How to Reconnect Xiaomi Headphones to Your Phone or Laptop: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi headphone problems are one of the most common complaints users have, because when the headset suddenly refuses to connect to the phone, the sound is interrupted, the device is not detected at all in the list of available ones, there are many reasons, from a simple failure of the Bluetooth module to software errors in the firmware, but in 90% of cases the problem is solved by simply reconnecting, the main thing is to know how to do it correctly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can reconnect Xiaomi headphones (including Redmi AirDots>, Mi True Wireless>, Mi Neckband>, and others), and how to avoid common mistakes. If your headset stopped working after upgrading, resetting, or simply “forgot” the associated device, you’ll find a solution here.

We’ll focus on the hidden features of the I-firmware that help reset your headphones to factory settings without losing sound quality, and we’ll also learn why Xiaomi sometimes refuses to connect to an iPhone or MacBook>, and how to fix it.

1.Preparation: What to Check Before Reconnecting

Before you reset your settings or look for complex solutions, make sure the problem isn't in the basics. Often users spend hours flashing when it was enough just to turn on Bluetooth or charge the headphones.

Here is the checklist of primary diagnosis:

Headphone charge (the indicator should be white or red)

Bluetooth is enabled on both devices

Headphones are in pairing mode (white / blue LED flashes)

Distance between devices not more than 10 meters

There's no active phone. VPN or plane mode-->

If at least one of the items is not met, fix this and try to connect again. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro will not appear in the list of available devices if their battery is drained below 5%, and Mi Neckband Bluetooth can “hang” in standby mode if they are not removed from the case correctly.

Another nuance: some Xiaomi models (such as Mi True Wireless 2>) automatically disconnect from the device if no sound is played within 15 minutes, which is done to save charge, but is often perceived as a breakdown.

2. Standard reconnection via Bluetooth

The easiest way to do this is to remove the headphones from the list of conjugated devices and reconnect them, a method that works for most models, including the Redmi Buds 4>, Mi Air 2 SE> and Mi True Wireless 3>.

Instructions for Android (on the example of MIUI 14>):

In the list of available devices, select your headphones and confirm the pairing.

For iOS (iPhone/iPad), the process is similar, but the way is different: Settings → Bluetooth → “i” next to the device → Forget this device. After that, repeat the search and connection.

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If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try rebooting the Bluetooth module on your phone: turn it off and on again or restart the device.

3.Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If standard reconnecting didn't work, you're going to have to do a hard reset, which is a complete reset of the headset settings, and it's going to remove all the pairings that you've saved, and it's going to go back to the original state, and it works for all models, but the button combinations may be different.

General instruction:

1. Place both headphones in a case (for the TWS-model).
2. Open the cover.
3. Hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately (this is a reset signal).
4. Close the case, wait 10 seconds and open again – the headphones should automatically go into pairing mode.

For specific models, there are nuances:

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Resetting to factory settings is the only way to eliminate software errors if the headphones “glutch” after updating the firmware or connecting to several devices.

After reset, the headphones will be like new ones – they need to be reconnected via Bluetooth, as described in the previous section.

4. Connection problems with iPhone, MacBook and other non-Xiaomi devices

Xiaomi’s headphones are optimized to work with the MIUI> ecosystem, but can conflict with devices from other brands. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro sometimes don’t connect to iPhones due to differences in Bluetooth protocols (AAC vs SBC).

For iPhone/iPad:

For MacBook or Windows-PC:

• 💻 Remove all old Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager (Windows) or reset NVRAM (Mac).
• 🔌 Put your headphones on mode. HFP (for calls, not A2DP (for music), if the sound is interrupted.
• 🛠️ Disable other Bluetooth devices that may cause interference (mouse, keyboards).

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is distorted or lost, the problem could be in the codec. For example, Mi True Wireless 2 uses SBC by default, which doesn't work well with Apple devices. To force on AAC (a more compatible codec), use the Developer Options app on Android or Bluetooth Explorer on Mac.

Xiaomi Smartphone (MIUI)

iPhone (iOS)

Android of another brand (Samsung, Google, etc.)

Laptop/PC (Windows/macOS)

Other-->

5. Software errors: firmware update and MIUI reset

Sometimes the headphones stop connecting after updating the firmware of the phone or the headset itself. For example, after the release of MIUI 14, many Redmi Buds 3 Lite users found that the device is not defined by the system.

Update to the headphone firmware:

• 📲 Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
• 🔍 Connect the headphones to the phone and open the application.
• 🔄 If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions (it is usually required to keep your headphones near your phone and not turn off Bluetooth).

Reset MIUI settings (if the phone is a problem):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (this will delete all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, but will not affect files).
3. After restarting, try reconnecting the headphones.

If the firmware update on the headphones is stalled, don't turn them off the power! Wait at least 30 minutes - sometimes the process takes longer due to a slow Internet connection. Interrupting the update can lead to the headset "bricking" (completely inoperable).

6. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry for repair

If none of these things worked, the problem could be a physical breakdown, and here are some signs that the headphones need repair:

• 🔴 The indicator does not burn at all (even when charging).
• 🔊 There is only one sound in the headphone (after reset and reconnect).
• 💥 Headphones warm or smell like a burn.
• 🔌 Not defined by any device (including PCs).

Frequent causes of hardware breakdowns:

If you decide to repair yourself, remember:

⚠️ Note: Disassembly of headphones Xiaomi lacks warranty. in most models, batteries soldered to the board - improper disconnection can lead to fire!

Replacement of the battery in Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless will require:

- A soldering iron with a thin sting (power not more than 30 W).

- Battery of the same capacity (for example, for AirDots 2 - 43 mAh, 3.7V).

- B-7000 glue to fix the board.

If you're not sure about your skills, it's best to contact a service center.The average cost of repairing Xiaomi headphones in 2026:

- Battery replacement: 800–1500 ₽.

- Dynamic repair: 1000–2500 ₽.

- Replacement of Bluetooth module: 1500–3000 ₽.

7. Alternative ways to connect (if Bluetooth does not work)

If the Bluetooth module on your phone or headphones fails, you can try to connect in alternative ways. This is a temporary solution, but it will help you not to be left without sound.

For wired models (e.g. Mi Hybrid):

For wireless models:

If you connect your headphones to a Smart TV or Xiaomi Mi Box, make sure the TV supports A2DP (Music Transmission Protocol). On older models, only HFP (for voice) can work, which makes the sound monophonic.

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The USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter often saves you if the Bluetooth module burns, but remember: the sound quality through the wire will be better than through the air, but you will lose freedom of movement.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions