How to connect 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, quality and functionality. However, many users have difficulty with their initial synchronization or reconnecting after a reset, especially when working with models of Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless or Xiaomi Buds, where one earphone may not connect to another.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect Xiaomi headphones with each other, from the standard procedure to alternative methods for stubborn devices. You will learn what to do if the headphones do not sync, how to reset them to factory settings and what mistakes users most often make. And also unique life hacks that you will not find in the official instructions!

The material will be useful for both beginners and experienced owners who are faced with unusual situations, all instructions are tested on models 2020-2026 and are relevant for the latest firmware versions.

Why Xiaomi headphones do not connect with each other: the main reasons

Before we start to solve a problem, it's important to understand the root of the problem, and in 80 percent of cases, synchronization problems are related to one of the following factors:

• 🔋 A discharged battery in one of the headphones (even if the indicator is on, the charge can be critically low).
• 📱 Conflict with the previous device – headphones “memorized” the old connection to the phone or tablet.
• 🔄 Failure of firmware after incorrect update or physical impact (fall, moisture).
• 🎧 Mechanical damage to contacts in the case or on the headphones themselves.
• 🛠️ Manual resetting of settings, after which re-synchronization is required.

Xiaomi headphones feature: they use a proprietary synchronization protocol that can conflict with some versions of Bluetooth on Android/iOS. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro models often refuse to connect to phones on Android 11 and below due to a lack of support for LC3 codecs.

If your headphones used to work normally and now they don't sync, it's probably a software problem, but if they're new and never connected, check the hardware (see diagnostics section).

The standard way to connect Xiaomi headphones (for most models)

This method is suitable for 90% of Xiaomi’s wireless headphone models, including Redmi AirDots 2/3/Pro, Mi True Wireless 2/SE, and others.

1. Remove both headphones from the case and place them next to each other (no more than 10 cm away).
2. Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white (or blue and red – depending on the model).
3. Wait for automatic synchronization: the indicators must light up simultaneously white/blue (or go out).
4. Connect to your phone: Find a Bluetooth listing for a device with your model’s name (e.g. Redmi). AirDots_XXX) and perform the coupling.

If the lights are flashing on one earpiece, the other one hasn't gone into sync mode.

• 🔄 Reboot both headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds, then remove).
• 🔋 Check the battery power (if the indicator does not burn at all - the headphone is discharged).
• 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates in the Bluetooth settings of the phone.

Alternative ways of connecting (if the standard does not work)

If headphones are stubbornly reluctant to sync with the standard method, try one of these: they're suitable for hanging devices or after a bad firmware.

Method 1: Forced discharge through a cover

This method works for models with a button on the case (Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 3, etc.):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Open the case – the headphones should automatically sync.

Method 2: Manual pairing via Bluetooth settings

If the headphones are defined as two separate devices:

1. Remove both headphones from the list of conjugated devices in the phone.
2. Turn on the search mode on one headphone (hold the touch button for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
3. Connect to it via Bluetooth.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the second headphone.
5. After connecting both headphones should sync automatically.

Method 3: Using the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app

For some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4) you need special software:

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older models).
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair.
4. After connecting, check for firmware updates for headphones.

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If the app can't see the headphones, try turning on the phone's developer mode and activating the Bluetooth debugging option in the developer's settings, which sometimes helps with pairing problems.

How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If none of these methods worked, the last option is hard reset, which will remove all the connections that you've saved and return the headphones to the boxy state, and you'll need to re-synchronize the headphones and connect them to the phone after the reset.

Instructions for most models:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Remove them from the case and hold the touch buttons on both headphones for 20-30 seconds.
3. The indicators will first light up red, then flash white / blue 3 times - this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. After resetting, the headphones will automatically enter synchronization mode (the indicators will flash alternately).

For models with a button on the case (Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 3T):

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 30 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case, the reset is complete.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, the headphones may lose contact with the charging case. If the indicator on the case does not burn when you connect the headphones, try to wake the case by connecting it to charge for 10 minutes.

Diagnostics of hardware problems

If all software methods have been tried, but the headphones still don't connect, there may be a hardware malfunction.

Use a magnifying glass and flashlight to check the contacts in the case, often the problem is oxidation or contamination. Don't use metal objects to clean the coating, it can damage the coating. Better use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

⚠️ Warning: If headphones have fallen into water or been exposed to extreme humidity, don't try to turn them on! put them in rice or silica gel for 24 to 48 hours before any manipulation. Turning on wet headphones can short circuit.

Frequent User Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many synchronization problems are caused by non-obvious errors, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔋 Ignoring Charge Level: Headphones may not sync if the charge is below 15%.Always check the indicators before connecting.
• 📱 Connect to multiple devices at once: Xiaomi headphones do not support multipoint (simultaneously connecting to two sources.
• 🔄 Interrupting the reset process: If you release the buttons ahead of time, the headphones may "hang" In this case, repeat the reset, holding the buttons longer (30 seconds).
• 🎧 Use of a non-original case: Cheap substitutes may not provide the right contact for charging and synchronization.
• 🛠️ Update firmware "on the knee": Interrupting the update through Mi Home can cause a failure.Always watch the charge level (>50%) and the stability of the Internet.

Another common mistake is trying to synchronize headphones from different models, such as the Redmi AirDots 2 and Xiaomi Buds 3 will not be able to connect with each other, even if both are from Xiaomi. Synchronization is possible only within the same model (except for some Mi True Wireless series, which supports cross-synchronization).

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If the headphones don’t sync after all the manipulations, check them on another phone or tablet, which will help to eliminate the problem with your main device.

Updating the firmware as a way to solve problems

In some cases, the headphones are unstable due to outdated firmware, and the manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix synchronization bugs and improve compatibility, to update the firmware:

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older models).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and find your headphones in the list of devices.
4. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
5. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen, do not interrupt the process and make sure that the headphone charge is >50%.

For models without support OTA-Updates (e.g. Redmi AirDots S) may require manual firmware via PC:

• Special software (Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot)
• Firmware file for a specific model (download only from official sources!).
• Skills with ADB and Fastboot.

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn headphones into a brick. If you're not sure about your abilities, contact the service center. Xiaomi official centers update the firmware for free under warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions