How to turn off one headphone Xiaomi: all the ways to AirDots, Buds and other models

Have you encountered a situation where you only need to turn off one Xiaomi headphone — for example, to save charge or use a mono-connection for conversations? Unlike full-size headsets, the brand’s wireless headphones do not always have an obvious off button on each module. In this article, we will discuss all the working methods for AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds and others, including hidden features and possible errors.

The problem is relevant for users who want to: 1) Use headphones alternately (for example, in the office or behind the wheel), 2) Extend battery life by disabling an unused module, 3) Remove problems when one headphone does not connect or emits interference.

It is important to understand that some Xiaomi models (such as the AirDots Pro 2) automatically turn off the second headphone when removed from the case, but most require manual control.

1. Disconnection via physical button (for mechanically controlled models)

The most direct way is to use a button on the headphone case, which is suitable for Xiaomi AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro (first generation) and some versions of Redmi Buds.

• 🔘 Press and hold the touchpad (or mechanical button) on the headphone for 5-7 seconds.
• 🔴 Wait for the beep (usually a double beep) and the flashing of the red indicator – this means turning off.
• 🔋 Check status in the Mi Fit or Mi app AI: The headphone icon should go out.

⚠️ Note: On AirDots 3 Pro and later, button retention may activate pairing mode rather than off.

Make sure your headphone is not in your case | Turn off Bluetooth on your phone (optional) | Listen to the confirmation beep | Check status in the app-->

2.Use of the Mi Fit/Life application (official method)

For most modern models (Xiaomi Buds 4, FlipBuds Pro, etc.), the manufacturer recommends managing power through proprietary software.

1. Open the Mi Fit app (or Mi Life for older versions).
2. Go to the Devices section → [Your headphone model].
3. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) top-right.
4. Select Turn off left/right headphone (the name of the item may vary).

📌 Important: Some firmware has a hidden option. If it is not available, upgrade the app to the latest version or use an alternative method (see section 4).

3. Manual shutdown via Bluetooth phone settings

If the proprietary software doesn't work, you can trick the system into settings on your smartphone, which works on Android and iOS, but it has some nuances:

On Android:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
2. Find your Xiaomi headphones in the list and click on the gear next to you.
3. Select Disable (do not "Forget the device!").
4. Take the earphone out of the case - it will automatically turn on, but the second will remain off.

On the iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the i icon next to the headphones name.
3. Select Disable and confirm.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (For example, versions 12-14, this method can cause pairing reset. Before using, check if the settings are saved in the Mi Fit application.

4. Resetting headphone settings (last resort)

If the earphone is stuck and does not respond to commands, a complete reset will help, which is suitable for all models, but removes all saved settings (including listening history and gesture customization).

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the white and red lights flash.
3. Open the lid and wait for automatic activation.
4. Connect the headphones to the phone again via Bluetooth Settings.

💡

After resetting, the headphones can automatically update the firmware the next time you connect, and make sure that the battery is at least 50% charged to avoid interrupting the process.

5. Alternative methods: mono-connection mode and third-party applications

Some Xiaomi models support mono-connection (e.g. AirDots 3 and later), in which case the second headphone is not just turned off, but goes to standby mode with minimal power consumption.

• 🎧 Take out only one headphone from the case - the second will remain disconnected.
• 📱 In the Mi Fit app, select One-Hearphone Mode (if available).
• 🔄 To return to stereo, place both headphones back in the case for 5 seconds.

For advanced users, third-party utilities like Bluetooth Auto Connect (Android) or Assistant for Mi Earphones (iOS) are suitable.

• 🔌 Forced to turn off individual headphones on schedule.
• 📊 Monitor the charge level of each module separately.
• ⚡ Optimize energy consumption with monoconnection.

⚠️ Note: Third-party applications may require access to special features (e.g, ADB Android, which poses security risks, and use them only from trusted sources (Google Play, App Store).

Physical button|Application Mi Fit|Bluetooth settings|Resetting settings|Another option-->

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after properly shutting down, one of the headphones may still work or not turn on.

🔧 If the Xiaomi headphone does not respond to any manipulation, check it on another device (tablet, laptop). If the problem persists, a hardware failure is possible - contact the service center.

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Before you go to the service, try resetting your settings and testing your headphones on another device, and 60 percent of the time, the problem is solved by software.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions