Xiaomi headphones are not included: full instructions for diagnosis and repair

Did you get Xiaomi headphones out of your case, but they don't respond to clicks, don't flash indicators, and your smartphone doesn't see them? The problem is found in all lines - from budget Redmi AirDots to flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. In 80% of cases, you can fix the malfunction yourself without going to the service center. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes, from banal (discharged case) to complex (damaged board), and give step-by-step instructions with photos and videos.

It's important to understand that if the headphones are completely dead (they don't glow, they don't make sounds, they're not detected by the devices), the problem is most often power or hardware failure. If they turn on but don't, it's a matter of firmware or compatibility, and we've divided the solutions into symptom blocks so you can quickly find your case.

1. Checking for obvious reasons: case, charging, buttons

Before you disassemble your headphones or reset your settings, eliminate the simplest malfunctions. Let's start with the power source, the charging case. Even if you're sure it's charged, check it separately.

• 🔋 Connect the case to charge for 30 minutes. Use the original cable. USB-C (For new models, or Micro-USB (older ones), the indicator on the case should light up in red or orange.
• 🔄 Try another cable/power supply, often the problem is a damaged wire or a weak adapter (needs current). ≥1A).
• 📱 Check the headphone case, put it on the charger, watch the indicator. If it's not burning, the case is discharged or broken.
• 🔍 Look at the contacts inside the case and on the headphones. Oxidation or dirt can block charging. Wipe them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

If the case is charging, but the headphones still do not turn on:

• 🎧 Remove and insert the headphones back 3-5 times. Sometimes the contacts stick because of dust.
• 🔘 Press the switch on 10–15 Seconds (for models with mechanical buttons, such as Redmi AirDots) 2). On the Buds. 3/4 Pro use the touchpad - touch and hold 10 seconds.
• 🔊 Listen to the sounds: when most models are turned on, Xiaomi emits a short signal. Its absence indicates a deep discharge or breakage of the speaker.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones flash red 3 times and go out, this is a low-charge battery error code. Put them in a case for 1-2 hours, even if the case seems charged.

2.Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If the headphones are responsive to buttons (flashing, making sounds) but do not connect to the phone, hard reset will help. This procedure erases all pairings and returns the settings to the factory.

For Redmi AirDots 1/2/3, Poco Buds (with mechanical buttons):

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press both buttons simultaneously for 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicators should flash red, then white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Put the headphones back in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out and try to reconnect.

For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro, FlipBuds (with touch control):

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Touch the touchpad on both headphones and hold for 10-12 seconds.
3. The indicators should go out, then blink red and white.
4. Return the headphones to the case, close the lid, then remove and try pairing.

After the reset, the headphones will appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices as "Mi True Wireless" or "Redmi". Buds_XXXX". If they don’t show up, move on to the next section.

Disable headphones from all devices in Bluetooth | settings

Charge the case at least 30% |

Use the original cable for charging|

Check the indicators on the headphones during reset-->

3. Bluetooth problems: phone, firmware, conflicts

If the headphones are on, flashing, but not plugging, the problem may be in the smartphone or its firmware.

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone. Sometimes the Bluetooth module "hangs" after an update or prolonged work.
• 🔄 Remove Headphones from the list of associated devices: Open Settings → Bluetooth. Find Xiaomi. Buds/Redmi AirDots is on the list. Press the gear (⚙️) → "Forget the device" (or "Delete").

Update the firmware of the smartphone

Reset the network settings

Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted or one earphone is not working:

• 🎵 Turn off the "Double Audio" function (if enabled). It can cause conflicts: Settings → Bluetooth → Settings (⚙️) → Double audio (disable)
• 🔊 Check out the Bluetooth codec. Xiaomi is optimal SBC or AAC. Open Bluetooth Settings → Sound quality and select SBC.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, Xiaomi headphones may not work well due to iOS restrictions. Try connecting them to an Android device for a test. If they work well on Android, the problem is compatibility with iOS.

4.Diagnostics of hardware breakdowns: what can be repaired yourself

If all the software methods didn't work, and the headphones still don't work, the problem is probably the hardware.

The most common hardware problem is a deep battery drain, and if the headphones have been dead for more than a month, the power controller can block the charge–4.2V directly to the battery, bypassing the control board:

• 🔌 Charger for Li-Po batteries (e.g. iMax) B6). Connect plus/minus to the battery contacts, set the current 0.1A tension 3.7V.
• 💻 USB-cables with bare wires (red — "+", Black - "-"). Carefully touch the battery contacts for 5-10 seconds.
• 🔋 Donor battery from other headphones (if any) connect in parallel for 1-2 minutes.

If you flash your headphones after the voltage is applied, put them in a case for full charging. If you don't react, you're probably damaged by the controller or the battery itself.

