How to connect both headphones Xiaomi Mi: a step-by-step guide

Modern users often face a situation where one of Xiaomi’s wireless headphones stops working in pairs with another, turning into a single mono-gadget. This is a common technical problem that can occur after updating the smartphone’s firmware, battery discharge, or simply due to a software failure in the Bluetooth module. Many owners immediately panic, believing that the device is out of order, but in 90% of cases this is solved by correct reboot or resetting settings.

In this article, we will discuss how to restore the connection between the left and right channel so that you can enjoy the volumetric stereo sound again. It is important to understand that the algorithms of operation on different models may differ slightly, but the basic principle of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) remains the same throughout the Mi True Wireless ecosystem.

Before you start complex manipulations, make sure that the problem lies in the software disinchon, and not in the physical damage to the speaker or charging contacts. If you notice that one earphone blinks differently or does not respond to touch, it may not have enough power, in which case you need to put both devices in the case and leave them on charge for at least 30 minutes, then try again to connect.

Why the headphones stop working in pairs

The main reason for this is the loss of communication between the headphones themselves, not the smartphone. In a TWS system, one device acts as a master transmitting the signal to the second (Slave), and if this channel is broken, the sound comes from only one speaker, which often happens if you accidentally connect the phone to the left earbud while the right one is still in the case, which led to the creation of two independent profiles.

Another factor may be the accumulation of errors in the buffer of the Bluetooth module of the smartphone. Android and iOS operating systems sometimes incorrectly process the connection protocols, especially if many different audio devices were previously connected to the phone, in which case the phone “forgets” how to correctly combine data streams for stereo mode.

⚠️ Warning: Do not force your headphones to connect if they are in deep sleep or have a charge of less than 10.

It’s also worth considering the impact of third-party apps that can intercept audio output control. If you’re using third-party equalizers or audio enhancement programs, try temporarily disabling them to check if they conflict with Xiaomi drivers. In some cases, simple cleaning of the list of associated devices in the phone’s settings helps.

📊 What problem are you facing?
Only one headphone works.
Headphones can't see each other.
Permanent communication breakdowns
No problem with sound.

Preparation of devices for reconnection

Before starting the recovery procedure, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that are often ignored by users.The first step is to completely clear the connection history on your mobile device. Go to Bluetooth settings, find your model in the list (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) and click "Forget device" or "Disable".

Then you have to make sure that both earbuds have the same level of charge. If one of them is discharged more, he may not have time to shake hands with the partner. Put both devices in the charging case, close the lid and wait about 5-10 minutes, this will allow you to level the voltage on the batteries and activate the controllers.

It is also important to turn off Bluetooth on all other devices in range that were previously paired with these headphones. If there is a tablet or laptop with active search nearby, the headphones can automatically connect to them, which will interrupt the pair's setup process. Make sure that there are no sources of strong radio interference in the immediate vicinity, such as a working microwave or a powerful router.

☑️ Preparation for discharge

Done: 0 / 4

Resetting method through charging case

The most effective way to restore both headphones is to perform a full reset (Hard Reset). For most Xiaomi and Redmi models, this procedure is performed directly through the charging case. Open the case lid, but do not remove the headphones. Find a functional button on the case case case case case case case case case (usually located on the back wall or inside the compartments).

Press and hold this button for 10-15 seconds. The indicator on the case should start flashing a certain color (often white or red), signaling the start of the reset process. If there is no button on the case, the procedure can be performed by simultaneously touching the touch zones on the headphones themselves while they are in the case or outside it, depending on the particular model.

Once the light flashes several times and goes out, the reset process is complete. The headphones are back to factory settings and are now in pair-search mode. They will automatically try to connect with each other before becoming visible to the smartphone, a critical point that should not be missed.

What to do if the indicator does not flash?
If the button doesn't respond, try to wipe the contacts on the headphones and inside the case with an alcohol wipe. Oxidation may interfere with the reset signal. Also make sure the case is not discharged to zero.

