Repair of wireless headphones Xiaomi: 7 breakdowns and how to fix them yourself

Why Xiaomi headphones break down and can they be repaired at home

Xiaomi's wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market for their value for money, but even they're not immune to failures: one earphone stops working, the sound gets distorted, the device refuses to connect to the phone, and 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved without going to the service center, just know where to look for the cause and how to act.

In this article, we will discuss the 7 most common malfunctions Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless and other models, as well as give step-by-step repair instructions. You will learn how to restore communication between headphones, fix problems with sound, replace the battery and even solder contacts if necessary. Particular attention will be paid to the models of 2022-2026 – their design is different from earlier versions, and standard repair methods may not work.

Before you start repairing, answer two questions: 1. Headphones for warranties? If yes, it is better to contact the official Xiaomi service - self-repair will void the warranty. 2. Do you have experience with soldering irons and small electronics? If not, limit yourself to software methods (reset, firmware) or contact the master.

1. Headphones not included: causes and solutions

If Xiaomi AirDots or Redmi Buds don't respond to the power button, there may be three things that are wrong: a dead battery, a damaged charging case, or a malfunction of the control board.

First thing you need to do is check the charging case. connect it to the power source (use the original cable). USB-C If the indicator on the case doesn't light up, the problem is that the charging controller may have failed or the cable is damaged.

• 🔋 The headphone battery is dead. Place the headphones in the case for 10-15 minutes, then try to turn it on. If the headphone indicator does not blink, the battery may fail (especially for models over 2 years old).
• 🔌 The contacts on the headphones or the case have become oxidized. Check the metal contacts on the headphones and inside the case - if they are blackened or covered with green coating, they need to be cleaned (more on this in the next section).
• 🛠️ Control board malfunction, if the headphones don't respond to charging and buttons, the controller may have burned down, and this will require disassembly and multimeter diagnostics.

If the headphones still don't turn on, try a forced reset:

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
3. Open the lid and press the buttons on both headphones for 15-20 seconds (until the indicators start flashing red and white).
4. Remove the headphones from the case and try to connect them again.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use alcohol or acetone to clean your contacts, they can damage the plastic.

Try another cable to charge the case|

Clean contacts on headphones and in the case|

Perform forced discharge|

Check the headphones on another device (phone/tablet)-->

2.How to clean contacts and restore charging

Contact oxidation is one of the most common reasons why Xiaomi AirDots stop charging, and over time, metal plates get a plaque that prevents current transmission, and you can restore performance without disassembling the headphones.

You'll need:

• Cotton swabs
• Lastic (preferably white, without dyes)
• Toothpick or plastic spatula
• Isopropyl alcohol (not lower than 90%) or distilled water

Step-by-step:

1. Unplug the headphones from the case and inspect the contacts. If they are blackened or covered with green coating, start cleaning.
2. Gently wipe the contacts with a stripe, it will remove the oxides. The movements should be light, without pressing, so as not to damage the coating.
3. Soak the cotton swab in alcohol and wipe the contacts. For hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton-wrapped toothpick.
4. Dry the headphones for 10-15 minutes before connecting to the case.

If the contacts in the case have also oxidized, clean them in a similar way. Be careful not to use metal objects (needles, knives) so as not to damage the board.

⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the contacts, the headphones still do not charge, do not try to disassemble the case without experience - inside there is a lithium polymer battery that is easily damaged.

3.One earphone does not work: how to sync a pair

A common problem is that Xiaomi's left or right earphone doesn't connect, only one is playing, or the devices don't sync, and 90 percent of the time it's done by software reset, but sometimes it requires physical intervention.

Reasons for desynchronization:

• 📱 Firmware failure – especially relevant after the update.
• 🔄 The headphones were connected to different devices (for example, one to the phone, the other to the laptop).
• 🔋 Different charge levels – if one earphone is completely discharged and the other is not, they may lose communication.
• 🛠️ Bluetooth antenna damage – physical breakdown requiring repair.

How to sync headphones:

1. Reset settings: 1. Place both headphones in the case. 2. Close the lid for 10 seconds. 3. Open the lid and press the buttons on both headphones for 15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing red and white). 4. Remove the headphones from the case - they should automatically sync.
2. Reconnect: 1. Go to your Bluetooth settings on your phone. 2. Remove your Xiaomi AirDots device (or your model) from the paired list. 3. Turn on your headphones and wait until they appear in the list of available devices. 4. Connect again.

If sync is not restored, try updating your firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app. Some models (such as Mi True Wireless 2) require a PC connection via the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app. ADB.

