Why you might need to reset Xiaomi headphones
Xiaomi's wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market, thanks to a combination of price and quality. But even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the headphones stop connecting to the phone, work interrupted, or one of them suddenly "deaf", in 80% of these cases, helps reset to factory settings - a procedure that returns the device to its original state, as if you just unpacked it.
The reasons for resetting can range from software glitch after updating the firmware to hardware conflicts when connecting to a new smartphone. For example, if you're trying to connect the Redmi Buds 4 Pro to an iPhone after prolonged use with Android, the headphones may "forget" the pairing protocol. Or after falling, one of the headphones stopped responding to touch — reset often solves this problem. It's important to understand that the procedure removes all user settings, including saved devices for quick connection.
Before you start, check out the simple solutions:
- 🔋 Charge headphones and case to 100% - a discharged battery can block reset.
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone or tablet to which the headphones are connected.
- 🔄 Try connecting to another device – maybe the problem isn’t with the headphones.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Resetting is not difficult, but it requires preparation. If you miss this step, you risk additional problems. For example, some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) after reset automatically update the firmware on the first connection. If at this point the battery is dead, the process can interrupt, and the headphones turn into a “brick”.
Here is the checklist of mandatory actions:
Make sure your headphones and case are charged at least 50 times%|
Turn off headphones from all devices in Bluetooth | settings
Check that you have access to the instructions for your model |
Prepare (second phone) for check after reset-->
Pay special attention to the item about disconnecting from devices. On Android, this is done through Settings → Bluetooth → Xiaomi Headphones → Forget the device. On iOS, the way is different: Settings → Bluetooth → Icon “i” next to the headphones → Forget this device. If you don’t turn off the headphones beforehand, they can automatically reconnect after reset, and the procedure will be useless.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi headphones are connected to multiple devices (such as a phone and laptop), remove them from the list of associated gadgets on all devices. Otherwise, after reset, there may be a conflict of Bluetooth profiles.
A universal reset method for most models
Most Xiaomi wireless headphones (including the Redmi Buds, AirDots, and Buds series) support the standard physical button reset procedure, which works even if the headphones don't respond to touch or connect to the phone. You don't need any additional software, just the headphones and the case.
Step instructions:
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds, then open.
- Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 15 to 20 seconds. Some models (like Redmi Buds 3 Lite) use a physical button instead of the touchpad, which you also need to hold.
- The headphones will flash red and white (or red and blue in older models), signaling the start of reset.
- Release the buttons and wait until the indicators start flashing only white (or blue) – this means that the reset is complete.
If the indicators don’t flash or the procedure doesn’t start, try the following:
- 🔄 Repeat the process, but hold the buttons for up to 30 seconds.
- 🔋 Connect the case to charging for 5 minutes, then reset.
- 📱 Try to start a reset when the headphones are connected to the phone (sometimes this works for models with firmware in 2023 and newer).
What if the lights don’t burn as in the instructions?
Reset via mobile app (for supported models)
Some Xiaomi headphone models (e.g., Xiaomi Buds 4, Redmi Buds 5 Pro) support reset directly from the official Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Earbuds app. This method is more convenient, since it does not require manipulation of buttons, but only works if the headphones at least occasionally connect to the phone.
Step-by-step:
- Install the Mi Fitness app (for older models) or Xiaomi Earbuds (for newer ones) from Google Play or the App Store.
- Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
- Open the app and find the Headphone Settings (or Device Settings) section.
- Select Reset to factory defaults (or Reset to factory defaults).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (usually 10-15 seconds).
The advantage of this method is that the application itself checks the firmware compatibility and prevents errors.
| Pros of resetting through the app | Cons of application discharge |
|---|---|
| You don’t need to remember button combinations. | It doesn't work on all models. |
| Automatic error checking | Requires an Internet connection for synchronization |
| Save the reset log (can be shown in the service) | Sometimes requires firmware updates before resetting |
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones stopped connecting to your phone after resetting through the app, try removing them from the list of Bluetooth devices and pairing them again. In rare cases, the app may “forget” the headphone profile, and you will have to configure it from scratch.
Features of resetting for popular models
While most Xiaomi headphones are a one-size-fits-all, some models have unique nuances. Below is a table with features for the most common lines. If your model is not on the list, use the universal instruction from the previous section.
| Model headphones | Features of discharge | Button retention time |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3 / 3 Lite | Uses a physical button on the body, not a touchpad | 20–25 seconds |
| Xiaomi AirDots (1-3 generation) | Indicators flash red and white, after reset, manual pairing is required | 15 seconds. |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 / 4 Pro | Supports reset via Xiaomi Earbuds app | 10 seconds (or via software) |
| Redmi Buds 5 Pro | After reset, the firmware is automatically updated at the first connection. | 15 seconds. |
For Xiaomi Buds 3T Pros and later, there is another way to reset via voice assistant. If the headphones are connected to the phone, activate voice input (for example, via Google Assistant or Siri) and say, "Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings." The system will suggest confirming the action. This method works unstable, but can help if the physical buttons do not respond.
💡
If one of the headphones doesn't connect after reset, try putting it in the case for 1 minute, then pull out and hold the touchpad for 10 seconds.This often helps synchronize the headphones with each other.
What to do if the reset does not help
If you have problems after reset, it could mean one of three things: hardware failure, outdated firmware, or conflict with the device you're connecting your headphones to, and we'll look at each case.
1. Hardware failure: If the headphones don't turn on, don't charge, or one of them is completely dead, resetting won't help here.
- 🔴 The lights do not burn even when charging.
- 🔊 No sound in one or both headphones (check on different devices!).
- 💧 Visible damage to the case or contacts in the case.
In this case, contact the service center Xiaomi. If the headphones are guaranteed, the repair will be free.
2. Outdated firmware. Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Active) require firmware updates after reset. Check the software version in the Xiaomi Earbuds app or on the support site. If an update is available, install it.
3. Device conflict. It's rare, but sometimes headphones are incompatible with certain smartphones because of the Bluetooth stack. Try connecting them to another phone or tablet. If they work, it's your device, not the headphones.
💡
If the reset doesn’t solve the problem, first check the headphones on another device to help determine if the appliance or your smartphone is to blame.
How to avoid problems after resetting
After a successful reset, the headphones will return to the factory settings, but this does not mean that they will immediately work perfectly.
- Update your firmware. Go to the Xiaomi Earbuds app and check for updates. Newer versions often fix connection errors and improve stability.
- Configure pairing correctly. When you first connect after reset, select the “Connect as an audio device” option in your Bluetooth settings, not “Call only.”
- Calibrate the sensors. In some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), you need to reset gesture control after reset, and this is done in the app under the "Castomization of controls".
- Avoid automatic connection. In your phone's Bluetooth settings, turn off the "Auto Connection" option for headphones if they often connect to the wrong device.
Once reset, Xiaomi headphones can have their first 1-2 connections unstable, which is normal, and give them time to sync with the new device (usually 5-10 minutes of active use).
If you use Windows or Mac headphones, install the latest version of Bluetooth drivers. On Windows 10/11, this is done through Device Manager → Bluetooth, on Mac, through Software Update.