One Xiaomi wireless headphone is quieter than another – how to fix the volume difference

Have you noticed that one Xiaomi wireless earphone is playing quieter than another? This problem is common among many users of AirDots, Buds and other models of the brand. The difference in volume can manifest as a subtle weakening of the sound, and a complete "fallout" of one earphone from the stereo pair, the causes are rooted in hardware malfunctions, software failures or incorrect settings of the device.

In this article, we will look at all the possible causes of the uneven volume of Xiaomi headphones, from the banal clogging of the speaker to complex problems with Bluetooth codecs. You will get step-by-step instructions on diagnosis and repair, as well as tips on how to prevent the problem from recurring.

Why one Xiaomi headphone has become quieter than another: the main reasons

The volume difference between headphones rarely happens by itself, usually the result of a combination of factors ranging from mechanical damage to firmware errors. Here are 7 of the most common reasons why one Xiaomi headphone plays quieter:

• 🔊 Clogging speaker – dust, earwax or moisture block sound waves, reducing volume.
• 📱 Bluetooth connection failures – unstable signal or outdated protocol (e.g, SBC instead AAC) may result in imbalance.
• ⚙️ Incorrect sound settings – the balance of channels lost in the settings of the smartphone or headphones.
• 🔋 Battery discharge – one earphone discharges faster and automatically lowers volume to save energy.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions – damage to the speaker membrane, contact oxidation or microphone problems (in models with ANC).
• 📲 Outdated firmware - bugs in the microprogram of headphones or a smartphone.
• 🎧 Source device incompatibility – some smartphones (especially iPhones) don’t work well with Xiaomi codecs.

It's important to understand that 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved software--without disassembling the headphones or going to the service center, but if the imbalance is caused by a drop or moisture, you'll probably need repairs.

How to check which headphone is quieter: quick diagnosis

Before you start repairing, you need to know exactly which earphone is the problem and how big the volume difference is.

1. Play a monophonic sound (like a podcast or audiobook) so it’s easier to hear the difference.
2. Change the headphones, if the quiet headphone is quiet, the problem is that it's quiet, and if it's changed, it's the smartphone settings that are to blame.
3. Connect the headphones to another device (tablet, laptop) – if the difference persists, it’s the matter of themselves AirDots/Buds.
4. Check the sound balance in the phone settings (path: Settings → Sound → L/R balance).

If you keep the volume difference after this manipulation, move on to the next sections, and if the problem is gone, the settings or Bluetooth connection are to blame.

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For accurate verification, use test frequencies: turn on YouTube videos with sinusoidal signals (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and compare the volume in each earphone.

Software methods to eliminate the difference in volume

Start with the simplest solutions, which often help even in advanced cases, and these methods do not require disassembling the headphones and take no more than 5-10 minutes.

1. Resetting headphone settings

Reset to factory settings removes all user settings, including possible sound balance errors.

1. Place both headphones in the case.


2 Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds (until the indicator flashes in red/white).




3. Take out the headphones and reconnect them.

2. Firmware update

Outdated software can cause Bluetooth codecs to malfunction. Update the firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app:

• 📱 Open the app and go to the Headphones section → Update of the PO.
• 🔄 If the update is not available, check the firmware version in Settings → About the programme.
• ⚠️ Don’t interrupt the update process – it can put the headphones out of order.

3. Setting up Bluetooth codecs

Some smartphones (especially Android 12+) automatically select suboptimal codecs, which leads to an imbalance.

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Click on the gear icon next to Xiaomi Earbuds.
4. Select the Audio Codec and set AAC or aptX (if available).

I tried to reset the headphone settings.

Updated firmware through Mi Home

Check the sound balance in the phone settings

Tested headphones on another device

Cleaned the speakers of dust-->

Cleaning speakers: how to remove dust and sulfur without damage

Clogging is one of the most common causes of volume loss. Xiaomi headphones have very small audio holes, and even a small amount of dust can block up to 30% of sound waves.

Safe cleaning methods

• 🧹 Soft brush (such as toothbrush) – gently remove dust from the speaker grille.
• 💨 A container with compressed air - blow out the garbage with short presses (hold the balloon vertically!).
• 🧴 Cotton swab soaked with alcohol - wipe the grille without pressing on the membrane.
• 🚫 It is forbidden to use needles, toothpicks or wet wipes - this damages the membrane.

If the volume didn’t recover after cleaning, it could have been dusted inside the case, in which case only disassembly would help (see next section).

Disassembling headphones Xiaomi: when it is necessary and how to do

If all the software methods have been tried and the volume difference remains, you have to take out the earphone, which is an extreme measure, because if you disassemble the device incorrectly, you can permanently disable the device.

⚠️ Note: Disassembly of Xiaomi headphones will void the warranty. If your model is still warranty, contact the service center.

When a disassembly is justified:

• 🔈 Visible damage to the speaker (ruptured membrane, oxidized contacts).
• 💦 Ingestion of liquid inside the body.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage after falling.

Step-by-step disassembly instructions (on the example of Redmi AirDots 3)

1. Remove silicone embustures - there may be hidden screws underneath them.
2. Find the seam between the parts of the case and gently tuck the plastic spatula (or mediator).
3. Unplug the battery – it’s usually glued, so act carefully.
4. Check the speaker for membrane damage or contact oxidation.
5. Clean the charge with alcohol (if there are traces of corrosion).

If you find a membrane rupture, you can temporarily patch it up with a thin film (like a tea bag), but it's not a long-term solution. Ideally, replace the speaker.

Battery problems: why one headphone discharges faster

If one Xiaomi earphone is not only quieter but also quicker to sit down, the problem is probably the battery.

• 🔋 Imbalance of elements – batteries in headphones discharge at different speeds over time.
• ⚡ Charge controller malfunction – the headphone does not charge to 100%.
• 🔌 Poor contact with the case - oxidation or contamination of contact areas.

How to check:

1. Completely discharge both earbuds.
2. Put them in a case for charging for 1 hour.
3. Check the charge level in the Mi Home app – if the difference is greater than 10%, the battery is the problem.

If the headphone does not charge at all, try to clean the contacts with alcohol. If this does not help, you will need to replace the battery (in the service or on your own).

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If the charge difference between the headphones is greater than 15-20%, that's critical, and if you keep using them, you'll have even more imbalance and shorter lifespans.

When to contact the service: signs of serious malfunctions

Not all problems can be solved on your own. Here are 5 signs that Xiaomi headphones need professional repair:

• 🔊 Complete absence of sound in one headphone (even after resetting).
• 🔥 Overheating of the body during operation or charging.
• 💧 Corrosion traces on boards or contacts.
• 🎛️ Unintentional shutdown of one headphone.
• 🔋 Battery bloating (see by deformation of the body).

The cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers (in Russia, 2026):

If your headphones are still warranty (usually 12 months), the repair will be free.

• Check or electronic copy of the purchase.
• Case and both headphones (even if one doesn't work).
• Passport (for the application).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the difference in volume of Xiaomi headphones