Why one Xiaomi Mi headphone doesn’t work and the other doesn’t: full diagnostics and repairs

Why one headphone Xiaomi Mi stopped working: the main reasons

Xiaomi Mi wireless headphones (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds, and others) have become popular due to a combination of price and quality. However, many users face the problem when one earphone stops working and the second one continues to function normally, which can manifest itself in different ways: no sound, no connection, flashing of an indicator or a complete “disconnection” of the device.

The causes of this malfunction are software (firmware failure, synchronization errors) and hardware (contact damage, battery discharge, physical breakdowns). In 60% of cases, the problem can be solved independently without resorting to a service center. But to do this, you need to correctly diagnose the source of the breakdown. Next, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions for each possible cause.

1. Check basic settings: sound, balance, connection

Before you disassemble your headphones or reset your settings, make sure that the problem is not in the system settings of your smartphone or PC. Often users forget to check the obvious:

• 🔊 Sound balance: On Android or iOS, the balance slider can be shifted left/right, causing sound to only go to one earphone. → Sound. → Stereo balance.
• 📱 Bluetooth connection: Sometimes headphones connect as a mono device (e.g., just right). Reconnect them manually via Bluetooth menu.
• 🔋 Battery charge: One earphone could have run out stronger than the other. Place both in a case for 10-15 minutes and check the indication.

If you've had a problem with this manipulation, move on to the next step, and pay particular attention to the sound balance item, which is the most common cause of the "fake" breakdown that users miss.

2. Resetting headphone settings: step-by-step instructions

Factory reset helps in 40% of cases where one Xiaomi Mi headphone is not working due to a software failure.The procedure differs depending on the model, but the overall algorithm is as follows:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait until the headphones go out (this means they are completely off).
3. Press and hold the touchpad (or physical button) on the idle earphone for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
4. Repeat the action for the second headphone (if you need a full reset of the pair).
5. Get the headphones out of the case - they should automatically reconnect as a new pair.

For Mi AirDots Pro and newer models, the reset is performed via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear mobile app:

1. Open the app and select your headphones.
2. Go to the Device Settings → Reset.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Make sure your headphones are charged at least 30 times%|

Close all applications using Bluetooth|

Disconnect headphones from other devices (PC, tablet) |

Use the original charging case

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Attention! After the reset, the headphones will lose all the saved settings, including the sound uniformity profile and the link to the Xiaomi account, and if the synchronization was a problem, this method should help.

3.Chronicity problems between headphones

Xiaomi Mi wireless headphones work on TWS (True Wireless Stereo) technology, where one headphone is a master and the second is a slave. If communication between them is broken, one of the headphones may fall out.

• 🔄 Firmware failure: Usually after an update or abrupt shutdown.
• 📶 Bluetooth interference: Other devices at 2.4 GHz (routers, microwaves).
• 🔋 Different Charge Levels: The lead earphone can turn off the slave if its charge is below 10%.

To restore synchronization:

1. Place both headphones in the case and wait for full charging (indicators are lit green).
2. Pull them out and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 5 seconds until you hear the connection sound.
3. If the sound is only in one headphone, repeat the reset (section 2).

4. Hardware malfunctions: what can be repaired independently

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably hardware, and let's look at typical hardware breakdowns and how to fix them:

For self-repair, you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic mediator (for accurate opening of the body).
• 🔥 soldering iron (power not more than 30 W) and solder.
• 🔍 Loop (contacts and tracks on the board are very small).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning contacts).

⚠️ Attention: Disassembly of headphones Xiaomi Mi voids the warranty. the body is sealed, and if you open it neatly, you can damage the plume of the speaker or microphone. If you are not sure of your skills, contact the service.

5. Firmware Update: When It Can Help

The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates for Xiaomi Mi headphones that fix synchronization errors, improve Bluetooth stability and optimize power consumption. If one headphone doesn't work after upgrading the phone or headphones system, you may need to reflash the device.

The update is made via the official Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open the app and select your model.
3. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

If the update is suspended or the headphones have stopped responding:

• Close the app and restart the phone.
• Place the headphones in the case for 1 minute, then pull out and try again.
• If the problem is repeated, reset (Section 2) and try to update again.

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Before updating the firmware, make sure that the charge of the headphones and case exceeds 50%. Interrupting the process can lead to the "bricking" of the device when it stops turning on completely.

6. When to contact the service center

Not all breakdowns can be repaired by yourself.

• 💥 The headphone is physically damaged (cracks, dents, moisture intrusion).
• 🔌 After disassembly found burned elements on the board.
• 🔊 No sound even after the speaker is replaced.
• 📱 Headphones are not defined by any device (phone, PC, tablet).

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia and the CIS provide warranty repairs with a check. Average prices for repairs without warranty:

Before the service visit:

1. Make a reset of settings (section 2).
2. Check the headphones on another device (another phone/PC).
3. Take a picture of the serial number (usually on the inside of the case).

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If the headphones are warranty, DO NOT open them yourself. Xiaomi service centers refuse repairs if the seals are broken or the signs of disassembly.

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

To avoid problems with one of the headphones in the future, follow simple rules:

• 🔋 Charging: Do not leave the headphones in the case on charging for more than 24 hours. The optimal - charge up to 80-90% and do not allow a full discharge.
• 💧 Moisture: Despite the claimed protection IPX4, Avoid water. After exercise, wipe your headphones with a dry napkin.
• 📦 Storage: Always put your headphones in your case – this protects them from dust and mechanical damage.
• 🔄 Updates: Check for new firmware regularly through the Mi Home app.

Also avoid:

• 🚫 Use of headphones at extreme temperatures (below) -10°C or higher +40°C).
• 🚫 Connecting to multiple devices at the same time (may cause synchronization failure).
• 🚫 Cleaning contacts with sharp objects (use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol).

Frequently asked questions