How to sync two Xiaomi headphones: a detailed guide with photos and videos

Why Xiaomi Headphones Stop Working Together and How to Fix It

The problem with synchronizing Xiaomi wireless headphones is one of the most common complaints of users: One headphone connects to the phone, and the second one is silent or makes intermittent sounds? It's not a breakdown, but a failure of the interface protocol between the left (L) and right (R) modules, and in 90% of cases the problem is solved software-free without going to the service center.

The reasons for desynchronization can vary from a simple discharge of one of the headphones to a firmware failure after an update. Most often, the problem occurs in Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Xiaomi Buds models after a long downtime or incorrect extraction from the case. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to restore sync, from simple to advanced, including hidden functions of the engineering menu.

Important: if the headphones are physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), software methods will not help, in which case you will need a diagnosis in an authorized Xiaomi service, but in 95% of cases it is the software, not the hardware, that is to blame.

Preparing for synchronization: what to do before the start

Before you start setting up, make sure that the basic conditions are met:

• 🔋 Both earbuds are charged at least 30% (optimally 50% or higher). Check the indicators on the case: if one of the LEDs is not burning, the earbud is discharged.
• 📱 The source device (smartphone, tablet, PC) supports Bluetooth 4.2 or later. On Android, check Settings → The phone. → Bluetooth version.
• 🔄 The headphones are removed from the case and are no more than 10 cm apart, which is critical for initial synchronization.
• 🚫 Disable other wireless devices (fitness bracelets, smart watches, speakers) that may interfere with the device.

If at least one of the conditions is not met, the synchronization may go wrong. For example, when the charge is low, the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones automatically go into power saving mode and ignore the pairing commands.

Method 1: Standard resetting and re-pairing

This is the most reliable method that works for all Xiaomi headphone models. The algorithm is versatile, but there are nuances for specific series (more on this below).

1. Step 1: Put both earbuds in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds, which will force the current connection to break.
2. Step 2. Pull out the headphones and hold the touchpads on both for 15 to 20 seconds until the lights start flashing red and white alternately. For Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, use a physical button on the case instead of the sensors.
3. Step 3. On your phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth, find the Xiaomi device in the list and click “Forget the device.”
4. Step 4: Go back to the Bluetooth menu, turn on the search for new devices, and select the headphones from the list. Confirm the pairing.

A critical nuance for models with ANC (active noise cancellation): after reset, the function may turn off. To return it, press the touchpad on the right earphone for 3 seconds before the beep.

Method 2: Forced synchronization through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If a standard reset doesn’t work, you’ll have to use hidden commands, a method that’s suitable for models on a Qualcomm chip (like the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Redmi AirDots 3).

Warning: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can lead to a complete loss of communication with the headphones. Use this method only if other options have not worked.

1. Make sure the headphones are not connected to the phone.
2. On an Android smartphone, open the Phone app and enter the code: ##3810## Some MIUI firmware may require a code ##3812###.
3. In the menu that opens, select “Bluetooth Test” (or “BT Test Mode”).
4. Click “Start”, then select your headphone model from the list.
5. In the "Pairing" section, hold the "Reset" button for 10 seconds. The headphones should emit a double beep.

Then go back to the standard Bluetooth menu and do the pairing again, and if the engineering menu doesn't open, your headphone model doesn't support this method.

Method 3: Update the firmware of headphones through Mi Fit or Xiaomi Earbuds

Synchronization failures are often associated with outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to fix pairing bugs, especially for models with ANC and LDAC.

For update:

1. Install the official annex: 📱 For most models: Mi Fit (Android/iOS). 🎧 For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro: Xiaomi Earbuds.

Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.

Devices

Firmware update

If the update is available, confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

It can take up to 10 minutes to complete, and once it's updated, the headphones automatically reboot and sync.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update even if the headphones have stopped blinking.This can cause the device to blink (total inoperability).If the update has been suspended for more than 15 minutes, place the headphones in the case for 30 seconds and repeat the process.

Method 4: Manual synchronization through sound commands (for older models)

If you have Redmi AirDots 1 or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, you can try syncing headphones without a smartphone. This method works thanks to the built-in TWS+ protocol.

Instructions:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 5 seconds until you hear a voice message "Pairing" (or double beep).
3. Keep your right ear on your left earphone for 3 seconds, and you'll hear a confirmation signal.
4. Place both headphones back in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out - they should automatically connect to each other.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are still out of sync after all the manipulations, check the serial numbers on the case and in the case. Sometimes users try to hide headphones from different sets (for example, the left from AirDots 2 and the right from AirDots 3), which is fundamentally impossible.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions