Owners of Xiaomi wireless headsets often face a situation where one earbud stops syncing with the main module or phone. This is a common problem for TWS (True Wireless Stereo) technology, which requires perfect synchronization of data channels. The user can observe that the indicators flash at different frequencies, or sound is played in only one ear, making listening to music impossible.
The reasons for desynchronization can be very different, from the banal discharge of the battery of one of the modules to software failures in the firmware of the smartphone itself. Sometimes it is enough to simply put both earphones in the case so that they “find” each other again, but in more complex cases will require a forced reset of Bluetooth settings. It is important to understand that the process of restoring communication depends on the specific device model and the type of chipset used.
In this article, we will discuss all the steps of connecting a second earbud, from diagnosis to complex reset methods through hidden menus or physical buttons. You will learn how to properly initiate mating mode and what to do if standard methods do not work. A deep understanding of the logic of wireless protocols will help you avoid mistakes in the future.
Diagnostics of the problem and checking charging
Before you start complex software manipulations, you need to rule out the physical causes of malfunction. Most often, the second earphone does not connect because its battery is completely drained. Unlike wired systems, wireless modules require constant power to maintain the radio channel, and even the slightest power shortage can block the pairing process.
Put both headphones in a charging case and make sure the contacts are clean. Oxidation or dust on the contact pads can prevent charging, which prevents the indicator on the problem device from lighting up. Wipe the contacts with a dry soft cloth or cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol, and leave the case with the cover closed on charging for at least 30-40 minutes.
⚠️ Note: If the indicator on the second headphone does not light up even after a long charge and cleaning contacts, it may be the problem lies in the hardware breakdown of the battery or power controller.
Once you've made sure you're charged, try removing both devices at the same time. In normal operation, they should automatically connect to each other for 5-10 seconds, as signaled by a quick flash of indicators or voice confirmation. If that doesn't happen, move on to the next step, clearing the list of conjugated devices.
Cleaning the pairing list on a smartphone
One of the most common causes of conflict is to store two separate profiles for the same device in the smartphone memory. The phone may "think" that the left and right earbuds are different gadgets, and try to connect them independently, which disrupts the stereo mode.
Go to your mobile device's Bluetooth settings. Find your Xiaomi model (such as Redmi Buds or Mi True Wireless) in the list of connected devices. Click on the gear icon or information icon next to the name and select the option "Forget the device" or "Disable." Repeat this procedure for all copies of the headset name, if there are more than one.
- 📱 Open the settings of your Android or iOS device.
- 🔗 Go to Bluetooth and wait for the list to load.
- 🗑️ Find the name of the headphones and press Forget this device.
- 🔄 Turn off and turn on the Bluetooth module on your phone again.
Once you clear your connection history, turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone. Now place both headphones in your case, close the lid for 10 seconds, and then open it without removing the device. Some Xiaomi models automatically go into search mode when you open the case if there is no active connection inside.
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Before re-pairing, make sure that the phone does not run other apps that actively use audio protocols, as they can block the connection of the new headset.
Hand Reset (Hard Reset) methods for headphones
If a simple reconnection doesn't work, you need to reset your headphones completely to factory settings, which causes the devices to forget each other and re-enter the primary synchronization process, and the algorithm may vary depending on the physical button on the charging case.
For models with a button on the case (such as some versions of Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2): place both headphones in the case, leaving the lid open. Press and hold the function button on the case case case for 15-20 seconds. The indicator should blink several times, changing color, which signals a successful reset.
For models without a button on the case, the reset is done through the touch panels of the headphones themselves. Remove both devices from the case. At the same time, touch the touch zones on both headphones and hold your finger for about 5-7 seconds until the indicators go out or turn red. Then put them back in the case and close the lid.
⚠️ Note: During the reset procedure, do not place the headphones too far apart. They should be in close proximity (in the case or near the table) for successful synchronization with each other.
☑️ Checklist of discharge TWS
Specificity of connecting different models Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s ecosystem includes many headphone models, and each may have its own nuances in connection protocols. Understanding the differences between the series will help you find the right method for activating the pairing mode faster.
| Model | Type of discharge | Indication | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3 Lite | 5 touches of the sensor | Red flashing | No app. |
| Mi True 2 Basic | The button on the case | White flashing | Auto-match |
| Xiaomi Buds 3 | Through the app | Colored LED | I need Mi Wear. |
| AirDots 2 | Prolonged touch | Red/Blue | Manual mode |
For advanced models such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or FlipBuds Pro, it is recommended to use the proprietary Mi Wear app or Xiaomi Earbuds. The program interface often has a “Reset Headphones” function that executes all the necessary commands automatically, bypassing complex combinations of taps.
Owners of budget AirDots models should remember that they often do not have automatic reconnection. After reset, they should be searched for in the Bluetooth list as a new device, sometimes called "Mi True Wireless EBs". Basic_R» (The left will automatically connect to the right.
Why is the right earphone in charge?
Use the Mi Wear app to customize
For deep customization and diagnostics of battery status, it is best to use specialized software. Mi Wear (formerly Mi True Wireless) app allows you not only to track the charge of each headphone separately, but also to update their firmware. Often connection problems are solved by updating firmware.
Install an app from Google Play or the App Store. Search for devices by first putting the headphones in pairing mode. Once connected, the app will show the exact percentage of charge of the left and right modules. If one of them is displayed as "0%" or not displayed at all, this indicates a communication problem with this particular module.
In the settings menu inside the app, find the Software Update section. If a new version is available, be sure to install it by putting your headphones in your case and connecting your phone to your Wi-Fi network. The update process can fix software bugs that cause channels to become unsynchronized.
⚠️ Warning: Do not open the case cover or remove the headphones during firmware updates. Interrupting the data recording process may cause the device to fail completely (brick).
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Using the official app is the only way to guarantee an update to the headphone microcode, which often solves compatibility issues with newer versions of Android.
Solving problems with one-way sound
There are times when both earbuds are visible in the Bluetooth list, but the sound comes from only one, and this may be due to the sound balance settings in the phone's operating system or the specifics of the codecs. Check the settings for your smartphone's special features.
On Android, go to Settings → Special Features → Hearing Improvement. Make sure the left/law balance slider is right in the center. A shift in either direction can completely drown out one channel, creating the illusion of a broken earphone.
Also try to disable options like “Absolute Volume Level” in Bluetooth settings or change the audio transmission codec (if available in the developer menu).Switching from LDAC or aptX to standard SBC can stabilize the connection if the problem is caused by interference or a weak signal.
- 🔊 Check the sound balance in the phone settings.
- 📶 Turn off Monoaudio mode if it is activated.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone with Bluetooth off.
- 🎧 Check the work of headphones with another device (tablet, PC).
If the other device has the headphones working perfectly, the problem is with your smartphone's software. Try resetting the network settings on your phone, but remember that this will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings.