The solution to the problem: how to set up both headphones Xiaomi

The situation when a pair of wireless headphones Xiaomi or Redmi sound playback in only one device, is one of the most common complaints of users. Often gadget owners are faced with the fact that the left or right channel suddenly β€œfalls off” after extracting from the case, creating a feeling of breakdown of the equipment. In most cases, the problem lies not in the physical defect of the speakers, but in the dissynchronization of the Bluetooth protocol or software failure.

Before you go to the service center, you should try to restore two-way communication software methods. The correct sequence of actions allows you to reanimate the headset in 90% of cases without cost. Below we will discuss in detail the algorithms of forced pairing and audio balance settings.

πŸ“Š What problem are you facing?
The sound is only in one headphone.
Headphones can't see each other.
A quiet sound in both
Permanent communication breakdowns

Diagnostics and primary inspection of the hardware

The first step should always be to check the physical condition and battery power, if one of the headphones is discharged to zero, it may not turn on and do not give pairing signals, creating the illusion of failure, make sure that both devices are in the case and the indicators are lit in red, indicating the charging process.

Often the cause of the lack of sound is oxidation or contamination of contact areas. Dust and earwax can interfere with the normal flow of electricity, which simply does not charge the earphone, wipe the contacts with a dry cotton swab or soft cloth soaked in alcohol, and leave the devices in the case for at least 30 minutes.

⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp objects to clean contact pins so as not to damage the thin metal coating.

Checking the sound balance in your smartphone settings is another important step in the diagnosis. Sometimes a software failure in the Android or iOS operating system shifts the balance slider completely to one side. To do this, go to Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Improve hearing (the path may differ depending on the phone model) and make sure that the β€œL/R Balance” slider is strictly in the center.

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If after full charging the indicator on one of the headphones does not light up, try to press it slightly in the case or wipe the contacts more thoroughly - perhaps the contact of fit is broken.

The procedure for complete reset (Hard Reset) headphones

The most effective way to restore both channels is to completely reset to factory settings, which causes devices to forget previous pairing errors and re-get to know each other. Before starting the procedure, be sure to remove the headphone profile from the Bluetooth list on your phone by selecting the "Forget the device" option.

The algorithm varies from model to model, but the general principle is the same: Place both earphones in the charging case and leave the lid open. Find the function button on the case case case case (usually located behind or inside between compartments) and hold it for 10-15 seconds before the indicator flashes.

  • πŸ”„ AirDots and Redmi Buds models often require you to pinch the touch zones on both headphones simultaneously until they blink.
  • πŸ”Œ If there is no button on the case, remove the headphones and press them 5 times quickly, then 2 more times with retention.
  • πŸ“± Make sure your phone is in search mode for new devices during the reset procedure.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist for resetting settings

Done: 0 / 5

Once reset successfully, the indicators should flash white frequently to signal pairing mode, so you can reconnect the headset to your smartphone, and if that's successful, both channels should be activated simultaneously.

Manual synchronization of the left and right channel

In some cases, the headphones stop seeing each other and work independently, like two different mono devices, which requires manual synchronization, and you first need to break the communication between the headphones themselves so that they stop trying to connect to the wrong parameters.

Take both earbuds out of the case. Turn off Bluetooth on the phone so they don't try to connect to it. Now you need to turn off the headphones themselves. To do this, press the touchpads on both devices and hold for about 5-7 seconds until they turn off (the indicators go out).

Sequence of action:


1. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone.




2. pinch the sensors of both headphones before turning off (5-7 seconds).




3. Clamp the sensors again for 10-15 seconds before switching on and resetting.




4. Turn on Bluetooth on the phone and perform pairing.

Now, hold the touchpads of both earbuds simultaneously and hold them tight for about 15 to 20 seconds, they turn on, then they can signal, and then they can turn off again or go into fast blink mode, which means that the master mode is reset.

What is a TWS and Master Device?
In True Wireless Stereo, one headphone is always a master, who takes the signal from the phone and translates it to the second headphone (Slave), and if the communication between them is broken, the sound only goes to the master channel, and the reset forces them to re-choose the leader.

