Why Xiaomi Mi True Charging Is More Important Than You Think
Xiaomi Mi True wireless headphones (including Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, Mi AirDots and Mi True Earphones 2) have become some of the most popular gadgets thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and compactness. However, many users face the problem of fast discharge or battery malfunction after a year of use, the reason most often lies not in factory defects, but in improper charging.
The lithium polymer batteries installed in these headphones require a special approach, from choosing a charger to controlling the temperature during the process. In this article, we will analyze the official recommendations of Xiaomi, common bugs and life hacks that will help extend the life of your headphones by 30-50% longer than the standard term.
It’s important to understand that Mi True models can have different charging nuances, such as the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 that supports fast charging via Type-C, while older versions (such as the Mi AirDots Youth Edition) only support micro-USB charging.
Package and preparation for the first charge
Before you connect the headphones to the outlet, check the equipment. In the box with Xiaomi Mi True should be:
- 🎧 Two wireless headphones (left and right)
- 🔋 Charging case with built-in battery
- 🔌 Charging cable (USB-A → Type-C or USB-A → Micro-USB depending on the model)
- 📄 Short instructions (often in several languages, including Russian)
If you don't have a cable (for example, some versions of Mi True Earphones 2 don't put it), use the original cable from Xiaomi smartphone with a supported connector. It is not recommended to take cheap Chinese cables of unknown brands - they can damage the power controller of the case.
Before the first charge:
- Remove the headphones from the case and make sure that they do not have protective films or stickers.
- Put the headphones back in the case - they should be "magnetized" and fixed.
- Close the case cover (on some models charging starts only after closing).
Check the complete set for the availability of cable|Make sure the headphones are properly placed in the case|Use the original cable or certified analogue|Do not connect the case to a power source more powerful 5V/1And-->
Charging methods: from socket to power bank
The Xiaomi Mi True charge case can be charged in several ways, and consider each case with its pros and cons in mind.
| Charging method | Speed (full charge) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network adapter (5B/1A) | ~1.5-2 hours | Stable voltage, safe for the battery | Requires sockets, the original adapter is not always included |
| USB-laptop | ~2-3 hours | Convenient, no need to look for a socket | There may not be enough power, slower. |
| Power Bank (external battery) | ~2 hours | Mobility, can be charged on the road | Quality depends on the power bank model |
| Wireless charging (only for some models, for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2) | ~3 hours | Convenience, no wires. | Slower, requires a compatible charging pad |
Important nuance: if you use a Power Bank, make sure that its output voltage does not exceed 5Some “enhanced” models are 9V/12In, which may damage the case controller. Also avoid charging from USB-hubs or low-quality adapters.
From the socket through the adapter|From computer/laptop|From power bank.|Wireless charging|Other-->
Charging indicators: what do LEDs mean on the case
The Xiaomi Mi True charge case is equipped with light indicators that show the status of charging the headphones and the case itself. The decoding depends on the model, but in most cases the following rules apply:
- 🔴 Red flashing – the battery of the case is discharged (less than 10%), you need to connect to a power source.
- 🔴 Red constant – the case is charged (charge level less than 50%).
- 🟢 Green constant - the case is fully charged (100%).
- 🔴🟢 Red. + alternately green – charging error (e.g. cable or contacts damaged).
- 🔄 White flashing (on some models) – headphones charge inside the case.
On Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 and later, the indication is more informative: the case has 4 white LEDs, which show the charge level in percent (each LED = 25%).
- ⚪⚪⚪⚪ — 100%
- ⚪⚪⚪ — 75%
- ⚪⚪ — 50%
- ⚪ — 25%
- 🔴 — less than 10%
If the indicator on the case does not light up when connecting the cable, check: 1) the serviceability of the cable, 2) the purity of the contacts on the case (sometimes they are oxidized), 3) try another power source. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the cable or cleaning the contacts with an alcohol wipe.
What to do if the indicator flashes red and green?
Optimal charging mode: how to extend the life of the battery
The lithium polymer batteries used in Xiaomi Mi True degrade over time, but the right charging mode can slow this process. Here are key recommendations from Xiaomi engineers and battery experts:
- Avoid full discharge. Don't let the case charge fall below 10 percent. Optimal range is 20 to 80 percent.
