How to find and buy a case from Xiaomi headphones separately: the complete guide

The situation when one earpiece is lost or the audio playback module itself fails is quite common for owners of Xiaomi Redmi Buds and Mi True Wireless. However, the charging case itself often remains intact, and you do not want to throw it away, because it is a quality accessory. Owners face a dilemma: where to find a case without internal electronics and headphones to use it for its intended purpose or replace a broken one.

Finding an empty case is a star-studded task, because manufacturers rarely sell them officially as a unit of goods. The market is oversaturated with offers, but finding the original empty case without headphones inside can be difficult. In this guide, we will examine all possible solutions to the problem, from official services to proven marketplaces.

It's important to understand that just buying a box isn't enough, you need to make sure that the contacts inside fit your model, and the Bluetooth pairing mechanism (if it's tied to a case) will work, and let's figure out where to look for a replacement and what to look for so that you don't waste your money.

Xiaomi’s official channels and service centers

The most reliable, but not always the fastest way, is to contact authorized service centers Xiaomi Service Center, where you can offer the service of replacement of an accessory or sale of a spare part.

When contacting the service center, prepare your device’s serial number, which is usually listed on the bottom of the case or in the Xiaomi Earbuds app, which will help employees identify the model faster and check for compatible spare parts in the warehouse.

Don't expect instant results if your Mi True Wireless Earbuds model came out more than two years ago. parts logistics for discontinued models can be difficult and the wait can take weeks.

⚠️ Warning: When ordering through an official service, always check if the case comes with a new internal battery. Sometimes the warehouse may have restored cases, the resource of which is limited.

If there is no brand presence in your city, try contacting support via the official website or hotline.Operators can provide contacts of regional distributors who theoretically may have leftover inventory accessories.

Larger sites like AliExpress, Ozon or Wildberries are the main source of empty cases, both original (disassembled from kits) and quality copies are found here, and the key to success is the correct search query selection.

Use specific English keywords, such as Xiaomi case only, charging box without earbuds or replacement shell, which will cut off the full-set offerings and allow you to focus on the cases. Often sellers post photos of the content where you can see the absence of headphones.

Look at the seller's rating and the number of items sold. For popular models like the Redmi AirDots 3 or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, it's easiest to find a replacement. Less common models can only be sold as part of full sets.

πŸ“Š Where do you most often look for rare accessories for equipment?
Official service
AliExpress/Alibaba
Avito/Yula
Local electronics stores

When ordering from abroad, be sure to check the visual location of the indicators and charging connectors in photos with your original. Even within the same Xiaomi line, the design of Type-C or Micro-USB ports may differ slightly in different revisions.

Billboards: Avito and Yula

Private ad platforms are a gold mine for those looking for out-of-the-box items, often sold by people who have lost or broken their headphones, and ideally, find an original charger at a price below the market price.

When buying from hand, be sure to request a video of the case, the seller must demonstrate how the indicators light up when the lid is opened and how the device reacts to the connection to charging, this will eliminate the risk of buying a non-working brick.

Use the B/E or New search filters, but read the description carefully. Phrases like "earphones are lost, there's a case left" are exactly what you need. It's also worth considering buying a full b/E if the price is low and your old headphones can still be resuscitated or sold for spare parts.

  • πŸ” Always check the seller’s profile history for negative reviews.
  • πŸ”‹ Check the actual capacity of the remaining battery before buying.
  • πŸ“¦ Ask to pack the case in a bubble film, as plastic is easily scratched during transportation.

Don't be afraid to bargain, especially if there are visible scuffs on the case. For many sellers, such a product is a "ballast", and they are willing to give it for a symbolic amount to make room.

How to distinguish the original case from the fake

Xiaomi's accessories market is full of replicas. A fake case may look identical to the original, but have critical differences in the quality of plastic and the way electronics work. Cheap plastic can have an unpleasant smell or burrs at the seams.