Manual synchronization without case

In some situations, like when a case is lost or broken, you need to do manual synchronization, so remove both earbuds from the case, if they're on different colors or flashing independently, they can't see each other, and you need to force them to pair.

Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators go out and then light up again. In some models, such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, you need to press 5 times quickly in a row. The exact combination is better clarified in the instructions for your particular model, as the logic of the operation of the touch zones varies from Xiaomi.

After successful synchronization, one of the headphones (usually the right one) should flash slowly, waiting for the phone to connect, and the second should flash evenly or flash less often, indicating that the stereo link is established. If this does not happen, repeat the procedure, but this time try to turn off the headphones first (clutching the button for 10 seconds before turning off), and then turn them on again.

⚠️ Warning: During manual synchronization, keep the headphones close to each other (no more than 5 cm away) to ensure stable data exchange between modules.

💡

If manual synchronization doesn’t work, try connecting your headphones to another smartphone to help you understand whether the problem is in the headphones themselves or in the Bluetooth module of your main phone.

Comparison of models and features of connection

Different generations of Xiaomi devices have their own nuances in management, and understanding these differences will help you find the right approach to solving the problem faster. Below is a table comparing the methods of resetting and connecting for popular series.

Model headphonesResetting methodIndication of successFeature
Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 25 quick touches of the sensorFast flashing redNo button on the case.
Redmi Buds 3 ProHolding the case button 10 secondsOrange blinkingSupport for noise reduction
Mi True Wireless 2SCase button 15 seconds.White indicatorLow delay
Xiaomi FlipBuds ProThrough the Mi Home appVoice-over.Adaptive noise reduction

As you can see from the table, having a physical button on the case makes it much easier. For models without a button, such as the Basic series, it is important to keep the rhythm of the touch. Pressing too slowly can be perceived as a normal assistant call, rather than a reset command.

For advanced models that support Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds, there is a software way to reset. In the device settings inside the application, there is often a button "Reset headphones" or "Factory Reset". This method is the most secure, since the system itself controls the process and confirms the success of the operation with a voice signal or notification on the screen.

💡

Using the official app is the most reliable way to control and reset for Xiaomi flagship models, as it takes into account the firmware version of a particular device.

Setup in the Mi Home and Xiaomi Earbuds app

For owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Mi Home app or the specialized Xiaomi Earbuds is an indispensable tool. Once you have managed to connect both headphones to the phone, it is highly recommended to download one of these applications to check the battery status of each ear separately and update the firmware.

Often, the desynchronization problem is solved automatically after a software update. In the app, you will see the current version of the software. If a new version is available, click the Update button. During this process, keep the case open and the headphones next to the phone without interrupting the connection. The update fixes Bluetooth protocol bugs and improves connection stability.

You can also configure gesture control in the app. Sometimes users accidentally assign a dual-touch switching function between devices or a mono-mode, which leads to confusion. Check the settings in Settings → Gesture Management and make sure that the functions are distributed logically and do not conflict with each other.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the right earphone not working and the left earphone playing?
Most likely, the synchronization between the channels is disrupted. The right earpiece is often the "master" receiving the signal from the phone. Try to completely reset both earphones through the case, as described above, and reconnect them.
Can you use only one Xiaomi headphone?
Yes, most Xiaomi TWS models support mono mode, and you only need to pull one headphone out of the case, but if you want to return the stereo, make sure you put both in the reset case, otherwise they may not see each other.
What if the headphones are seen as two different devices?
This is a sign of desynchronization. Remove both devices from the Bluetooth list on your phone ("Forget the device"). Then perform a reset procedure so that they are reunited into one stereo pair before connecting to the smartphone.
Does the Android version affect the connection?
Yes, older versions of Android may not work properly with newer aptX or LDAC codecs that Xiaomi headphones use, so try changing the Bluetooth codec to SBC or AAC to improve compatibility with the developer’s settings on your phone.