How to connect headphones Xiaomi True Wireless with each other: full instruction

Why are Xiaomi headphones not paired with each other?

Xiaomi True Wireless (or TWS) wireless headphones consist of two separate devices, the left and right, that must automatically sync with each other when removed from the case. However, users often face the problem when one headphone does not connect to the other, flashes red/white or does not respond at all.

First, it's a software failure -- for example, after a firmware update or abrupt power outage. Second, mechanical damage: headphones fall, moisture get in the case, or contacts clog up in the case. Third, the wrong sequence of actions on the first connection. Even if you've been using Xiaomi Airdots or Redmi Buds for a long time, after a long downtime, the headphones can "forget" each other.

In this article, we will explore all the ways of pairing, from basic reset to manual synchronization through the engineering menu (where possible), and learn how to avoid typical errors and what to do if the headphones refuse to work together even after all the manipulations.

Preparing headphones for pairing: 5 mandatory steps

Before trying to sync your headphones, make sure you meet all the preconditions. Skipping at least one item can lead to the pairing process failing.

Make sure both earphones are charged (indicators are green or white)

Remove both headphones from the case at the same time

Disable headphones from all devices in Bluetooth settings

Reboot the smartphone / PC to which you previously connected

Place the headphones at a distance of not more than 10 cm from each other-->

Pay special attention to the charge level. If even one earphone is discharged below 15%, the synchronization may be interrupted.

• 🔋 Green/white light – charge above 50%, you can start.
• 🔴 Red light – charge below 20%, recharging is required.
• 💡 Blinking red - critical discharge, pairing is impossible.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones were lying unused for a long time (more than 3 months), their batteries could run to zero. In this case, the case may not recognize the headphones - you will need to force recharge for 10-15 minutes before pairing.

Method 1: Automatic pairing (for most models)

In 80% of cases, Xiaomi True Wireless headphones sync automatically when first removed from the case.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
2. Open the lid and remove both headphones at the same time.
3. Wait until the headphones start flashing alternately red and white (pairing mode).
4. On your smartphone, turn on Bluetooth and find the Mi True Wireless device (or similar to your model name).
5. Connect – if everything goes well, the indicators will light up in blue or green.

If the lights flash only red or one earphone doesn't respond, move on to the next method.

• 📱 Headphones previously connected to another device (you need to “forget” them in Bluetooth settings).
• 🔄 Headphone firmware is outdated (relevant to Redmi Buds 3 Pro and newer).
• 🛠️ In the case, dirt accumulated on the contacts (clean with alcohol).

💡

If Xiaomi Airdots headphones don’t sync, try putting them in a case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. then remove them again – sometimes enough to reset a temporary failure.

Method 2: Manual reset and re-pairing

If the automatic method does not work, you will need a forced reset. Instructions are suitable for most models, including Xiaomi Airdots 2/3, Redmi Buds 4 and FlipBuds Pro. Importantly, after reset, the headphones will forget all previous connections, and they will have to be reconfigured.

Step-by-step:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the lid and remove the headphones – they should automatically enter pairing mode (blinking white light).
4. On your phone, find the Mi True Wireless device in the Bluetooth list and connect.

For some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T) reset is performed differently:

1. Remove the headphones from the case.


2. Press the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds.




3. Wait for the double beep and the flashing red.




4. Put the headphones back in the case for 5 seconds, then retract.

⚠️ Note: On models with an accelerometer (e.g. Redmi Buds 5), the reset can only work when the headphones are vertically positioned.

Method 3: Sync with Mi Home (for new models)

Xiaomi headphones starting with Redmi Buds 3 Pro and FlipBuds support advanced settings through the branded Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for some regions), which allows not only to pair headphones, but also to update the firmware, which often solves synchronization problems.

How to sync through Mi Home:

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and remove the headphones from the case.
4. In the app, go to Devices → Add Devices → Headphones.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen – the application will find the headphones and offer to update the firmware (if required).

If the application appears error "I failed to connect", try:

• 📱 Reinstall Mi Home and clear the cache.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the app blocks the corporate firewall).
• 🔄 Restart the phone and try again.

Method 4: Checking contacts and mechanical damage

If none of the software methods worked, the problem could be physical malfunctions, most commonly:

• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts in the case or on headphones (due to sweat or moisture).
• 🧲 Damage to magnets in case cover (earphones are not fixed correctly).
• 🔋 Bloating of the battery in one of the headphones (seen by the deformation of the body).

How to check and eliminate:

1. Contacts: Wash the metal connectors in the case and on headphones with an alcohol napkin. Use a toothpick to remove dirt.
2. Magnets: Check if the headphones are fixed in the case. If they fall out, the magnets are weakened (replacement is required).
3. Battery: Check the case for bloating. If the headphone does not hold the charge (discharges in 10-15 minutes), it will have to be replaced.

⚠️ Note: If after cleaning contacts, Xiaomi headphones still do not sync, but the indicators are burning normally, the problem may be in the Bluetooth chip.

💡

Most of the problems with pairing Xiaomi TWS are solved by resetting or updating the firmware. If the headphones do not respond to reset and are not detected by any device, this is a sure sign of hardware failure.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after successful pairing, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Another common mistake is to connect only one earphone to your phone, which happens when you:

• 📵 The headphones were improperly removed from the case (first one, then the other).
• 🔄 In the Bluetooth settings of the phone saved old connection (you need to “forget” the device).
• 🛠️ Headphone firmware damaged (reflashing through Mi Home required).

If Xiaomi headphones are connected separately but don’t work together, try:

1. Put both earphones in the case.


2. Close the lid for 10 seconds.




3. Remove them at the same time and wait for the double beep.




4. Connect to them via Bluetooth.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions