What to do if the second headphone Xiaomi does not work: from a simple reboot to disassembly

You've turned on your favorite track, but the sound comes from only one Xiaomi headphone? The problem is familiar to many owners of both wireless AirDots and wired Mi Earphones. The reasons may lie in the banal settings of the smartphone, damage to the cable or serious breakage of the speaker. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is fixed on its own without going to the service center.

In this article, we'll look at all possible scenarios, from software failures to mechanical damages, learn how to check headphones on another device, reset them to factory settings, clean contacts, and even replace the speaker at home, and for owners of Xiaomi Buds and Redmi AirDots, we'll give you unique error codes that will help you diagnose the problem more accurately.

If the headphone stopped working after a fall in the water or a heavy impact, the chances of recovery are minimal - only professional repairs will help.

1. Checking the basic settings: why the sound goes only to one earphone

Before you disassemble the headphones or carry them to the service, make sure that the problem is not the settings of your device. Often the fault is not the accessory itself, but a smartphone, tablet or PC.

Let's start with the simplest one:

• 🔊 Sound balance. Go to Settings on Android. → Sound. → Stereo balance (or special features) → Make sure the slider is in the middle. On your iPhone, check your settings. → Universal access → Audiovisual content → Monoaudio balance.
• 📱 Monoaudio mode: Some applications (like YouTube or Netflix) may be forced to include monosound. Try playing audio in another player.
• 🔄 Reboot the device. Turn off the smartphone/laptop for 30 seconds and turn it on again. This will reset temporary errors of Bluetooth or sound driver.

If the headphones are wireless, follow the following steps:

1. Disconnect them from the device via the Bluetooth menu.
2. Remove from the list of associated devices (Bluetooth Settings) → ⚙️ headphone-name → Delete).
3. Return the headphones to pairing mode (usually hold the power button 5-10 seconds until the indicator blinks).
4. Reconnect it.

If the sound has not recovered after these manipulations, proceed to the next section.

Headphone Diagnosis: How to Determine What’s Broken

Before you fix it, you need to know what the problem is.

• 🎧 Connect the headphones to another smartphone / PC. If the second headphone is working, the problem is in the first device (driver, settings, Bluetooth module).
• 🔌 For wired models, try another connector (for example, an adapter). USB-C → 3.5 mm if you connect to a modern smartphone).
• 🔋 Check the wireless headphones. Sometimes one earphone will run out faster and shut down. Put both in a case for 10 to 15 minutes.

If the headphone does not work on any device, proceed to a visual inspection:

Did you find any mechanical damage? In the next section, we'll tell you how to fix your headphones yourself.

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If you have Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 or Buds 3 Pro, try resetting them through the Mi Home app. → Settings → This often solves the problem of synchronizing headphones with each other.

3. repair of wired headphones Xiaomi with their own hands

Wireless models (Mi Earphones Basic, Hybrid Pro, Dual Driver) are most likely to fail due to cable damage or contact oxidation.

Correction of cable: soldering or tape?

If the cable is worn at the plug or speaker:

1. Carefully cut the insulation at the site of damage (1-2 cm).
2. Clear the wires (usually there are 3-4 veins: left channel, right channel, earth and sometimes microphone).
3. Turn the bare ends of the corresponding wires (the colors should match!).
4. Insulate each wire separately, then wrap the entire structure with a seal or thermal shrinkage.

You can also lose the connection for reliability, but it requires a soldering iron and skill, and the alternative is to use headphone connectors (sold in radio stores) that allow wires to be connected without soldering.

Knife or cutter|Insulation/therm shrinkage|Stolen iron (optional)|Multimeter to check the circuit|Loupa (for thin wires)-->

Cleaning of the plug contacts

Oxidation or contamination of contacts on a plug 3.5 mm - a common cause of loss of sound in one earphone.

1. Wet the cotton swab in alcohol or liquid to clean the contacts.
2. Gently wipe all the metal parts of the plug (especially the separator rings).
3. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes.
4. Check the sound.

If cleaning didn't work, the problem might be the cliff wire inside the plug, which makes it easier to replace the plug completely (costs 50-200). ₽ radio-store).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use acetone or solvents for cleaning - they will damage plastic parts of the plug).

4.Restore Xiaomi wireless headphones

With wireless models (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds, FlipBuds), the situation is more complicated. If one earphone does not turn on or sync, the reasons may be:

• 🔋 The battery is discharged in one headphone (even if the case is charged).
• 📡 Failure of firmware or loss of communication between headphones.
• 💧 Moisture intrusion (earphone may be on, but no sound).
• 🔊 Breakdown of speaker or microphone.

