How to Connect Both Xiaomi Headphones: A Complete Synchronization Guide

You pulled Xiaomi’s new wireless headphones out of the box (whether it’s Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless or Xiaomi Buds) but you’ve run into a problem: only one headphone is running and the other one is silent or not? This is a familiar situation for many users, and the reasons can range from simple connection errors to hardware malfunctions. In most cases, you can solve the problem yourself in 5-10 minutes without contacting the service center.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can sync both headphones, from standard Bluetooth connectivity to resetting and firmware updates. You’ll also learn how to check if one of the headphones is faulty, and what to do if neither of the methods worked. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi models, including the latest Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 5.

Why are both Xiaomi headphones not connected?

Before we start to solve a problem, it's important to understand why, and here are some of the most common scenarios where one of the headphones might not work:

• 🔋 The battery is discharged in one of the headphones (even if they are new, one could discharge during storage).
• 📱 Error sync between headphones (often occurs after updating the firmware or resetting the phone settings).
• 🔄 Incorrect connection sequence (for example, first connected the right earphone, and the left did not have time to synchronize).
• 🛠️ Software failure in the firmware of headphones or phone (especially relevant for older versions) Android/iOS).
• 🎧 Mechanical damage (infection of moisture, fall, wear of contacts in the case).

In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by rebooting the headphones or resetting their settings, and if none of the methods worked, it may be a hardware malfunction, and the headphones will have to be carried to the service (especially if they are on warranties).

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection

If you just pulled your headphones out of the box or haven't used them in a while, start with the basic connection. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Take both headphones out of the case and put them next to you (they should turn on automatically).
2. On Xiaomi (or any other Android/iOS) phone, open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Turn on Bluetooth and wait for the name of your headphones to appear on the list (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro).
4. Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.

If it is successful, both earbuds must be connected at the same time, but if only one headphone is displayed on the list (for example, Redmi). AirDots_R For the right, then they are not synchronized with each other – move on to the next method.

You got both earphones out of the case?

Is Bluetooth on on your phone?

Are the headphones charged (indicators on fire)?

The distance between the phone and headphones is not more than 1 meter?

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⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones 2), the first headphone connects as the main one and the second as an additional one.If only one headphone is displayed in the Bluetooth list, this is normal, but both should work after connecting.

Method 2: Resetting headphone settings

If standard connectivity didn't work, try resetting your headphones to factory ones, which will remove all the pairings you've saved and return them to their original state, and the procedure varies depending on the model.

For models with a button (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless 1/2)

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Pull them out and hold the button on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
3. After resetting, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode.

For touch-controlled models (Xiaomi Buds 3/4, Redmi Buds 4)

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicators should flash red and then white – this is a signal of a successful reset.

After reset, repeat the Bluetooth connection procedure (see Method 1). If the headphones still don't sync, move on to the next method.

Method 3: Update the firmware headphones

Sometimes the connection problem is caused by the outdated firmware of the headphones, and the manufacturer regularly releases updates that correct synchronization errors, to update the firmware:

1. Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the headphone model).
2. Connect your headphones to your phone (at least one if both don’t work).
3. Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices and check for updates in the Settings → Firmware Update section.
4. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions (it is usually required to keep your headphones next to your phone and not remove them from your case).

The upgrade process takes 2-5 minutes. Once complete, restart the headphones and try to reconnect them.

⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the firmware update process! If you turn off Bluetooth or remove the headphones from your phone during the upgrade, they may stop turning on. In this case, you will need to reset through the service menu (see section "Method 5").

Method 4: Checking charge and contacts in the case

If one of the headphones doesn't respond to the presses and doesn't connect, it might not be charging in the case.

1. Take both headphones out of your case and look at the charge indicators: 🔴 Red - discharged. 🟢 Green/white - charged. 🔴🟢 Flashing red and green – charging error.

contact

Put the headphones back in the case and wait 5-10 minutes. Then check if the indicator lights up.

If the headphone is still not charging after cleaning the contacts, this may indicate a malfunction of the battery or power controller, in which case contact the service center (especially if the headphones are warranty).

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To extend the life of the headphone battery, avoid full discharge. Charge the case when the indicator shows 1-2 division (about 20-30% charge).

Method 5: Service menu and hidden functions

Some Xiaomi models have hidden button combinations that allow you to force your headphones to sync or run diagnostics, methods that are not officially documented, but often help in difficult cases.

Redmi AirDots (1/2/3 generation)

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Hold the buttons on both headphones for 20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red-blue-red.
3. Release the buttons and wait until the headphones reboot (the indicators will go out and light up again).

For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Open the cover of the case and 5 times quickly touch the touch panel on each headphone (the interval between touches is no more than 1 second).
3. Close the lid and wait 10 seconds. Then pull out the headphones, they should sync automatically.

If the headphones are old and the warranty is over, it is sometimes cheaper to buy new ones than to repair them.For example, Redmi Buds 4 or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro are inexpensive and offer better sound quality and connection stability.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones