Xiaomi’s current wireless headsets, whether they’re the popular Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds or the new Buds 4 Pro, offer excellent sound quality and comfort. However, users often face a situation where only one earphone is running after being removed from the case, or devices refuse to sync with each other, a classic desynchronization problem that is solved by the correct reset and repair procedure.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why this problem arises and how to force both headphones to work in pairs. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the particular model, but the basic principle remains the same throughout the Xiaomi and Redmi ecosystem. It is important to understand that TWS-Headsets (True Wireless Stereo) require initial configuration, after which they must automatically connect to each other.
Before you start complex manipulations, make sure your devices are charged. Complete desynchronization often occurs when one earphone has run deeper than another, causing the power management system to block its operation. If you just purchased a gadget, be sure to remove the protective films from the charging contacts, if any. Only after preparation can you move to software setting.
Diagnostics: Why only one headphone works
When the sound is only going to the left or only to the right channel, it can be caused by several factors, most often a software failure in which the headphones "forgot" each other and one of them connected to the phone as a separate device, ignoring "brother." In rare cases, the problem lies in the contamination of the speaker grid or oxidation of contacts.
The first thing you need to do is check the lights, and if one earbud flashes and the other one is on or off, it means there's no connection between the two. The Bluetooth module in the phone at that point sees the device as Left or Right, but not as a single stereo system, which is a key sign that a reconnection procedure is required.
It's also important to rule out mechanical damage, and if the headset falls or falls into the water, it can be hardware, but 90 percent of the time, it's hard reset, which returns the factory settings and forces the modules to pair.
- 🔍 Indication: Check if LEDs flash the same on both devices when retrieved.
- 📱 Bluetooth List: Make sure that no two identical device names appear on your phone.
- 🔋 Charge: Put the headphones in the case on 15-20 minutes to level the charge level.
Preparation for discharge and pairing
Before starting the procedure of restoring communication, a number of preparatory steps must be performed, this will eliminate the interference of old connection profiles, which may conflict with the new setting. The smartphone operating system (whether Android or iOS) caches data about the connected devices, and this cache needs to be cleared.
Go to your smartphone's Bluetooth settings. Find the name of your headphones (like Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic) on your device list. Click on the gear or information icon next to the name and select "Forget the device" or "Disable." This is a critical step.
☑️ Preparation for discharge
Once you delete your profile, be sure to turn off Bluetooth on the smartphone itself, which will prevent the phone from automatically reconnecting to the headphones as it adjusts, which could interrupt the synchronization process between the left and right modules, and then you can start physically interacting with the headset.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to connect your headphones to your phone until you've completed the pairing process. They have to find each other first, and then the phone.
Instructions: How to connect both Xiaomi headphones (Models with buttons)
Most popular models, such as the Redmi AirDots 1/2/S and Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, use touch button resets. The process requires precision and consistency. Put both earbuds in a charge case and close the lid for 10 seconds, then open it.
Take out both earbuds at the same time. You'll see that they start flashing. Now you need to press and hold the touch zones on both earbuds at the same time. You need to hold it for about 5-7 seconds until the lights go out, and then light up again (usually in red).
What to do if the buttons are not pressed?
Once the lights have re-lighted, release the buttons. The headphones will go into search mode. Now slowly bring them together (without touching) or just leave them lying next to each other on the table. After 5-10 seconds, one of the headphones (usually on the right) should stop blinking quickly and start flashing less often (or go out, depending on the model), which signals a successful pairing.
Now turn on Bluetooth on your phone and start searching. One device should appear on the list. If you see two identical names, repeat the reset procedure, since the headphones are not synchronized with each other again.
Features of connecting models with a button on the case
More advanced models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2/2S, Air 2 Pro or Redmi Buds 3 Pro, often feature a physical button on the charging case itself. This makes reset and connect much easier. The algorithm here is different from touch models.
Put the headphones in the case and leave the lid open. Find the function button on the case (usually located on the end or between the ear compartments). Press and hold it for 7-10 seconds. The indicator on the case should start flashing white, informing you of the transition to pairing mode.
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For models with a button on the case (Air 2, Buds 3), hold the button until the indicator flashes twice - this is a signal of a successful reset of the Bluetooth module.
Unlike the previous method, you don't have to press anything on the headphones themselves. All the control logic is centered in the case controller. Once reset, the headphones will automatically find each other inside the case or immediately after extraction. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and select the device from the list.
It’s important to note that some Xiaomi models with support for fast charging or noise reduction (ANC) may require a Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Home app for full functionality, but the basic connection works with standard OS tools.
Table: Status indicators for different models
Understanding color helps you determine where the connection is, and different models use different color schemes and flashing frequencies to indicate statuses.
| Model headphones | Interconnection mode (Search) | Successful connection | Low charge. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots / Basic | Fast blinking (white) | Slow blinking/Disappearing | Red (1 time per second) |
| Mi True Wireless 2 / Air 2 | White (constantly or frequently) | Green (rarely) | Red. |
| Redmi Buds 3 / 4 | White flashing | The indicator goes out | Orange |
| Mi True Wireless Pro | Blue/White | Green. | Red. |
Note that in some models, after a successful connection, the lights completely go out after a few seconds to save energy. This is normal behavior, not a sign of turning off.
⚠️ Warning: If the indicator is constantly on red and does not respond to charging, the contacts may have oxidized.
Problem Solving: When Headphones Can't See Each Other
There are times when a standard reset doesn't work, and one earpiece keeps blinking and the other keeps silent, which can mean that one module is getting stuck or has gone into deep sleep, and this requires a forced reboot of each module individually.
Try putting both headphones in the case, close the lid and wait. 1-2 Then pull them out. If things haven't changed, empty the headphones completely. Leave them open until they're completely turned off. 30 The charge-discharge cycle often resuscitates the battery controller.
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If after a complete reset and charging headphones still do not sync, the problem may be a hardware malfunction of one of the Bluetooth modules.
Also check if the headphones are connected to another device. If you've used them with a tablet or laptop before, and Bluetooth is on, the headphones could automatically connect to it, ignoring the phone. Turn off Bluetooth on all nearby devices.
- 🔄 Resetting: Perform the Hard Reset procedure 2-3 successively.
- 📶 Cleaning the list: Remove the device profile from the phone memory.
- 🔌 Contacts: Clean contacts on headphones and inside the case with an alcohol napkin.