One Xiaomi headphone stopped working: how to fix wireless TWS independently

You took out your favorite Xiaomi Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earbuds, turned on the music, and suddenly you found that the sound comes from only one headphone? TWS-Headsets. The causes can range from a simple battery discharge to hardware malfunctions, but 80 percent of the time, the earphone is reanimated without going to the service center.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why one Xiaomi headphone might stop working, and give you step-by-step troubleshooting instructions, learn how to reset, check sync, clear contacts, and even restore firmware — without special tools.

For example, Redmi AirDots 2 is dropped differently than Mi Earbuds Basic S, and microphone problems in Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro may require a firmware update.

1. Checking for obvious causes: battery, case and connection

Before you disassemble headphones or look for a service center, eliminate the simplest malfunctions. In 30% of cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes - just charge the case or insert the earpiece correctly.

Start with a visual inspection:

• 🔋 Check the charge level of the case: if the indicator does not burn or flashes red, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes.
• 🔌 Make sure the headphone is properly fitted in the case: the magnetic contacts should fit tightly. Try turning it over - sometimes users insert the headset "upside down».
• 📱 Reconnect your headphones to your phone: remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices (Settings) → Bluetooth) and pair again.

If the earphone doesn't respond to button presses or touches, try forcefully restarting it.

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad (or button) on the idle earphone for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red/white.
3. Put the headphone back in the case and wait 30 seconds, then pull it out and try to connect.

Attention! If the case warms after charging and the earphone still doesn't turn on, the problem may be a bloated battery, in which case self-repair is dangerous (risk of fire).

2. resetting Xiaomi headphones to factory

If a simple reboot doesn't work, the next step is a hard reset, which deletes all the settings you saved, including device pairing data, and the instructions vary depending on the model:

After reset, the headphones must appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices as a new device (e.g., Mi True Wireless). 2_XXXX). If one headphone still doesn’t connect, move on to the next section.

Make sure the cover is at least 30 times charged%|Check that the headphones are clean (no dirt on the contacts)|Disconnect them from all devices in Bluetooth settings|Prepare the instructions for your model (see table above)-->

Attention! On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), resetting may result in loss of noise cancellation function if the firmware has been updated informally, in which case a firmware reflash will be required.

3.Chronicity problems between headphones

One of the most common reasons why one Xiaomi earphone doesn’t work is the loss of synchronization between the left and right modules, which is due to a failure in the Bluetooth protocol or a mechanical disconnection of communication (for example, if one earphone was far from the case).

To restore synchronization:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the case. The headphones should flash simultaneously (usually white or blue).
3. If the blinking is not synchronous, pull out your headphones and press the touchpad on the earphone running 3 times in a row, which force you to search for the second module.
4. Wait 1-2 minutes – the headphones should automatically sync (the indicators will light up the same way).

If the synchronization is not restored, try an alternative method:

• 🔄 Connect only a working headphone to your phone (remove the second one from the list of Bluetooth devices).
• 🎧 Turn on the music and wait until the headphone starts looking for the second module (usually in 10-20 seconds).
• 🔍 Take out the second earphone from the case and bring it close to the person working – they should automatically connect.

On models with Mi support AI Assistant (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4) sync can be restored via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app:

1. Open the app and select your headset.
2. Go to Settings → Synchronization of headphones.
3. Click Reset Sync and follow the instructions on the screen.

4. Cleaning of contacts and checking for mechanical damage

If reset and synchronization fail, the problem may be contaminated contacts or mechanical damage. Xiaomi wireless headphones often fail because of:

• 🧲 Oxidation of contacts in the case or on the headphone (due to sweat, moisture).
• 🔌 Wear of magnetic connectors (especially on Redmi AirDots) 1/2).
• 💧 Liquids (even if the model has protection) IPX4, Long-term exposure to moisture can cause corrosion).

To clean your contacts, you will need:

• 🪒 Cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%).
• 🧲 Toothpick or plastic spatula (to remove dried dirt).
• 🔍 Lupa (optional to better consider contacts).

Step-by-step:

1. Carefully remove the earpiece from the case and examine the gold contacts (usually 3-4 pieces), if they are darkened or covered with green coating, it is oxidation.
2. Soak the cotton swab in alcohol and clear the contacts with light circular movements.
3. For hard-to-reach places, use a toothpick wrapped in cotton.
4. Dry the headphone for 10-15 minutes (you can use a hair dryer at a minimum power of cold air).
5. Repeat the procedure for the case, paying attention to the spring contacts inside.