- Don't keep charging all the time. Once you reach 100%, turn the case off the power. Recharging shortens battery life.
- Charge at room temperature. The ideal range is 10–30°C. Charging in the cold (below 0°C) or in the heat (below 40°C) damages the battery.
- Use original accessories. Cables and adapters from Xiaomi or certified manufacturers (e.g. Anker, Baseus) provide stable voltage.
Interesting fact: if you don't use headphones for a long time (for example, going on vacation), keep a case with a charge of 40-60%. A fully discharged or 100% charged battery loses capacity faster.
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If you notice that the case has started to charge more slowly, try calibrating the battery: completely discharge it (before the indicator is turned off), then charge it to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times, which helps restore the correct display of the charge level.
For models that support fast charging (such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2), avoid using turbo mode all the time. Fast charging is convenient, but increases battery heat. It is optimal to use it only when you need to recharge urgently.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of headphones, and here are the most common ones:
- ⚡ Using uncertified cables: Cheap cables may have incorrect resistance, causing the controller to overheat.
- 🔥 Charging in direct sunlight, overheating case above 45°C can cause the battery to swell.
- 💧 Getting moisture on the contacts, even if the headphones are protected IPX4, Case contacts are vulnerable to corrosion.
- 🔌 Using adapters with voltages higher than 5V. This can burn the charging control board.
- ⏳ Storage of a discharged case, if you don't use headphones for more than a month, the battery can run deep and fail.
One example: a user connected a Mi AirDots case to a MacBook (29W) charge via a non-original cable, and the power controller burned down and the case stopped charging, and the repair cost 70 percent of the cost of the new headphones.
⚠️ Warning: If the case gets very hot after charging (hot to the touch), immediately disconnect it from the power supply and do not use it until cooling.
Another common problem is uneven charging of the headphones, for example, the left earphone charges to 100%, and the right earphone charges to 80%.
- Contamination of contacts on headphones or in a case.
- The headphones are not tightly attached in the nests (check the magnets).
- Software failure (helps reset the case).
How to speed up charging without harming the battery
If you need to charge your headphones quickly, but do not harm the battery, follow these tips:
- Use an adapter with Quick Charge 3.0 support (if the case supports fast charging). For example, an adapter from Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro will provide faster speed than the standard 5V/1A.
- Turn off the Bluetooth headphones while charging. If they're connected to the phone, some of the energy goes into maintaining the connection.
- Charge at a temperature of 20-25 ° C. In this range, lithium-polymer batteries take charge as efficiently as possible.
- Use high-quality cables. For example, Xiaomi cables with Kevlar braiding have less resistance, which speeds up power transfer.
On Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 and later, there is a “fast refueling” function: 10 minutes of charging = 2 hours of playback. However, it is not worth abused - frequent fast charging cycles reduce the total battery life.
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Fast charging is convenient in emergency cases, but for everyday use it is better to adhere to the standard mode (5V/1A).
If the case charges too slowly (for example, more than 4 hours), check:
- The cable and adapter are correct (try others).
- Cleanliness of contacts on the case and headphones (wipe with alcohol).
- The temperature of the environment (in the cold charging is slower).
What to do if the headphones are not charged
If the case is charging but the headphones inside are not getting power, follow the following steps:
- Check the placement of the headphones in the case, they should be magnetized and fit tightly to the contacts. On Mi AirDots models, the contacts are located on the inside of the case cover.
- Clear the contacts. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%). Do not use metal objects!
- Reset the case.
- Check the headphones separately. Put only one earpiece in the case -- if it's charging, the problem is the second one.
- Update the firmware. Some models (such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) are available with updates via the Mi Home app.
If none of these things work, the charger in your earphone or case may be faulty, so you can go to the service center, and the average cost of repairing your contacts is 500 to 1,000. ₽, Battery replacement in the case - 1500-2000 ₽.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble the case yourself - the inside uses adhesives and brittle plumes. Unprofessional repairs often result in the device completely failing.