How to combine headphones Xiaomi: synchronization TWS-Modelling and problem solving

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are among the most popular on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users have difficulty combining the headphones (synchronizing the left and right modules) or connecting them to a smartphone, especially after resetting settings, updating the firmware or prolonged inactivity of the device.

In this article, we will discuss all ways of combining TWS-Xiaomi headphones – from basic instructions to solving non-standard problems. 3/4/5 Pro, Mi True Wireless Earphones, Xiaomi Buds 3/4 And what to do if one of the headphones doesn't see the other one or refuses to connect to the phone. For convenience, we've compiled unique error codes and ways to fix them that you won't find in standard instructions.

Basic synchronization TWS-Xiaomi headphones

In most cases, Xiaomi headphones are automatically combined when first removed from the case. However, if this does not happen, follow the steps:

  1. Remove both headphones from the case and wait for the indicators to flash white/red (search mode).
  2. Press the touchpads on both headphones for 5-10 seconds until you hear an audible beep (usually a double squeak) that resets the current connection settings.
  3. Place the headphones back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove them again. They should sync automatically (the indicators will light up the same way).

If after these actions, the headphones still have not joined, move to the next section with advanced methods.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphone model you use?
Redmi Buds 3/4
Mi True Wireless
Xiaomi Buds 3/4
Another model
I don't know.

2. Manual coupling via buttons (for models without a sensor)

Some Xiaomi budget models (such as the Redmi AirDots or Mi Basic 2) are not equipped with touch controls.

  • πŸ”΄ Turn off the headphones: place them in the case, then remove them.
  • πŸ”„ Activate mating mode: press the button on the right earphone for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
  • πŸ”— Connect the left earphone: briefly press the button on the left earphone - it must connect to the right (indicators will light up synchronously).

If the lights flash differently, repeat the procedure by holding the buttons on both headphones at the same time.

πŸ’‘

On Redmi Buds 3 Lite models, you need to hold the touch panels for 20 seconds to a triple sound signal to reset the settings.

3. Connecting via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear mobile app

For advanced models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5) it is recommended to use proprietary software. This will not only synchronize the headphones, but also update the firmware, which often solves connection problems.

Instructions:

  1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older ones) from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Open the app and go to Add Device β†’ Headphones.
  3. Remove the headphones from the case and select their model in the list.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts. If the app requests a firmware update, be sure to agree - this will eliminate most bugs.
Model headphonesSuitable annexMinimum firmware version for stable operation
Redmi Buds 4 ProXiaomi Wear1.4.5.0
Xiaomi Buds 3T ProMi Home1.2.8.3
Mi True Wireless 2Mi Home1.1.0.7
Redmi Buds 3 LiteNo app.β€”

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware headphones stopped combining, reset to factory settings through the same application (Settings section of the device) β†’ Reset).

4. Solving problems if one earphone is not connected

When the right or left earphone is out of sync, it's most often associated with battery discharge, software failure, or mechanical damage to the contacts.

Check the charge of the case and headphones (indicators should burn when connected to charging)

Clean contacts on headphones and in the case with an alcohol napkin

Try connecting the problem headphone to another device (laptop, tablet)

Reset your headphone settings (hold the button/sensor for 15-20 seconds)

Update the firmware through the Xiaomi Wear app-->

If none of these points helped, the reason could be:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge below critical level (earphone does not turn on even after charging) Solution: connect the case to the power source for 1-2 hours, then try again.
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth conflict on your phone. Solution: Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices (Settings) β†’ Bluetooth, then reconnect.
  • πŸ› οΈ Damage to antenna or microphone (often after falling) Solution: contact Xiaomi service center.
How do you check if the headphone is alive?
Place the earpiece in the case and flash the flashlight on the IR sensor (near the indicator). If the sensor responds (the indicator flashes), the earpiece is intact. If not, repair is required.

5. Features of the combination for specific models

Some Xiaomi headphones have unique synchronization nuances, and we've put them together in a table:

ModelFeature of the associationError code (if any)
Redmi Buds 4 ActiveTo reset, you need to hold the sensor only on the right headphoneβ€”
Xiaomi Buds 3 ProRequires a firmware update via Mi HomeE201 (Old firmware)
Mi True Wireless SEDoes not support manual association - only through the caseE103 (Synchronization error)
Redmi Buds 5It has a separate β€œDual Connection” mode (for 2 devices at the same time)β€”

⚠️ Attention: On models of Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro and newer when you first connect to the iPhone may occur error E404. Solution: Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, restart it, then reconnect.

6. Alternative ways of association (if nothing helps)

If the standard methods don’t work, try the following non-obvious solutions:

  • πŸ“΅ Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone while mating – sometimes network interference interferes with your Bluetooth connection.
  • πŸ”„ Use another smartphone to first sync your headphones, then connect them to the main device.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect the case to charging during mating – this sometimes resets power errors.
  • πŸ› οΈ Update your Bluetooth driver on your PC if you connect your headphones to your computer (relevant for Windows) 10/11).

For supported models LDAC-codec (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) before combining, disable this codec in the Bluetooth settings on your phone (Settings) β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Sound settings β†’ This will eliminate delays and synchronization errors.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are combined, but the sound is only in one, check the volume balance in the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone (section "Mono / Stereo").

7. Frequent errors and their meanings

When synchronization fails, Xiaomi headphones can produce audio signals or error codes.

  • πŸ”Š One long signal. + flashing red - low battery charge.
  • πŸ”Š Two short signals: the headphones can’t detect each other.
  • πŸ”Š Three signals in a row - firmware error (update required).
  • πŸ“± Code. E101 β€” conflict with another Bluetooth device within range.
  • πŸ“± Code. E203 β€” damage to the antenna in one of the headphones.

If you hear a repeated squeak when you try to combine, it indicates a hardware malfunction, in which case contact the service center - self-repair can lead to loss of warranty.

Can you combine headphones Xiaomi with headphones of another brand?
No, TWS (True Wireless Stereo) technology only works on one model, except that some Xiaomi headphones support connecting to one earphone from another pair in mono mode, but stereo synchronization is not possible.
Why did the headphones stop coming together after the firmware update?
This is a typical problem for the Redmi Buds 4 Pro and Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro models. The reason is a malfunction in the firmware. Solution: Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices. Reset them to factory settings (hold the sensor for 20 seconds). Connect to the phone via the Xiaomi Wear app and wait for the firmware to be re-updated.
How to check that the headphones are successfully combined?
Signs of successful synchronization: The indicators on both headphones are the same color (usually white or blue). The list of Bluetooth devices displays one device (for example, "Redmi Buds 4 Pro"), rather than two separate ones. When playing the sound, it goes to both earphones simultaneously. If either of the items does not meet, repeat the process of combining.
Can I use Xiaomi headphones without a case?
Technically, but with the caveats: Without the case, you can't charge your headphones. Some models (such as Mi True Wireless 2) automatically turn off after 5-10 minutes without a case.
What if the case does not charge the headphones?
The problem may be: Contacts – clean them with alcohol. Case battery – connect to charging for 1-2 hours. firmware – update it through the Xiaomi Wear app. If the case does not respond to charging at all, check the cable and power supply (it is recommended to use the original USB-C cable from Xiaomi).