Xiaomi headphones are not included: a full analysis of causes and solutions

Did you get your favorite Xiaomi headphones out of your case, but they don't show signs of life? The display screen doesn't light up, there's no sound, and phone connection attempts end in error? This problem is familiar to many owners of wireless models - from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. In 80% of cases, the malfunction can be fixed independently without resorting to a service center.

In this article, we will analyze all possible reasons why Xiaomi headphones stopped turning on: from banal battery discharge to hidden hardware defects. You will learn how to diagnose a problem by the behavior of indicators, what manipulations with reset buttons really work, and when to contact the service. 3T Pros who often suffer from firmware errors after updates.

Important: if your Xiaomi headphones are on but not on the phone, that’s another issue that needs to be addressed separately, and here we focus specifically on cases where the device doesn’t respond fully to button presses or placing in a case.

1. discharged battery: how to distinguish from a breakdown

The first thing that comes to mind is that the headphones are just dead, but how do you make sure that's the problem? Xiaomi's wireless models have a few indirect signs:

• 🔋 The indicator on the case does not light up when connected to the charging (even on the 1-2 seconds).
• 📱 The Mi Home app doesn’t detect headphones in the list of devices, although they used to be paired.
• ⚡ Short flashing of the red indicator when pressing a button (signals a critical charge level).

If the case is charged (check by LED or through the USB-tester), but the headphones don't respond, try an alternative way to charge:

1. Connect the case to the 5V/1A charger (do not use fast charging!).
2. Leave on charging for at least 30 minutes - sometimes the battery controller does not "wake up" immediately.
3. Try to remove and place the headphones back into the case, listening to the click of magnetic contacts.

⚠️ Warning: If the light on the case never caught fire after an hour of charging, the problem may be a plume cliff between the battery case and the headphone contacts.

2. Resetting: Hidden button combinations

Many users are unaware that Xiaomi headphones have a hidden reset mode that is different from the standard onset. For example, for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, the procedure looks like this:

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 15-20 seconds.
3. Wait for the flashing of the red and white indicator (on some models - only red).
4. Remove the headphones from the case - they should automatically go into pairing mode.

For models with physical buttons (e.g. Redmi AirDots S), the algorithm is different:

1. Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (until the indicator blinks).


2. Quickly press the button on each earphone 5 times.




3. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid.

If the reset didn’t help, check the firmware version through the Mi Home app.Outdated versions (below 1.4.0.8 for Buds 4) often cause conflicts with new smartphones.

Check the charge of the case (the indicator should burn when connected to the USB)

Make sure the headphones are clean (contacts are not oxidized)

Try another one. USB-cable

Update the Mi Home app to the latest version-->

3.Firmware problems: how to restore performance

Xiaomi headphones with a Qualcomm QCC3040/5125 chip (Buds 3/4 Pro, AirDots 3 Pro models) are particularly prone to firmware failures after air-to-air updates (OTA).

• 🔄 The headphones are turned on but immediately turned off (the cycle repeats every time). 3-5 seconds).
• 📵 Mi Home app shows error "Device is not responding".
• 🔊 The sound is intermittent or distorted (wheezing, crackling).

To restore the firmware will require:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website (choose the version marked "stable").
2. Install the QFlash Tool (for Qualcomm chips) or Mi Flash.
3. Connect the case with headphones to the PC in EDL mode (for this you need to close contacts on the cover board - requires parsing!).

⚠️ Attention: The wrong firmware can finally kill the headphones. If you are not sure about your soldering skills, you should contact the service. For Buds 4 Pro models, there is an alternative recovery method through Mi Service Center (you need access to the service menu).

4. Hardware malfunctions: what breaks most often

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably the hardware. TOP-5 hardware breakdowns of Xiaomi headphones according to service centers (2023-2026 garland.):

The most common problem is that the contacts oxidize because they get moisture, and even if the headphones don't sink, the condensation from sweating or rain eventually destroys the coating.

1. Wipe the contacts on headphones and in the case with an alcohol solution (70%+).
2. Use an eraser to clean oxidized areas (carefully!).
3. Apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant (such as WD-40 Specialist) to protect you.

💡

If one earpiece doesn't turn on and the other one is working, try swapping it in the case, and sometimes the problem is with the faulty charging socket, not the earpiece itself.

5.Pairing problems: why the phone doesn't "see" headphones

Sometimes Xiaomi headphones turn on (lights are on, there is a sound of on), but do not appear in the list of Bluetooth devices.

• 📱 Bluetooth cache on your phone (especially relevant for MIUI 13/14).
• 🔄 Profile conflict (earphones try to connect as a “phone headset” rather than a “multimedia").
• 🛡️ Lockdown MAC-antivirus addresses or VPN (For example, Kaspersky, NordVPN).

Decisions:

1. On Android: go to Settings → Apps → Show all apps → Bluetooth and clear the cache.
2. On iPhone: Forget the device in Bluetooth settings, then restart the phone.
3. Turn off the VPN and antivirus for 5 minutes, then try to connect again.

For dual-connected models (such as Buds 4 Pro), forced profile selection can help:

1. Turn on the headphones.


2. Press the touchpad for 10 seconds until you hear the voice message "Headset is connected".




3. In the Bluetooth settings of the phone, select the profile "High Quality Audio (AAC/aptX)".

6.When to contact the service: signs of hopeless cases

There are situations where self-repair is not possible or advisable.

• 🔥 The case or headphones overheat when charging (the risk of fire!).
• 💧 On the board, traces of corrosion or short circuit (dark spots, swollen capacitors) are visible).
• 🔊 One of the headphones is completely dead (no response to charging, no indication).
• 🔄 After firmware, the headphones are fixated on the logo (endless animation when turned on).

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi services (data for 2026):

• Battery replacement case: 1,800–2,500 ₽.
• Repair of contacts / plumes: 1,200–3,000 ₽.
• Flashing with parsing: 2000-3 500 ₽.
• Full replacement of headphone board: 3,500–5,000 ₽ (Unprofitable for models cheaper than 4,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: informal services often offer "donor recovery" -- resetting the cost to the used headphones from other headphones. 3-6 The problem will return for months due to incompatibility of firmware.

💡

If the headphones are warranty (up to 12 months from the date of purchase), do not try to disassemble them yourself! Xiaomi will refuse warranty repair if the seals are broken or autopsy marks.

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

To avoid problems with inclusion in the future, follow these rules:

• 🔋 Charge the case every time. 2-3 And the lithium batteries degrade when you're in a deep discharge.
• 🧼 Clean contacts once a month with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
• 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave your headphones in the sun or near the battery.
• 📱 Update your firmware only through the official Mi Home app, not through third-party utilities.
• 💧 For models with protection IP54/IPX4 (Like Buds. 4 Pro) avoid direct water intake - it is a protection against splashes, not from immersion!

Pay special attention to storage:

• Do not keep your headphones in a discharged state for more than a week.
• Use silica gel bags in your case if you live in a high-humidity region.
• Avoid strong magnetic fields (do not place the case next to speakers or induction charges).

💡

If you haven't been using headphones for more than a month, remove them from your case and store them in a dry place at 40-60% charge, which is the optimal level for long-term storage of lithium batteries.

Frequent questions