How to turn both Xiaomi headphones on: a complete guide to synchronizing wireless headphones

Xiaomi's wireless headphones are a popular accessory for their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face a common problem: one of the headphones suddenly stops working, doesn't connect or emits intermittent sound, most often due to loss of sync between the right and left modules, not a breakdown. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved independently without going to the service center.

In this article, we will explore all the possible reasons why Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless and other models can “lose” one earphone, as well as give step-by-step instructions for their recovery. From simple reset to manual flashing, you will find a solution for even the most difficult cases.

Before you start setting up, make sure that the problem is not related to a discharged battery or mechanical damage. If the earphone is physically damaged (for example, after a fall or moisture), no software instructions will help - repair or replacement will be required.

Why Xiaomi’s One Headphone Doesn’t Work: The Main Reasons

Before you try to "resuscitate" the headphones, it is important to understand what exactly caused the failure.-5 Why Xiaomi may disable one of the modules:

• 🔋 A discharged battery - even if the earphone "turns on," a low charge can block synchronization. check the charge indicators on both devices.
• 📶 Software failure – firmware error or conflict with Bluetooth device (for example, after smartphone update).
• 🔄 Loss of communication between headphones – if one of the modules was connected to another device or was out of range.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage to contacts – oxidation or contamination of connectors in the case or on the headphones themselves.
• 📱 Device incompatibility – some Xiaomi models don’t work well with iPhones or older Android smartphones (before version 8.0).

The most common cause is a loss of sync between the right and left earphones, which occurs when:

• 🔌 You did not remove the headphones from the case at the same time (for example, first the right, and the left – after 10 seconds).
• 📵 The headphones were connected to two different devices (for example, the right one to the phone, the left one to the laptop).
• 🔄 There was a failure when updating the firmware through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.

If the problem occurs after a fall or moisture, do not try to turn on the headphones - this can lead to a short circuit.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones were purchased less than a month ago and were not subjected to mechanical stress, do not try to disassemble them yourself.

Preparing for synchronization: what to do before resetting

Before resetting your headphones, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid additional problems and speed up the recovery process.

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

Place the headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.

Turn off Bluetooth on all devices that your headphones have previously connected to

Remove headphones from the list of conjugated devices in the smartphone settings

Reboot your smartphone (especially if you’re using Android 12)+ or iOS 16+)

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If Xiaomi headphones are touch-controlled (like the Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), check if the Mono mode is activated (one-way sound). In some models, it is activated by double-tapping on one of the headphones to turn it off:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Touch the touch panel on the right earphone 3 times in a row.
3. Wait 5 seconds – the voice signal “Stereo mode” should sound (on some models – double beep).

If the headphones don't respond to touch, try a forced reset (instructions in the next section). Also make sure the case is charged - some Xiaomi models (such as Mi True Wireless 2) block synchronization when the case is discharged.

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If Xiaomi headphones are not detected by the smartphone even after reset, try connecting them to another device (tablet or PC) to help identify whether the problem is in the headphones or in the Bluetooth module of your phone.

Method 1: Xiaomi’s standard headphone reset (for most models)

This method works for 90% of Xiaomi models, including:

• 🎧 Redmi AirDots (1, 2, 3 generation)
• 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earbuds (1 and 2)
• 🎧 Redmi Buds 3/4/5 (including Pro versions)
• 🎧 Xiaomi Air 2/3

Resetting instructions:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 15-20 seconds.
3. The headphones should flash red and white (or red and blue – depending on the model), and then go out.
4. Close the case cover, wait 10 seconds, then remove the headphones.
5. Both headphones should automatically turn on and sync (a “Connected” voice message or double signal will sound).

If the headphones are still not synchronized after reset:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure again, holding the button for 25-30 seconds.
• 📱 Try connecting your headphones to another smartphone (preferably on Android 10)+).
• 🔌 Check if the contacts on the headphones and in the case are not contaminated (clean them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Pro models, the reset button can be touch-sensitive. In this case, instead of holding a physical button, tap the touch panel on the case 5 times in a row for 10 seconds.

Method 2: Manual pairing via Bluetooth (if reset didn't help)

If a standard reset fails, try to force the headphones to fit manually, a method that is suitable for models where one earphone is defined by the phone and the other is not.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your smartphone and remove Xiaomi headphones from the list of devices.
2. Only take the right earpiece out of the case (left leave inside).
3. Wait until the right earbud appears on the list of available Bluetooth devices (usually the name begins with "Mi True Wireless..." or "Redmi Buds...").
4. Connect to the right earpiece. Once you've successfully connected, pull the left earpiece out of the case, and it should automatically sync.

