Why Xiaomi Headphones Are Not Synced and How to Fix It

Problems with synchronization of Xiaomi wireless headphones are one of the most common malfunctions faced by users of Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless, Buds 4 and others. TWS-Brand headset: One headphone that connects to the phone and the other is silent or makes intermittent sounds can occur after a firmware update, battery discharge, or mechanical impact, and 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by software without going to the service center.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to restore sync, including resetting, forced reboot and manual pairing of headphones. You will also learn how to avoid repeated failures and which Xiaomi models are most prone to such problems. If your headphones stop working after a drop or moisture, immediately go to the section on hardware malfunctions.

Reasons for desynchronization of headphones Xiaomi

Before you start repairing, it’s important to understand why the headphones have lost touch with each other, and the main reasons fall into two categories: software (user-corrected) and hardware (requires repairs).

Software failures occur in 90% of cases and are associated with:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – if one headphone sat faster than another, it can “fall away” from the pair.
• 📱 Firmware conflict – after updating the software on the phone or the headphones themselves, the Bluetooth communication protocol may be violated 5.0/5.2.
• 🔄 Incorrect pairing – headphones could connect to another device (for example, a laptop) in the background.
• 🛠️ Failure of factory settings - after resetting the phone or headphones, re-setting is required.

Hardware malfunctions are less common, but they are more difficult to eliminate:

• 💧 Getting moisture – even if the headphones have protection IPX4/IPX5, contact may oxidize.
• 🚀 Mechanical damage - falling from a height or strong compression of the box with headphones.
• 🔌 Wear of charging contacts – if one earphone is not charging, it will not be able to sync.

Method 1: Forced reboot of headphones

The fastest method of reconnection is hard reset, which works for all Xiaomi models except Buds. 4 Pro (they need a separate algorithm, see the section below). 2/3, Mi True Wireless 2 others TWS-brand-headset.

Procedure:

1. Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10 seconds, then open the case.
3. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 15-20 seconds.
4. The indicators on the headphones will start flashing red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
5. Close the case, wait 30 seconds and try to connect again.

Make sure the case is at least 30% charged |

Remove earphones from your ears |

Check that there are no other active Bluetooth devices nearby.|

Use the original charging cable (not wireless charging)-->

If the headphones still do not sync after reset, try an alternative method:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2. Press the left earphone touchpad 5 times in a row.




3. Repeat the same for the right earpiece.




4 Wait 10 seconds, the pairing signal should sound.

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If the headphones flash only red, it means battery life is below 5%, charge the case for at least 15 minutes before trying again.

Method 2: Manual pairing via Bluetooth settings

Sometimes Xiaomi headphones lose communication due to a conflict in the list of conjugate devices on the phone, in which case removing and re-addition of the headset will help. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO, where there are proprietary settings for ecosystem devices.

Instructions for Android:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones (like Redmi AirDots 3) and click on the gear next to the name.
3. Choose to Delete the device or Forget.
4. Return the headphones to the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull them out.
5. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and wait for the headphones to appear in the list of available devices.
6. Click on the name of the headphones for pairing.

For iPhone (iOS):

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Find the headphones in the list and click on the icon "i" next to the name.
• 🗑️ Select Forget This Device.
• 🔄 Reboot your iPhone, then re-pair the pairing.

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If the headphones appear in the Bluetooth list as two separate devices (e.g., "Redmi") AirDots_L" and AirDots_R"), It means complete desynchronization, and then you'll only get a hard reset. 1).

Method 3: Update the firmware headphones

Outdated firmware is a common cause of synchronization failures, especially in Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro models, which use the complex Bluetooth LE Audio communication algorithm. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix plug-in bugs. You can check and update the firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.

How to update firmware:

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphone model from the device list.
4. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
5. If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the headphones!).

Important: Updating the firmware for Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and later can take up to 10 minutes, interrupting the process will lead to complete inoperability of the headset.

Method 4: Checking the charging case

Many users overlook that the charging case plays a key role in synchronizing headphones: If the case contacts are dirty or the battery is drained, the headphones will not be able to communicate with each other correctly, especially for models with Wireless Charging, where contacts are often oxidized.

Case diagnosis:

• 🔋 Check the case charge level: connect it to charging - if the indicator does not burn, the case is discharged.
• 🧹 Clean contacts in the case and on headphones with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 🔄 Try using another cable or power supply (original Xiaomi adapter on the phone). 5V/1A).
• 🔍 Examine the case for mechanical damage (cracks, dents).

If the case is not charging at all, try a forced reset:

1. Connect the case to the charger.


2 Press and hold the button on the back of the case (if any) for 30 seconds.




3. The indicator shall flash red, then white - this is a reset signal.

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For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro models with Qi wireless charging, check if metal objects (keys, coins) are interfering with the case.

Method 5: Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If all software methods have been tried, but the headphones are still out of sync, the problem may be physical damage. Consider typical hardware malfunctions and how to detect them.

Signs of hardware problems:

• 🔴 One headphone does not charge in the case (the indicator does not burn).
• 🎵 The sound is interrupted or distorted even after resetting.
• 💦 On the headphones or case, traces of corrosion are visible (green plaque on the contacts).
• 🔊 The microphone only works in one headphone.

What you can do on your own:

1. Check contacts: Gently wipe contacts on headphones and in the case with a pin (to remove oxidation).
2. Test on another device: Try connecting the headphones to another smartphone or tablet.
3. Battery check: If the headphone discharges in 10-15 minutes, it is likely that a battery replacement is required.

⚠️ Warning: Don't disassemble headphones yourself if they are warranty! Xiaomi cancels warranty obligations for mechanical intervention. For Buds 4 Pro and newer models, repair is possible only in authorized service centers.

If you're sure the problem is hardware, contact the service center.The average cost of repairing Xiaomi headphones in 2026:

Preventing synchronization problems

To avoid repeated failures, follow simple operating rules:

• 🔋 Charge the case at least once every 2 weeks, even if you do not use headphones.
• 🚫 Do not use headphones at a lower temperature. -10°C or higher +40°C.
• 💧 Avoid getting moisture despite protection IPX4, Long-term exposure to water is harmful.
• 📱 Regularly update your firmware through the Xiaomi Wear app.
• 🔄 Keep your headphones only in the original case – this prevents desynchronization.

For models with support for ANC (active noise cancellation), it is additionally recommended:

• 🎧 Shut down. ANC In the subway or in the plane, this reduces the load on the battery.
• 🔊 Periodically clean the microphone grilles with a soft brush.

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Xiaomi headphones with Bluetooth 5.2 support (such as Buds 4 Pro) are less prone to out-synchronization thanks to the improved LE Audio protocol. If you often encounter communication problems, consider upgrading to a new model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Xiaomi headphones