How to sync Xiaomi headphones with each other: the complete guide 2026

You took Xiaomi's new wireless headphones out of the box, but they refuse to work together? One headphone connects to the phone and the other doesn't? This problem is familiar to many owners. TWS-Headphones from Redmi, Mi or Poco, and most often the fault is the lost synchronization between the left and right headphones — they just "disconnected" during transportation or after a long inactivity.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all popular models - from the budget Redmi Buds 3 Lite to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. We will analyze both standard methods of synchronization through reset, and hidden functions in the proprietary Mi Earphones app. And if the headphones still do not want to connect - at the end of the article there is a unique way to restore the pair through the engineering menu, which is not written even in the official documentation.

Why are Xiaomi headphones out of sync?

Before you start setting up, it's important to understand the cause of the problem. Xiaomi's wireless headphones use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to communicate with each other. It's energy efficient but vulnerable to external interference. Here are the main reasons for the loss of synchronization:

• 🔋 Battery discharge of one of the headphones up to 0% - if the battery is completely sat down, the headphone "forgets" a pair.
• 📦 Long-term storage without use (more than 3 months) – Bluetooth controller resets connection.
• 🔄 Incorrect extraction from the case – if you take out the headphones at the same time, they may not have time to synchronize.
• 📱 Conflict with the firmware of the smartphone – especially relevant for devices on MIUI 13-14 Bluetooth-bug.
• 💥 Mechanical damage – falls or moisture can disrupt the antenna.

Fun fact: 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by simply resetting your headphones to the factory settings, but if you've tried this before and your headphones still don't sync, read on. Maybe your model needs a different approach.

Preparing for synchronization: what to do before the reset

Before you reset your settings, follow these mandatory steps that will save you time and prevent common mistakes:

Charge the case and headphones to 100% (the indicator should burn green)

Remove headphones from the list of conjugated devices on your phone

Turn off Bluetooth on all devices within a 10 meter radius

Check the headphones for physical damage (cracks, moisture)

Update your smartphone to the latest version MIUI-->

Pay special attention to the item about de-adjacent, and many users forget to do this, and the phone automatically connects to one earbud, ignoring the other.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth
2. Find your headphones in the list (e.g. Redmi Buds 3)
3. Click on the gear next to the name → Remove the device
4. Confirm the action.

On iPhone, the path will be different: Settings → Bluetooth → I icon next to the headphones → Forget this device.

⚠️ Note: If you use headphones with multiple devices (such as a phone) + laptop, remove them from ALL gadgets, otherwise there may be a connection conflict.

Standard Synchronization Method (for most models)

This method works for 90% of Xiaomi headphones, including:

• 🎧 Redmi Buds 3/3 Lite/4/4 Pro/5
• 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earphones 2/2S/SE
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3/3T Pro/4/4 Pro
• 🎧 Poco Buds X1/X3/X5

Instructions:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
2. Get both earphones at the same time – they should automatically turn on.
3. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
4. Release the buttons – the headphones will perform reset and synchronization.
5. Wait 30 seconds – the indicators should light up white (preparedness to pair).
6. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.

If after these actions, the headphones still do not sync, try an alternative method:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2.Push the touch panel of the left earphone 3 times in a row




3.Push the right earphone touchpad 5 times in a row




4. Wait 10 seconds - the synchronization signal should sound

💡

If the headphone lights flash red for more than 30 seconds, it means synchronization error. Repeat the reset procedure, but before that completely discharge and charge the headphones to 100%.

Synchronization through the Mi Earphones app

For models Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Pro, there is a proprietary application Mi Earphones, which allows you to control synchronization programmatically.

• 📱 Google Play for Android)
• 📱 App Store (for iOS)

Instructions for synchronization through the application:

1. Connect at least one headphone (any one) to your phone.
2. Open the Mi Earphones app and wait for the model definition.
3. Go to the Settings section → Resetting headphones.
4. Confirm the reset - both earphones will reboot.
5. After the reboot, the app will suggest you do the sync – follow the hints on the screen.

Some versions of the app have a hidden function called Manual Synchronization, to activate it:

1.Open Mi Earphones


2.Tap 5 times on the headphone icon in the top left corner




3. Developer menu will appear → select "Sync Force"

⚠️ Note: Mi Earphones may not recognize headphones if they were previously paired with a device on the device. MIUI 12 and below.In this case, first perform the reset via the phone's Bluetooth settings.

Special cases: models with unique synchronization methods

Some Xiaomi headphones require a special approach, here are the instructions for the "problem" models:

Redmi AirDots (First Generation)

These headphones are outdated firmware and often lose communication.

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Open the lid and press the button on the case 10 times in a row (with an interval of 1 second).
3. The indicators should flash blue and red – this is a forced synchronization mode.
4. Take out your headphones and wait 20 seconds.

Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with ANC

Because of the active noise reduction function, these earbuds can block synchronization.

1. Turn off the ANC on both headphones (if on).
2. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
3. Connect the case to charge for 5 minutes (even if the battery is full).
4. Get your headphones out – they automatically sync.

Poco Buds X1 with a game mode

These headphones have a separate game mode that can interfere with syncing, to reset the settings:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2.Push the touch panel of the left earphone 4 times




3.Push the right earphone touchpad 2 times




4. Wait for the beep (three short squeaks)

💡

For models with game mode (Poco Buds, Redmi Buds Pro) first turn off low latency in your phone's Bluetooth settings, then reset.

Restore synchronization through the engineering menu (advanced method)

If all previous methods failed, the last option is the engineering menu, which works for most models on the Qualcomm QCC3040 or BES2300 chip, but requires caution.

You'll need:

• 📱 Android smartphone (not working on iOS)
• 🔌 nRF Connect application
• 🎧 Headphones with charge level >50%

Step-by-step:

1. Install and open nRF Connect.
2. Connect at least one headphone (any one) to your phone.
3. In the app, select Unknown Service → Write.
4. In the input field, specify the command: AT+RESET and send it.
5. The earphone will reset. Repeat the action for the second earpiece.
6. Place both headphones in the case for 30 seconds, then pull out - they sync automatically.

For models on a BES2300 chip (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Pro), use the command: AT+BTMODE=PAIR.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of the engineering menu can lead to a complete loss of functionality of the headphones. Do not enter commands that are not intended for your model. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods and the headphones still don’t sync, check out the following points:

• 🔋 Case battery -- if it's under 20%, the headphones won't be able to sync. Charge the case to 100% and try again.
• 📡 Bluetooth interference – disable all wireless devices within a 5-meter radius (smart watches, speakers, other headphones).
• 🛠️ Physical damage - check the charging contacts on the headphones and in the case. Oxidation or dirt can interfere with synchronization.
• 🔄 Headphone firmware – some models (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) require an upgrade via Mi Earphones.
• 🏥 Warranty case – if the headphones are new (less than 14 days), contact the store for replacement.

If the headphones still don't work, try to reflash them manually.

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (support section).
2. Use the QFlash Tool for Qualcomm chips or BES Tool for Bestchn.
3. Connect your headphones to your PC via a USB-C adapter (sold separately).
4. Follow the instructions for firmware (for each model it is unique).

Note that the independent firmware removes the warranty and can lead to breakdown. If you are not sure of your abilities, take the headphones to the Xiaomi service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Xiaomi headphones