Xiaomi wireless headphone does not work: full repair instructions

Xiaomi's wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. But even the most reliable technology can fail: one earphone stopped turning on, both do not sync, the sound is interrupted or absent, causes of breakdowns range from simple battery discharge to hardware malfunctions.

In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios for the failure of Xiaomi headphones (including AirDots, Air 2/3, Buds 4, FlipBuds, etc.), offer step-by-step solutions - from simple to complex, and also explain when to contact the service center.

Let’s start with a diagnosis – it will help narrow the range of possible causes and save time.

1. Diagnostics problem: why the Xiaomi headphone is not working

Before you try to fix your headphones, identify the symptoms of a malfunction, which will help you choose the right repair method, and here are the key signs and their possible causes:

• 🔋 The headphone does not turn on - the battery is discharged, the charging contact is damaged, the firmware is failing.
• 🔊 Sound is missing in one headphone - clogging speaker, membrane damage, synchronization problem.
• 📶 Headphones do not connect to the phone – Bluetooth failure, conflict with other devices, outdated firmware.
• 🔄 Permanent communication interruptions – interference from other devices, weak Bluetooth signal, antenna damage.
• 🎵 Distorted sound or wheezing – speaker damage, moisture ingress, incompatible codec.

If Xiaomi headphones are new and have never worked correctly, there is a high probability of marriage. In this case, immediately contact the store for replacement under warranty. If the problem has appeared over time, read on.

Pay special attention to the behavior of indicators. For example, if the earphone flashes red and does not connect, this is a sign of discharge. If white is on, but there is no sound, the problem is synchronization. Remember or record the sequence of blinks, this will help when you call the service.

2. Basic actions: reboot and reset settings

In 60% of cases, Xiaomi headphone malfunctions are solved by a simple reset.

1. Reset the headphones: Put both earphones in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds. Then remove them and try to reconnect. This resets the temporary connection errors.
2. Reset to factory settings: For most Xiaomi models, the procedure is the same: Place your headphones in your case. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located at the back) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. Release the button and wait for the reset to be completed (the indicator will light up white).
3. Remove the device from the Bluetooth list: On your phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth, find your headphones, click on the gear next to the name and select "Forget the device." After that, do the pairing again.

If the headphones still don't work after reset, move on to the following methods: Reset erases all user settings, including binding to your Mi Account (if any).

3. Charging problems: the earphone is not charging or discharges quickly

One of the most common causes of incapacity is power problems. If the earphone doesn't charge in a case or discharges in a few minutes, check the following:

• 🔌 Contact status - often on headphones and inside the case, dirt or oxidation accumulates.
• 🔋 Case malfunction: plug it into the charger and check if the indicator is on. If not, the problem is in the case's cable, connector or battery.
• ⚡ Headphone battery – if the headphone charges only in a certain position or requires multiple attempts, the battery may have swollen.

If the Xiaomi earphone doesn’t charge even after cleaning the contacts, try using a different charging cable and power supply. Sometimes the problem lies in insufficient charging power (for example, if you use it). USB-port of the computer instead of the network adapter).

⚠️ Note: Do not use abrasive materials (paper sandpaper, metal objects) to clean contacts - this can damage the coating and worsen contact.

4.Sound problems: No sound in one or both headphones

If the headphones are plugged in, but the sound is missing or distorted, the reasons could be both software and hardware. Let's look at both.

Programmatic reasons

• 📱 Bluetooth settings are incorrect – the phone may have Mono mode on. Go to Bluetooth settings, select your headphones and check your connection profile.
• 🔊 Codec Conflict: Some Xiaomi Models Support AAC and SBC. If the sound is interrupted, try manually selecting the SBC Developer Settings (Relevant for Android).
• 🎵 Firmware failure – if the sound is gone after the update, try rolling back the firmware (if possible for your model).

Hardware causes

• 🔇 Clogging speaker - dust or earwax can block sound. Carefully clean the speaker grid with a soft brush or compressed air.
• 💧 Moisture intake – if the headphones are wet, they should be dried in rice or silica gel for at least 24 hours!
• 🔧 Membrane damage - if the sound is wheezing or missing completely, it may be a torn speaker membrane.

To check for hardware malfunction, connect the headphones to another device (for example, a computer), if the problem persists, it is the headphones themselves.

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If there is sound in only one headphone, try swapping them in the Bluetooth settings (on some phones you can assign a main headphone).

5 Connection problems: Headphones are not located or are turned off

If Xiaomi headphones are not determined by the phone or are constantly breaking the connection, either the device's Bluetooth module or the headphones themselves are to blame.

1. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports Bluetooth 5.0 or higher (relevant to Air 2 Pro, Buds 4 models).
2. Disable other Bluetooth devices: Sometimes conflict arises because of speakers, smartwatches, or car systems connected at the same time.
3. Update your headphone firmware: Run the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app (depending on the model), check for updates. For some models, the firmware is only updated via PC.
4. Check your energy saving settings: On Android, go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving and turn off optimization for Bluetooth.

If the headphones are plugged in but switch off after a few seconds, try:

• 📱 Reboot the phone.
• 🔄 Perform network reset (Settings) → System system → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
• 🔧 Check the headphones on another device (for example, on a laptop).

⚠️ Note: iPhones sometimes have problems connecting Xiaomi headphones due to Apple restrictions. Try connecting the headphones to an Android device first, and then to an iPhone.

6.Disassembly and repair: when nothing helps

If all the software methods have been tried and the earphone still doesn't work, there's still disassembly and hardware repair, which is an extreme measure, because if you do something sloppy, you can damage the device permanently.

Battery replacement

Symptoms: the headphone discharges quickly, does not hold a charge, the body is swollen.

Replacing the battery will require:

1. Carefully open the case (use a plastic mediator so as not to scratch).
2. Solder off the old battery and solder off the new one (it is important to observe polarity!).
3. Glue the body with heat glue or special glue for electronics.

Cleaning or replacing the speaker

Symptoms: wheezing, lack of sound, distortion.

If the speaker is clogged, you can clean it with alcohol and a cotton swab. If the membrane is torn, you need a replacement. Xiaomi headphone speakers are sold on the same sites as the batteries.

Repair of charging contacts

Symptoms: the earphone charges only in a certain position or does not charge at all.

Most often, the problem is oxidation or contamination of the contacts, which can be cleaned with a blower or alcohol, and if the contacts are soldered, you need a soldering iron.

If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service.The cost of repairing Xiaomi headphones in official centers starts from 1,000 rubles (depending on the malfunction).

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Self-repairing is warranty-free! If headphones are warranty, first contact the store or service center Xiaomi.

7.When to contact the service: signs of serious breakdowns

Not all malfunctions can be fixed at home, but here are some cases when you should consult a professional:

• 🔥 The headphone or case overheats during charging (the risk of fire!).
• 💥 After a fall or impact, cracks appeared on the body.
• 🔋 The battery swelled (seems to deform the body).
• 📡 Bluetooth antenna damaged (earphones do not catch the signal even near the phone).
• 🔊 The speaker makes a constant squeak or noise (may indicate a short circuit).

Xiaomi has official service centers in all major cities, and average repair prices are:

Before visiting the service, make a backup of the data (if the headphones are synchronized with the Mi Account) and bring a check or a warranty card with you.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones that don't work