Xiaomi headphones do not mate with each other – what to do?

You took out the new Xiaomi headphones, turned them on, but instead of the usual stereo sound, you hear only one channel? Or does the gadget even refuse to recognize the second headphone? TWS-Xiaomi’s True Wireless Stereo, whether it’s Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless or Xiaomi Buds, is a software solution in 80% of cases, but sometimes a hardware failure is to blame.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why Xiaomi headphones don’t pair, from simple discharge to damage to a Bluetooth chip. You’ll get step-by-step photo instructions, a model compatibility table, and answers to frequent questions. And if the problem turns out to be hardware, you’ll learn how to diagnose a breakdown and where to look for parts.

Why Xiaomi headphones are not synchronized: top-5 cause

Before rushing to reflash the device or carry it to the service, check the underlying reasons that most often lead to the loss of communication between headphones:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – even if the indicator is on, one of the headphones can be discharged more strongly and not turn on.
• 📱 Phone conflict – some smartphones (especially on Android) 10-12) Block the connection of the second channel.
• 🔄 Failure of firmware – after updating or abruptly disconnecting the headphones can “forget” each other.
• 🎧 Mechanical damage - falling, ingress of moisture or wear of contacts in the case.
• 📡 Interference from other devices – 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers or microwaves can jam the signal.

According to service centers, 65 percent of the time, the problem is solved by resetting headphones and re-pairing, and the remaining 35 percent is split between hardware malfunctions (20 percent) and firmware bugs (15%).

Instructions: how to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If Xiaomi headphones don't match, the first step is hard reset, and the procedure varies depending on the model, but the general principle is the same: return the device to its original settings. Importantly, after the reset, the headphones will be removed from the phone's memory, and you will have to reconnect them.

For most models (Redmi AirDots 2/3/Pro, Mi True Wireless 2) the algorithm is as follows:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually side or back) for 10-15 seconds.
3. The indicator on the case will flash red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Take the headphones out of the case - they should automatically mate with each other (the indicators will flash synchronously).

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

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2. Press the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds.




3. Wait for the double beep and the flashing of indicators.

Make sure the case is charged (the indicator is white)

Check that both headphones are in the case correctly (contacts match)

Disconnect Headphones from All Devices in Bluetooth Settings

Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone (to avoid interference)-->

If after resetting the headphones still do not mate, proceed to the next step - manual synchronization through the engineering menu.

Manual synchronization of Xiaomi headphones through the engineering menu

When a standard reset doesn’t work, you can try to force the headphones to fit through hidden commands, a technique that works for most models on a Qualcomm chip (like the Redmi AirDots 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless 2).

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android (on iOS the method does not work).
• 🔌 The nRF Connect app (download to Google Play).
• ⚙️ Headphones in search mode (flashing indicator).

Step-by-step:

1. Open nRF Connect and press SCAN.
2. Find your headphones on the list (the name will contain Mi or Redmi).
3. Connect to the right earpiece (usually the name has R).
4. Go to the Unknown Service tab → find the service from UUID 0000fff0-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb.
5. Send the command 01 08 01 00 (without quotes) in the Write field.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 for the left earpiece ( L).

After that, the headphones should automatically pair with each other, and if not, try restarting the phone and repeating the procedure.

Compatibility table of Xiaomi models with recovery methods

Not all methods work for all models. In the table below, we have collected effective methods for popular Xiaomi headphones, and also indicated typical malfunctions:

If your model isn't in the table, try the universal method: put your headphones in your case, plug the case into the charger, and hold the reset button for 20 seconds, which often helps even for little-known modifications.

Hardware malfunctions: when you need help from the service

If the software methods don't work, the problem may be in the hardware, and here are the signs of hardware malfunctions.

• 🔌 One earphone is not charged - perhaps the contacts in the case have oxidized or the power controller has burned down.
• 🎛️ The indicator does not burn at all - the battery or control board is damaged.
• 📡 The headphone connects, but there is no sound - the speaker or audio chip is faulty.
• 💧 Corrosion marks on contacts - moisture ingress (even if the headphones are positioned as waterproof).

Self-repair is only possible when replacing the case contacts or cleaning the oxidation. For other cases, soldering equipment and donor parts are required.

• Replacement of case contacts — 500-800 ₽.
• Replace the battery in the headphone — 1000-1500 ₽.
• Repair of Bluetooth module — 1500-2500 ₽.

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Before visiting the service, take photos of headphones and case from different angles - this will help the master to quickly determine the model and find spare parts.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones are warranty, don't open them yourself! 90% of the time, this will void the warranty.

How to avoid problems with pairing in the future

To Xiaomi headphones do not lose touch with each other, follow the simple rules:

1. Charge the case regularly - even if the headphones are not used, once a month connect the case to the network for 1-2 hours.
2. Avoid extreme temperatures – do not leave your headphones in the sun or in the cold (optimally: 0...+35°C).
3. Update your firmware – use the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
4. Keep in the case - do not throw headphones in the bag or pocket.

If you often encounter connection issues, try turning off power saving for Bluetooth in your phone’s settings:

Settings → Battery → Energy Saving → Additional → Disable “Bluetooth Optimization”

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Regular cleaning of the contacts of the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol reduces the risk of loss of communication between the headphones by 40%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pairing Xiaomi headphones