Once you've done this, put the devices back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then open and plug it in through the phone, which usually restores the stereo mode.

Customization of audio codecs and game mode

If both headphones work but the sound seems out of sync or intermittent, the problem may be the codec settings.Modern Xiaomi smartphones allow you to prioritize sound quality or connection stability in a developer menu or special audio settings.

Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Press the gear next to the headphones. There may be a Low Lag Mode or Game Mode switch available, activating this mode changes data priorities, which sometimes helps stabilize communication between channels.

ParameterDescriptionImpact on work
SBCBasic codecMaximum compatibility, medium quality
AACAdvanced codec.Best quality for iOS, higher battery load
aptXHigh-resolution codecHigh quality, requires support from both devices
LDACSony Hi-Res CodecMaximum bitrate, can cause desynchronization

Try changing the codec in Bluetooth settings (requires login to the developer menu: Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ 7 times press "Version" MIUIΒ»). In the developer menu, find the Bluetooth Audio Codec and try switching from LDAC or aptX on standard AAC or SBC. This often solves the problem of channel desynchronization.

Fixing problems with the Xiaomi Earbuds app

For advanced customization, many headphone models require the installation of the Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Buds M8 for older models), which allows you to update the firmware through this software, which often fixes communication bugs.

Go to the app, select your headphones and check the firmware Update section. If a new version is available, be sure to install it with a minimum of 50% pre-charged case and headphones. The update process reflashes the internal communication modules, eliminating software errors.

  • πŸ“² Make sure the app has all the necessary Bluetooth and geolocation permissions.
  • πŸ”‹ Do not open the case cover during the update, so as not to interrupt the process.
  • 🌐 To download firmware requires a stable Internet connection on a smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Interrupting the firmware update process can lead to complete inoperability of the headphones (β€œbricking”), which can be restored only in the service center.

Also available in the application is often the β€œFind Headphones” function or sensor calibration, which can help to identify which device is losing signal.

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Updating the firmware through the official application is the most reliable way to fix software conflicts that a regular reset does not solve.

Specific settings for different Xiaomi models

Different generations of Xiaomi and Redmi headphones have their own reset nuances. For example, the Air 2 series often requires holding a button on the case, while budget AirDots are controlled exclusively by touch panels.

Mi True Wireless Earphones (e.g. Basic, 2S) have a problem with one channel falling asleep to save energy. If you listen to a podcast or audiobook in mono mode, the second headphone can turn off. To get the stereo back, you have to pause the track, take out both headphones and put them back in the case, then pull them out at the same time.

Redmi Buds 3/4 Pro owners should pay attention to the Ear Detection feature. If the sensor is contaminated, the earphone can think it's not in the ear and turn off the sound. Regular cleaning of the sensor mesh (a small black window on the inside) solves this problem.

Why only one headphone works when calling?
When incoming calls, some models go into mono headset mode, and if the stereo doesn't come back after the call, try turning off and reconnecting the headphones or playing any media file.

Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Why is the left earphone working quieter than the right?
This can be caused by contamination of the mesh with earwax, which physically drowns out the sound, and check the channel balance in the phone's special features settings, and if the mesh is clean, the speaker may have partially failed.
Can I use a headphone if only one works?
Yes, many models support mono mode, and you can use one headset as a headset for calls while the other is charging in a case, but for music and video, it's not a complete solution.
What if the headphones can’t see each other after the reset?
Try putting them in a case, close the lid, and wait 10 minutes. Then pull them out at the same time. If it doesn't work, maybe one of the modules has run out of battery, leave them to charge overnight.
Does the Bluetooth version of the phone affect the work of the headphones?
Yes, older versions of Bluetooth (4.0 and below) may not work smoothly with new codecs, and it is recommended to use smartphones with Bluetooth 5.0 and higher for stable connection of both channels.

Following these guidelines will help you get back to full stereo sounding. If none of the methods worked, there is probably a hardware malfunction of the battery or Bluetooth module in one of the headphones, which requires professional diagnosis.