How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: full instruction

Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless accessories on the market due to their combination of price, quality and functionality. However, even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the headphones stop connecting to the phone, one of them does not work, there are problems with the sound or microphone. In 90% of these cases, a complete reset to factory settings helps - a procedure that returns the device to its original state, removing all saved settings and pairs of connections.

In this article, you will find current instructions for all Xiaomi headphone models (including AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds and other series), learn when to reset and when to do with simpler methods, and get answers to frequent questions about how to restore the device. We will discuss in detail both software reset through the application and hardware reset buttons – with explanations for each model.

Important: Reset procedure removes all user data from the memory of the headphones, including connection history and equalizer settings. If the problem is associated with firmware (for example, after a failed update), additional recovery via the PC may be required - this will also be discussed below.

When you need to reset headphones Xiaomi: 5 clear signs

Don't rush to drop your headphones the first time you fail, sometimes the problem is easier to solve. Here are the exact symptoms for which a reset is really necessary:

  • 🔌 Headphones are not defined by phone or PC (not displayed in the list of available Bluetooth devices).
  • 🎧 One headphone does not work (does not make sound, does not charge or synchronize with the paired headphone).
  • 🔊 Constant communication interruptions, sound interrupted or distorted (with stable Bluetooth connection on other devices).
  • 📱 Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app fails to recognize headphones or shows connection error.
  • 🔄 Headphones are getting stuck at the stage of updating the firmware (lights of atypical color or flash chaotically).

If the problem is episodic (for example, headphones sometimes turn off at a distance from the phone), first try:

  • 📲 Reboot your smartphone and headphones (put them in your case for 10 seconds, then pull them out).
  • 🔄 Disable/enable Bluetooth in your phone settings.
  • 🛠️ Update the firmware headphones through the official application.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones stopped turning on after falling or getting moisture, the reset will not help - it is a hardware breakdown.

📊 What kind of headphones Xiaomi you have?
AirDots (1-3 generation)
Buds 3/4 Pro
FlipBuds Pro
Another model

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid additional problems:

  1. Check the battery — headphones and case should be charged at least 30%. If the charge is lower, connect the case to the charger for 15-20 minutes. Reset with a discharged battery can damage the firmware.
  2. Disconnect the headphones from all devices – remove them from the list of paired devices in the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, and PC.
  3. Install the official app – most models will need Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds (download the latest version from Google Play or App Store).
  4. Prepare a backup device – if the reset goes wrong, you may need a phone or PC to reset.

If you are resetting your headphones due to firmware issues, download the latest version of the software for your model from the official Xiaomi website or the Mi Community forum. Some models (for example, Buds 4 Pro) may need a proprietary cable to connect to your PC.

Make sure the battery is charged. ≥30%|Remove headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices|Download the official Xiaomi app|Prepare a backup phone/PC|Check for firmware (if necessary)-->

Reset via app: step-by-step instructions for all models

The safest way to reset is through the official app, which is suitable for most models, including AirDots 2/3, Buds 3 Pro, FlipBuds Pro and others.

  1. Open the app – run Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds on your phone.
  2. Connect the headphones – take them out of the case and wait for the automatic connection (or manually select in the list of devices).
  3. Go to the headphone settings - tap their name in the main menu of the application.
  4. Find the reset section — the path may be different: For AirDots 2/3: Settings → Additional → Settings Reset. For Buds 3 Pro/4 Pro: Device → Sign of the gears → Reset to factory. For FlipBuds Pro: Profile → General settings → Reset factory.

Confirm the reset

Wait for completion

If the app doesn’t have a reset button, try updating it to the latest version or use a hardware reset (described below).For Buds 4 Pro and later models, you may need to connect to Mi Account – log in in in advance.

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If the headphones don’t connect after reset, try resetting Bluetooth settings on your phone: go to Settings → System → Reset → Network Settings Reset (Android) or Settings → Main → Move or Reset → Network Settings Reset (iOS).

Hardware button reset: for models without application support

If the headphones are not defined by the phone or the app can't see the device, use a physical reset through the buttons on the case. The method works for most models, but the keyboard combinations may differ. Below is the universal instruction and table with features for popular series.

General layout of the hardware discharge:

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 10-15 seconds. AirDots 2 requires holding the touchpad on both headphones at the same time.
  3. Indicators on the case and headphones will start flashing red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
  4. Close the case cover, wait 10 seconds and get the headphones out for a new connection.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect the case with headphones to the PC via cable (earphones must be inside the case, the cover is open).
  2. Press the button on the case for 20-30 seconds until the indicator starts flashing yellow (DFU mode).
  3. Start the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware file (.tgz or.zip).
  4. Press Refresh – the program must define the device as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
  5. Select Clean All mode and press Flash. The process will take 3-5 minutes.
  6. After completion, turn off the case, close the lid for 10 seconds and take out the headphones.
Example of a manual firmware command via ADB (for advanced users):


adb devices




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: The wrong firmware can permanently disable your headphones. Use only official firmware files for your model.

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PC firmware is the last resort, and 95 percent of the time, a simple application or button reset helps, and only use it if the headphones aren't on or are stuck on the logo.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following the instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to new problems.-5 Mistakes and how not to repeat them:

  • 🔋 Battery discharge – resetting when charged below 20% can damage the memory of the headphones.Always check the charge indicator before the procedure.
  • 📱 Unremoved pairing - if the headphones are left on the phone's Bluetooth device list, they can automatically connect after reset, which will prevent the new setup!
  • ⏱️ Insufficient button retention time – many users release the reset button after 5-7 seconds, although you need to hold at least 10-15 seconds (until the indicators blink).
  • 🔄 Using unofficial firmware – firmware from unverified sources may contain viruses or incompatible code.
  • 💦 Resetting wet headphones – if the headphones get wet, first dry them 24-48 hours in rice or silica gel.

If Xiaomi headphones still do not work after reset, check:

  • 🔌 The status of the Bluetooth module on the phone (try connecting other headphones).
  • 📦 Integrity of contacts in a case – sometimes they become oxidized or contaminated.
  • 📲 Bluetooth version compatibility (e.g. Buds 4 Pro require Bluetooth 5.2)+).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Headphone Reset

Can I just drop one headphone if the other one is working properly?
No, the reset is always done for both headphones at the same time, as they are synchronized with each other. If the problem is only one headphone (for example, it does not charge), try to clean the contacts in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If this does not help, you need to reset the pair.
When you reset, the headphones plug in, but the sound stops. What do you do?
This is a typical problem with Bluetooth codec incompatibility. Try: In your phone's Bluetooth settings, select SBC or AAC for your Codec headphones (turn off aptX or LDAC). Update your headphone firmware through the Mi Home app. Turn off Absolute Volume in your Android developer settings (if enabled).
I dropped my headphones, but they're not defined by my phone.
Possible causes and solutions: 🔌 Bluetooth is disabled – check your phone settings. 📱 Headphones standby – take them out of the case and hold the button on the case for 5 seconds. 🔄 Firmware failure – try flashing headphones through a PC (instruction above). 🛠️ Bluetooth module damaged – if nothing helps, contact the service.
Do I need to drop my headphones before selling?
Yes, you must! Reset will delete all your data (connection history, equalizer settings) and return the headphones to factory status.It will also prevent connection problems from the new owner.Be sure to untie the headphones from your Mi Account account (if you have).
Can I cancel the reset if I accidentally pressed?
No, you can't cancel the reset, it starts immediately after confirmation, but you can reconfigure the headphones (plug in to the phone, reset the equalizer, etc.) If the reset was made incorrectly, but the headphones are stable, no additional action is required.