Why Xiaomi’s One Headphone Doesn’t Connect to Your Phone: 12 Reasons and Ways to Fix

Why Xiaomi’s Headphone Has Stopped Working: The Main Reasons

The problem of one Xiaomi earphone not connecting and the other working normally is familiar to many owners of the brand’s wireless headsets, which can happen with both budget models (Redmi AirDots, Haylou GT1) and flagships (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro). Software failures are most often to blame, but in 20-30% of cases it is hardware malfunctions – from a discharged battery to damage to contacts.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible reasons why the headphone isn't detected by the phone, doesn't make a sound, or doesn't turn on at all, and you'll learn how to diagnose a problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when to contact a service center. We will pay special attention to models 2023-2026 years - they often have a bug with the firmware of the Bluetooth module, which can be fixed without repair.

First, answer a simple question – this will help narrow down the range of possible causes:

1. Check basic settings: Bluetooth, charging, pairing

Before you commit a malfunction, make sure that the problem is not the basics. Start by checking the headphone charge:

• 🔋 Place both headphones in the case on 10-15 The indicator on the case should flash or burn red/orange (charging is going), if the indicator does not respond, the problem is in the case or contacts.
• 📱 Check the charge level in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (for supported models). If one earphone shows 0%, its battery is discharged or defective.
• 🔄 Try connecting your headphones to another device (tablet, laptop) If the problem is repeated, it's the headset's fault, if it's not, it's the phone's fault.

If the charge is all right, go to Bluetooth settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Find your headset in the list and click on the gear (⚙️) near-name.
3. Select Forget the device, then re-pair.
4. For dual-connected models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), check that the settings are on Stereo mode, not Mono mode.

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If your headphones connect to your phone but you only have one, check the audio balance in the accessibility settings. On Android: Settings → Special features → Audio → Stereo Balance. The slider should be in the middle.

2.Reset headphones Xiaomi: when and how to do

If the basic manipulations didn't work, the next step is hard reset, which will remove all the saved settings and return the headphones to factory condition.

For most Xiaomi/Redmi headphones (including AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds):

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white).
4. Put them back on the phone.

For touch-controlled models (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro):

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2. Press the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.




3. Wait for the double beep and the flashing of indicators.




4. Return the headphones to the case and repeat pairing.

Make sure your headphones are at least 30% charged

Disable them from all devices in Bluetooth settings

Have a second test device on hand

Write down the headphone model (you need to search for instructions)-->

⚠️ Note: After resetting some models (Haylou) GT1, Redmi AirDots 2) may require firmware updates. If the headphones are unstable after the procedure, check for updates in the Mi Home app.

3. Problems with firmware and updates

One of the most common reasons why one Xiaomi earphone doesn’t connect is outdated or damaged firmware, especially for 2023 models (Xiaomi Buds 4, FlipBuds 2), where the manufacturer regularly releases patches to fix Bluetooth bugs.

How to check and update the firmware:

• 📱 Install the official app: - Mi Home (for most models) - Xiaomi Wear (for new headsets, for example, Buds 4 Pro)
• 🔍 Connect your headphones to the app via Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Go to the device section → Update the firmware. If a new version is available, install it.
• ⚠️ Don't interrupt! Disabling the headphones during the upgrade can result in complete inoperability.

If the update doesn’t help or the app doesn’t see the headphones:

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 the typical hardware breakdowns and how to diagnose them:

• 🔌 Damaged contacts in the case: Check the metal contacts on the headphones and in the case. If they are scratched or oxidized, clean them carefully with a cotton swab with alcohol. Do not use abrasives!
• 🔋 Bloated battery: If the headphone doesn't charge or turn on, the battery could have failed. Open the case (only if you have experience!) and check the battery for bloating.
• 🎛️ Loop wiring break: In flexible-loop models (such as Xiaomi Neckband), the wire is often rubbed near the speaker. Check on the curves.
• 📡 Faulty Bluetooth module: If the headphone is turned on, but not determined by any device, the module is burned. Repair is possible only in the service.

⚠️ Note: Disassembling Xiaomi headphones often results in loss of water protection (if any). IP54/IPX4, It's revoked after the autopsy. 3 Pro and later use special devices to open the housing (plastic blades) so as not to damage the ultrasonic welding.

Self-repair is advisable only for budget models (Redmi AirDots, Haylou GT2). For flagships (FlipBuds Pro, Buds 4 Pro) it is better to contact the service - the cost of components can exceed 50% of the price of new headphones.

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If the earphone is physically damaged (cracks, dents, fluid traces), no software method will help, 90% of the time you will need a replacement board or speaker.

5 Phone Problems: Why Android Can't See the Headphone

Sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones, but with the Xiaomi smartphone (or other Android device).

• 🤖 Bluetooth stack failure: Reboot your phone to Safe Mode (click the power button) → "Safe Mode. If the headphones are working, it's the third-party app's fault.
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: In some versions MIUI (particularly 13-14) There's a power-saving bug for Bluetooth. → Battery. → Energy saving for Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices: If a lot of gadgets are connected to the phone (fitness bracelet, smart watch), try to turn them off and reconnect the headphones.
• 🛠️ Damaged Bluetooth cache: Clear the Bluetooth system application data in Settings → Annexes → All applications.

For Xiaomi phones on MIUI 14+, there is another caveat: the system can automatically turn off rarely used devices to save power.

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.


2. Press the gear next to your headphones.




3. disable the option "Automatic Shutdown".

If the problem occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version or wait for a patch. In 2026, such bugs are fixed within 1-2 weeks after the release of a new firmware.

6.When to contact the service: signs of a serious breakdown

Not all problems can be solved on their own, but here are some clear signs that headphones need professional repairs:

• 🔥 The arson or smell of a burnt from the headphone case is a sign of a short circuit.
• 💧 Liquid intake (even if the model has protection) IPX4, This does not guarantee 100% protection).
• 🔊 Distorted sound with wheezing – possible malfunction of the speaker or amplifier.
• 🔋 The earphone is discharged 5-10 minutes - critical battery wear.
• 📡 The headphone is not defined by any device (including PCs and other phones).

The cost of repairs in official Xiaomi service centers (as of 2026):

⚠️ Warning: In informal services, repairs may cost less, but there is a risk of installing non-original components, such as fake batteries for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pros are often swelled through 2-3 Check the reviews of the workshop and ask for a guarantee (minimum) 3 month).

If your headphones are warranty (usually 12 months), contact authorized service centers only. The list can be found at support.xiaomi.com.

• Check or warranty card (electronic will do).
• Box and all components (case, cable, documentation).
• Passport (if the headphones are registered in your name).

7. Alternative ways to use one headphone

If repair is not possible or feasible, and the second earpiece is working, it can be used separately.

For models with mono-mode support (Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro):

1. Remove from the case only the working headphone.


2. Press the touch panel for 3 seconds until you hear the beep.




3. connect it to the phone as usual.

For budget models (Redmi AirDots, Haylou GT1):

• Place the non-working headphone in the case.
• Take out the workman and wait 10 seconds – he will automatically go to mono mode.
• If the sound is only going to one channel, check the stereo balance settings (see tip above).

⚠️ Note: In mono mode, some functions may not work:

• 🎶 Noise suppression (ANC) shutdown.
• 🎙️ Microphone may be worse due to lack of second earphone to suppress noise.
• 🔋 Working hours are increased by 20-30% (No energy is used for synchronization).

If you need a full stereo, consider buying a new headphone. In 2026, Xiaomi offers discounts on replacing one headphone from a pair (Mi Replace program).

Frequently asked questions