Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless gadgets on the market due to the price-quality ratio, but even they sometimes require a factory reset. You may have experienced connection problems to your smartphone, constant communication interruptions or just want to sell the device and delete all personal data. In this article, we will detail how to perform a hard reset on different models of Xiaomi headphones β from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.
The reset procedure may vary depending on the generation and firmware of the device, but the general principle remains similar. We will look at both software methods through the Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear app and hardware (using buttons on the case), paying special attention to the typical errors that users make when resetting, and give recommendations on how to avoid them.
When do I need to reset settings on Xiaomi headphones?
Factory resets are a last resort, but sometimes you can't do without them. Here are the most common situations where the procedure is necessary:
- π Headphones do not connect to the phone or computer, previously worked properly.
- π Sound problems: distortion, intermittent playback or lack of sound in one of the headphones.
- π After updating the firmware, the device became unstable to work (spontaneous shutdowns, failures).
- π± Headphones are not defined in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
- π° Preparing for sale or transfer to another user β to delete all stored data.
If the headphones simply run out or donβt turn on after a long period of downtime, try charging them for 30 to 60 minutes first. Resetting wonβt help if the problem is due to a hardware malfunction (e.g., damaged battery or charging case contacts).
β οΈ Warning: After resetting, all settings, including sound profile, control gestures and connection history, will be deleted. If the headphones synced with multiple devices, they will have to be reconnected.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:
- Check the battery power. Make sure the headphones and case are at least 30 to 50 percent charged. If the charge is critically low, the device may shut down during the procedure, causing a malfunction.
- Turn off your headphones from all devices via Bluetooth settings. On Android: Settings β Connected devices β Headphones β Forget the device.
- Remove the headphones from the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (if they were tied there).
- Prepare instructions for your model β some headphones require unique button combinations.
If you drop your headphones before selling, we recommend you also clean the case of dust and dirt. For this, use soft dry cloth or cotton swabs soaked in alcohol (do not overdo it with moisture!).
Resetting through buttons on the body (hardware method)
Most Xiaomi models support reset via physical buttons. This method works even if the headphones don't connect to the phone or the app can't see them. Below is a general guide, but note that some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) may require other combinations.
Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.|
Make sure the indicator on the case is on (charge is available)|
Get both earphones out of the case |
Prepare the timer (you need to hold the button) 10-15 seconds)-->
Step-by-step:
- Get both earphones out of the charger case.
- Press and hold the touchpad (or physical button) on both headphones at the same time.
- After 5-7 seconds, the headphones will flash red and white (or only red, depending on the model).
- Keep holding the buttons for another 5-8 seconds until you hear a beep (usually two short beeps) or see a permanent white glow.
- Release the buttons, the reset is complete. Now you can put the headphones back in the case.
If the lights donβt flash or thereβs no sound, try:
- π Recharge your headphones (maybe there is not enough energy to reset).
- π Repeat the procedure by holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds).
- π± Check if the antivirus or energy-saving mode on your phone is blocking the connection.
What to do if the buttons do not respond?
Reset via Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app
If the headphones connect to the phone but are not stable, you can perform a software reset. This will require the official Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Wear (for new ones). Note: after the firmware update in 2023, some features in the Mi Home were moved to Xiaomi Wear, so check both programs.
Instructions for Mi Home:
- Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile β Settings β Devices.
- Find your headphones in the list and tap them.
- Select Device Settings β Additional β Resetting.
- Confirm the action β the headphones will reboot and return to factory parameters.
Instructions for Xiaomi Wear:
- Launch Xiaomi Wear and plug in the headphones (if they arenβt already connected).
- Go to the Device Tab β Settings (cog) β Reset settings.
- Confirm the reset - the process will take 10-30 seconds.
If the app doesnβt have a reset option, upgrade to the latest version via Google Play or the App Store. Also check if your headphone model supports Xiaomi Wear β some budget options (like the Redmi AirDots S) can only be managed through the Mi Home.
β οΈ Warning: Once reset via the app, the headphones will automatically disconnect from all devices. To connect them again, activate the pairing mode (usually you need to hold the button on the case or headphones until the indicator flashes).
Features of reset for popular Xiaomi models
Despite the general principles, some Xiaomi models have unique reset nuances, and in the table below we have collected the latest data for the most common headphones:
| Model | Resetting method | Features | Button retention time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1-2 gen) | Button on the case + sensor on headphones | Hold the button on the case for 10 seconds, then press both headphones. | 15-20 sec. |
| Xiaomi Buds 3/3 Pro | Only touch panels on headphones | 3 brief touches are required for each earpiece, then hold | 12-15 sec. |
| Xiaomi Earbuds S | The button on the case | Hold the button on the case with the lid open until the red indicator flashes | 8-10 sec. |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | Through Xiaomi Wear or Sensors | Supports reset via voice assistant (say "Reset settings") | 5-7 seconds |
For Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro models and a newer app reset may require confirmation via Bluetoth LE Audio. If your smartphone does not support this protocol (for example, older models on Android 10 and below), use the hardware method.
1. Reboot the Bluetooth module on the smartphone (disable/enable Bluetooth).
2. Remove all saved devices from the list of connected devices.
3. Connect headphones in guest mode (if there is such an option in the settings).-->
What if the reset didn't help?
If you've had problems after reset, it might not be the settings, but the hardware malfunctions or the software conflicts.
- π² Update the firmware of the headphones through Xiaomi Wear. Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions of the software.
- π If the contacts are oxidized or the case is not charging the headphones, resetting won't solve the problem.
- π‘ Change the device to connect. Try connecting your headphones to another smartphone or PC, and that'll help you figure out what's going on.
- π οΈ Contact the service center if the warranty is still valid, and some problems (e.g., microphone dump or Bluetooth module malfunction) require repair.
If the headphones donβt turn on at all, try the following:
- Put them in the case and connect the case to the charge for 1-2 hours.
- Press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 30 seconds β sometimes this helps to wake up the device.
- Check if the reset button is accidentally pressed (on some models it is recessed and can jam).
β οΈ Note: if the headphones Xiaomi after the reset is not determined by any device, this may indicate damage to the Bluetooth module. In such cases, self-repair is not recommended - it is better to consult specialists.
π‘
If the reset didnβt work, check the compatibility of the headphones with your device.For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro require Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+ to work properly.
How to avoid problems after resetting?
After successfully resetting your Xiaomi headphones, follow these guidelines to avoid repeated crashes:
- π± Connect your headphones to only one device in the first hours after reset. Multiple reconnects can cause profile conflicts.
- π Update your firmware through Xiaomi Wear if a new version is available.
- π§ Customize control gestures for yourself (for example, double-touch for playback/pause).
- π Watch the level of charge - do not allow a full discharge of headphones or case.
If you use Windows or Mac headphones, install the latest Bluetooth drivers. Windows 10/11 sometimes requires manually installing the Qualcomm Atheros or Broadcom driver for stable operation.
You should also turn off the Bluetooth power-saving mode in your phone settings. On Android, it's done like this:
Settings β Battery β Energy saving β Adaptive battery β Disconnect for Bluetooth