One headphone Xiaomi became quieter than another: the reasons and 10 working solutions

You listen to your favorite track or talk on the phone, but suddenly notice that one Xiaomi earphone sounds quieter than another. The problem is familiar to many owners of wireless and wired headphones of the brand — from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. The difference in volume can manifest as a barely noticeable imbalance, and as a complete “fallout” of one of the speakers. What is the reason and how to fix it?

80 percent of the time, software is the way to fix the problem, from simple cleaning to resetting, but sometimes hardware malfunctions that require repair or replacement are to blame. In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes, from simple to complex, with step-by-step instructions for each Xiaomi model, and you'll also learn when to contact the service center and how to avoid losing your warranty.

Before you start repairing, answer two questions: 1. Is the problem manifesting itself with only one device (e.g., only a smartphone) or with all? 2. Has the volume difference appeared suddenly or has it progressed over time?

The answers will help to more accurately diagnose the malfunction.

1. Checking the sound balance in the device settings

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the problem is not with the settings of your smartphone or PC, and many users accidentally knock the balance of sound between the left and right channels without even knowing it.

On Android (including MIUI):

1. Open the Settings. → Sound. → Sound balance (or settings) → Special facilities → Sound settings → Monoaudio/Balance).
2. Move the slider to the extreme right position (if it moves to the left, the left earpiece will be quieter).
3. Turn off the Monoaudio option if it’s active – it combines both channels into one, which can create the illusion of a volume difference.

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Go to Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual Content → Balance.
2. Make sure the slider is in the middle.

On Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click on the speaker icon in the treasury → Open sound parameters.
2. In the Related Settings section, select the Sound Control Panel.
3. Go to the Play tab, select your headphones → Properties → Levels and check the balance.

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the balance, the difference in volume remained, but when connected to another device, the headphones work normally - the problem is in the firmware or audio driver of your gadget.

2. Cleaning of headphones and checking for physical damage

Clogged speakers or microphones are one of the most common causes of volume loss, and dust, earwax, or moisture can block sound waves, creating a "muffled" effect, especially for models with an open speaker grille, such as the Redmi AirDots 2 or Xiaomi Earphones Basic.

How to Clean Xiaomi Headphones:

• 🧹 Dry cleaning: Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol (no more than 70%). Carefully walk along the speaker and microphone grille.
• 💧 Wet cleaning: Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove earwax (3%) — put on 1-2 drops on a cotton swab and wipe the surface!
• 🔊 Purging: If dust has accumulated inside, a spray can of compressed air can be used (keep 10 cm away).
• 🔋 For wireless models: Before cleaning, turn off the headphones and wait for the battery to drain completely (this will prevent short circuits).

Also check your headphones for physical damage:

• 🔍 Cracks on the body or speaker.
• 🎧 Damaged cable (for wired models).
• 🔌 Oxidized contacts in Type-C or 3.5 mm connector.
• 💥 Bloated or leaky batteries (relevant to Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and older).

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If the sound is not restored after cleaning, try tapping the earphone: gently tap your finger on the speaker body while playing music. If the sound temporarily improves, the problem is mechanical displacement of the membrane (requires repair).

3. Resetting headphone settings and reconnecting

If the problem is not physical contamination, the next step is a software reset, which will help eliminate synchronization errors between the headphones (relevant to the current system). TWS-models) or firmware failures.

For wireless headphones Xiaomi (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds):

For Xiaomi wired headphones (Earphones, Hybrid):

After reset, check the work of headphones with different sound sources:

If the difference in volume is only manifested with one device, the problem is in it, not in the headphones.

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Resetting helps in 60% of software failures, and if you have a problem after reconnecting, go to the firmware or hardware malfunctions.

4. Update of the firmware of headphones and smartphone

Outdated firmware can cause audio codecs to malfunction, leading to sound imbalances, especially for models with support. LC3 AptX, such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.

How to update the firmware headphones Xiaomi:

1. Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app (depending on the model).
2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and go to the headphone settings section → Update of the PO.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

Update of the firmware of the Xiaomi smartphone:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version of MIUI.
3. After the update, restart the device and check the sound.

If the update didn’t work, try rolling back the firmware (relevant if the imbalance appeared after the last update).

