How to synchronize Xiaomi headphones with each other: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users face a typical problem: one earphone does not connect, the sound is only in one, or the gadgets do not sync with each other at all, most often after a reset, firmware update or prolonged inactivity.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to synchronize Xiaomi headphones β€” from the basic models of Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. You will learn how to reset the settings correctly, which buttons to press for forced synchronization, and what to do if the headphones stubbornly do not want to connect, and also β€” the table of compatibility models and answers to frequent questions.

Why are Xiaomi headphones not synchronized with each other?

Before you start setting up, it's important to understand the cause of the problem, because 80 percent of the problems are caused by software failures, not physical failures, and these are the most common causes:

  • πŸ”‹ A discharged battery in one of the headphones (even if the indicator is on, the charge can be critically low).
  • πŸ“± Conflict with another device – headphones trying to connect to an old smartphone or tablet.
  • πŸ”„ Firmware failure after update or incorrect disconnection.
  • 🎧 Mechanical damage to contacts in the case (especially relevant for AirDots) 2/3).
  • πŸ› οΈ Manual resetting of settings without subsequent synchronization.

Less commonly, the problem is hardware malfunctions, like a Bluetooth module in one of the headphones, which is where the service center will help, but 99 percent of the time, you get by with the software, which we'll look at later.

πŸ“Š What kind of headphones Xiaomi you have?
Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)
Xiaomi Buds (3/4 Pro)
Haylou GT1/GT2
Another model

Method 1: Automatic synchronization through the case

The simplest and recommended method by the manufacturer is synchronization through the charging case. It works for all models, from Redmi AirDots (2019) to Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Wait 10-15 seconds, and the devices will automatically sync.
  3. Open the case cover. The headphones should flash in synchronous white or blue (depending on the model).
  4. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.

If the lights flash alternately or in different colors, it means that the synchronization has not gone through, in which case move on to the next method.

πŸ’‘

Before synchronizing, make sure the case is at least 30% charged, and if the battery is low, the process can be interrupted.

Method 2: Forced button synchronization

If the automatic method didn’t work, try forced synchronization with mechanical buttons, which is suitable for most models, except for the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later (they have touch control).

Instructions for Redmi AirDots 2/3, Haylou GT1/GT2:

  1. Get both earphones out of the case.
  2. Press and hold the button on the right earphone for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
  3. Repeat the same for the left earpiece.
  4. Place both headphones back in the case and close the lid for 20 seconds.
  5. Get your headphones out – they should sync automatically (the indicators will blink the same way).

For touch-controlled models (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Buds 3T):

  • πŸ‘† Touch and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 10 seconds.
  • πŸ”„ Wait for the double flashing of indicators (reset signal).
  • πŸ“¦ Place the headphones in the case for 30 seconds.

Charge the case at least 50% |

Make sure the headphones are clean (no dirt on the contacts)|

Disable headphones from all devices in Bluetooth | settings

Remove the headphones from the case before pressing the buttons-->

Method 3: Resetting settings to factory

If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to do a full reset, which will remove all the interface devices and return the headphones to the factory settings, and the procedure varies depending on the model.

Model headphonesResetting methodSign of successful discharge
Redmi AirDots (1–3)Hold the buttons on both headphones for 20 seconds until red blinks.Double flashing red + white.
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 ProTouch the sensor on both headphones for 15 seconds (before the sound signal).Voice message "Reset successful."
Haylou GT1/GT2Triple press of the button + hold 10 seconds.The indicator flashes green β†’ red.
Xiaomi FlipBuds ProPress and hold the sensor on both headphones for 20 seconds.Sound signal + purple flashing.

After discharge:

  1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid for 1 minute.
  2. Get them out – they should automatically sync (indicators flash synchronously).
  3. Connect to your phone as a new device.
What if the headphones are not synchronized after reset?
If the reset didn’t help, try: 1. Change the headphones in the case (sometimes helps when contacts are damaged). 2. Use another charger – perhaps the case undercharges the headphones. 3. Update the firmware through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app (relevant to Buds 3/4 Pro). 4. Check the headphones on another device (for example, on a tablet or laptop) to eliminate a problem with a smartphone.

Method 4: Synchronize with the Mi Home app

For Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later, synchronization is available through the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Earbuds for some regions), a method that is useful if the headphones are defined by the phone, but the sound is only in one.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
  3. Open Mi Home β†’ go to Devices β†’ Add Devices β†’
  4. Choose your headphone model from the list.
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm the connection and update the firmware).

