Why Xiaomi True Wireless headphones are not synchronized: 10 reasons and ways to fix

Xiaomi’s True Wireless headphones (TWS) — It's a popular solution for music lovers and active users, but even those users sometimes refuse to sync with each other or with a smartphone, and the problem is different: one earphone doesn't connect, both flash white/red without a pair, and the sound only goes to the left or right module. 80% of cases are caused by software failures or mechanical damage, but there are less obvious causes.

In this article, we will discuss all possible causes of headphones missynchronization Xiaomi (including models Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless). 2, Buds 3/4 Pro and others, and we'll give you step-by-step instructions for how to restore work, from simple resets to contacts repairs, you'll find a solution for even complex cases!

1. The main signs of the problem and the primary diagnosis

Before you rush to reflash the headphones or carry them to the service, identify the exact symptom of the malfunction. This will save time and help you choose the right way to repair.

Here are the typical scenarios:

• 🔴 One earphone does not turn on (does not respond to the button, does not flash the indicator).
• 🔄 Headphones do not synchronize with each other (flash alternately white / red, but do not pair together in a pair).
• 📱 Do not connect to your phone (no Bluetooth list or only one connection is available).
• 🔊 The sound goes only to one headphone (the second is silent or makes noise).
• 🔋 Headphones discharge unevenly (one sits in 2 hours, the other holds the charge).

If your case falls under one of the following headings, go to the appropriate section of the article, and if the problem is different, check the physical condition of the devices:

Inspect the headphones for moisture or mechanical damage|

Check the charge of the case and headphones (indicators should burn when connected to charging)|

Make sure that the Bluetooth on the phone is on and the headphones are in search mode (blink white)|

Try connecting to another device (laptop, tablet)|

Update your smartphone firmware (sometimes Bluetooth bugs are patched in new versions) MIUI)-->

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones have fallen into the water or been hit hard, don't try to turn them on, it may cause a short circuit".

2. Software failures: reset and reconnect

In 60 percent of cases, the problem is solved by software resetting headphones, the procedure varies depending on the model, but the general principle is the same: return to factory settings. Below are instructions for popular Xiaomi lines.

For Redmi AirDots models (1/2/3 Mi True Wireless, Mi True Wireless 2:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds (the indicator should change color from white to red).
3. Open the lid – the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white).
4. Remove the headphones from the list of connected Bluetooth devices on your phone and reconnect.

For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro:

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds (until the red light flashes).
3. Put the headphones back in the case, close the lid for 5 seconds, then remove.
4. Connect again via Bluetooth menu.

If the reset didn't help, try updating your headphone firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (not available for all models).

3. firmware problems: how to update or roll back

Outdated or damaged firmware is a common cause of insynchronization, such as after an update. MIUI 14 Many users have faced the fact that the headphones Redmi AirDots 3 stopped connecting to Xiaomi phones.The solution is to update the firmware of the headphones or (in extreme cases) roll back to the previous version.

How to update firmware:

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older models).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the application, go to the Devices section → [Your headphones] → Settings → Firmware update.
4. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones become depleted or communication is interrupted during the upgrade, they may completely fail (reflashing through the service center is required). Always make sure that the charge of the case and headphones is above 50%.

How to roll back firmware (for experienced users):

There is no official way to roll back, but you can try to reset headphones to factory settings through ADB (Only for models on a Qualcomm chip, such as Mi True Wireless 2:

adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.device.action.PAIRING_REQUEST -e android.bluetooth.device.extra.DEVICE [MAC- headphone address]

This method is risky and requires skills to work with ADB. If you are not sure, it is better to contact the service.

Hardware malfunctions: contacts, battery, charge

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is the hardware, and the most common ones are:

• 🔌 Charging contacts (oxidation, pollution, mechanical wear and tear).
• 🔋 Batteries (bloating, loss of capacity, uneven charge).
• 📡 Bluetooth module (damage to antenna or chip).
• 🛠️ Soldered joints (dump of contacts after falls).

How to check contacts:

Take a magnifying glass and look at the gold contacts on the headphones and inside the case.

• 🟢 Green plaque - oxidation (cleaned with alcohol and cotton swab).
• 🟤 Black dots – subcoat (requires replacement of contacts).
• 🔴 Curvature or dents - mechanical damage (repair required).