• 🔄 In the Mi Home app, find the option to Restore factory settings.
• 📱 On your smartphone, reset through Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

5. Verification of Bluetooth codecs and sound settings

Not everyone knows, but the quality and balance of sound in wireless headphones depends on the Bluetooth codec used, SBC It can sound worse than the sound. AAC Or aptX. Equalizer settings and effects also affect.

How to Change Bluetooth Codec to Android (MIUI):

Equalizer settings:

If you use an iPhone, there will always be a codec. AAC (You can't change that on Xiaomi:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones in High Quality Mode (in Bluetooth settings).
• 🎵 Turn off the equalizer in Settings → Music. → equalizer.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) use codec LC3 You may have a low-frequency sound imbalance. AAC customized.

6. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If all software methods have been tried, but one earbud is still quieter than the other, the problem is likely hardware.

Typical hardware breakdowns:

• 🔊 Dynamic damage: The sound is distorted, wheezing or crackling, often after falling or getting moisture.
• 🔋 Battery malfunction: One earbud discharges faster and sounds quieter (relevant to Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pro).
• 🎛️ Contact oxidation: The problem appears periodically, especially when the cable position changes (for wired models).
• 📡 Bluetooth module problems: The earphone connects, but the sound is interrupted or quieter (often after a firmware update).

How to diagnose:

1. Connect the headphones to another device. If the problem persists, it's a malfunction in the headphones.
2. Then switch the left and right ears. TWS-If the quiet earpiece is quiet, the problem is it.
3. Check the resistance of the speakers with a multimeter (should be the same for both, usually 16-32 Om).

Critical information: If the volume difference appears after water hits, DO NOT try drying the headphones with a hair dryer or on a battery. This will accelerate corrosion. Use only silica gel or special moisture absorbers in a sealed bag on 48+ hours.

When to contact the service:

• 🛠️ If headphones are warranty (usually 12 months for Xiaomi).
• 💰 The cost of repairing a speaker or battery exceeds 30% of the price of new headphones.
• 🔧 You are not sure about your soldering skills (for wired models).

7. Warranty and service

If your Xiaomi headphones are still warranty (the standard term is 12 months from the date of purchase), do not try to repair them yourself.

How to check the guarantee:

1. Find a check or a box from headphones (the date of purchase can be specified by the order number in the online store).
2. Check the serial number on Xiaomi’s website: https://www.mi.com/global/verify/#/en/tab/warranty
3. If you bought from an official store (for example, Mi Store), the warranty is automatic.

Where to go:

• 🏬 Official Xiaomi service centers: List on service.mi.com. Repair guaranteed free.
• 🛒 Shop where you bought: Many network retailers (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video) have their own service centers.

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Check or confirmation of purchase (e-check will suit).
• 📦 Box and complete set (if retained).
• 🆔 Passport (for registration of a warranty card).

⚠️ Note: If you bought headphones on AliExpress or other foreign sites, the Xiaomi warranty in Russia may not work.

8. Alternative solutions: what to do if repair is not advisable

If the headphones are old, the warranty is over, and the repair costs almost as new - consider alternative options:

Budget ways to extend the life of headphones:

• 🔧 Replacement speaker: For models Redmi AirDots or Xiaomi Earphones, you can find spare parts on AliExpress (cost) ~300-800 ₽). It'll take rationing skills.
• 🔋 Battery replacement: Relevant for Xiaomi Buds if one earphone discharges quickly and sounds quieter.New battery costs ~500 ₽.
• 🎧 Use of a single headphone: Some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) support Mono mode - you can only use a working headphone.
• 🔊 Software correction: In the equation (for example, Wavelet or ViPER4Android) You can manually increase the volume of the quiet channel.

When is the best time to buy new ones:

• 💸 The cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of new headphones.
• ⚡ Headphones are older 2-3 years (risk of repeated breakdowns is high).
• 🎵 You need high-quality sound (modern models, for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, support the sound). LDAC and ANC).

If you decide to buy new ones, pay attention to models with moisture protection (for example, Xiaomi Buds). 3T Pro IP54) You can also check for feedback on sound imbalances, some parts may have a production defect.

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Before buying new headphones, check for sound imbalances right in the store. plug them into your phone and play a test track (like Pink Noise) to make sure both channels are at the same volume.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the difference in volume of Xiaomi headphones