If the headphone still does not work after cleaning, check it for mechanical damage:

• 🔊 Put it in your ear and turn the music on at maximum volume, and if you hear a quiet crackling or hissing, you may have a damaged speaker.
• 🕳️ Examine the speaker grille for dents or tears (a common problem after falls).
• 🔋 Check if the battery is swollen (the battery in Xiaomi headphones is usually located under the back cover).

💡

If the earpiece falls into water, don't dry it with rice, that's a myth! The grains can get in and close the contacts. Instead, use silica gel bags (the ones you put in shoeboxes) or special moisture absorbers.

Attention! If you press the headphone case and you hear foreign sounds (squeaking, crunch), it's a sign of a crack in the board or a detachment of the speaker, and this repair is not possible at home - it requires soldering.

5. Update firmware and diagnostics through Mi Fit/Wear

Xiaomi headphones (especially Buds models) 3/4 And FlipBuds, they're based on firmware, which sometimes crashes, and if one earbud stopped working after upgrading your phone or your headphones, it could be a software conflict.

For diagnostics and firmware updates:

1. Install the official application: For older models (Redmi AirDots) 1/2) — Mi Fit. For the New (Xiaomi Buds) 3/4, FlipBuds Pro) — Xiaomi Wear.

Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.

Open the app and select your headset.

Firmware update

Firmware Update

Update

If the update doesn’t help or the headphone isn’t defined in the app, try rolling back the firmware (if you’ve previously installed the beta version).

• 📱 Remove headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices.
• 🔄 Perform a reset (see Section 2).
• 🔧 Connect again and check the firmware version in Xiaomi Wear.If it's marked as "Beta," contact support for rollbacks.

On some models (for example, Mi True Wireless 2), the firmware updates automatically when you connect to the Mi Home. If one earphone stopped working after the upgrade, try:

1. Remove the headphones from the Mi Home.


2. Reset them (hold the button on the case for 20 seconds).




3. Reconnect through the application, refusing to update the firmware.

💡

If the headphones stopped working after the update MIUI On your phone, the problem may be incompatibility of the Bluetooth stack. Try connecting the headset to another device (for example, a laptop or tablet).

Repair or replacement: when self-repair is not possible

If none of these methods worked, it's probably hardware, and then you need to evaluate whether it's worth repairing your headphones or buying new ones at a lower cost.

Common faults requiring professional repair:

Where to repair:

• 🛠️ Official Xiaomi service: warranty for repair, but high price and long term (2-4 weeks.
• 🔧 Local workshops: cheaper and faster, but risk of poor-quality repairs.Seek reviews!
• 📦 Self-replacement: If you are an experienced user, you can order parts on AliExpress (for example, the speaker for Redmi AirDots 2 costs a lot of money). ~300 ₽).

Attention! If the headphones are warranty, don't open them yourself, it will void the warranty. Contact the service center with a check (even if it is electronic).

Should you buy new ones? Focus on the ratio of the cost of repair and the cost of new headphones:

• 💰 If the repair is worth it >50% of the price of new headphones, it is better to buy a new model.
• 🔄 For models older than 2 years (e.g. Redmi AirDots 1), repairs are usually impractical.
• 🎧 If you want to have functions like ANC Or aptX, look towards Xiaomi Buds 4 or FlipBuds Pro.

7. Prevention: how to extend the life of wireless headphones Xiaomi

To avoid problems in the future, follow simple rules:

Battery care:

• 🔋 Don't leave your headphones empty for long, it reduces battery life. Charge your case at least once every 2 weeks.
• ⚡ Avoid overheating: Do not place the cover in the sun or near heat sources.
• 🔌 Use the original charging cable (especially for fast-charging models like the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).

Mechanical protection:

• 🧴 Regularly clean the headphones from earwax and sweat (coat stick with alcohol).
• 💧 Do not use them in the rain or in the pool, even if there is protection. IPX4.
• 🎒 Keep it in a case – it protects against dust and shocks.

Program settings:

• 📱 Update your firmware through Xiaomi Wear, but don’t install beta versions.
• 🔗 Don’t connect your headphones to multiple devices at the same time – this can cause sync failures.
• 🎵 In Bluetooth settings on your phone, turn off Absolute Volume (on Android) to avoid sound distortion.

💡

If you lose your headphones often, turn on the “Device Search” feature in the Mi Home.This will help you find them at the last connection location (works for most Xiaomi models).

The average lifespan of Xiaomi wireless headphones is 2-3 years when used correctly. If you notice that the battery has started to go down faster or the sound has deteriorated, consider replacing. LDAC They have improved noise insulation, which can be a good upgrade.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones that don't work