Why Xiaomi Redmi Headphones Don’t Connect to Each Other via Bluetooth: The Complete Guide

You took out the new Xiaomi Redmi wireless headphones, turned them on, but instead of the usual sound in both channels, you hear only the left or right? Or the devices can't see each other at all? TWS-Headphones brand — from budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Redmi Buds 4 Pro. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is not due to a defect, but to software failures or improper connection sequence.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why Redmi headphones don’t sync with each other, from the banal battery discharge to the hidden Bluetooth settings in the smartphone firmware. You’ll learn how to force the headphones to factory settings (even if they don’t respond to buttons), which Xiaomi models are incompatible with each other, and what to do if a problem occurs after the MIUI update.

Basic conditions check: power, distance and interference

Before digging deeper, rule out trivial reasons why Redmi headphones might not connect to each other:

• 🔋 Battery charge, if at least one earphone is discharged lower 10%, Check the indicators: Redmi Buds 3/4 at low charge flashes red LED, on AirDots - white with pauses.
• 📏 The maximum distance for stable synchronization is 10-15 cm. If you put them in different pockets or on a table far apart, communication will be interrupted.
• 📡 Radio frequency interference: Microwaves, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers, other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, speakers) can interfere. Try turning them off or moving to another room.

Especially often, the connection problem occurs in Redmi AirDots 2/3 models when using cases with metal clasps or magnets. Metal in the vicinity of the Bluetooth antenna can completely block the signal between the headphones. Try to remove the headphones from the case and put them on a neutral surface (for example, a wooden table).

⚠️ Note: If the Redmi Buds 4 Pro or newer headphones don’t sync after the firmware update, don’t try to reset them through the Mi Home app – this can aggravate the problem).

Forced resetting of headphones: instructions for all models

If the basic conditions are met but the headphones are still not connected, the next step is hard reset.

Redmi AirDots (1st and 2nd generation)

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
3. Remove the headphones - they will automatically go into pairing mode.

For Redmi AirDots 3 / Buds 3/4

1. Make sure that both earphones are removed from the cover.
2. Press the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
3. The indicators should be flashed purple (on Buds 4 Pro) or white (on Buds 3).

After reset, the headphones should automatically connect to each other for 30 seconds.If this does not happen, repeat the procedure, but this time hold the buttons until the indicators go out and light up again (this takes up to 30 seconds).

Make sure your headphones are over 30%|

Remove both headphones from the case|

Put the headphones next to you (at a distance of 5-10 cm) |

Check that there are no other active Bluetooth devices nearby|-->

3. firmware problems: how to update or roll back software

One of the most insidious causes of the problem is a headphone firmware failure, which can occur after an automatic update via the Mi Home app or when you manually update through FastBoot.

• 🔄 Headphones are constantly rebooted in the cycle.
• 🎧 One headphone connects to the phone and the other does not.
• 📱 Bluetooth settings display only one headphone (e.g., "Redmi Buds") 4 Pro_L" right-handed).

To check the firmware version:

1. Connect headphones to the Xiaomi smartphone (required with MIUI 12+).
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Click on the gear icon next to the headphones' name.
4. Scroll down to the "Firmware Version" section.

If the firmware version is below 1.4.0.9 (for Buds 4 Pro) or 1.2.0.7 (for AirDots 3), you need an update.

• 📲 Through the Mi Home app (section "Device Profile" → Update of the PO").
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (requires a PC and cable to connect the case).

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware headphones stopped working, do not try to roll back to the old version through Mi Home - this may block them.

4. Conflict with Bluetooth settings of the smartphone

Sometimes the problem is not the headphones, but the Bluetooth settings of the phone, especially for Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 13/14, where the default “energy-saving” features that limit the operation of wireless devices are enabled.

What to check:

1. Bluetooth Power Saving Mode: Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Energy Saving. Turn off the option to Limit Background Bluetooth Activity.
2. Cache Bluetooth module: In Settings → Applications → Application Management, find “Bluetooth.” Click Storage → Clear Cache.

Conflict with other devices

• Remove all saved Bluetooth devices in Settings → Bluetooth → Saved devices.
• Reboot your phone and try to reconnect the headphones.

💡

If Redmi headphones connect to your phone but only sound in one channel, try manually selecting an "A2DP" profile in Bluetooth settings. Use the Developer Options app (you need to turn on developer mode).

5 Model incompatibility: which Redmi headphones can be connected to each other

Many users try to pair headphones from different sets (for example, the left-handed Redmi AirDots 2 with the right-handed Redmi Buds 3), but this is impossible. Xiaomi Redmi headphones are synchronized only within one model and one revision (for example, Buds 4 Pro with Buds 4 Pro, but not with Buds 3 Pro).

Exceptions:

• ✅ Redmi AirDots 2 and Redmi AirDots 2S — Interchangeable (but there may be problems with the microphone).
• ❌ Redmi AirDots (1-gen) Redmi AirDots 2 – Different Bluetooth chips, synchronization is impossible.
• ⚠️ Redmi Buds 3 Lite and Redmi Buds 3 are similar in appearance, but have different connection protocols.
• 🔄 Connecting through a third-party application: Applications like Bluetooth Auto Connect or TWS Earbuds Resetter sometimes helps force your headphones to sync. Install them from Google Play, follow the instructions.
• 🖥️ PC Connection: Some Redmi models (e.g. Buds) 3 Pro) can be reset via Windows: Turn on Bluetooth on your PC. Press the button on the case on 10 seconds until it appears "Redmi_Buds_XXX" Connect, then turn off the headphones via "Delete Device." Reconnect to the phone.