Let’s start with the simplest – resetting settings:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait until the indicators go out (10-15 seconds).
3. Press and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
4. Release the button - the headphones will reset to the factory settings.
5. Connect them back to the device.

If the reset didn’t help, check the synchronization between the headphones:

• Get both earphones out of the case.
• Hold the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
• Put them back in the case for 30 seconds, then pull them out and check the link.

For models with Mi Home support (AirDots Pro 2, Buds 3), update the firmware:

1. Open the Mi Home app.
2. Find your headphones in the list of devices.
3. Go to Device Profile → Settings → Firmware Update.
4. If a new version is available, install it.

5. Replacement of speaker or battery: when it is impossible to disassemble

If all the previous methods didn't work, the problem is probably the hardware, the speaker, the battery, the control board, and how to replace these components ourselves.

Disassembly of headphones: step-by-step instructions

You'll need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator or opener (so as not to scratch the body).
• 🔨 Small cross screwdriver (usually) PH00).
• 🧲 Tweezers and magnet (for small details).
• 🔥 Fryer (for softening glue).

How to make out:

1. Heat the hair dryer of the earpiece seam (30–40 seconds) to soften the glue.
2. Carefully insert the mediator into the slot and slowly lead around the perimeter, separating the front from the back.
3. Remove the top cover – inside you will see the speaker, battery and board.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones often use a sealant glue that makes it difficult to disassemble. Do not put too much effort - you can damage the body or tear the plumes.

Replacement of the speaker

If the speaker is cracking, it does not make a sound or the sound is distorted:

1. Unplug or disconnect the speaker connector from the board.
2. Measure the diameter and thickness of the old speaker (usually 10-15 mm).
3. Buy a similar speaker on AliExpress or in a radio store (cost – 100-300) ₽).
4. Set up a new speaker and solder contacts.

For models Xiaomi AirDots and Redmi Buds suitable speakers with parameters:

• Impedance: 32 ohms.
• Power: 3-5 MW.
• Diameter: 13-14 mm.

Replacement of the battery

If the headphone does not hold a charge or does not turn on at all:

1. Carefully disconnect the battery from the board (usually it is glued and soldered with two wires).
2. Buy a new battery with the same parameters (for example, AirDots is suitable for you). 3.7V 40mAh).
3. Sell a new battery while observing polarity.
4. Seal the body with superglue or sealant.

After replacing the battery or speaker, be sure to check the headphone with a multimeter before collecting back.Measure the speaker resistance (should be 20-40 Ohms) and battery voltage (should be 3.7–4.2V).

6. Alternative solutions: if repair is not possible

Sometimes it costs more to restore headphones than to buy new ones.

1. Buying one headphone, AliExpress or Avito often sells used headphones piece by piece. 2 can be found 500–800 ₽. The main thing is to make sure that the version matches (the case usually has markings, for example, on the case, TWS_L or TWS_R).

2. Used as a mono earpiece, if the second earpiece is completely dead and the first one is working, you can use it separately.

• Turn off stereo mode in Bluetooth settings (if you have such an option).
• Use the Bluetooth adapter → 3.5 mm to connect one headphone to the device.

3. Parts for sale. Even Xiaomi's faulty headphones can be sold for a profit. For example, AirDots cases are bought for 300-500 ₽, And the speakers are 200-400. ₽.

4. Guarantee exchange. If headphones are warranty (usually 12 months), contact the official Xiaomi service.

• Check or confirmation of purchase.
• Box and accessories.
• Passport (if purchased in the official store).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi service centers often refuse warranty repairs if the headphones have autopsy marks or mechanical damage.

7. Prevention: how to prolong the life of headphones Xiaomi

To avoid problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 🧼 Clean your headphones 1 time a week with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Pay special attention to the speaker grid and contacts in the case.
• 🔋 Don't drain the battery completely. Try to put your headphones in the case at 20-30 charge levels%.
• 🌧️ Avoid moisture, even if the model has protection. IPX4, Do not use headphones in the rain or in the bathroom.
• 📦 Keep it in a case. It protects against dust, shock and loss.
• 🔄 Update your firmware through the Mi Home app (for supported models).

For wired models:

• 🎵 Do not pull the cable when removed from the device - take on the plug.
• 🔄 Check the cable once a month on the curves (especially the plug and speakers).
• 📦 Keep your headphones twisted into a loose loop rather than tightly wound.

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The most common reason Xiaomi wireless headphones break is the oxidation of contacts in the case. Clean them with alcohol once every 2-3 months, and the problem of "one broken earphone" will bypass you.

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