Wireless headsets often have a problem when one earbud stops working with the other, a common problem for TWS (True Wireless Stereo) devices, where each module must sync not only to the smartphone but also to the "brother." If you notice that the sound is coming from only one ear or the channels are out of sync, it's time to pair the devices again.
The procedure for restoring communication depends on the specific model and version of the firmware, but the basic principle remains similar for most gadgets in the line of Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Poco Buds. It is important to understand that simply putting headphones in the case does not always solve the problem of software failures accumulated during use.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithms for different series of devices, explain the value of indicators and help eliminate connection errors, learn how to properly initiate search mode and why old entries in the Bluetooth menu of the phone can interfere with the correct operation of accessories.
TWS principles and reasons for desynchronization
True Wireless Stereo technology means that there are no physical wires between the headphone and the phone, but also between the headphones themselves. To transmit the audio stream from one module to another, a special radio channel is used. Often one headphone acts as a master device (Master), taking the signal from the smartphone and broadcasting it to the second module, Slave. In newer models with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive chips or Xiaomi's own designs, this scheme can be symmetrical.
Dissynchronization is most often due to a difference in battery charge: If one earphone is discharged faster than the other and was placed in the case, and the second continued to work, their internal clock and communication protocols can be confused, and also the cause of interference in the air or software errors of the smartphone operating system, which tries to maintain a connection to both devices as independent sources of sound.
The Bluetooth module can also be disrupted by static electricity, and the static charge buildup inside the electronics sometimes causes the microcontroller responsible for communication to freeze, so that software resetting becomes the only way to bring gadgets back to life without going to the service center.
Preparation for the interface procedure
Before you start any manipulation, you need to make sure that the devices are ready to go. Ignoring the preparatory stage is the most common reason for failed connection attempts. Make sure that the charging case and the headphones themselves have sufficient energy level. Low charge may not allow you to complete the process of flashing the communication parameters.
☑️ Preparation for interface
A critical step is to clear the connection history on your smartphone.The phone can automatically try to connect to the old profile, blocking the creation of a new pair.Go to Bluetooth settings, find your Xiaomi Earbuds and select the option "Forget the device" or "Delete." After that, turn off the Bluetooth on the phone completely.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect headphones if their contacts or speaker grids show sulfur, dust or moisture.Contamination can prevent charging in the case, which will prevent the earphone from turning on to pair.
It's also worth checking if your headphones are connected to other devices nearby. If the pairing mode is activated but the phone can't see the gadgets, they may already have connected to a tablet or laptop within range. Turn off Bluetooth on all the extra devices.
Universal method of discharge and connection
Most of the current Xiaomi and Redmi models support the standard reset algorithm, which is suitable for Redmi AirDots 2, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 and similar versions, which force the headphones to search for each other, ignoring previous settings.
First, put both earbuds in a charge case. Make sure they sit tight in the sockets and the charging indicators light up (usually red). If the lights don't burn, wipe the contacts dry. Then remove both earbuds at the same time. They should automatically turn on.
Now you need to reset. Most models without touch buttons on the case case, you need to pinch the touch areas on both headphones at the same time. Hold your fingers for about 5-7 seconds until the indicators flash red several times. This is a signal that the settings are reset.
What to do if the indicators do not flash?
After reset, the headphones must switch to pairing mode with each other, usually seen by the rapid blinking of a white indicator on one of them (usually on the right), while the second flashes slowly or does not blink at all, once they find each other, one of the indicators will go out, and the second will continue to blink, waiting for a connection to the phone.
Instructions for models with a button on the case
More advanced models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic and the FlipBuds series, feature a physical control button on the case of the charging case, which greatly simplifies the process, since it does not require accurate hitting of the touch zones on the headphones themselves.
Put the headphones in the case and leave the lid open. Press and hold the function button on the case for 10 seconds. The front display will start flashing white at a high frequency. This means that the device has entered pairing mode.
Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and find a new device in the list of available. The name usually corresponds to a model, for example, Mi TWES2 or Redmi Buds 3. Click on the name to connect. A successful connection will be confirmed by a voice message "Connected" or a characteristic beep.
| Model headphones | Type of management | Indication of discharge | Retention time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots / Basic | Headphone sensor | Blinking red | 5-7 seconds |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | The button on the case | Blinking white | 10 seconds. |
| Xiaomi Buds 3T | The button on the case | Blinking white | 10 seconds. |
| Poco Fone Buds | Headphone sensor | Blinking red | 10 seconds. |
If you don't connect the first time, repeat the procedure by removing the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone, sometimes requiring you to wait about 30 seconds between attempts to restart the module.
Features of connecting game models (Gaming Edition)
Gaming versions of headphones, such as Redmi AirDots 2 Gaming Edition or Xiaomi Gaming Earbuds, often have low latency, which requires a more stable communication channel.
For these devices, it is important to follow the sequence of the onset. First, the left earbud, then the right (or vice versa, depending on the instructions for a particular revision). If you hear a voice message "Gaming Mode", but the headphones do not connect, try to turn off this mode with a triple tap on the touchpad.
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For gaming models, use the original Xiaomi Earbuds app or Mi Buds M8 to update your firmware. This often solves channel desynchronization problems.
In some cases, gaming headphones require an NFC connection. If you have an NFC module on your smartphone, just hold the open case with headphones to the back of the phone. Android will suggest you to save the devices, which is the most reliable method to avoid manual search errors.
⚠️ Warning: Battery life may be reduced when using game mode.If the headphones stop syncing after a long game, let them cool down and fully charge before pairing again.
Diagnosing problems with the Mi Buds M8 app
For deep tuning and diagnostics, it is recommended to use the official Mi Buds M8 app (or Xiaomi Earbuds for new models), which allows you to see the status of each headphone separately, if the application displays only one headphone, then the communication between them is broken.
Inside the app, the "Hearburst Search" or "Settings Reset" feature is often available. Using a program reset through the app is sometimes more effective than mechanically clamping buttons, as the command goes directly to the firmware of the device. Go to the device settings in the app and find "Reset" or "Reset".
It will also show a firmware version. Outdated software is a common cause of instability. If an updated version is available, install it while at least one earbud is connected. After an update, the pairing procedure usually goes automatically.
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Using the official application is the most reliable way to determine which headphone is not connected, and update their firmware to the current version.