Xiaomi Mi headphones pairing: how to turn on TWS mode and fix errors

Xiaomi’s True Wireless Stereo (TWS) wireless headphones allow both earbuds to be used simultaneously for full stereo sound, but many users face the problem of not syncing with each other after buying or resetting, working only separately. In this article, we’ll discuss how to pair Xiaomi Mi headphones together correctly, which models support this feature, and what to do if synchronization doesn’t work.

The TWS technology in Xiaomi headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2/2S/3, Redmi AirDots 2/3 or Buddy) assumes that one headphone acts as master and the other as slave. If communication between them is broken, sound can only be played in one headphone or with delays. The causes of the problem are different: from banal battery discharge to firmware failure. We will consider all ways to restore the connection, including hidden functions and alternative methods.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support TWS mode. For example, some budget options (such as Mi Basic Earphones) can only work separately.

What Xiaomi Mi models support pairing with each other

Not all Xiaomi wireless headphones are synchronized with each other, and here is a list of popular TWS-enabled models:

• 🎧 Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (and modifications) 2S, 2C)
• 🎧 Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 (including Pro version)
• 🎧 Redmi AirDots (all generations: 1, 2, 3, Pro)
• 🎧 Xiaomi Mi Air 2/2S/2 Pro
• 🎧 Xiaomi Mi Buddy (and modifications)
• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro (and other models marked "TWS")

If your model is not on this list, check out the specifications. For example, Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro or Mi Hybrid are wired headphones, and you don't need to synchronize between them. Also, notice the labels on the package: if you have a TWS logo or a mention of stereo, then the headphones support pairing.

It is worth noting that even in supported models, the TWS function can be disabled after a firmware update or reset, in which cases re-synchronization is required.

Preparation of headphones for pairing: charging and resetting

Before synchronizing headphones Xiaomi Mi with each other, you need to perform several preparatory steps, most often problems with pairing arise from dead batteries or conflicts in the memory of devices.

First, charge both earbuds fully. Even if the indicator shows partial charge, this may not be enough for stable synchronization. Use the original cable and power adapter. Charging should last at least 1-1.5 hours until the headphone indicators light up red (charging) and change color to white/green (full charge).

Second, reset your settings (if you've already used your headphones) to:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case.
2. Open the case lid.
3. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located on the side or bottom) for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
4. Close the lid and wait 30 seconds.

After resetting, the headphones will return to the factory settings, and they can be re-addressed. If the button on the case is not (as in some models of AirDots 3), the reset is performed by repeatedly pressing the touch panels of the headphones themselves (usually 5 times in a row).

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If your headphones don't sync after reset, try connecting them to another smartphone or tablet, and sometimes the problem lies in the Bluetooth cache on the main device.

How to pair headphones Xiaomi Mi with each other

There are several methods of synchronizing Xiaomi headphones in TWS mode. The choice depends on the model and the current state of the devices.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization when extracted from the case

Most modern models (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 or Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) sync automatically when first extracted from the case.

1. Make sure that both earbuds are charged and are in the case.
2. Open the case cover - the indicators should light up.
3. Take out both headphones at the same time and wait 5-10 seconds.
4. The headphones should start flashing synchronously (usually in white or blue).
5. Now you can connect headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth.

If the indicators flash different colors or don’t sync, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Manual synchronization through a button on the case

For models with a physical button on the case (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2):

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the button on the case once.
3. The indicators on the headphones should flash white (search for connection).
4. Wait until the blinking is synchronous (usually 10-20 seconds).
5. After synchronization, connect the headphones to the phone.

If the button is missing, try pressing and holding the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until you hear the beep.

Method 3: Synchronization with the Mi Home app

Some models (such as the Mi Air 2 Pro or FlipBuds Pro) support customization through the official Mi Home app.

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Add headphones as a new device (Add device → Audio → Headphones).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for pairing.

The app can also update the firmware of the headphones, which sometimes solves problems with synchronization.

Both earphones are charged.|Case charged (indicator burns white)|Headphones reset to factory settings|Bluetooth on your smartphone is enabled|Headphones removed from the case at the same time-->

Table: Colors of indicators and their value

The indicators on Xiaomi headphones and case indicate their condition, and below is a color transcript for most models:

If the indicators are not standard colors (for example, purple or orange), this may indicate a firmware error, in which case try to update the software through the Mi Home application or contact the service center.

What to do if Xiaomi headphones are not synchronized

If after all the manipulations headphones Xiaomi Mi still do not mate, check the following points:

• 🔋 Battery discharge: even if the indicator shows charge, try to completely discharge and recharge the headphones.
• 📱 Bluetooth conflict: remove headphones from the list of conjugated devices on your smartphone and add again.
• 🔄 Update firmware: check the relevance of the software through Mi Home.
• 🛠️ Physical damage: inspect contacts in the case and on headphones for oxidation or contamination.

If one of the headphones does not respond to pressing and does not charge at all, the problem may be a damaged battery or controller, in which case self-repair is not recommended - contact the authorized Xiaomi service center.

Another common problem is operating system incompatibility, such as some Xiaomi models that don’t work well with iOS (iPhone) because of Bluetooth limitations on the iPhone, and in such cases, try connecting the headphones to an Android or Windows device.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use unoriginal chargers or case cables. Incorrect voltage can damage the power controller, which will lead to the inability to synchronize the headphones.

Alternative methods of connection (if the TWS does not work)

If the synchronization between the headphones has failed, you can try alternative ways to use them:

• 🎵 Mono mode: connect only one headphone (usually the right one) to your smartphone.
• 🔌 Wired connection: if the model supports wired mode (for example, through a wired mode) USB-C 3.5mm adapter, use it.
• 📱 Emulation applications TWS: Google Play has software (such as SoundAssistant) that allows you to adjust the sound balance between two separate Bluetooth devices.

Of course, these methods won’t replace a full-fledged TWS, but they will allow you to temporarily use headphones until you solve the synchronization problem.

If none of these things worked, it could be a hardware problem.

1. Check the warranty card - if the headphones are guaranteed, contact the service center.
2. If the warranty expires, look for wireless headphone repair shops (repair costs are usually 1,000–2,500). ₽).
3. In extreme cases, consider buying new headphones – sometimes it’s cheaper than repairing.

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If the headphones stopped synchronizing after falling or getting moisture, self-repair can aggravate the problem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pairing Xiaomi headphones