The situation when Xiaomi or Redmi wireless headphones stop working in pairs is familiar to many owners. Often users are faced with the fact that the sound comes from only one headphone, or the devices do not see each other at all when trying to connect to a smartphone, this is a common problem associated with the desynchronization of Bluetooth modules inside the case.
Most of the time, you don't have to panic. Hardware failures are rare, and most often, software failures. You just have to do a series of sequential steps to restore the accessory to normal operation. It's important to understand that the algorithm of actions can vary slightly depending on the model, whether it's AirDots, Earbuds Basic or the newer Buds 4.
Before we go to radical methods like total reset, we need to rule out the trivial reasons. Check the charge level in each ear separately and make sure that the protective films are removed from the contact areas. Sometimes oxidation of the contacts leads to the fact that one of the devices simply does not charge and, as a result, does not turn on.
This article details all known ways to restore sync, we will discuss both standard procedures and specific button combinations for different generations of devices, and follow the instructions carefully to return stereo sound.
Diagnosis of the problem and initial inspection
The first step should always be a thorough diagnosis. Many users immediately look for complex solutions, overlooking simple factors. If the right Xiaomi earphone does not sync with the left, it may simply not be activated. Put both devices in the charging case and wait 10-15 minutes, even if the indicators show charge.
Pay attention to the indicators. When you take them out of the case, the LEDs have to flash a certain way. If one of them is silent, it means that the device is not out of sleep or discharged. Contact areas are often contaminated with earwax or dust, which blocks the transmission of energy.
⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on one of the headphones lights up red immediately after being removed, it is a signal of a critically low charge.
Check the list of paired devices on your smartphone. Sometimes the phone tries to connect to only one module, negating the second. In Bluetooth settings, find your model, like Redmi AirDots, and click "Forget the device" or "Unpair the pairing." This will clear the cache of connections.
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Wipe the contact points on the headphones and inside the case with a dry cotton swab lightly soaked in isopropyl alcohol to improve contact.
Complete Reset (Hard Reset)
The most effective way to eliminate the out-of-synchronization is to perform a full reset, which brings the headphones back to factory status by erasing all temporary files and old ones. Most models, including the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, look the same.
Remove both earphones from the case. Make sure they're off (if the light is on, press the touch areas until they go out). Now you need to simultaneously pinch the touch areas on both devices. Hold them for 20-30 seconds. The indicators will flash red several times, after which the device will turn off.
☑️ Reset algorithm TWS
Once the lights are gone, put the gadgets back in the case. Remove them in 10 seconds. They must now go into pairing mode: one of the headphones (usually on the right) will flash white quickly, waiting for connection, and the second will look for a partner.
It's important not to try to connect through the phone's settings at this point. First, the devices need to find each other. If the procedure is done correctly, the Bluetooth list will show one device, not two separate channels (Left and Right).
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Successful reset is confirmed by simultaneous rapid flashing of indicators before switching to the waiting mode of connection.
Synchronization Features for Different Models
Xiaomi and Redmi’s different lineups use different chipsets and communication protocols, so reset methods can vary. Owners of budget AirDots models often have to resort to a five-fold touch of the sensor.
The Buds 3 and Buds 4 series, as well as the FlipBuds, often require the use of a physical button on the case or a specific application. If the standard method of holding the sensor does not work, try the following scheme: place the headphones in the case without closing the lid, and press the button on the case for 10 seconds before an orange blink.
⚠️ Note: On models with active noise reduction (ANC) The reset can reset the equalizer and noise settings to the factory. You have to reconfigure them in the app.
Below is a table with reset methods for popular models so you can quickly find the right instruction.
| Model of the device | Resetting method | Indication of success |
|---|---|---|
| AirDots / Earbuds Basic | 5 quick taps on both headphones | Triple flashing red |
| AirDots Pro / Buds | Hold the sensors down for 20 seconds. | The indicator burns orange. |
| FlipBuds Pro | Case button (10 seconds) | White flashing inside the case |
| Buds 3T Pro | Hold the sensors down 10 seconds. | Red light 2 times |
If your model is not listed, refer to the official documentation or try a universal method with long-term sensor retention. Often the combination: turn off -> put in the case -> get -> pinch for 5 seconds helps.
Use of the Xiaomi Earbuds app
For advanced models of the Mi and Redmi ecosystem, there is a specialized application Xiaomi Earbuds (or Mi Home), which allows you not only to manage settings, but also to force the firmware update, which often solves synchronization problems.
Connect a working earphone to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Open the app and find the About or Settings section. If firmware update is available, the system will prompt it to install. The firmware contains corrections for left-right channel communication protocol errors.
What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
The app also includes a feature to search for headphones and check the charge of each ear separately, which helps to determine which device is deviating from the norm. If one of the ears shows 0% or "Not found", the problem may be in its battery.
Once updated, reboot both headphones by putting them in the case and delivering them back. Communication check should be successful. The app also allows you to reassign control of the sensors if they no longer respond to touch after reset.
Problems with Bluetooth smartphone module
Sometimes the source of the signal, a smartphone, mishandles the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) connection, which is especially true for devices with outdated versions of Android or an overloaded operating system.
Try connecting your headphones to another device, a tablet, a laptop, or a friend's phone, and if the other device is syncing successfully, it's your main smartphone's settings that are a problem, and you need to clear the Bluetooth cache.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Show system processes → Bluetooth. Select Storage and click Clear Cache and Erase Data. This will delete all saved and reset the Bluetooth stack.
Also worth checking is if Mono mode is enabled in Android special features.This feature, created for people with hearing impairments, can block the second channel. Go to Settings → Special features → Hearing and make sure the Mono-audio switch is turned off.
When a service center is needed
There are a number of symptoms that indicate a physical malfunction that cannot be fixed software, and if one Xiaomi earphone does not sync after all the manipulations, the Bluetooth module inside it may have failed.
Disturbing signs:
- 🔋 The headphone does not charge, the indicator does not light up even after cleaning the contacts.
- 🔊 The sound is there, but with severe wheezing and interruptions, even near the phone.
- 🔥 The device heats up strongly during charging or operation.
- 📉 Autonomy has dropped to 10-15 minutes, although it used to work for several hours.
In such cases, self-repair is almost impossible due to the monolithic design and miniaturization of the components. Attempts to open the case often lead to damage to the battery or speaker membrane.
⚠️ Note: If the device is under warranty, any_attempt_The opening of the case cancels the warranty.
The cost of replacing a single headphone can be up to 70% of the cost of a new set, so if repair is not economically feasible, it is easier to purchase a new model, such as the Redmi Buds 4 Active, which have excellent connection stability.