Use isopropyl alcohol 90 for cleaning%+ Don't use acetone or water! After cleaning, dry your headphones 1-2 hours before turning on.

Battery check:

If one earphone is running out faster than the other, the problem is the battery.

1. Disassemble the headphone (carefully putting the lid on a plastic spatula).
2. Connect the multimeter probes to the battery contacts (polarity is not important).
3. Normal voltage: 3.7-4.2 V. If below 3.3 V, the battery needs to be replaced.

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If the headphones do not turn on after long storage, try to "wake up" the battery: connect the case to charging at 12+ Even if the light doesn't burn, sometimes it's enough to get back up.

5. Repair of contacts and fees: when to contact the service

If self-diagnosis shows physical damage (wire break, chip dump, chip cracks on the board), soldering is essential. Consider typical breakdowns and their solutions.

Table: Frequent hardware faults and repair costs

⚠️ Note: If you do not have experience with squashing SMD-components (small parts on the board), do not attempt to repair yourself.The risk of damage to the board is higher than the potential savings.

For Buds 3 Pro and newer models, repair is complicated by the availability of autopsy protection (glue, brittle plumes), in which case official service is the only option.

6. Bluetooth problems on the phone: settings and compatibility

Sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones, it's with the smartphone, and this is especially true for devices on the phone. MIUI, And there's a lot of Bluetooth stack bugs:

Step 1: Reset Bluetooth settings

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset Settings.
3. Restart your phone and try to connect again.

Step 2: Turning off power saving for Bluetooth

Xiaomi has power optimization enabled by default, which can interrupt the connection to the headphones.

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Select the Apps and find Bluetooth in the list.
3. Set up a No Limits mode.

Step 3: Checking the compatibility of codecs

Some Xiaomi headphones (such as Mi True Wireless 2) support codec AAC, but it's not working well SBC Or aptX. To change the codec:

1. Install the Developer Options app (or activate Developer Mode in your phone settings).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Developer Settings → Bluetooth Settings.
3. Choose. AAC codecs.

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If the headphones are normally connected to another phone (like an iPhone or a pure Android device), the problem is exactly with the Xiaomi smartphone. MIUI or roll back the firmware.

7. Recovery after falling into water or mechanical damage

If Xiaomi headphones get wet or get hit hard, you need to act quickly.

When moisture is ingested:

1. Turn off the headphones immediately (if they still work) and remove them from the case.
2. Wet the visible moisture with a napkin. Don't shake or blow!
3. Put the headphones in a silica gel container (packages of shoe boxes) for 24-48 hours.
4. Do not turn on until you are sure of complete dryness (check the multimeter resistance of contacts).

For mechanical damage:

• 🔧 Cracks on the body – seal them with cyanoacrylate glue (like Super Moment), but remember that this is a temporary solution.
• 🔊 Damage to the speaker – if the sound has become hoarse or gone, a membrane replacement will be required (cost) ~1 500 ₽).
• 📶 Antenna breaks are determined by the constant communication breaks.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones get hot or smell like a burn after a fall, you can't turn them on, it's a sign of a short circuit!

8. Alternative ways of connecting (if nothing helps)

If the standard methods don’t work, try the non-obvious solutions:

Method 1: Connecting through a third-party application

Apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect or TWS Checker sometimes helps "get" the headphones to sync:

1. Install. TWS Checker from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select Force Pairing.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (it may take several attempts).

Method 2: Using a second phone to synchronize

Sometimes the headphones refuse to connect to the main device, but they work normally with another.

1. Connect the headphones to the second phone (preferably on pure Android or iOS).
2. Wait for the synchronization to be successful (white indicator will light up).
3. Return the headphones to the case, then try connecting to the main device.

Method 3: Manual appropriation MAC-Addresses (for advanced ones)

If headphones are defined as two separate devices, you can try to tie them manually through the phone. ADB:

adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.devicepicker.action.LAUNCH -e android.bluetooth.devicepicker.extra.FILTER_TYPE 0

This method does not work on all models and requires developer rights.

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If you have a Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, try connecting through Xiaomi AIoT (a smart home app).

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Xiaomi headphones