One Xiaomi headphone does not work: how to fix wireless headphones yourself

You pulled Xiaomi's favorite wireless headphones out of your case, but you found one of them silent like a fish? TWS-Headphones – from budget Redmi AirDots to flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. The causes can be both software failures and hardware failures, but don't rush to bring the device to the service center. 80% In some cases, the problem can be solved independently. 10-30 minute.

In this article, we will discuss all the possible reasons why one Xiaomi earphone stopped working, from the banal discharge of the battery to damage to the contacts. You will receive step-by-step instructions from photos and videos, a table of methods for different models, and tips on how to avoid repeated breakages.

Why Xiaomi’s Headphone May Not Work: 5 Reasons

Before you start repairing, it's important to understand what exactly went wrong, and here are the most common reasons why a left or right earphone is silent:

• 🔋 Discharged battery – one of the headphones could not be charged in the case due to poor contact or battery failure.
• 📱 Synchronization failure – the headphones lost communication with each other or with the smartphone after updating the firmware.
• 🧹 Contact contamination – dust, sweat or oxidation on charging contacts disrupt power and data transmission.
• 🔊 Software glitch - errors in the Bluetooth module or headphone firmware.
• 🛠️ Hardware breakdown – damage to the speaker, microphone or board after falling/getting moisture.

Interestingly, according to Xiaomi service centers, 65% of cases are due to poor contact in the case, not the headphones themselves, and users often confuse this problem with a broken Bluetooth module and spend money on unnecessary repairs.

Next Next post: What to do if one Xiaomi headphone does not turn on

Start with the simplest of things – they help in 40% of cases and do not require special skills.

1. Reset the headphones: Put both earphones in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Then pull them out and check it out. This method works if there's a temporary synchronization failure.
2. Check the charge of the case and headphones: Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows a charge. Sometimes the headphone contacts do not touch the charging springs in the case, and one of them remains discharged.
3. Clear the contacts: Take a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and gently wipe the gold contacts on the headphones and inside the case. Don't use sharp objects!

If after these manipulations the headphone still does not work, move on to a deeper diagnosis.

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To check if the headphone is charged in the case, shine a flashlight inside - the discharged headphone usually does not glow with an indicator.

Resetting headphones Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Hard Reset brings the headphones back to factory settings and often solves connectivity issues.The method works for most Xiaomi/Redmi models, but there are nuances:

Get both earphones out of the case.|Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones. 15-20 seconds|Wait for the red and white lights to flash.|Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid.|Through 10 Take it out for a second and try to connect again.-->

For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi AirDots 3 Pro models, the process is slightly different:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press 5 times on the touch panel only of the broken headphone.
3. Wait 10 seconds and the voice signal "Reset" should sound.
4. Repeat the connection via Bluetooth settings of the smartphone.

Once reset, the headphones can automatically update the firmware. Don't interrupt the process, which can cause the device to fail completely.

Bluetooth problems: how to reconnect headphones to the phone

Sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones themselves, but with the way they interact with the smartphone.

1. Remove headphones from the list of devices: Go to Settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone, find Xiaomi headphones and click “Forget the device”.
2. Turn on pairing mode: Remove the headphones from the case and hold the touch panel on the working earphone for 5 seconds until the indicator blinks.
3. Manually plug in: In the list of available devices, select your headphones (the name should contain "LE" or "R/L" for right/left).

If the headphones are plugged in but only sounding one, check the volume balance in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings. On Android, it’s like: Settings → Special Features → Monoaudio (should be turned off).

Cleaning and repairing contacts: when the case is to blame

One of the most common reasons for one earphone to be silent is the poor contact in the charging case, and over time, the spring contacts inside the case lose their elasticity or become oxidized.

• 🔍 Visual inspection: Light a flashlight inside the case - the springs should be clean and even.
• 🧼 Clean: Use a toothpick with a cotton wool soaked in isopropyl alcohol (not vodka!). Carefully clean the springs and contacts on the headphones.
• 🔧 Bending springs: If the springs do not reach the headphone contacts, they can be slightly bent with a thin screwdriver (carefully!).
• 🔋 Charge check: Put the headphones in the case and move them - if the charging indicator lights up / goes out, the contact is unreliable.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use abrasive materials (steelpaper, metal brushes) for cleaning - they will damage the protective coating of contacts.

For models with wireless charging (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), an additional problem may lie in the malfunction of the coil. If the case is not charged by either USB or Qi, this is an excuse to contact the service.

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If after cleaning the contacts, the headphone began to charge, but there is still no sound - the problem is in the dynamics or the headphone board, and not in the case.

Hardware breakdowns: when without service can not do

If all the software methods have been tried and the earphone still doesn't work, it's probably a hardware malfunction.

• 🔊 Crackling or lack of sound when connected - a sign of damage to the speaker.
• 🔥 Heating of the body - indicates a short circuit inside.
• 💧 Traces of corrosion on the board (seen through the speaker grid) - a consequence of moisture ingress.
• 📉 Fast discharge (earphone sits down for the 10-15 minutes) - battery failure.

The cost of repair in official Xiaomi services:

Before you bring your headphones to the service, check that the warranty period (usually 12 months for Xiaomi) has expired. If the warranty is valid, the repair will be free, provided that the breakage is not caused by mechanical damage.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble headphones yourself to repair the board or replace the speaker - without special equipment, you risk completely disabling the device. Inside, microscopic plumes and glue are used that are easily damaged.

How to avoid problems in the future: 7 rules for care TWS-headphones

To make your Xiaomi headphones last longer, follow these guidelines:

• 🔌 Charge correctly: Don't leave headphones in a case on charge for more than 24 hours - this shortens battery life.
• 🧴 Clean regularly: Once a week, wipe the contacts and mesh speakers with a cotton swab.
• 🌧️ Avoid moisture: Even if the headphones have protection IPX4, Do not use them in the rain or in the shower.
• 📦 Keep in case: Don't leave headphones outdoors - dust and sunlight spoil plastic and rubber seals.
• 🔄 Update your firmware: Install updates via the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Earbuds.
• 🎵 Control volume: Constant listening to music at maximum leads to distortion of sound and overheating of speakers.
• 🛒 Buy original accessories: Cheap Chinese cases and cables can damage contacts.

Average service life TWS-Xiaomi headphones with proper care - 2-3 years, however, the battery begins to deteriorate noticeably after 300-400 charging cycles (after about 1.5 years of active use).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones that don't work