How to sync the second headphone Xiaomi: 5 ways to solve the problem

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular solution for music lovers and active users, but sometimes even they fail. One of the most common problems is that one headphone is connected, and the second one is silent or not detected. The reasons can be different from trivial discharge to software failure. In this article, we will discuss how to restore synchronization between AirDots, Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless and other models of the brand.

It's important to understand that the synchronization algorithm depends on the model and the generation of headphones. For example, Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 sync automatically when extracted from the case, whereas older Redmi AirDots may need to manually reset. We'll look at universal methods as well as nuances for specific lines.

If you've tried rebooting your headphones or resetting them through the Mi Home app, but nothing has worked, don't rush to bring the device to the service. In 90% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself in 5-10 minutes, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss the steps.

Why is the second Xiaomi headphone not synced?

Before you start repairing, it is worth understanding the causes of the malfunction, and here are the main factors that make Xiaomi headphones lose touch with each other:

• 🔋 Discharged battery – one of the headphones is completely sat down, and the case can not charge it due to damaged contact.
• 📱 Failure of firmware – after updating or incorrectly disconnecting the headphones “forgot” each other.
• 🔄 Automatic desynchronization – some models (such as Mi AirDots Youth) reset communication in prolonged inactivity.
• 🎧 Mechanical damage - ingress of moisture, fall or wear of contacts in the case.
• 📲 Phone conflict – in Bluetooth settings, outdated data about headphones is stored.

Critical error: If the headphones don’t sync even after being completely reset and charged, the problem may be that the Bluetooth chip in one of the headphones is damaged, in which case repair or replacement is required.

Most often, the problem is software-based and solved without going to the service, but if the headphones fall into the water or are severely impacted, the chances of recovery without repair are minimal.

Preparing for synchronization: what to do before resetting

Before resetting your headphones, follow a few mandatory steps, which will help to avoid unnecessary manipulation and save time:

1. Check the charge of the case and headphones. Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator is on. Sometimes the contacts oxidize, and the real charge is lower than the LED indicates.
2. Clean the contacts on the headphones and in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Dust and dirt can interfere with charging.
3. Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone. To do this, go to Settings → Bluetooth, find Xiaomi in the list and click “Forget the device”.
4. Reboot your phone. Sometimes it's on the side of your smartphone, not the headphones.

If you don't sync your headphones after that, you can switch to manual reset, but remember, resetting will bring the headphones back to factory settings, and all the saved connection profiles will be deleted.

Charge case and headphones | Clear contacts with alcohol | Remove headphones from Bluetooth on your phone |Reboot your smartphone | Check the headphones on another device-->

Method 1: Standard reset via a button on the case

Most Xiaomi models support hardware reset via a button on the case.This method works for AirDots, Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless 2 and other wireless headphones of the brand.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the charging (required!).
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (or red and blue – depending on the model).
4. Release the button and wait until the indicator lights up red (this is a signal of a successful reset).
5. Get your headphones out of the case – they should automatically sync and appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices.

If the indicator doesn’t blink or the headphones don’t appear in the search, repeat the procedure by holding the button for longer (up to 30 seconds).Some models (for example, Mi AirDots Pro) reset only when the case is connected to the charge!

Method 2: Reset via Mi Home (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Redmi Buds 3 Pro) support reset via a proprietary app, which is more convenient than hardware, since it allows you to control the process through the interface.

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Go to the profile and select the region "China" (in some versions of the application headphones are displayed only in this region).
3. Connect your headphones to your phone via Bluetooth (even if they are not synced).
4. In the app, click Add Device (+) → Headphones and select your model.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. If the app suggests a reset, confirm the action.

Once reset, the headphones will automatically reconnect, and if the model doesn't support Mi Home control, the app won't find the device, in which case, use other methods.

⚠️ Note: Resetting through Mi Home may require re-associating the headphones to your Xiaomi account.If you don't remember the password, restore access beforehand.

Method 3: Manual synchronization via Bluetooth (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can try force-synchronizing your headphones through Bluetooth settings, which is suitable for models that support separate connection (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2).

1. Remove the headphones from the list of conjugated devices on the phone.
2. Take both headphones out of the case and wait until they start flashing (search mode).
3. On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and find two separate devices (e.g. Mi True) in the list. Wireless_Left and Mi True. Wireless_Right).
4. Connect first to the right earpiece, then to the left earpiece. Some models require a stringent connection!
5. After connecting both headphones, they should sync automatically.

If the headphones don’t show separately, try pressing the touchpad of one of them (usually 3-5 times) to force you to enter pairing mode. In AirDots 3 Pro models, you need to hold the touch button for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing purple.

Method 4: Update the firmware of headphones

If the headphones are synchronized, but the connection is constantly breaking or the sound is interrupted, the problem may be outdated firmware, you can update it through the Mi Home app (for supported models) or manually.

1. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
2. Open Mi Home, find the headphones in the list of devices.
3. Go to the headphone settings (cog in the upper right corner).
4. If an update is available, the Update Firmware button will appear. Press it and wait for the process to be completed (don't turn off the headphones!).

For models that do not support OTA-Updates (for example, AirDots) 1-gen), The firmware can be manually flashed through a PC, but it requires skill and can cause a breakdown.Manual firmware voids the warranty and can make the headphones inoperable if it fails.

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones become deficient or communication is interrupted during a firmware update, they may stop turning on. Charge them to 100% before starting the process.

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If after updating the firmware headphones began to work worse (for example, there were interference), try to roll back the version through Mi Home or reset the settings to factory.

Method 5: Checking on another device and diagnosing malfunctions

If none of these methods worked, you should check if the headphones or the problem on the phone side are to blame.

1. Take another smartphone (or tablet) and try connecting your headphones to it.
2. If the second device has headphones synced, the problem is with your phone’s settings (see Frequent Errors section).
3. If the headphones do not work and on the second device, most likely, one of the modules is defective: 🔊 Speaker: if one earphone makes sound and the other does not. 📡 Bluetooth module – if the headphone is not defined at all. 🔋 Battery – if the headphone is quickly discharged or not charged.

You can use a multimeter to diagnose hardware malfunctions (call contacts) or contact a service center. If headphones are guaranteed, do not disassemble them yourself - this will deprive you of the right to free repairs.

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If the headphones don't sync on either device, but both make sound when connected separately, the problem is that the firmware or the sync chip is damaged, and only flashing or replacing the board will help.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to sync Xiaomi headphones, and this is what you can’t do if you want to get the device back on track:

• 🚫 Use a non-original charging cable – cheap cables may not provide enough current to reset.
• 🚫 Press the reset button without connecting to charging – most models reset only works when powered from the network.
• 🚫 Interrupt the process of updating the firmware - this can lead to "bricking" headphones.
• 🚫 Disassemble headphones without experience - inside miniature plumes that are easy to damage.
• 🚫 Using headphones during reset – this can knock the synchronization algorithm.

Also, don’t try to connect headphones to multiple devices at once.Some Xiaomi models don’t support multi-connection, and this can cause Bluetooth profile conflicts.

If you bought headphones with your hands, make sure they are not tied to someone else's Xiaomi account.In some cases, the previous owner could activate theft protection, and without his consent, sync will not be possible.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions