Buttons on headphones Xiaomi: where are they and how to use them

You just bought Xiaomi headphones — whether it’s wireless Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless or wired Mi Hybrid — but can’t find the button on, answer a call or activate a voice assistant? This problem is familiar to many users, especially if you used headphones from other brands. The fact is that the location and functionality of the buttons Xiaomi often differs from standard solutions (for example, Apple or Samsung), and the instructions do not always describe all the features in detail.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all Xiaomi headphone models, from the budget Redmi Buds to the flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, and show you where the buttons are, how they work in different modes (calls, music, voice assistant), and what hidden functions can be activated with tap combinations. You’ll also learn what to do if the buttons don’t respond, and how to reassign their actions through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear.

Types of buttons on Xiaomi headphones: mechanical vs touch

Before looking for a button on your headphone case, it’s important to understand what type of control your model uses. Xiaomi has three main options:

• 🔘 Mechanical buttons are physical keys that are pressed with a characteristic click. Found in budget models (for example, Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi Basic).
• 👆 Touch panels are a smooth surface that responds to touch, used in mid- and premium segment models (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, FlipBuds Pro).
• 🎧 No buttons – control only through voice assistant or app (rarely, for example, in some versions of Mi True Wireless 2).

To determine the type of your model, examine the headphone case:

• If a protruding button with a pattern is visible (for example, an on icon or microphone) it is a mechanical button.
• If the surface is smooth, but the instructions mention “touching” or “swipe” – this is the touchpad.
• If there are no labels on the case, and functions are controlled through a smartphone, most likely, there are no buttons at all.

Touch panels are often confused with decorative inserts, so to check if a panel is working, touch it with your finger, you should hear an audible signal or voice confirmation (for example, "Power on" or "Connected").

Where is the on/off button located

The most common question users ask is “Where is the power button on Xiaomi headphones?” The answer depends on the model, but there are general rules:

If you can’t find the button, try the following:

1. Light a flashlight on the body - sometimes the button is hidden under a rubber plug.
2. Check the charging case: In some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Active), the power button is on the case itself.
3. Connect the headphones to your phone via Bluetooth and check if they are activated automatically when removed from the case (Auto-connect function).

⚠️ Note: In models Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE And the Redmi Buds 3 Lite power button is paired with the reset button, and if you hold it for more than 10 seconds, the headphones will reset to the factory settings!

Music and Call Control Buttons: The Complete Guide

In addition to the inclusion, the buttons on Xiaomi headphones are responsible for:

• 🎵 Reproduction/pause – single press.
• 🔀 Next track – double tap (or swipe right on touch models).
• 🔙 Previous track – triple tap (or swipe left).
• 📞 Answer/Discussion of a Call – Single Pressing During an Incoming Call.
• 🎤 Activation of voice assistant - retention 1-2 Seconds (on some models).

However, the combinations may vary depending on the firmware and region, for example, the European version of Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro uses triple tap to switch tracks, and the Chinese version uses double tap to find out the exact gestures for your model:

1. Open the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app.
2. Go to the Headphones section. → Control settings.
3. Select the desired function (for example, “Next Track”) and assign a gesture to it.

Hidden feature: In touch-controlled models (such as Xiaomi Buds 4), you can activate Game Mode (low latency mode) by double-tapping both headphones at the same time, which is useful for watching videos or games where synchronization of sound is important.

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones are no longer responsive after the firmware update, try resetting them to factory settings. Hold the on button for 15 seconds until the red light flashes.

What to do if the buttons don’t work

If Xiaomi headphones don’t respond to button presses, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Battery is low - even if the indicator is on, the voltage may not be enough to handle the pressing. 10-15 minutes and try again.
• 💧 Moisture intake – In budget models (e.g. Redmi AirDots), the buttons are not protected from water. If the headphones get wet, dry them 24 hours in rice or silica gel.
• 📱 Phone firmware conflict – sometimes after an Android update or MIUI You can try to connect the headphones to another device.
• 🔄 Sync failure between headphones – if one earphone responds to buttons and the other doesn’t, reset (see spoiler above).

Diagnostics of the problem:

1. Connect the headphones to your phone and check if they are detected in the Xiaomi Wear app.
2. Try to control music through your phone – if the sound is coming, but the buttons are not working, the problem is the mechanics.
3. Check the button for physical damage (cracks, dents).

If headphones are warranty, don't disassemble them yourself! In Xiaomi models, buttons are often soldered to the board, and unprofessional repairs can put them out of order.

💡

If the button is stuck or pressed poorly, try to clean it gently with a toothpick dipped in alcohol. Do not use metal objects - this can damage the contacts!

How to Reassign Button Functions Through the App

One of the key benefits of Xiaomi headphones is the ability to customize button actions through branded apps, which is especially useful if standard combinations are uncomfortable for you.

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older models).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. In the app, select your headphone model and go to the Control Settings (or Button Settings) section.
4. Select the button (left/right) and assign it one of the available actions: 🎵 Reproduction/pause 🔀 Next/Previous Track 📞 Answer/delay the call 🎤 Activation of the voice assistant 🔇 Switching on the noise maker

Example of settings: If you listen to podcasts often, you can set a double-tap to rewind for 15 seconds (useful for re-listening to phrases).

1. In the Control Settings section, select Double Press.
2. Assign action Previous track (in some firmware this corresponds to rewinding).
3. Save the settings and check the work.

How to activate hidden functions:

1. Update your headphone firmware to the latest version through the Xiaomi Wear app.
2. Check for a beta version of the firmware (sometimes new features appear there earlier).
3. Use unofficial firmware (for example, Redmi AirDots has modified versions with advanced settings). ⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware can disrupt headphones and give you no warranty. Install them only if you are sure of the sources!

For models with ANC (active noise reduction), the buttons can control the noise level:

• Single tap – turn on/off the ANC.
• Double pressing – switching between modes (ANC/Transparency/Off).

Frequent questions about buttons on Xiaomi headphones