Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Connect to Each Other and What to Do About It
Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face the problem when left and right headphones stop syncing with each other. Instead of stereo sound, only one headphone works, or both connect to the phone separately. In this article, we will discuss why this happens and how to properly connect Xiaomi headphones to each other to restore full operation.
The reasons for desynchronization can vary from a simple battery discharge to a firmware failure. Most often, the problem is solved by a simple reset, but in some cases, a deeper setup is required. We will look at universal methods for all models, from the budget Redmi Buds to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, and also give recommendations on how to avoid similar situations in the future.
Preparation before synchronization: what to check
Before you start setting up, make sure that the problem is really the lack of communication between the headphones, and not the other.
- 🔋 Battery charge: both earbuds must be charged at least 30%.If the indicator on one of them does not burn or flashes red, connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes.
- 📱 Bluetooth status on your phone: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again in your smartphone settings. Sometimes the connection crashes due to software errors on the device side.
- 🔄 Reset the headphones: Remove both earphones from the case, wait 10 seconds and put it back. Close the case cover for 5 seconds, then open.
- 🎧 Physical injuries: Check the contacts on the headphones and in the case for oxidation or contamination.
If the headphones are still out of sync after this manipulation, move to the next section with a step-by-step instruction. Note: some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3T) may require additional actions due to the features of the firmware.
Universal instruction: how to connect headphones Xiaomi with each other
The standard synchronization algorithm works for most Xiaomi models. Follow the steps in strict sequence:
- Step 1: Reset headphones: Put both earbuds in the case and close the lid. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (or orange and white depending on the model).
- Step 2: Remove the headphones: Take both of the headphones out of the case and wait until they start flashing white light (connection search mode). If only one flashes, return it to the case and re-extract.
- Step 3: Auto synchronization Wait 20 to 30 seconds — the headphones must connect themselves. Successful synchronization is signaled by a double beep or flashing indicators in unison.
- Step 4: Connect to your phone: Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and find your headphones (the name usually contains Mi or Redmi) on your phone list. Connect. If the list shows two separate devices (left and right earphone), choose the one with L or Stereo in the name.
Make sure the headphones are charged | Check the purity of contacts |Reset the case settings |Remove the headphones at the same time | Wait 30 seconds for autosynchronization-->
If after these actions, the headphones still do not work together, move to the section with solving specific problems for your model.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2) require firmware updates through the Mi Home app for proper synchronization.
Solving problems for specific models
Some Xiaomi headphones have unique synchronization features, and below is a table with instructions for popular models:
| Model | Features of synchronization | Additional action |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3/4 | Autosynchronization after reset. If it doesn't work, check the firmware version. | Update the firmware through Mi Home (Section "Firmware"). |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | Requires Mi Earphones apps for initial setup. | Install the app and follow the instructions on the screen. |
| Xiaomi Air 2/3 | Often lose communication after updating. You need to reset the settings twice. | Repeat the reset at intervals of 1 minute. |
| Redmi AirDots (1st generation) | There's no automatic synchronization. You need to manually connect the right earphone to the left. | After reset, hold the button on the right earphone for 5 seconds until it blinks twice. |
For models with LDAC support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) after synchronization, additional adjustment of the codecs in the application may be required. If the sound is interrupted or distorted, switch to the AAC or SBC codec in the Bluetooth settings on the phone.
What if the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one?
Update of the firmware: when it is necessary
If Xiaomi headphones are constantly losing communication with each other, the reason may lie in outdated firmware. The update solves synchronization problems, improves connection stability and adds new features.
- Install the Mi Home or Mi Earphones app (depending on the model) from Google Play or the App Store.
- Connect your headphones to your phone and open the app. Find your model on the list of devices.
- Check for updates in the firmware or software update section. If the update is available, click Update.
- Wait until it's done. Don't remove the headphones from the case or close the application. It can take up to 5-10 minutes.
Important: Once the firmware update is updated, the headphones automatically reset, and you'll have to re-synchronize them and plug them into the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the upgrade process, even if it is delayed. For models Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer interruption can lead to breakage of the headphones, requiring contact with the service center.
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If the Mi Home app doesn't find headphones to upgrade, try connecting to them via another smartphone, and Bluetooth versions on older phones sometimes conflict.
Alternative synchronization methods
If the standard methods didn’t help, try one of the alternative methods:
- 🔄 Manually synced via button For models with physical buttons (e.g. Redmi AirDots): Remove both earphones from the case. Hold the button on the right earphone for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes quickly. Press the button on the left earphone briefly. Wait for the double beep.
Use of the developer mode
On Android smartphones, turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Build Number in your phone settings), then select the Audio Codec in Bluetooth settings and set up SBC.
Connecting to another device
Sometimes the headphones only sync when you first connect to a new phone or tablet, try connecting them to another device, and then go back to the main one.
For models with dual connectivity support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4), disabling this feature in the Mi Earphones app can help. Go to the headphone settings and deactivate the option of Double Connection or Multiple.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make the same mistakes when trying to sync Xiaomi headphones, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
- ❌ Always take both earbuds out of the case at the same time. If you take one out first and then the other out, they may not recognize each other.
- ❌ Cheap cables may not provide enough current to charge properly, causing headphone malfunctions. Use only the original cable or certified headphones. USB-C.
- ❌ Ignoring firmware updates The manufacturer regularly releases patches that fix synchronization errors. Check updates every 1-2 months.
- ❌ If you leave headphones for a long time outside the case, they will discharge to zero, which can lead to a reset and loss of communication between them.
For Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later, you can try reflashing the headphones through the Fastboot, but it requires technical skills.