How to remove wireless headphones from Bluetooth on a Xiaomi smartphone

Why it’s important to remove devices from Bluetooth correctly

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life: they accompany us on trips, training and even while working. However, over time, the list of connected devices in the Bluetooth menu on Xiaomi grows, and some gadgets stop working correctly β€” the sound is interrupted, the connection is reset, in which case the logical solution is to remove the problem device and connect it again.

But it's not that simple: many users find that when they delete the headphones automatically reconnect when they are turned on, or they can't be removed at all through the standard menu, this is due to the features of MIUI firmware, data caching and sometimes errors in the Bluetooth module. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to remove the headphones, including hidden settings and radical methods.

We will pay special attention to Xiaomi models with MIUI 12-14, where the Bluetooth interface has undergone changes, and also consider the nuances for headphones of different brands - from AirDots to Sony WH-1000XM5. If you want not just to remove the device, but also to completely reset its settings in the memory of the phone, this guide is for you.

Method 1: Standard removal via Bluetooth settings

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in Bluetooth menu, which is suitable for most cases if the headphones are not stuck in the system.

  1. Open β€œSettings” on your Xiaomi (the gear icon on your desktop).
  2. Go to Connections and Sharing β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Make sure Bluetooth is on (the slider in the top corner).
  4. Find your headphones in the list and tap the icon βš™οΈ (junction.
  5. Select the option to Remove this device or Forget (depending on the MIUI version).
  6. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After that, the headphones should be removed from the list, but there are pitfalls.

  • πŸ”„ Autoconnection: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) can automatically reconnect when you turn on the next time you turn on.
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth Cache: If the device doesn’t disappear from the list, try clearing the module cache (more on this below).
  • πŸ”§ System error: in rare cases MIUI It can forget to delete after rebooting, and then resetting the network will help.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before removing headphones

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Clearing the cache and data of the Bluetooth module

If standard deletion doesn't work, the problem may lie in the Bluetooth cached data, which is more radical, but often solves the problem of "non-removable" devices.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
  3. In the list, look for Bluetooth (or com.android.bluetooth).
  4. Slap it on and select the Warehouse.
  5. Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (if available).
  6. Reboot the phone.

After you reboot, check the Bluetooth list β€” previously connected devices should disappear. If the headphones are still displayed, try removing them again through the standard menu.

πŸ’‘

If the Bluetooth cache is cleaned, don't panic! Just restart the phone again, the module will restore the operation automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the Bluetooth data module will reset all stored devices, including smartwatches, speakers and automotive systems.

Method 3: Reset network settings (for stubborn devices)

If the headphones don't want to go away, the next step is to reset all network settings, which is a last resort, but it's guaranteed to clean up all stored Bluetooth devices, and also reset the Wi-Fi and mobile settings.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset settings.
  2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
  3. Confirm the action by entering the unlock password (if required).
  4. Wait for the process to be completed and the phone restarted.

After discharge:

  • πŸ“Ά All Wi-Fi networks and passwords will be deleted.
  • πŸ”— Bluetooth devices will disappear from the list.
  • πŸ“± Mobile network settings (APN) drop off.

This method will remove the headphones from the phone’s memory by 100%, but will require reconfiguring all network connections.

πŸ“Š How often do you encounter Bluetooth problems on Xiaomi?
Always, it's a headache.
Sometimes, but I decide.
It used to be, it's okay now.
Never had a problem.

Method 4: Removal through Developer Mode (for experienced)

If you're willing to dive into the hidden MIUI settings, you can try removing the headphones through the developer mode, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.

First, activate the developer mode:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified β€œYou became a developer”).
  3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Now we're removing the device:

  1. In the section For developers, find Network settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Tapping the list of conjugated devices.
  3. Find your headphones and remove them (confirmation may be required).

Some versions of MIUI also have Bluetooth Reset option available, which completely cleans all stored devices.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other settings in developer mode unless you know their purpose! Incorrect settings can lead to unstable phone operation or connection problems.

Method 5: Physical resetting of headphones (if the phone is not to blame)

Sometimes the problem is not with the smartphone, but with the headphones themselves. Many models (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds, Sony WF-1000XM4) store data about the last connected device and automatically try to connect to it. To completely erase the memory of the headphones, reset:

Model headphonesResetting methodNotes
Xiaomi AirDots / Redmi BudsPress both buttons for 10-15 seconds before flashing red/white.After resetting, the headphones will return to factory settings.
Sony WH-1000XM5Press the power button and the Custom button for 7 seconds.Requires connection to charging during reset.
JBL Free XPlace the headphones in the case, then press the button on the case for 10 seconds.The indicator will light up in orange.
Apple AirPodsPress the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds (the indicator will turn yellow).You need an iPhone to re-pair.

Once the headphones are reset, remove them from the phone’s memory (by any of the methods described above) and reconnect them, often solving problems with communication interruptions and microphone malfunction.

What to do if the headphones are not reset?
If pressing the buttons doesn’t help, try: 1. Completely discharge the headphones (leave for 24 hours without charging). 2. Connect to another device and reset through its menu. 3. Contact the service center - the control board may be faulty.

Solving problems after removal

Remove the headphones is half the battle, and often there are new challenges: the phone can't see the device, the sound gets distorted, or the connection is constantly reset.

  • πŸ” Phone does not find headphones: make sure they are in pairing mode (usually you need to press the power button for 3-5 seconds before flashing the indicator).
  • πŸ”Š The sound is interrupted: check if other Bluetooth devices (such as smartwatches) interfere.
  • πŸ“΅ Connection resets: Update the headphone firmware (if available) and check for updates MIUI.
  • πŸ”‹ Fast battery discharge: after reset, the headphones can discharge faster than the first 2-3 charge cycles.

If problems persist, try connecting the headphones to another device (like a laptop or tablet) if they work steadily, the phone is a problem - you may need to flash the Bluetooth module or visit a service center.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are not connected after all the manipulations, check for compatibility with your Xiaomi model. Some devices (especially older ones) may not support Bluetooth 5.2+ protocols.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Bluetooth devices

Can I remove the headphones without resetting all network settings?
Yes, in most cases, standard removal through the Bluetooth menu or clearing the module cache is enough. Network reset is a last resort if other methods have not worked.
Why do the headphones automatically reconnect after removal?
This is due to the quick connectivity feature in MIUI and the memory of the headphones themselves. To avoid auto-connection: Remove the device from your phone. Reset the headphones (see table above). Turn off Bluetooth on the phone before you turn on the headphones.
How to remove headphones if they are not displayed in the Bluetooth list, but the phone connects to them?
This is a sign of hidden pairing. Try: Clear the cache and data of the Bluetooth module (see Method 2). Use the developer mode to reset the list of devices. Connect the headphones to another phone, delete them there, then return them to Xiaomi. If it does not help, this may be a firmware error requiring a MIUI update.
Will the reset of Bluetooth settings affect other devices (watches, speakers)?
Yes, all the stored devices will be removed, including smartwatches, fitness bracelets, wireless speakers and automotive systems, and once reset, they will have to be reconnected.
Can a remote Bluetooth device be restored without re-pairing?
No, when you delete the connection data, it's erased from the phone's memory, and to use the headphones again, you have to reconnect them in pairing mode.