How to restart Xiaomi headphones: the full guide

Sudden connectivity issues or lack of sound in wireless headphones are often taken by surprise.Rebooting the device is a versatile solution for most software failures in electronics. Accessory owners from Xiaomi and the sub-brand Redmi often face channel desynchronization or the inability to pair with a smartphone.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply remove the headphones in the case to reset the settings. However, True Wireless Stereo systems require a deeper approach to clean internal memory and reconfigure the Bluetooth module.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at the algorithms for different models, learn how to perform a full factory reset and fix common errors. The combination of reset buttons varies depending on the specific series of the headset, so it is important to know the exact name of your model.

Causes of failures in the work of wireless headphones

Before we start taking drastic measures, we need to understand the nature of the malfunction that has occurred. Software failures can be caused by a variety of factors, from static electricity to conflicts in communication protocols, and understanding the cause helps us choose the most effective method of recovery.

A common problem is the desynchronization of the left and right channels, which occurs when Bluetooth modules stop hearing each other and start working as two independent mono devices, resulting in sound being played on only one side or echoing.

Also, failures can be associated with memory buffer overflows or firmware errors. The accumulated connection cache sometimes prevents the establishment of a stable link with a new signal source. In such cases, a simple restart does not always help, a deeper reset is required.

  • 🎧 Rassynchronization of left and right headphone
  • πŸ”‹ Critical discharge of the battery and going to deep sleep
  • πŸ“‘ Bluetooth Profile Conflict When Connecting to a New Device
  • ❄️ The Effect of Low Temperatures on Electronics

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are exposed to moisture, do not try to charge them or connect them to the network until completely dry.

Sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones themselves, it's with the smartphone. An overcrowded list of paired devices or a malfunction of a phone's Bluetooth drivers can simulate a headset breakdown, so it's worth trying to reboot the smartphone before you dump the accessories.

Preparation for the resetting procedure

A number of preparatory steps are required to perform the procedure successfully; ignoring these steps may result in the reset not occurring or not being properly discharged; it is important to ensure stable conditions for device-user interaction.

First of all, make sure that the case and the headphones themselves have a charge. If the battery is discharged to zero, the device may not respond to the presses of touch panels or mechanical buttons. Put the headset in the case for 15-20 minutes for minimal charge.

The next step is to remove the old pairing profile. On your smartphone or tablet, go to Bluetooth settings, find your Mi True Wireless Earbuds or Redmi Buds in the list, and select the option β€œForget the device” or β€œUnpair the pairing”.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for discharge

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It is also recommended to wipe the contacts on the headphones and inside the case with dry soft cloth. Oxidation or dust on the contacts can prevent the correct determination of the charge status and start the reset mode. This is especially true for models without physical buttons on the case.

Universal method of rebooting through the case

Most modern models from Xiaomi and Redmi support the standard case-charging reset algorithm, which is the most secure and suitable for the AirDots, Earbuds Basic and newer versions of Buds 3/4.

Place both earbuds in the charge case and leave the lid open. The headphones should light up to signal the start of charging. If the lights are not on, check the density of the contacts.

Find a function button on the case case case, depending on the model, it can be on the back wall or inside between the headphone compartments. Press this button and hold it for a while. 10-15 seconds.

Model headphonesPositioning of the buttonRetention timeIndication of discharge
Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2Inside the case (between compartments)15 seconds.Triple flashing white
Redmi Buds 3 ProBack on the hull10 seconds.Orange indicator
Mi True Wireless Earphones 2Back on the hull10 seconds.Fast blinking.
Xiaomi Buds 3TBack on the hull10 seconds.Pulse of indicator
What to do if the button is not pressed?
Some budget models, such as AirDots, may not have a button on the case, in which case the reset is done directly through the touch panels on the headphones themselves while they are in the case or outside it, depending on the instructions of the specific audit.

The signal for a successful operation is a change in the behavior of the LED light, which usually flashes white three times in a row, or changes color from white to orange, and then you can close the case cover.

Reset via touch panels of headphones

For models without a physical button on the case, there is an alternative circuitry that requires greater precision and synchronization of movements, as it is controlled through the touch zones on the headphones themselves.

Remove both earbuds from the case. Wait until they turn on (usually the indicator lights up). Then simultaneously touch the touch areas on both earbuds and hold your finger for about 5 seconds before turning off.

Once you turn it off, put the headphones back in the case, but don't close the lid. Remove them and re-press the touchpads, but this time hold the press longer -- about 20 seconds. The indicators should blink to confirm the entry into pairing mode.

⚠️ Attention: You need to press the sensory area, not the entire body of the earpiece. Excessive physical effort can damage the microphone or dynamic head.

In some cases, you need to perform a sequence of taps, for example, five quick taps on the right earpiece can initiate a reset of the equalizer settings, and prolonged retention of both can cause a complete reset of Bluetooth.

πŸ“Š What's your headphone model?
Mi AirDots
Redmi Buds
Mi Buds 3/4
Another model

If the headphones don't go into search mode after you've done all the manipulations, try repeating the procedure, but with the case cover closed. Some modifications to firmware require isolation from external signals to activate the recovery mode.

Use of the Xiaomi Earbuds app

Android smartphone owners can use Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly known as Mi True Wireless Earbuds) to manage settings more flexibly than the standard Bluetooth menu.

Once you have your headphones on, open the app and go to your device settings. The menu often has a "Settings Reset" or "Factory Reset" option. Pressing this button initiates a program reset without having to hold the physical keys.

The advantage of this method is that you can see the battery status of each channel separately, and you can make sure that the command has been received by the device, and the app allows you to update the firmware if a malfunction is caused by a software bug.

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All the features of the app may require an active internet connection to work. Make sure that the smartphone has geolocation enabled, as this is an Android requirement to scan Bluetooth devices.

The app also offers sensor calibration and gesture reassignment. If the headphones don't work properly after reset (e.g., they don't respond to touch), use this section to reset the sensitivity.

Solving Connection Problems After Reset

After a successful reset, the headphones go into pairing mode, and the indicators start flashing quickly. At this stage, it is important to correctly connect to the smartphone. Take your time, give the devices time to establish a stable connection.

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and start looking for new devices. The list should show the name of your model, for example, Mi True Wireless EBs. Basic_R. Click on it to connect.

If the device is found but the connection is not happening, or immediately breaks, try the following steps: sometimes you need to manually start the search again or reboot the phone's Bluetooth module.

  • πŸ“± Reboot your smartphone to clean up your Bluetooth cache
  • πŸ”Œ Disconnect the charger from the phone (may cause interference)
  • πŸ“Ά Closer to the headphones (distance not more than 1 meter)
  • πŸ”„ Make sure that both earphones are synchronized with each other.

In rare cases, resetting the network settings of the smartphone itself helps.This action will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth keys, but often solves problems with communication drivers.The path to function: Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.

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If after a complete reset and reconnection the problem persists on all devices, there is likely a hardware malfunction of the battery or Bluetooth module.

Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Why does only one indicator burn after resetting?
This indicates that the stereo pair is desynchronized. Try resetting again, making sure that both earbuds are in the case when you press the button. If it doesn't work, remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone and try again.
Can I drop my headphones without a case?
For most Xiaomi models, the case is necessary because it acts as a power and reset controller, but some models allow you to reset the sensors on the headphones themselves for a long period of time (20-30 seconds), although this is less reliable.
Are the equalizer settings reset?
Yes, full reset returns all software settings to factory values, so you have to reset your gestures and sound profile through your app or smartphone’s standard menu.
What to do if the headphones are not in pairing mode?
Make sure they're not automatically connected to another device nearby, and check the battery power, and if the lights don't flash at all, maybe the case is dead or the contacts are oxidized.