4.Sound problems: cracking, noise, lack of bass

If Xiaomi AirDots has a crack, the sound has become quieter, or the low frequencies have gone, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

Checklist for troubleshooting sound problems:

• 🎧 Check the uniformity settings (EQ) Mi Home or Bluetooth phone settings, maybe bass or high frequencies are muted.
• 📱 Turn off the audio enhancement features in your phone settings (such as Adaptive Sound or Sound Effects in the phone). MIUI).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones - sometimes a codec failure AAC or SBC distort.
• 🛠️ Check the speaker for physical damage – if the sound is distorted in just one headphone, the membrane may have been torn.

If the problem is the dynamics, you can replace it yourself.

1. Carefully open the headphone case (use a plastic shoulder blade so as not to scratch).
2. Set off the old speaker and install a new one (suitable models: 32 Ohms, 6mm for most Xiaomi).
3. Collect the body and check the sound.

Parts prices (2026):

• Dynamics for Xiaomi AirDots – from 300 to 500 rubles.
• Membrane (if only replacement is required) - 150-250 rubles.
• Set for soldering (solder, flux, soldering iron) - from 1000 rubles.

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If the sound is lost while moving, the problem may be a damaged cable inside the earphone. Try to bend the case carefully - if the sound appears / disappears, you need to solder the contacts.

5. Battery replacement: when needed and how to do

The average battery life in wireless headphones is 2-3 years. If Xiaomi AirDots began to discharge in 1-2 hours instead of the declared 4-5, it is time to think about replacing the battery. Xiaomi headphones use lithium-polymer batteries with a capacity of 40-60 mAh (depending on the model).

Signs of battery wear:

• ⚡ Fast discharge (less than 2 hours of work).
• 🔋 Headphones do not hold the charge in the off state (discharge in the case).
• 🛑 The case shows 100% charge, but the headphones are not turned on.

How to replace the battery:

1. Disassemble the headphone: 1. Tie the plastic cover with a thin spatula (start with the seam). 2. Remove it carefully so as not to damage the latches. 3. Disconnect the battery plume from the board.
2. Remove the old battery: 1. Heat the case with a hairdryer (temperature 60–80)°C) to soften the glue. 2. Put the battery in a plastic spatula and remove it.
3. Install a new battery: 1. Stick the new battery to double-sided tape or special glue. 2. Connect the plume to the board. 3. Collect the case, making sure that all latches are in place.

Where to buy a battery:

• 🛒 AliExpress – prices from 200 rubles, but delivery is 2-4 weeks.
• 🏬 Local spare parts stores - from 300 rubles, but you can get immediately.
• 🔧 Service centers – some sell parts for self-repair.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use batteries of unknown origin - they may swell or ignite.Buy only certified batteries labeled Li-Po and rated voltage 3.7V.

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Replacing the battery in Xiaomi AirDots costs 3-5 times cheaper than buying new headphones. The average cost of work in the service is 1000-1500 rubles (excluding spare parts).

5.Mic Repair: Why the Interviewer Can't Hear

If you can’t be heard during the calls, the problem may be in the microphone, antenna or phone settings. In Xiaomi AirDots, the microphone is located on the bottom of the case (near the charging contacts).

Causes of a broken microphone:

• 🎤 Microphone hole contamination – dust or moisture can block sound.
• 📶 Poor Bluetooth connection – if the signal is weak, the microphone may shut down.
• 🛠️ Microphone module damage – Replacement required.
• 📱 Phone Settings – It’s possible the microphone is disabled in Bluetooth settings.

How to fix:

1. Clean the microphone: 1. Take a toothpick and gently clean the microphone hole. 2. Use compressed air (a canister) to blow out the dust.
2. Check your phone settings: 1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth. 2. Find your headphones and click on the gear(s). 3. Make sure the Use for Calls option is enabled.
3. Replace the microphone module (if cleaning did not help): 1. Disassemble the headphone (see the instructions in the section about the battery). 2. Solve the old microphone and install a new one (cost - 150-300 rubles). 3. Check the work after assembly.

If the problem is in the Bluetooth antenna, it can also be replaced, but it requires soldering experience. In most cases, it's easier to contact the service.

7 When repairs are inappropriate: signs of serious breakdown

Not all Xiaomi AirDots breakdowns can be fixed at home, but here are the best times to turn to professionals or buy new headphones:

• 🔥 Battery bloating - if the headphone case is deformed, it is dangerous to use it.
• 💧 Liquid entry – even after drying, oxides may remain, which will lead to a short circuit.
• 📡 Bluetooth module damage – if the headphones don’t connect to any device, the chip could burn.
• 🔊 Splitting the speaker membrane – the sound will be distorted even after replacement.

Cost of repair in the service (2026):

If the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of new headphones, it is more advisable to consider buying a new model. For example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro (2023) cost about 3000 rubles, and their repair can cost 1500-2000 rubles.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphone repair