Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face a typical problem: only one headphone works after connecting to a phone or laptop, and the second one remains silent or not determined by the device at all, the causes can be different from trivial synchronization errors to hardware malfunctions.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to connect both headphones for Redmi AirDots (1S/2/3/Pro), Mi True Wireless Earphones (2/2S/Basic), Xiaomi Buds 3/4, and others. You’ll learn how to reset your settings correctly, update your firmware, check compatibility with your device, and even what to do if your headphones don’t sync after falling or getting moist. We’ve also collected answers to frequent questions and common mistakes that users make when they first connect.
Why Xiaomi’s second headphone doesn’t work: the main reasons
Before we get to the instructions, it's important to understand why one of the headphones might not connect. Here are the most common reasons:
- 🔋 Discharged battery – the second headphone could discharge stronger than the first and does not turn on automatically.
- 🔄 Synchronization failure – headphones “disconnected” after incorrectly disconnecting or updating the firmware.
- 📱 Bluetooth problems on your phone – an outdated version of the protocol, a conflict with other devices, or OS bugs.
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction – damage to contacts after falling, water or wear.
- 🔄 Firmware incompatibility – if the headphones were updated separately, their software versions may conflict.
In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by software methods, such as resetting or reconnecting, but if the headphones stopped working after a physical impact (hit, wet), most likely, repair will be needed.
Preparation for connection: what to check before synchronization
Before you try to connect both headphones, perform a preliminary diagnosis:
- Charge your headphones – make sure both are at least 30% charged, put them in a case for 10-15 minutes and check the indicators (most Xiaomi models have white or red light bulbs on them).
- Case reset – sometimes the problem lies in the charging case itself. Try rebooting it by pressing the reset button (if any) or simply removing the headphones and pasting it back in.
- Check Bluetooth on your phone – turn Bluetooth on and off in the settings, and make sure the phone is not connected to other devices (columns, clocks, etc.).
- Update your phone's firmware - an outdated version of Android/iOS can cause conflicts with your headphones. Update the OS to the latest version.
If after these actions the problem remains, go to manual synchronization of headphones.
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On Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and Xiaomi Buds 4, the charging lights are green when fully charged and orange when discharged. If the light bulb doesn't burn at all, the headphone may malfunction.
Method 1: Standard connection of both headphones (for new devices)
If you’ve just bought headphones or reset them to factory settings, use the standard connectivity algorithm:
- Take both earphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on (the indicator blinks).
- On your phone, activate Bluetooth and find your model name (e.g. Redmi) in the list of devices. AirDots_XXX).
- Press "Plug in." In 5-10 seconds, the beep should appear in both headphones.
- If only one headphone is connected, return both to the case, close it for 10 seconds, then try again.
Some models (such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S) require you to press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 3-5 seconds until the white light flashes.
☑️ Preparation for connection
Method 2: Forced synchronization of headphones (if not working together)
If the headphones are connected separately, but do not work in pairs, perform forced synchronization:
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
- Only get the right earphone (it’s the main one in most Xiaomi models).
- Press and hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white (reset mode).
- Take the left earpiece out of the case, and both earbuds must automatically sync (white light will light up).
- Connect to them via Bluetooth on your phone.
If after these actions the left earphone still does not connect, try to repeat the procedure, but this time start with the left earphone (on some models the main one is the left one).
What to do if the indicator does not flash?
Method 3: Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings
If the previous methods failed, perform a hard reset, which is suitable for most models:
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1S/2/3) | Hold the sensor on both headphones for 10 seconds until red flashes. | After resetting, the headphones are automatically synchronized. |
| Mi True Wireless 2/2S | Press the right earphone sensor three times in 2 seconds. | The sound signal will confirm the reset. |
| Xiaomi Buds 3/4 | Hold the sensor on the right earphone for 15 seconds. until blinking with purple. | Reconnection to the phone is required. |
| Redmi Buds 4 Pro | Press 5 times on the left earpiece, then hold the right 10 seconds. | Reset takes up to 30 seconds. |
Once reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode, connect them to the phone as a new device, and if the reset didn't work, the problem could be the firmware or the hardware.
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Resetting to factory settings removes all stored connections, and after the procedure, the headphones will appear in the Bluetooth list as a new device.
Method 4: Update the firmware of Xiaomi headphones
Outdated firmware can cause synchronization problems.
- Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the model).
Once the update is done, the headphones will automatically reboot. Try reconnecting them. If the update doesn't work, check if your model is compatible with the current version of the app.
⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the firmware update process! This can cause the headphones to break and have to be taken to the service center. If the connection is interrupted during the update, put the headphones in the case for 1 minute and try again.
What to do if nothing helps: Diagnostics of malfunctions
If none of these things worked, the problem could be hardware. Here's how to diagnose it:
- 📞 Contact the service - if headphones are guaranteed, do not try to disassemble them yourself.
Typical hardware faults:
- The Bluetooth antenna dump (often after a fall).
- Battery damage (earphone does not hold charge).
- Sticking a button or sensor.
- Short circuit after moisture is ingested.
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones stop working after getting wet, don't turn them on or charge them! Put them in a dry place (such as a silica gel bag) for 24 to 48 hours. Attempting to turn on wet headphones can lead to permanent damage to the board.