buds 5
Models 2023-2026 with a simplified procedure:
- Put the headphones in the case.
- Press and hold the button on the case (located next to the case) USB-for 8 seconds until the indicator becomes purple (purple).
- Wait until the indicator flashes white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
For models with LDAC support (such as Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro) after reset, this codec may need to be re-activated in the phone's Bluetooth settings.
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Sign of successful discharge | Is a firmware required after resetting? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots 1/2/3 | The button on the case (10-15 seconds) | Blinks red + white | No. |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Sensors on headphones (10 seconds) | Blinks red | Yes (via Mi Fitness) |
| Redmi Buds 4 Lite | Case button (8 seconds) | The indicator becomes purple | No. |
| Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro | Sensors + button on the case | Blinks white after purple | Yes (required) |
⚠️ Note: If after reset, headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or newer do not connect to the phone, check the firmware version in the Xiaomi Wear app.
💡
If the headphones are not identified by the phone after reset, try connecting them to another device (for example, a laptop), which will help you understand if the problem is in the headphones or in the Bluetooth module of the smartphone.
What to do if the reset did not help: 3 alternative solutions
In rare cases, a reset does not solve the problem, and this may be due to:
- 🔋 Battery discharge – if the headphones don’t hold the charge, they may shut down during the procedure.
- 📱 Firmware conflict – for example, if the phone runs Android 14 and the headphones have not received an update for compatibility.
- 🔌 Hardware malfunctions – damage to the Bluetooth module or contacts in the case.
Try these methods in order:
1. Forced firmware update
Relevant for models 2022 and newer:
- Install the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Fitness app (depending on the model).
- Connect the headphones to the phone and wait for the notification of the update.
- If the update does not come, go to Headphone Settings → Software Update and click Check Manual.
2. Manual flashing (for experienced users)
If the automatic update does not work, you can install the firmware manually:
How to Refuse Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro by Hand
This method is only recommended if you are confident in your actions or follow instructions from a trusted source (e.g. 4PDA).
Verification of the hardware
If neither the reset nor the firmware helped, the problem is probably the hardware.
- 🔍 Check the contacts in the case – often they are oxidized or contaminated, which is why the headphones do not charge correctly.
- 🔋 Check the battery – if the headphones are discharged in 10-15 minutes, the battery requires replacement.
- 📡 Check the Bluetooth module, connect the headphones to another device. If the problem recurs, it's the headset's fault.
💡
If the headphones are not responsive to reset and are not detected by any device, the Bluetooth chip is likely to fail, in which case repair will cost more than buying new headphones.
How to avoid problems in the future: 5 rules for the care of headphones Xiaomi
To avoid having to regularly drop your headphones, follow these recommendations:
- 🔋 Charge correctly - only use original cables and power adapters. Avoid full discharge (keep charge above 10%).
- 🧼 Clean contacts - once a month wipe contacts in the case and on headphones with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
- 📱 Update your firmware – check for updates in the Xiaomi Wear app at least once every 2-3 months.
- 🚫 Avoid moisture – even if the headphones have protection IPX4, Do not use them in the rain or in the shower.
- 🎧 Store in a case – do not leave headphones outdoors to avoid dust in the speakers.
Pay special attention to the battery. The Lithium Polymer batteries in Xiaomi headphones are designed for 300 to 500 charge cycles. If you charge them every day, in 1.5 to 2 years, the capacity will decrease markedly.
- Do not keep your headphones on charge for more than 2 hours after full charge.
- Keep a case with a charge of 40-60% if you do not use headphones for longer than a week.
Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make the same mistakes that cause the reset to fail or fail, and the most common ones are:
- Interrupting the procedure - if you release the reset button ahead of time, the headphones can "hang." Always wait for the color change of the indicator.
- Use of unoriginal cable – cheap cables may not provide stable power, which is why the reset is interrupted.
- Reset only one headphone – the procedure must be carried out for both headphones at the same time, otherwise they are out of sync.
- Ignoring updates – after resetting the model 2023+ year require a mandatory firmware update.
Another common mistake is trying to reset your headphones through your phone's settings. Bluetooth's "Forget Device" is not equivalent to a full reset! It only deletes the pairing information on your phone, but it doesn't return the headphones to factory settings.
⚠️ Warning: If after reset, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro headphones give out a "Device not supported" error when connecting, it means that the phone's firmware is outdated.