How to combine two headphones Xiaomi in a stereo pair: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have long been a popular accessory for their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users are faced with a situation where one headphone stops working, is lost or simply needs to be replaced with a new one.

The answer depends on the model, the firmware version, and even the serial number of the devices. In this article, we will discuss all possible synchronization methods, including official methods for supported models and workarounds for others. You will learn how to check the compatibility of headphones, perform a factory reset, use special applications, and even physically modify devices (for advanced users).

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support this “iron-level” combination. For example, Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi TrueWireless Earphones 2 Basic are technically able to sync with “foreign” headphones of the same model, whereas older or budget versions may require pair connection. We tested all current methods on devices in 2020-2026 and collected data in convenient spreadsheets for a quick search of a solution.

Which Xiaomi models support combining the two headphones?

Before trying to connect headphones, you need to make sure that your model is technically capable of working in tandem with a “foreign” device. Xiaomi does not advertise this feature, but enthusiasts and service centers have confirmed the method for the following series:

• 🎧 Redmi AirDots (all versions including AirDots 2, AirDots 3, AirDots 3 Pro)
• 🎧 Mi TrueWireless Earphones (2, 2 Basic, 2S, SE)
• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds (including FlipBuds Pro)
• 🎧 Haylou GT1/GT2 (Xiaomi)

But the owners of Mi AirDots Youth, Redmi Buds 3 Lite or Xiaomi Earbuds S should be careful: these models use simplified chips, which are often tied to the “native” pair at the firmware level, and attempts to combine them can lead to the loss of functionality of one of the headphones.

To determine compatibility, check the serial numbers on the headphone case (usually under the charge case cover). If they start with the same 4-5 characters (for example, MDZ-11-AB and MDZ-11-AC), the chances of successful synchronization are higher. Also look at the firmware version - it can be recognized through the Mi Home or Airoha app (for Airoha 1562 chips).

Preparation of headphones for synchronization: reset and check

Before combining the two headphones, you need to reset them to the factory settings, which will remove the previous pairs of connections and allow the devices to "see" each other.

1. For Redmi AirDots 2/3: Place both headphones in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.

After reset, the headphones should automatically go into search mode (the indicator flashes white). If this does not happen, remove them from the case and wait for the audible signal to connect. Importantly, do not connect the headphones to the phone at this stage - first they should sync with each other.

Make sure the headphone models are compatible

Reset both headphones to factory settings

Charge the case and headphones to at least 50%

Turn off Bluetooth on all nearby devices

Place the headphones next to each other (within 10 cm)-->

⚠️ Warning: If one of the headphones does not blink or make intermittent sounds after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth chip.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization (for supported models)

The easiest method is to use the built-in automatic pairing feature, which works for most models on Qualcomm QCC3020 or Airoha 1562 chips.

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait until the headphones go out (meaning they are completely off).
3. Open the case cover – the headphones should automatically turn on and start searching for each other.
4. If the synchronization is successful, you will hear a beep (usually a short double beep) and the indicators will start flashing synchronously.

At this point, the headphones are ready to connect to the phone. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, find the name of your model in the list of devices (for example, Redmi). AirDots_XXX) If you have two separate earbuds on the list, then the automatic synchronization didn't work, so you have to move to manual methods.

Signs of a successful association:

• 🔊 Both earphones emit the same sound signals.
• 📱 Bluetooth Settings displays one device (not two separate devices).
• 🎵 The sound is played stereo (left and right channels work).

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If the headphones don't sync the first time, try repeating the process by discharging them to 0% and charging them fully, sometimes resetting the chip's memory errors.

Method 2: Manually pairing through an application (for Airoha chips)

Headphones based on Airoha 1562 chips (for example, Redmi AirDots 2 or Haylou GT1) can be synchronized using specialized software.

• 📱 Android smartphone (version 8.0 and higher).
• 🔌 Airoha 1562 Tool (Available on the Internet) 4PDA or APKPure).
• 🔋 Headphone charge of at least 70%.

Step-by-step:

1. Install and open the Airoha 1562 Tool app.
2. Connect only one headphone to the phone (for example, the right one).
3. In the app, go to the Device Info section and write down the value. MAC-address.
4. Turn off the headphone, connect the second (left) and also write it down. MAC-address.
5. Go back to the main menu, select Pairing Mode and enter MAC-second-ear address.
6. Press Start Pairing and wait for the sound confirmation.

If it's successful, the app will display Paired status, and the headphones will work like a stereo, and notice that when you combine it, you can reset your connection history, and you have to re-connect your headphones to all your devices.

⚠️ Note: Using unofficial apps like the Airoha 1562 Tool can lead to the headphones being blocked if you don't act correctly!

Method 3: Update firmware for compatibility

In some cases, the earbuds are being hampered by outdated firmware. 2 version 1.4.0_1117 There was a bug that caused the devices to refuse to sync with the pairs of strangers, and the solution was to update the firmware through official or third-party software.

Official updates are released through the Mi Home app (Device Profile → Firmware Update) but if your model is not supported, alternative methods can be used:

For manual firmware updates via Airoha 1562 Tool:

1. Download the firmware file (for example, airdots2_1.4.0_1117.bin) from a verified source (recommended) XDA Developers).
2. Connect the headphone to your PC via Bluetooth (use the Bluetooth 5.0 adapter for stability).
3. In Airoha 1562 Tool, select Firmware Update and specify the path to the file.
4. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the headphone!).

Updating your firmware through unofficial sources can lead to loss of warranty and unstable headphones, and use this method only if other methods have not worked.

What to do if the headphones are not synchronized?

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be hardware limitations or damage, and here are the most common causes and solutions.

• 🔋 Battery discharge: Charge the case and headphones to 100%.Sometimes low charge blocks the synchronization function.
• 📡 Bluetooth interference: Make sure there are no other active Bluetooth devices (columns, smartwatches) nearby.
• 🔧 Chip damaged: If the earphone falls, gets wet or is subjected to mechanical stress, the Bluetooth module may fail.
• 🔄 Firmware conflict: If the headphones have different versions of the software, they may not recognize each other.

Also try to “cheat” the system by temporarily connecting the headphones to another device:

1. Connect the right earphone to the Android smartphone.
2. Connect the left earphone to your iPhone or MacBook.
3. Play the sound on both devices at the same time – sometimes it causes the headphones to sync.

If nothing works, there are two options:

1. Contact Xiaomi Service Center (but they rarely take on such tasks).
2. Buying a new set is sometimes cheaper than trying to restore old headphones.

Alternative solutions: how to use two headphones separately

If you can't combine the headphones into a stereo pair, you can use them separately, for example, as a mono-earhead for calling or listening to podcasts.

1. Reset the headphone to factory settings (see section above).
2. Connect it to your phone as a standalone device.
3. In Bluetooth settings, select Sound Settings → Play Mode → Mono (on Android 10+).

Some models (e.g. Mi TrueWireless 2) support single-connection mode, where one earphone can work independently.

1. Put both earbuds in the case.
2. Take out only one headphone – it will automatically go into mono mode.
3. Connect it to your phone via Bluetooth.

The downside is that you don't have stereo sound, but for conversations or speech listening (audiobooks, podcasts), you can buy a Bluetooth transmitter that supports two devices (e.g., Avantek APT-X) and connect both earphones to it as separate audio sources.

FAQ: Frequent questions about combining headphones Xiaomi

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Before buying a replacement earpiece, check the model and firmware version of the headphone. Even seemingly identical devices may have different chips and not be suitable for combining.