How to Zero Xiaomi Redmi Headphones: 5 Working Ways (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi headphones are some of the most popular wireless gadgets due to the value of money. But even the most reliable equipment sometimes fails: one headphone stops working, the sound stops, the device refuses to connect to the phone, 90% of these problems solve a complete reset (zero) - a procedure that returns the headphones to factory state.

In this article, you will find the most current ways to reset for all models of Redmi Buds, AirDots and other Xiaomi headphones, including those that do not respond to buttons or are not determined by the system. Home/Xiaomi Wear, and even what to do if the headphones are getting stuck in mode DFU (We will focus on the typical errors that users make when resetting, and give a checklist for diagnosing malfunctions.

Important: the zeroing procedure removes all user information — connection history, equalizer settings and Bluetooth profiles. If the headphones were paired with multiple devices, after reset, you will have to connect them again.

1.When do I need to reset Xiaomi Redmi headphones?

Zeroing is not a panacea, but it is effective in the following cases:

• 🔌 Connection problems: Headphones are not on the list of Bluetooth devices, are permanently disabled or only connected one at a time.
• 🔊 Sound distortions: cracking, stuttering, different volume in the left/right earphone, no sound in one of them.
• 🔄 Synchronization failures: headphones do not synchronize with each other (for example, the right is working, and the left is silent).
• 📱 Conflicts with firmware: after the software update, headphones stopped working correctly with the phone.
• 🔋 Incorrect charge indication: the case is lit red indicator, although the headphones are charged, or the battery level is displayed incorrectly.

Resetting is also recommended before selling or transferring the headphones to another person – this ensures that the new owner does not encounter other people’s settings.

⚠️ Attention: If Xiaomi Redmi headphones do not turn on at all (do not respond to buttons, do not light indicators), the problem may be a hardware breakdown - a discharged battery, oxidized contacts or a damaged board.

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Before resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

1. Check the charge level. The headphones and the case should be at least 30 percent charged. If the battery is discharged, the reset may not be correct.
2. Disconnect from all devices. Forget the headphones in the Bluetooth settings on all previously connected gadgets (smartphone, laptop, tablet).
3. Get the headphones out of the case. Most models only reset when the headphones are outside the charge case.
4. If you have a model with a non-standard combination of buttons (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro), find an official guide - the procedure may be different.

If you are resetting your headphones due to sound problems, check before the procedure:

• 🎧 Headphones clean (no earwax or dirt in speakers).
• 📱 The phone has enabled "Music" (not "Conversation") in Bluetooth settings.
• 🔊 Volume at the maximum level on the phone and on the headphones themselves (if there is touch control).

Method 1: Reset via physical buttons (for most models)

It is a versatile method, running on Redmi Buds 3/3 Pro/4/4 Pro, AirDots and other models with mechanical or touch buttons.

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad (or physical button) on both headphones at the same time.
3. Hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white (or only red, depending on the model).
4. Release the buttons – the headphones will automatically turn off and reset.
5. Place them back in the case, then pull them out and plug them back in.

For single-button models (e.g. Redmi AirDots S):

1. Hold the button on each earphone for 5 seconds (until the indicator goes out).


2 Repeat the hold for another 10 seconds, and the reset signal should sound.




3.The headphones will reboot and be ready for the new synchronization.

⚠️ Note: On models with active noise reduction (ANC) After reset, you may need to recalibrate the microphones, place the headphones in your ears and hold the touchpad for 3 seconds, and the confirmation signal will sound.

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If the headphones don't respond to button retention, try plugging them into charging for 10 minutes, then repeat the procedure. Sometimes a discharged battery blocks the reset.

4. Method 2: Reset via the Mi app Home/Xiaomi Wear

If the physical reset didn’t help or your model supports software management (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Active or AirDots 3 Pro), use the official app:

1. Install Mi Home (for older models) or Xiaomi Wear (for newer ones) from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices.
4. Go to the headphone settings → Additional → Reset settings.
5. Confirm the action - the headphones will reboot.