Additional functions are available in the annex:

  • πŸ”„ Manual synchronization (in the section "Hearphone settings").
  • πŸ“₯ Update firmware (solves connection problems in 60% of cases).
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Reset to factory without mechanical buttons.

πŸ’‘

Updating firmware through Mi Home often solves sync problems, even if the headphones seem to be working.

Solving problems with specific models

Some Xiaomi models have unique synchronization bugs, and let’s look at the most common ones:

Redmi AirDots 2 – One earphone is not turned on

A common problem with this model is the oxidation of contacts in the case.

  • 🧹 Clean contacts in the case and on headphones with an alcohol napkin.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the case to 100% and leave the headphones inside for 1 hour.
  • πŸ”„ Reset (hold the buttons on both headphones for 20 seconds).

Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro – the sound is interrupted

The problem is with an unstable Bluetooth connection.

  • πŸ“± Turn off battery savings for Bluetooth in phone settings.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware through Mi Home.
  • 🎧 In the headphone settings, turn off the Auto Disconnect function when removing.

Haylou GT1/GT2 – Headphones are not defined by the phone

These models often conflict with Android 12+ due to outdated firmware.

  • πŸ“Œ Connect your headphones to a device with Android 10 or iOS.
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware through Haylou Fun (official app).
  • πŸ”„ Reset the settings (triple press). + hold-up).

πŸ’‘

Haylou models are sometimes helped by connecting via the Haylou Fun app instead of the standard Bluetooth.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the ways but the headphones still don’t sync, perhaps the problem lies in:

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones still don't work synchronously after resetting and updating the firmware, check them on another device (for example, on a laptop or tablet). If the problem persists, it's a hardware malfunction and you need repairs.

  • πŸ”‹ Failure of the battery in one of the headphones (does not hold charge, quickly discharges).
  • πŸ“‘ Damage to Bluetooth module (most often after falling or getting moisture).
  • πŸ”Œ Problems with contacts in the case (oxidation, mechanical damage).

In these cases, we recommend:

  1. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is valid).
  2. Try self-repair (replacement of contacts, soldering of antenna wires – only for experienced users!).
  3. Buy a new set if the repair is not economically feasible.

Cost of repairs in service centers:

  • Replacement of the battery in one headphone: 800-1500 β‚½.
  • Repair of Bluetooth module: 1500-2500 β‚½.
  • Replacement of contacts in the case: 500-1000 β‚½.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Xiaomi headphones

Can you sync headphones from different sets (for example, the left from AirDots 2 and the right from AirDots 3)?
No, it's impossible. Xiaomi earphones are synchronized only within one set. Each earpiece is assigned a unique identifier that matches the paired device. When you try to connect headphones from different sets, they either won't be detected, or the sound will only come in one.
Why did the headphones stop syncing after the firmware update?
This is a typical problem for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and FlipBuds Pro models: πŸ”„ Incorrect firmware (for example, if the update is interrupted). πŸ“± Conflict with the Bluetooth version on your phone (for example, on Android 13)+). Solution: Reset settings and repeat firmware updates via Mi Home.
How to check if the headphones are synchronized?
There are a number of ways: πŸ”¦ Look at the indicators: if they flash synchronously and in one color, headphones are paired. 🎡 Turn on music: sound should be in both headphones at the same time. πŸ“± The Bluetooth settings of the phone should display one device (e.g., "Redmi"). AirDots_XXX"), not two separate.
Can you sync Xiaomi headphones with iPhone?
Yes, but with some limitations: βœ… Most models (AirDots, Buds) 3/4 Pro) connect to iPhone as standard Bluetooth devices. ❌ Features like Double Touch or Transparent Mode may not work without the Mi Home app (it doesn’t always work well on iOS). πŸ”„ Use mechanical buttons to reset your settings (there is no alternative on iPhone).
What if the case does not charge one of the headphones?
It's one of the most common problems. Causes and solutions: 🧹 Mud on contacts β†’ clean them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. πŸ”Œ The cable in the case is damaged. β†’ try to press the headphone slightly when charging (if it starts charging - repairs are required). πŸ”‹ Failure of the charge controller β†’ If the earphone doesn't charge at all, check it on another case (if possible).