The original case has a clear and even indication. LEDs should not flash chaoticly or have different brightnesses. When connected to a charge, the original usually shows a stable orange or white light, while fakes can blink.

CharacteristicsThe original caseChinese copy
Assemblance qualityTight fit, no backlashes.Clearances, creaks, back cover.
IndicationUniform light, precise colorsDim light, different shades of diodes
Weight.Sensitive, conforms to specificationIt is often easier because of cheap components.
Pairing.Instant (Pop-up on MIUI)Delays, lack of a pop-up window

Also, look at the fonts and the inscriptions on the bottom of the device. On the original Xiaomi text is laser or high-quality printing, it is not erased by a finger and has no blurred edges. On copies, there are often grammatical errors in the English text.

πŸ’‘

Check the magnets in the headphone seats. They're powerful and fix the earpiece clearly, and they're often weak or missing in the fake.

Compatibility and interface problems

When you buy a case separately, you have to be prepared to re-pair. Even if the case model matches the model of your headphones, you can have a charge inside with another one. MAC-Bluetooth address.

In most modern models of Redmi Buds and Mi True Wireless, the main communication module is in the headphones themselves, and the case only performs the function of charging and storing. In such cases, the replacement of the case is painless: you just put the headphones inside, and they begin to charge.

But there are models where the control logic is case-bound, and you have to do a full Hard Reset, which is usually done by pressing a button on the case. 10-15 seconds or by long-term retention of sensory zones on the headphones themselves, located in the case.

⚠️ If after replacing the case headphones stopped seeing each other (only one channel works), try resetting Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and forget the device in the list of conjugated.

Some models may require firmware updates through the Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Wear app. The case may have a newer or, conversely, an older version of the microcode, which will cause a version conflict.

β˜‘οΈ Case compatibility check

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Alternative solutions and custom cases

If you can't find the original empty case, you can look at alternatives, and the market offers a lot of silicone protective cases and rigid shell cases that, while not replacing the functionality of the charger, solve the storage and transportation problem.

There are also universal wireless charging pads that can be placed directly in the headphone case, if the model supports the Qi standard.

For fans of modding there are 3D-Enthusiasts create design cases for popular Xiaomi models that can differ in shape, color and material. This is a great way to stand out, but the functionality of charging in such cases should be checked individually.

  • 🎨 3D-Printed cases allow you to choose any color and texture.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Silicone pads protect the original case from scratches and impacts.
  • πŸ”Œ Universal Power Bank with compartments can serve as a temporary replacement.

Keep in mind that using non-original charging accessories can affect the rate of energy replenishment. Cheap analogues may not support the fast charging protocols that are claimed for your model. TWS-headphone.

Can you charge the Xiaomi case from a powerful charging for a smartphone?
Yes, modern power controllers in Xiaomi cases support standard protocols. USB. However, use chargers with higher power 30-40 Watts without certification are not recommended, as this can lead to overheating of the lithium-polymer battery of the case. 5V/1A or 5V/2And.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use Redmi AirDots 2 for Redmi AirDots 3?
No, it's not possible. Despite the similarities, the size of the headphones, the location of the charging contacts and the shape of the seats, Redmi AirDots have different generations, and trying to put headphones in the wrong case can lead to breakage of contacts.
Why can't the case see the headphones after the replacement?
You may have contaminated your contact areas, wipe them with a dry lilac or cotton swab slightly soaked in alcohol, and you may also need to reset your headphones to factory settings inside your new case.
Is there a difference between the Chinese and the global version?
The physical cases are usually identical. The only difference is the inscriptions on the case (Chinese characters versus English) and the package (there are instructions in different languages).
How much does an empty original case cost on average?
Prices range from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the model and the greed of the seller. In the secondary market, you can find cheaper options, but the risks of running into a low-quality copy increase in proportion to the price decrease.

πŸ’‘

Finding a blank case is a balance between finding the original for full functionality and buying a compatible one for savings. Always check the model before paying.