Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and sub-brands like Redmi and Haylou have become incredibly popular due to the affordable price and decent sound quality. However, users often face a situation where only one module is working from a pair, and the second is silent or connected as a separate device, which causes confusion, as full stereo sound becomes impossible without proper synchronization.
The problem of desynchronization TWS-The real thing about the way that the headphones work is that the left and right channels must first connect to each other, and then transmit a shared audio stream to the smartphone, and if that process is disrupted, the gadgets behave like two independent mono-devices. In most cases, the situation can be corrected independently without contacting the service center.
In this article, we will explore all the nuances of how to connect both Xiaomi headphones to a phone at the same time. We will look at the standard algorithm of actions, forced synchronization methods and specific settings for different models. Follow the instructions carefully to restore full operation of your audio device.
Principle of work and features TWS-headset
True Wireless Stereo technology means that there's no wires between the phone and the headphones, but also between the ears themselves. Inside each module is a miniature Bluetooth module and a microcontroller that controls the connection, and when the devices are first turned on, they have to pair each other to create a single network.
Often, users don't understand why the phone sees two identical devices on the list of available devices. This happens when the internal synchronization between the left and right channels is lost. Instead of broadcasting the sound to both channels, the system suggests choosing one of them. It's critical to understand that the headphones themselves are connected to work properly, and then the pair connects to the smartphone.
The stability of the connection depends on the version of Bluetooth and the codecs used. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic or AirDots models often use a protocol where one channel is the master (usually the right one) and the second is the plume. The wizard receives a signal from the phone and sends some of the data to the second module, if the communication between them is interrupted, the sound disappears or remains only in one ear.
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If you use headphones in a dusty environment, regularly wipe the charging contacts with dry cloth. Contact oxidation is a common reason why one of the modules does not charge or turn on.
Standard Primary Connection Procedure
To start with, consider the basic algorithm that is relevant for most models, including Redmi AirDots and Mi True Wireless Earphones. Before you start manipulating, make sure both modules are fully charged. Put them in the case for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicators are on.
Follow the following steps in strict sequence:
- 📱 Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and find previously saved devices with the name of your headphones in the list.
- 🗑️ Click on the gear icon or information next to the name and select the option “Forget device” or “Delete".
- 📴 Turn off Bluetooth on your phone completely to break all background connections.
- 🎧 Remove both earphones from the charging case at the same time.
Once removed, the indicators should start flashing. This usually means pair-finding mode. Wait a few seconds until the indicators start flashing less often (usually once every few seconds) or go out on one of them. This is a signal that the left and right channels are connected. Only then turn on Bluetooth on your phone and look for one device to connect.
☑️ Reset and Connection Algorithm
Forced Synchronization Methods (Resetting of settings)
If a standard connection doesn’t help and the phone still sees two devices or connects to only one, you need to perform a full reset (Hard Reset).This process returns the factory settings to the communication modules and forces them to re-find each other. For different Xiaomi models, the procedure may be slightly different.
For models without a physical button on the case (e.g. AirDots 1/2/S):
- Remove the headphones from the case.
- Press and hold the touch zones on both modules simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the lights go out.
- Keep your fingers on hold, hold the sensors for 15-20 seconds, and flash the indicators several times (usually 3-4 times) in red or white.
- Release the sensors. The headphones will turn off. Put them in the case, close the lid, and wait 10 seconds.
For models with a button on the case (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2/2S):
Put both modules in the case, open the lid. Find a function button on the case (usually on the side or inside between speakers). Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds. The indicator on the case should light up in orange or white and start blinking quickly. This means that the reset process is started.
⚠️ Warning: Do not bring your headphones close to your phone during reset, at which point they may automatically try to connect to the last device, which will interrupt the synchronization process between them.
What to do if the lights flash different colors?
Specificity of connecting different models Xiaomi
The Chinese giant’s audio lineup is diverse, from budget Redmi Buds to flagship Mi True Wireless Earphones Pro. Each series has its own characteristics of indicator behavior and control.
The table below shows the key differences in indications for popular models:
| Model | Indication of a couple's search | Indication of connection (TWS) | Resetting action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots 1/2 | Fast blinking (both) | Slow blinking (one) | Triple flashing. |
| Mi True Wireless 2S | White flashing | The indicator goes out | Orange blinking |
| Haylou GT1 Pro | Red-blue flashing | Blue slow. | Red flashing 2 times |
| Mi Air 2 Pro | White light | Lights go out | White flashing |
It is important to consider that newer Active Noise Canceling (ANC) models may require an additional step through the application. For example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro recommends an initial setup via the Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Wear app. It helps update the firmware of each module separately, which often solves the problems of desynchronization at the software level.
Setup via Mi Wear and Xiaomi Earbuds app
For advanced models of the Xiaomi ecosystem, standard Bluetooth settings may not be enough: official applications allow you to manage the firmware of each channel separately, and if the software failure occurred at the microcode level, manual connection will not help.
Install the Mi Wear app (for global versions) or Xiaomi Earbuds (for Chinese versions and some Redmi models). Once you have at least one headphone on your phone, the app will prompt you to update the software. Update the firmware is a critical step that is often ignored. During the upgrade process, data is written first into one module, then into the second, synchronizing their versions.
You can also find the "Hearphone Search" function, or touch control calibration. If one of the headphones has stopped responding to touch, resetting through the app can be more effective than resetting hardware buttons. Make sure that the case and modules are at least 50% charged before the update starts to avoid critical errors.
⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the firmware update process, even if it seems to be stalled. Interrupting the data record into the controller's memory can turn the headphones into a "brick" that cannot be restored.
Diagnostics of charging and contact problems
Often the problem of "only one headphone works" is not a software failure, but a banal lack of charge in the second module. TWS-Headsets charge contacts are very small and located deep in the case. Dust, earwax or oxidation can prevent normal contact with pins in the case.
If you put your headphones in the case, but the indicator doesn't catch fire, you're not charging. Take a cotton swab slightly soaked in alcohol, and gently wipe the metal contacts on the earpiece leg and inside the case. Let the alcohol dry completely before you put the modules back in. After cleaning, check if the charge indicator lights up when you put the headphone in the socket.
It is also worth checking the integrity of the charging cable and the power supply: If the case is not fully charged, it will not be able to transfer the charge to the headphones. Use the original cable or certified analogue with a current of no more than 1A. Too powerful charging from smartphones can damage the charge controller in a small case.
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If after cleaning the contacts and a complete reset, one headphone still does not work and shows no signs of life, most likely, the battery inside the module has failed.