In some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 5), reset is available via the Firmware Update menu:

1. Go to the "Software Update" in the appendix.


2. Press three dots (⋮) in the upper corner.




3. Select "Restore factory settings."

If the app doesn't see the headphones:

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔄 Turn Bluetooth on/off.
• 📌 Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices and connect again.

5. Method 3: Reset via DFU and Recovery modes (for advanced users)

If Xiaomi Redmi headphones are stuck in Update Mode (DFU) or do not respond to standard methods, you can try forced reset via service modes. This method is suitable for models on Qualcomm chips (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro) or BES (AirDots 2).

Warning: Misconduct in the DFU can lead to a complete loss of performance of the headphones. Use this method only if others have not worked.

1. Place the headphones in the case and connect it to the charger.
2. Take out the headphones and immediately press the touch panel 10 times in a row (with an interval of ~0.5 seconds).
3. Indicators should flash purple or blue – this is a sign of entry into the DFU.
4. Connect your headphones to your PC via Bluetooth and use the QFlash Tool (for Qualcomm) or BES Dfu Tool for reset.

For models on a Realtek chip (e.g. Redmi AirDots S):

1. Hold the button for 20 seconds until the indicator goes out.


2. Quickly press 3 times - Recovery mode should be activated (blinks yellow).




3.Plug into your PC and use Realtek Audio Console for recovery.

⚠️ Note: Utilities for working with DFU (For example, the QFlash Tool requires drivers and technical knowledge. If you're not sure what you're doing, go to the service center. The wrong firmware can turn your headphones into a brick".

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Resetting through DFU is a last resort, and in 95% of cases, standard methods (buttons or apps) help, and only resort to this method if the headphones do not respond to other actions.

6. Method 4: Reset via Bluetooth settings of the phone (alternative method)

If the headphones connect to the phone but do not work properly, try a “software” reset via the Bluetooth menu:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Find your Xiaomi Redmi in the list of associated devices.
3. Push the gear (⚙️) headphone-name.
4. Select Forget the device (or Remove it).
5. Turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your phone again.
6. Place the headphones in the case, then pull out - they will automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).
7. Reconnect them as a new device.

On Android (MIUI), you can additionally reset the Bluetooth cache:

1. Go to "Settings → Applications → Application Management".


2. Find "Bluetooth" in the list of system applications.




3. Click "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data".




4. Reboot the phone.

On the iPhone:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Click on the "i" next to the headphones and select Forget this device.
• 🔋 Turn off/turn on Bluetooth at Control Point.

7.Typical errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes that make the reset fail, and here are the most common ones:

• ❌ Incomplete button retention, for example, in Redmi Buds 4 Pro, you need to hold the sensor for 10 seconds, not 5.
• ❌ Reset only one earpiece, and you need to reset both earphones at the same time, otherwise they'll become out of sync.
• ❌ Ignoring the indicators. If the indicator does not flash red/white, the reset is not complete.
• ❌ Using unofficial firmware, trying to flash headphones through DFU, Users often download left-handed software, which leads to breakdowns.
• ❌ Reset at low charge: If the battery is discharged below 20%, the headphones may not complete the procedure.

To avoid problems:

1. Always watch the lights (color and frequency of flashing lights).
2. Use the original cable to charge the case.
3. Before reset, make sure that the headphones are not connected to other devices (laptop, tablet).

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If the headphones don't work after reset, try connecting them to another phone, which will help you know if the problem is in the headphones or in your device.

8.What to do if the discharge did not help?

If after zeroing the problems remain, perform a diagnosis using this algorithm:

If the diagnosis did not help:

• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (the warranty is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase).
• 🛒 Check the headphones on another device – maybe the problem is in your smartphone.
• 📦 If the headphones are new, return them to the seller under warranty (within 14 days without giving reasons).

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble the headphones yourself - this voids the warranty. Inside, glue joints and miniature plumes are used that are easily damaged.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Redmi headphones