The situation when your favorite wireless headphones Xiaomi or Redmi suddenly stop responding, familiar to many users. the device may simply not turn on, not charge or refuse to connect to the smartphone. Most often the problem is not hardware failure, but software failure or oxidation of contacts. Before carrying the gadget to the service center, it is worthwhile to conduct a series of diagnostic procedures that in 80% of cases bring the device back to life.
The first thing to do is to rule out the most trivial reasons: a completely discharged battery or sticking buttons. The deep discharge of lithium-ion batteries often causes the indicator to not light up immediately when you connect to the network. It is also worth checking whether the Bluetooth module inside the case is locked due to static electricity. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithms for various symptoms of malfunction.
Diagnostics of charging and inclusion problems
If Xiaomi headphones are not turned on, the first thing to do is make sure the charger is in good condition. Many models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic or AirDots, are extremely sensitive to current quality. Try using a different USB cable and a power adapter with less current, such as 0.5 A or 1 A. Using powerful fast charging units from smartphones can sometimes block the charge controller in the case.
Special attention should be paid to contacts. At the bottom of the headphones and inside the case are metal pins that eventually oxidize or become covered with dust. Take a cotton swab slightly soaked in alcohol and gently wipe the contact areas. Often the cause of the "death" of the device lies in the invisible eye of a fat film on the contacts, which blocks the transfer of energy.
After cleaning, place the headphones in the case and move them. The indicator should blink red or white. If this does not happen, try to leave the device on charge for 30-60 minutes, even if the indicator is silent. In a deep discharge state, the power controller may not give signals until the minimum charge is accumulated.
☑️ Checklist of primary diagnostics
Headphones do not connect to the smartphone
When the device is charged but the phone doesn’t see it, the problem most often lies in the Bluetooth connection cache. Android and iOS operating systems can store erroneous data about previous sessions. You need to go to Bluetooth settings, find your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) in the list and select the option “Forget the device” or “Delete”.
The next step is to force the headphones to pair. For most Xiaomi models, you need to remove both headphones from the case and simultaneously press the touch zones (or physical buttons) for 5-10 seconds. The indicators should start flashing white often, signaling readiness for mating.
⚠️ Warning: If you're trying to plug in headphones that were previously paired with another phone, they may automatically try to connect to the old device.
Sometimes, a complete reset of the network settings on the smartphone itself helps. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal files, but will clear all network settings, which often resolves driver conflicts.
How to perform a full reset (Hard Reset)
If simple methods don’t work, you’ll need to reset your headphones to factory settings, which returns the device’s internal memory to its original state by removing any configuration errors. The procedure may vary depending on the model, so it’s important to know the exact name of your device, such as the Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi Wireless Earphones Basic 2.
For models without the Mi Wear app (older versions of AirDots):
- 🔴 Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone.
- 🔴 Put both headphones in the case, leaving the lid open.
- 🔴 Press the sensory areas on both headphones simultaneously on the 20-30 seconds.
- 🔴 Wait until the indicators flash red several times and then go out.
For new models that support the Xiaomi ecosystem, it is more convenient to use the Mi Wear or Xiaomi Earbuds app. In the device menu, find the item “Discharge headphones” or “Factory Reset” that ensures that the procedure will pass correctly for a particular firmware.
What if the reset didn’t work the first time?
Problems with the sound and work of one headphone
A common complaint among users is that only one earphone has sound, or the other one is quieter, and this can be caused by the left and right channels being out of sync. TWS-One headphone is the master and the other is the slave. If the communication between them is broken, the sound is not transmitted.
To restore synchronization:
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
- Get them out at the same time.
- If one flashes and the second does not, press 5 times on the non-working headphone (or press the button on the case, if any).
- Wait until the indicators are synchronized.
Another reason for quiet sound may be the software's volume limit in the region, and in the phone settings (Developers section), you can try turning off "Absolute Volume." Also check if the Monoaudio mode is on in the special features, which sums the channels into one.
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Indication of success | Annex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic | 5 seconds sensor clamping | Double blinking. | No. |
| Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 | 20 seconds in the case | Orange light | Mi Wear |
| Redmi Buds 3 Lite | Triple press. | Fast blinking. | Xiaomi Earbuds |
| Mi Noise Cancelling Earphones | The button on the case | White light | Mi Wear |
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Useful advice: If the sound has become deaf or quiet, check the speaker's grid. Earwax can clog holes, creating a "wool" effect in the ears. Clean the mesh carefully with a dry toothbrush.
Updating the firmware and working with the application
Modern Xiaomi headphones are complex gadgets with their own operating system. Firmware bugs can cause spontaneous shutdowns or communication breaks. Use the official apps: Mi Wear (for the global market) or Xiaomi Earbuds to check the relevance of the software.
The upgrade process requires a stable connection. Put your headphones in your case, open the lid, and connect your phone to the Internet. The app will notify you of the new version. Don't interrupt the process and keep the case next to your phone. Updating the Bluetooth chip microcode often fixes range issues.
⚠️ Attention: During the firmware update, you should not open the case cover or press buttons. Interrupting the data record can lead to the "bricking" of the headphones, after which it will be extremely difficult to restore them.
If the app doesn't see the headphones, try clearing the app's cache through your Android settings: Settings → Apps → Mi Wear → Memory → Clear the cache. After that, pair it again.
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Regularly updating your firmware through the official app is the best way to prevent software failures and improve connection stability.
Hardware malfunctions and physical wear
If none of the software methods worked, there's a high probability of physical failure, the most vulnerable element is the battery, lithium batteries degrade after 2-3 years of active use, if the headphones work only 10-15 minutes after full charge, this is a sign of battery wear.
Also, speakers often fail due to moisture (sweat, rain) or mechanical shocks, in such cases there is a crack, wheezing or complete absence of sound. TWS-headphones are extremely difficult due to the adhesive connection of the body and miniature components.
In case of hardware failure, it is wiser to contact an authorized Xiaomi service center. Attempting to open the case yourself in 90% of cases leads to the final breakage of plastic latches and the inability to assemble the device back tightly.