How to connect headphones Xiaomi Earbuds with each other: a complete guide with error solutions

Xiaomi Earbuds wireless headphones are a popular solution for music lovers, but sometimes users face a problem: one of the headphones (usually the left one) does not connect to the right one or works separately. This is due to a failure of synchronization between devices, especially after prolonged downtime, firmware updates or mechanical damage. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved independently without contacting the service center.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways Xiaomi headphones are paired, from basic to advanced methods, including resetting, manual synchronization and diagnostics of hardware malfunctions. We will describe the nuances for different models: Earbuds 3/4 Pro, Earbuds S, AirDots and others. You will also learn how to avoid repeated crashes and what to do if the headphones do not respond to buttons at all.

Why Xiaomi Earbuds headphones are not synchronized with each other

Before we get to the instructions, it’s important to understand the root of the problem: Xiaomi headphones (like most brands) work on the principle of “lead-follow”: the right earphone is the main one and connects to the sound source (smartphone, PC), and the left one synchronizes with the right one via Bluetooth. If the communication between them is broken, you hear the sound in only one earphone or you lose the connection.

Main reasons:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – if one of the headphones is discharged to 0%, it will not be able to sync.
• 📱 Failure of firmware – after updating the software or incorrectly disconnecting the headphones can “forget” each other.
• 🎧 Mechanical damage - falls, moisture or dust entering the contacts of the charging case.
• 🔄 Manually shutting down sync – if you have manually connected your headphones to different devices.
• 🛠️ Hardware defect – malfunction of Bluetooth module (rare, but found in budget models).

Most often, the problem is solved software, but in 5-10% of cases the "iron" part is to blame. For example, if after a fall the microphone or button on one of the headphones stopped working, the synchronization can be lost due to hardware errors.

Preparation for pairing: what to check before resetting settings

Before you drop your headphones, make sure that the problem is not the trivial stuff.

Case charge and headphone charge > 30%|Cleared contacts case and headphones from dust|Headphones removed from the list of Bluetooth devices on the phone|Physical condition of buttons and microphones checked|Other Bluetooth devices nearby are disabled-->

Pay special attention to the charging case. If contacts become oxidized or contaminated, the headphones may not charge until the end, which leads to synchronization failures. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (do not use wet wipes!).

Also check if the headphones are connected to another device, for example, if you used them with a laptop and are now trying to connect them to a smartphone, there may be a conflict.

• 📱 Android: Settings → Bluetooth → Xiaomi Earbuds → Forget the device
• 🍎 iOS: Settings → Bluetooth → "i" next to the headphones → Forget this device.
• 💻 Windows/macOS: Remove from the Bluetooth menu and restart the PC.

💡

If the headphones don't respond to the press, try putting them in the case for 10 to 15 seconds, then pull them out, and sometimes it wakes them up after a deep sleep.

Method 1: Automatic case synchronization (for most models)

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works for Xiaomi Earbuds 3/4 Pro, Earbuds S and other models with a case.

1. Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds – the headphones should go out (this means that they are completely switched off).
3. Open the case cover. The headphones will automatically turn on and start synchronizing with each other (the indicators will flash alternately).
4. Wait until the indicators start flashing at the same time (usually in white or blue) is a signal of successful synchronization.
5. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.

If the lights flash alternately for more than 30 seconds or one of the headphones does not respond, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Manual reset (for Earbuds 3/4 Pro and AirDots)

If automatic synchronization doesn't work, you'll need a full reset, which is suitable for most models, but there are nuances:

• 🎧 Earbuds 3/4 Pro: reset is done through a long press on the touch panels.
• 🎧 AirDots (1/2/3 generation: a mechanical button is used on the case.
• 🎧 Earbuds S: The combination of taps is different (see below).

Instructions for Earbuds 3/4 Pro:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Remove them and hold your fingers on the touchpads of both headphones for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red (first white, then red).
3. Release the buttons and the headphones will reboot.
4. After rebooting, they are automatically synchronized (the indicators blink white at the same time).
5. Connect to your phone as a new device.

For AirDots:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Release the button, reset is done.

💡

Once reset, the headphones will lose all previous settings (such as gesture customization) and will have to be reconfigured in the Mi Earphones app (if supported).

Method 3: Sync through the Mi Earphones app (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi Earbuds models (e.g. Earbuds 3 Pro or Earbuds 4) support management via the proprietary Mi Earphones app (available for Android and iOS).If the headphones connect to the phone but don't sync with each other, try:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your headphones to your phone (even if only one works).
3. Open the app and wait until it determines the model.
4. Go to Settings → Reset headphones (or Restore connection).
5. Follow the instructions on the screen.

You can also check the charge level of each headphone separately and update the firmware. If an update is available, install it, as new versions often fix synchronized bugs.

Important: If only one headphone is displayed in the app, this confirms the synchronization problem, in which case only a manual reset (Method 2) will help.

Method 4: Diagnostics of hardware problems

If none of these things worked, it might be a hardware problem.

• 🔌 Charging case contacts: inspect for oxidation or contamination. Clean with alcohol.
• 🎛️ Buttons/sensors: Press touch panels or mechanical buttons – they should be clearly triggered without jamming.
• 🔊 Speakers: If one of the headphones makes wheezing or does not play sound, the speaker may be damaged.
• 📶 Bluetooth module: if the headphone is not determined by any device, the module could fail.

To check the speakers, connect the headphones to your phone and play back the test sound (e.g., in Mi Earphones or through Settings → Sound → Mono Mode on Android). If only one earphone has sound even after reset, it is a sign of hardware breakdown.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones have fallen into the water or been hit hard, don’t try to disassemble them yourself – this can lead to a short circuit.

The cost of repairing headphones Xiaomi in official services:

• Replacement of the battery - from 800 ₽.
• Repair of Bluetooth module - from 1,200 ₽.
• Replacement of the speaker - from 1,500 ₽.

How to avoid synchronization problems in the future

To headphones Xiaomi Earbuds do not lose communication with each other, follow the simple rules:

• 🔋 Charge the case regularly - do not allow a full discharge of headphones (optimally keep the charge above 20%).
• 📱 Update your firmware via Mi Earphones (if supported).
• 🧹 Clean the contacts of the case and headphones once every 1-2 months.
• 🚫 Don’t connect your headphones to multiple devices at the same time – it knocks synchronization.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating/supercooling – do not leave headphones in direct sunlight or in the cold.

If you often use headphones with different gadgets (for example, a smartphone + laptop), before reconnecting, turn off Bluetooth on the previous device.

💡

Keep your headphones in your case when you're not using them, and this not only protects them from damage, but it syncs automatically the next time you connect.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronization Xiaomi Earbuds