How to connect both Xiaomi wireless headphones at the same time: solving the mono-sound problem

Xiaomi wireless headphones are among the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face a common problem: only one headphone works after connecting to a phone or laptop, and the second one is silent or gives out intermittent sound, most often due to a failure of synchronization between the left (L) and right (R) modules, especially after a firmware update, battery discharge or improper shutdown.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes of the problem and give you step-by-step instructions for Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones, Xiaomi Buds, and others. You'll learn how to force your headphones to sync, reset to factory settings, check compatibility with the device, and even update the firmware if required. And a unique way to restore pairs through an engineering menu that is not mentioned in the official manuals.

Why don’t you connect both Xiaomi headphones at the same time?

Before you start setting up, it’s important to understand the root of the problem, and here are the main reasons why headphones can work in mono mode:

• 🔋 A discharged battery in one of the headphones (even if the indicator is on, the charge can be critically low).
• 📱 Bluetooth connection failure on a smartphone or PC (especially after OS update).
• 🔄 Loss of synchronization between L and R modules (often after removing one earphone from the case for more than 10 minutes).
• 🛠️ Software failure in the firmware of headphones (relevant for models with support for Mi) AI Assistant).
• 🎧 Mechanical damage to contacts in the case or the headphones themselves (oxidation, pollution).

Interestingly, 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by simply resetting the headphones to the factory settings, but if that doesn't work, you'll have to dig deeper. For example, in Redmi Buds 3 Pro and Xiaomi Buds 4, there's a bug where the left earphone forgets the right one after connecting to multiple devices at once. And in Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, you can get a fake protection that blocks stereo mode in a non-origin case.

Preparation before setting up: what to check first

Before you reset your settings or update your firmware, do basic checks, which will save time and eliminate trivial reasons:

1. Charge headphones and case. Connect the case to charge for 15 to 20 minutes, even if the indicator shows a charge. Sometimes the power controller fails, and the real charge level is below the displayed.
2. Clean contacts. Wipe the metal contacts in the case and on headphones with an alcohol napkin - oxidation or dirt can disrupt charging and synchronization.
3. Check on another device. Connect your headphones to another smartphone, tablet or PC. If the problem persists, it's the headphones, if not, it's the original device.
4. Update Bluetooth drivers. On a Windows PC, update the adapter driver through Device Manager (Bluetooth section). On Android, check for system updates.

Pay special attention to the case: in the models Redmi AirDots 2 and later, there is a hidden sensor for the position of the headphones. If the case fell or was disassembled, the sensor could shift, which makes one of the headphones is not recognized as part of the pair.

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If the headphones connect to the device, but the sound is only in one, try manually selecting an A2DP Sink profile in the Bluetooth settings. On Android, this can be done through the Developer Options app (activated by taps on the build number in About Phone).

Method 1: Forced headphone synchronization (for most models)

This method works for Redmi AirDots (all generations), Mi True Wireless Earphones (1-3), Xiaomi Buds 3/4 and other models on the Qualcomm QCC3020/QCC3040 chip.

Step-by-step:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Pull them out and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 15-20 seconds until the lights start flashing red and white alternately.
3. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
4. Get them out – they must now automatically sync (the indicators will flash synchronously white).
5. Connect to your headphones via Bluetooth as a new device.

If the indicators are not flashing in sync (for example, left red, right white), repeat the procedure. In Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro models, it can take 30 seconds to reset the sensors.

Both earbuds flash white at the same time |

The list of Bluetooth devices displays one device (e.g., Redmi Buds 3) rather than two separate devices.|

When playing, the sound goes to both earphones |

The mobile application (if supported) displays the status of "Stereo"-->

Method 2: Reset via mobile application (for supported models)

Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Redmi Buds 4 and later support the official Mi Earphones app (formerly Mi AI Assistant), through which you can control settings and reset your headphones. Here's how to do it:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your headphones to your smartphone (even if only one works).
3. Open the app and select your model in the list.
4. Go to Settings → Reset (or Restore Factory Settings).
5. Confirm the reset and wait for the headphones to reboot (the indicators will go out and light up again).

When you reset, the headphones automatically sync. If the app can't see the headphones, try:

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔄 Remove headphones from the list of conjugated devices in Bluetooth settings.
• 📲 Update the Mi Earphones app to the latest version.

Method 3: Update the firmware of the headphones (advanced method)

If sync is constantly disrupted, it may be the fault of outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its headphones, fixing bugs with the connection.

Method 1: Through the official annex

For models with Mi Earphones support:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open the application and go to the Firmware Update section.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

Method 2: Through PC (for power users)

Some models (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) allow you to update your firmware through the Qualcomm Flash Tool.

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website or forums (for example, XiaomiUI).
2. Connect the headphones to your PC in DFU mode (this may require a special button combination).
3. Launch the QFlash Tool and follow the firmware instructions.

Warning: Incorrect firmware can cause your headphones to fail, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions or follow proven instructions.

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Updating your firmware is an extreme method. 90% of the time, it's reset or synchronized. Only use firmware if other methods don't work, and the headphones are still mono.

Method 4: Manually configure Bluetooth on the device

Sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones, but with the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone or PC.

On Android:

• 📱 Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⚙️ near-device → Delete).
• 🔄 Enable Developer Mode (7 taps by Build Number in About Phone) and activate Debugging over Bluetooth.
• 🎧 Reboot your smartphone and try to connect again.

On iPhone/iPad:

• 📱 Forget the device (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⓘ → Forget this device).
• 🔄 Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again.
• 🎧 Try to connect in Search Mode (hold the Bluetooth button in Control Point).

On Windows 10/11:

• 🖥️ Remove the headphones in the settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Update the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager.
• 🎧 Try to connect through the Adding device → Bluetooth.

On a MacOS, you can reset the Bluetooth module.

1. Close all applications.
2. Hold Shift + Option and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.
3. Select Reset Bluetooth module.

Compatibility table: which devices support stereo mode

Not all smartphones and PCs work correctly with Xiaomi wireless headphones in stereo mode. Here is the compatibility table for popular devices:

If your device is not on the list or is unstable, try using an external Bluetooth adapter (such as the TP-Link UB400 or Asus USB-BT400).

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you've tried all of these, but the headphones are still mono, it's probably a hardware problem.

• 🔧 Check the contacts in the case. Carefully disassemble the case (if it is collapsible) and check if the charging or synchronization contacts are soldered. Redmi AirDots 2 often leaves the contact spring.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: If one of the headphones runs out in 10-15 minutes, it may have swelled or lost capacity. Xiaomi service centers replace batteries for 1-2 thousand rubles.
• 🛠️ In the official SC Xiaomi can reflash headphones through special equipment (for example, Qualcomm). QFN Tool).
• 🆕 If the device is less than a year old and the problem is not caused by mechanical damage, you are eligible for replacement.

Warning:

⚠️ Don't disassemble headphones yourself if you're not sure about your skills! Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer models use adhesive joints and brittle plumes. Incorrect disassembly can lead to breakage of the microphone or speaker.

If the headphones are guaranteed, it is better to contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones