Why there is no pairing between two wireless headphones Xiaomi: reasons and solutions

Introduction: why Xiaomi headphones stop working in pairs

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality, but many users are faced with the problem of one headphone being lost or not switched on at all. The situation is typical for models of Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Xiaomi Buds and others. TWS-brand.

The reasons can be software (firmware failure, Bluetooth error) and hardware (battery discharge, contact damage). In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios why headphones do not sync with each other, and give step-by-step instructions for restoring their operation.

If you’ve tried rebooting your headphones or dropping them through a button, but nothing has worked, don’t rush to bring your device to the service. 80% of the time, you can solve the problem yourself by following our recommendations.

1.Discharged battery is the most common cause

The first thing to check is the charge level of both headphones and the case, and even if one of them shows charge, the other one could have discharged to zero, which causes the system to block pairing, especially for the Redmi AirDots 2 and Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic models, where the battery goes down unevenly.

How to check:

• 🔋 Place both earbuds in the case and close the lid. The indicator on the case should flash or burn white/green (depending on the model). If the indicator is red or not at all, the case is discharged.
• 📱 Connect the case to charging for 10-15 minutes, then check if the charge indicator on the headphones has caught fire (usually it is inside the case).
• 🔄 If the indicators don’t respond, try using another cable or power supply – possibly a problem in the charger.

⚠️ Note: In models Xiaomi Buds 3T And the newer case may not show the charge of the headphones if they are not synchronized, in which case, connect the headphones to the phone and check the charge level in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.

If the headphones don't match after charging, move on to the next step, and it could be a software failure or mechanical damage.

2. Resetting headphone settings to factory

If charging doesn't work, the next step is hard reset, which clears all pairing settings and returns the headphones to their original state, and the instructions vary depending on the model.

Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually side or back) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case cover - headphones should automatically go into pairing mode (indicators will flash alternately).

For Xiaomi Buds 3/4, Redmi Buds 3 Pro models:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear the reset beep.
3. Place the headphones back in the case, then pull out - they should sync automatically.

After reset, try reconnecting your headphones to your phone. If they still don't pair, the problem may be the phone's firmware or Bluetooth module.

Charge the case and headphones to 100%|

Make sure the headphones are clean (no dirt on the contacts)|

Disable headphones from all devices in Bluetooth | settings

Use the original charging cable (if any)|-->

3. Headphone firmware problems

Firmware failures are one of the most insidious reasons Xiaomi headphones stop working in pairs, which can occur after a failed update, abrupt power outage during synchronization or conflict with other Bluetooth devices.

How to check and update the firmware:

1. Install the official Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app (depending on the headphone model).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and go to the Devices section → [Your headphones] → Firmware update.
4. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't interrupt the process! This can cause the device to fail completely.

If the update doesn’t help or the headphones aren’t defined in the app, try rolling back the firmware (if there is such an option) or contact the service center.For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and newer models, flashing through the Mi Flash Tool sometimes helps, but this is a risky procedure that is better entrusted to specialists.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware headphones stopped turning on or emit a constant squeak, do not try to re-stitch them yourself - this can lead to a breakage of the Bluetooth module.

4. Bluetooth conflicts on phone or PC

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the headphones, but with the device they’re connected to, like an old version of Bluetooth on the phone, a conflict with other connected devices, or driver errors (relevant to the PC).

What to do:

• 📱 For Android: Go to Settings → Bluetooth. Find your headphones in the list and click on the icon. ⚙️ (Select Forget the device (or delete it). Reboot the phone and try reconnecting the headphones.
• 💻 For Windows: Open the settings → Devices → Bluetooth. Remove the headphones from the list. Launch Device Manager (Win) + X) and update the drivers for the Bluetooth adapter. Restart your PC and try to connect again.

For the iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the "i" next to the headphone name and select Forget this device.
3. Turn on and off Air Mode, then try to connect again.

If the headphones still don't pair, try connecting them to another device (like a tablet or a second phone) if they work normally on another device, the Bluetooth module of your main gadget is a problem.

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Before connecting your headphones to your new device, turn off all other Bluetooth headsets, speakers, or fitness bracelets. Conflict between multiple devices can block pairing.

5 Mechanical damage and contamination of contacts

If the software methods did not help, it is worth checking the physical condition of the headphones.

• 🔌 Oxidation or contamination of contacts in the case or on headphones (dust, sweat, moisture).
• 💧 Liquid intake (even if the headphones have protection) IPX4, Long-term exposure to moisture can damage the board).
• 🔨 Falls or impacts that could have caused the plume to move or damaged the Bluetooth antenna.

If the headphones are still not working after cleaning, and one of them is not on the charger light, most likely there was a circuit break or a battery failure, in which case only repairs at the service center will help.

6. Problems with the main and driven headphones (Master/Slave)

In Xiaomi wireless headphones, one headphone is always Master and the other is Slave, the headphone connects directly to the phone, and the led headphone syncs with the main one, and if this connection is broken, the headphones stop working in pairs.

How to determine which headphone is the main one:

• In most models, the right earphone is the main one (for example, in Redmi AirDots 3 and Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2).
• In Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer, the main headphone can change depending on the firmware.
• If one headphone connects to the phone, and the second does not – then the main one is working, and the slave lost communication.