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Before disassembling the headphones, take a picture of the location of all the parts and contacts, which will help to collect them back without errors. Use a plastic shoulder blade or a guitar mediator to avoid damaging the body.

5. Disassembly of headphones Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to disassemble, prepare the tools:

• 🔧 Plastic blade or mediator (do not use metal!).
• 🔥 Hair dryer or thermo-air station (for models with adhesive housing).
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (for screws) T3 or T5).
• 📸 Loop or macro lens for inspection of the board.

Instructions for Redmi AirDots 2/3 (similarly TWS-Xiaomi headphones):

1. Take off the silicone embroideries and inspect the case for screws, which are hidden under stickers in some models.
2. Carefully slather the body seam on the side of the button with a spatula. If the body is glued, warm it up with a hair dryer (temperature 60-80).°C) 1-2 minutes.
3. Remove the board. It's mounted on latches or double-sided tape. Don't pull the wires!
4. Check: Integrity of flexible plumes (connect button, speaker, battery); presence of oxidation on contacts (clean with alcohol); bloating of the battery (if it bubbles, it needs to be replaced).

Typical finds in the dismantling:

• 🔋 Oxidized contacts between battery and board → brush with a swallow or alcohol.
• 🔌 Disconnected dynamic plume → Hold it back tightly.
• 🔥 Burned resistor (black dot on the board) → replacement.

⚠️ Note: If you do not have experience with squashing SMD-Do not attempt to repair the board yourself. contact the service - the cost of repair (1000-2500) ₽) often below the price of new headphones.

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Most of the Xiaomi headphones are connected to the battery or contacts. If after cleaning and recharging the problem remains - the control fee is to blame, and you can not do without a specialist.

6. Alternative ways to connect (if Bluetooth does not work)

If the headphones are on but not detected by Bluetooth, try alternative connectivity methods. They won't work for all models, but in some cases they help bypass software locks.

Method 1: Connect via Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear

1. Install the Mi Home (Android) or Xiaomi Wear (iOS) app.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Press "Add device" → select "Hearphones" → Follow the instructions on the screen.
4. If the headphones don’t show up, try manually selecting a model (e.g., “Redmi AirDots 2”).

Method 2: Mode DFU (firmware)

If the headphones are stuck on the firmware (for example, after a failed update), put them in mode. DFU:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator should flash yellow).
3. Connect the case to the PC through USB.
4. Use the Xiaomi Buds Tools utility for flashing.

For Buds 3 Pro models and newer mode DFU activate like this:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2.Tap the touchpad on both headphones and hold for 20 seconds.




3. The indicators shall flash red and blue alternately.

7. When to contact the service: prices and warranty

If all of the above methods fail, there are two options:

1. Warranty repair (if the headphones were purchased less than 12 months ago)
2. Non-guarantee repairs in a service center or at a private master.

Terms of Xiaomi guarantee on headphones:

• 📅 Period: 12 months from the date of purchase (by check or serial number).
• 🔧 What covers: factory defect, battery malfunction, boards (if there was no mechanical damage).
• ❌ What does not cover: damage from water, falls, disassembly by the user.

The cost of repairs in 2026 (Moscow, St. Petersburg, regions):

Where to fix:

• 🏢 Official Xiaomi service centers (list on mi.com) Plus: original parts, minus: high price.
• 🔧 Private workshops (e.g., "Hearphone Repair" or "FixLab"). Plus: cheaper, minus: the risk of substandard spare parts.
• 📦 Shipping to China (via AliExpress or JD.com) Relevant for rare models: 2,000 to 4,000 ₽ + delivery.

⚠️ Warning: Before contacting the service, reset your headphones to factory settings and remove them from all devices, this will speed up the diagnosis and eliminate claims due to the user's fault.

8. Prevention: how to prolong the life of headphones Xiaomi

To avoid problems in the future, follow simple rules:

• 🔋 Don't keep your headphones empty. The optimal charge level for long-term storage is 40-60.
• 💦 Avoid moisture, even if the model has protection. IPX4 (Like Buds 4 Pro, don’t use them in the rain or in the shower.
• 🧴 Clean contacts every 2-3 months with a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol.
• 📦 Keep it in a case. Don't leave your headphones outdoors -- dust and static electricity damage the board.
• 🆕 Update your firmware via Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear. In new versions, fix bugs with connection.

What can't be done:

• ❌ Charge headphones with "left" high-current cables (>This causes the battery to swell.
• ❌ Drop your headphones, even from a height of 1 meter, the speaker plume can move away.
• ❌ Use headphones at a temperature lower -10°C. Lithium polymer batteries lose capacity in the cold.

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Regular cleaning of contacts and proper storage extend the life of Xiaomi headphones by 2-3 times, most of which are due to a discharged battery or oxidation, which is easy to prevent.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphone malfunctions