The situation when a wireless headset stops functioning correctly is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi equipment. Often users are faced with the fact that one headphone does not work, while the second continues to play sound without complaint. This can happen suddenly, after a fall, update the system or just in the process of prolonged use. For many, this becomes an unpleasant surprise, interrupting listening to music or an important conversation.
The reasons for this behavior can be found in software synchronization failures, as well as hardware problems with the battery or speaker. Today’s TWS (True Wireless Stereo) models from Xiaomi and Redmi are complex devices where each module has its own control. Understanding the basic principles of their operation will help to quickly diagnose a malfunction. In this article, we will discuss the main scenarios of failure and methods for their elimination.
Don't panic and take the device to the service center, and in most cases, the problem is solved by yourself in a few minutes, it's important to consistently check your Bluetooth settings, charge level, and reset the configuration, and sometimes just clean the contacts to bring the gadget back to life.
Diagnostics of the problem: software failure or failure
The first step is always to make an accurate diagnosis, to understand why Xiaomi's headphone stopped working. If the problem is software, the device may not see the second module, considering it is off, in which case the indicator on the problem earphone may not light up or flash a different color, which indicates a dissynchronization between the left and right channels.
If one earpiece is working and the other is silent even at maximum volume, it's worth checking the sound balance in the phone settings. Sometimes users accidentally shift the balance slider towards the speaker working. Also, you should eliminate the contamination of the speaker mesh: earwax or dust can completely block the output of sound, creating the illusion of a breakage.
Hardware failures often have physical signs, such as the headphone can warm up when charging or, conversely, discharge instantly. If the device falls or falls in the rain, the probability of failure of the internal Bluetooth module or speaker increases many times, in which case software methods may not help.
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Often the problem is oxidizing the charging contacts inside the case, wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to ensure reliable contact.
To clarify the diagnosis, try connecting the headset to another smartphone. If the second device is repeating the situation, then it is precisely the headset itself. If the other phone is working, the problem may be in the Bluetooth cache of your main smartphone.
Basic methods of troubleshooting
You should start recovery with simple steps. Often, the headphone is discharged faster than the other due to uneven battery wear or poor contact with the case. Make sure that both modules sit tightly in the charging case and the indicators are on fire. Leave them to charge for at least 30-40 minutes, even if the indicator shows full charge.
The next step is to reboot the Bluetooth connection, and to do that, you have to completely remove the device from the list of paired devices on the phone, and that will clear the old profiles and encryption keys that may have been damaged, and then you have to turn off the Bluetooth on the phone, wait 10 seconds, and turn it on again.
☑️ Primary diagnosis
If simple methods didn’t work, you should pay attention to updates. Some Xiaomi models require firmware updates through the Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Wear app. Manufacturers often release patches that fix bugs with connection and connection stability.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble the body of the earphone if it is sealed.Autobrasion is guaranteed to break the leakage and can damage the fragile battery, which will lead to fire.
Full reset and re-synchronization
The most effective treatment for software bugs is a hard reset, which brings the headset back to factory settings and forcibly synchronizes left and right channels. The algorithm may differ slightly between Xiaomi and Redmi models, but the general principle is the same.
Put both earbuds in the charge case and make sure they charge. Leave the case cover open. Find the function button on the case case case case (usually behind or between the ear compartments). Press and hold it throughout. 15-30 The indicator should start flashing white or orange, signaling the beginning of the reset process.
If the button is not on the case, you can reset with touch control, touch the touch zones on both headphones at the same time and hold them for about 5-10 seconds until they turn off, then repeat the action, holding the touch longer, up to 20 seconds, until you see the flashing indicators.
| Model Xiaomi/Redmi | Resetting method | Indication of success | Retention time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots / Redmi Buds | Keeping buttons on headphones | The indicator flashes 2 times | 5-7 seconds (off) + 20 seconds |
| Xiaomi Earbuds Basic | Holding the sensor 5 times | Fast blinking. | 5 quick touches |
| Mi True Wireless | The button on the case | White flashing | 10-15 seconds |
| Redmi Buds 3/4 | The button on the case | Orange blinking | 30 seconds. |
Once you reset successfully, find the device in the Bluetooth list on your phone and pair it again. It is important to connect the main device (usually the right earphone), and the second will connect automatically.
What if the reset didn't help?
Problems with charging and contact
A common reason why the left earphone doesn't work (or the right one) is that it's just a simple lack of charge. Even if you put the headset in the case, contact might not happen. Metal contacts accumulate oxide film, skin fat and dust over time, and this creates high resistance, and the battery doesn't charge.
To clean, use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the contacts on the earpiece itself and the pins inside the case. Let the alcohol dry completely before you put the headphones back in. Also check if the charging button in the case is stuck because of dirt.
Sometimes the problem lies with the charger itself, and if the case is discharged to zero, it may not be powering the headphones right away, leave the case with the headphones inside on the charger from the network adapter for a few hours, use a cable that is exactly functional.
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The lack of charging indication on one of the headphones in 80% of cases indicates contamination of contacts, not the death of the battery.
Balance settings and special Android features
There are settings in the Android operating system that can redistribute sound. If you have one earphone that stops working, check the Special Features section, where you can activate Mono-audio or shift the channel balance.
Go to Settings → Special Features → Hearing (the path may vary depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS). Make sure that the sound balance slider is strictly in the center. If it is moved left or right, the sound will only go to one channel.
Also worth checking is the settings of the app itself, which you listen to music through. Some players have their own equalizers and audio output settings that can ignore the system settings. Try running the sound through different applications (YouTube, Spotify, local player) to eliminate software conflict.
When repairs or replacements are needed
If neither reset, nor cleaning, nor reconnecting helped, and one earphone is still silent, there is likely a hardware malfunction. TWS-Xiaomi headsets use compact lithium-polymer batteries that degrade over time. 2-3 For years, he could just lose his capacity and stop holding the charge.
The speaker or Bluetooth module may also fail due to impact or moisture. Internal corrosion may develop slowly, and the problem will not appear immediately after water hits, but weeks later, in which cases repairs are often economically inefficient because of the high cost of work relative to the price of the device.
If the headset is under warranty, safely carry it to an authorized service center. Self-opening of sealed devices deprives you of the right to warranty service. Save the check and box to speed up the procedure.
⚠️ Warning: Salt water or sweat is the most damaging factor. If the earphone gets wet, dry it immediately, but don't use a hair dryer - hot air will melt the glue and damage the membrane.