If the left earphone is not connected:

• 🔄 Place both headphones back in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then repeat the process.
• 📱 Try connecting to the headphones from another device (such as a tablet or laptop).
• 🔧 Some models (Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) require a firmware update through the Xiaomi Wear app (instructions in the next section).

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If Xiaomi headphones are connected separately but don’t work together, the problem is with the firmware. Update it through the official app or manually (instruction below).

Method 3: Update firmware through Xiaomi Wear (for new models)

Headphones Xiaomi 2022-2026 (Redmi Buds 5 Pro, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, etc.) require regular firmware updates for proper operation. If synchronization is broken after updating your smartphone or headphones, follow the following steps:

Instructions for updating:

1. Install the official Xiaomi Wear app (for Android) or Mi Home (for iOS).
2. Connect your headphones to your smartphone (even if only one module is running).
3. Open the app and go to the Devices section → [Your headphones] → Settings → Firmware update.
4. If an update is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).
5. After the update, reset (see Method 1) and reconnect the headphones.

If the app does not find headphones:

• 📱 Make sure your smartphone is enabled with Bluetooth 5.0+ (Check in the settings → The phone).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 🌐 Connect to the Internet – some firmware is downloaded only when an active connection is available.

For Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, there is a hidden developer menu where you can manually reset your sync settings to get there:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. In the Xiaomi Wear app, go to Settings → About the device.
3. Tap 5 times in a row on the "Firmware Version" line - the test menu will open.
4. Select Reset Pairing Data and confirm the reset.

⚠️ Note: Do not update the firmware of Xiaomi headphones through third-party applications (for example, Earbuddy or Headset Info).This can lead to a complete loss of functionality and require flashing through the service center.

Method 4: Check and clean contacts (if the headphones are not charging)

If one of Xiaomi’s headphones doesn’t turn on or charge in the case, the problem may lie in contaminated or oxidized contacts, especially for models that are heavily used in the gym or outdoors.

How to clean contacts:

1. Take out the headphones from the case and inspect the metal contacts (usually located on the inside of the headphone and inside the case).
2. If the contacts are blackened or covered with plaque, clean them carefully: 🧴 Cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (do not use vodka or cologne!). 🧲 Soft toothbrush (for severe contamination). 📄 Swallow (for oxidized contacts).

1-2 hours

If the headphone is not charged after cleaning:

• 🔌 Try charging the case from another cable or power supply.
• 🔋 Check if the indicator on the case burns when you connect to the charger. If not, the problem is in the case battery.
• 🛠️ In some cases, forced discharge helps: leave the case with headphones to discharge for 12-24 hours, then recharge.

For Xiaomi Air models 2/3 and Redmi Buds. 3 Pro has a diagnostic mode that shows the status of the battery:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Open the lid and hold the touchpad on the case for 10 seconds.
3. Indicators on headphones will show the level of charge: 🟢 Green is charge. > 60% 🟡 Yellow: 20 to 60 charge% 🔴 Red is charge. < 20%

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If Xiaomi headphones are running too fast, try turning off the Low Latency Mode feature in the Xiaomi Wear app settings, which increases power consumption by 15-20%.

What to do if nothing helps: radical methods

If all of these things don't work, there are radical measures that you should only take if the headphones aren't guaranteed or you're willing to take a chance.

Method 1: Hand-flashing (for advanced users)

Some Xiaomi models (such as Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi True Wireless 2) can be reflashed via PC using the QFlash Tool.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11.
• 🔌 Type-C Cable (for connecting a case to a PC).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (can be found on the forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Procedure:

1. Download and install Qualcomm drivers for your headphone model.
2. Connect the case with headphones to the PC via cable (case should be opened).
3. Run the QFlash Tool and select the downloaded firmware.
4. Press Start and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the case!).
5. After flashing, reset (see Method 1).

Method 2: Disassembly and check of fees

If you are confident in your skills, you can take apart the headphone and check:

• 🔋 Battery condition (blown or leakage of electrolyte).
• 📡 Bluetooth module integrity (antenna can be torn off).
• 🔌 soldering contacts (often fall off after falls).

⚠️ Attention: Disassembling Xiaomi headphones requires special tools (plastic blades, tweezers, soldering iron). Wrong actions can lead to a complete failure of the device.

Method 3: Replacement of the headphone under warranty

If the headphones are warranty (usually 12 months), and all software methods have been tried, contact the official Xiaomi service center.

• 📄 Check or guarantee card.
• 📱 Serial number of headphones (indicated on the case or in the application Xiaomi Wear).
• 🔧 Diagnosis from the service center (may be paid if the defect is not warranty).

In Russia and CIS countries, official Xiaomi service centers are in most major cities. mi.com/service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones