The situation when a wireless headset stops responding to touch, suddenly interrupts music playback or refuses to mate with a smartphone is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi equipment. At such moments, standard control methods often prove powerless, and the device remains hanging in standby mode, continuing to drain the battery. It is at this point that there is an urgent need for a forced shutdown that allows you to break the cycle of hanging and bring the gadget back to life.
Unlike wired models, where it is enough to simply disconnect the plug, with TWS-Headphones are becoming more complex because they work autonomously, and a forced shutdown is 90% of the time equivalent to a hardware reset that clears the temporary memory of the Bluetooth module and eliminates software errors. Below we’ll take a closer look at all the known ways to resuscitate your Redmi Buds or Mi True Wireless when they’re behaving incorrectly.
It is important to understand that the algorithms of actions may vary depending on the specific model and version of the firmware installed on the device. However, the basic principles of operation of touch panels and mechanical buttons remain similar throughout the ecosystem of the Chinese manufacturer.
Why Xiaomi headphones stop turning off in a regular way
Before we get to the bottom of the problem, it's worth understanding the nature of the problem. Microcontroller software inside headphones, like any complex system, is prone to failures. Most often, the cause of the freeze is an overflow of the connection data buffer or a conflict of Bluetooth profiles when trying to pair with a new device without breaking the old connection.
Another common cause is a battery discharge to a critically low level, in which the power controller is unable to properly complete the operating system of the headphones, in which case the device can get stuck in a “half-way” state, when the LED lights flash randomly, and there is no reaction to the commands of the touch panels, and failures can occur after a failed update of the firmware or when moisture enters the housing.
And don't ignore the software conflicts on the smartphone side, because sometimes the phone keeps holding the connection, sending signals that block the headphones from going to sleep, and if you pull them out of the case and they don't blink or make the pairing sound, then the synchronization process is disrupted and you need to force them to restart.
Forced shutdown method by holding the sensor
The most common and safe way to reset your headphones is to use the touch-area long-press function. In most Xiaomi and Redmi models (e.g. Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic), this action emulates the reset command. You need to remove both headphones from the charging case.
Once removed, press both headphones simultaneously and hold them for 15 to 20 seconds. Don't let your fingers go even if you hear a voice message or a standard shutdown signal. Your goal is to wait for the lights to flash red several times in a row, indicating that the hardware reset is activated.
If you don't have a reaction the first time, try repeating the procedure, but with the earbuds in your hands instead of on your ears. Sometimes proximity sensors can block the shutdown command if the device is in your ear. After a successful reset, place the gadgets back in the case for complete deactivation.
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Make sure your fingers are dry and completely cover the touch area, as wet hands can reduce the sensor sensitivity.
Resetting settings using a charging case
The charging case in Xiaomi’s ecosystem not only serves as a storage facility, but also as a docking station for synchronization and reset. If the sensor retention method didn’t work, you can try a deeper reset via the case. This method is especially effective for the Redmi Buds and Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 series.
Put both earbuds in the case and make sure they start charging (indicators light up). Without closing the lid, find the function button on the case case case case case (usually located on the end or inside between compartments). Press and hold this button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator on the case flashes white or orange.
In models without a physical button on the case (such as some versions of AirDots), the procedure looks different. Place the headphones in the case, close the lid and connect the case to the charger via cable. Leave them to charge for 5-10 seconds, then sharply open the lid and immediately press 5 times on the sensors of both headphones. This combination of actions often initiates flashing or reset mode.
☑️ Reset algorithm through case
Features of the reboot for different Xiaomi models
The Chinese giant’s audio lineup is extensive, and each series has its own control nuances. Understanding the differences between models will help you choose the right algorithm for actions and not waste time. For example, in professional models with noise cancellation (Mi True Wireless Earphones Pro), the logic of the work may differ from the budget versions.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) models often require a separate sequence of actions. Devices such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro may require simultaneous touching of sensors and buttons on the case. whereas simple Redmi AirDots only respond to prolonged sensor retention.
Below is a table that systematizes resetting methods for popular models, which will help you navigate quickly if standard methods don't work.
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Indication of success |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots / Airdots 2 | Hold sensors for 20 seconds (outside the case) | Triple flashing red |
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic | 5 Quick Presses on Sensors | Double flashing white |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Case button (10 seconds) | Orange indicator |
| Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S | Hold the touch zone for 15 seconds | Sound signal + flashing |
Note that some specific models, such as Mi Gaming Headset (wired with USB), may require physical disconnection from the port or use specialized Xiaomi Game Center software to reset equalizer and backlight settings.
Use the Mi Earbuds application for management
If your headphones are partially functional and capable of connecting to your smartphone, the most civilized way to control them is the official Mi Earbuds app (or Xiaomi Earbuds), a software tool that allows you not only to configure the equalizer, but also to perform a software reset settings, which is often more effective than mechanical manipulation.
Once you connect your headphones to your phone, open the app and go to your device settings. Find a menu item that could be called "Settings Reset," "Factory Reset" or "Unlink Device." Pressing this button initiates a command to clear the pairing memory. This is especially useful if the headphones have forgotten how to connect to each other in stereo mode.
You can also check firmware version in the app. If the system detects an available update, it is strongly recommended to install it. Often problems with freeze and inability to turn off are associated with bugs in older versions of firmware that developers have already fixed in new releases. Update via OTA (Over-The-Air) can completely fix the problem.
What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
What to do if the headphones are completely discharged and do not turn on
The situation where the headphones lie idle for several months and completely discharged to zero is critical for lithium polymer batteries. In this case, the power controller blocks charging for safety, and the device appears dead. The indicators do not burn, there is no reaction to pressing.
To “swing” such a battery, you need patience. Connect the charging case with headphones nested inside to a powerful charger (preferably with a current of 1A or 2A, do not use fast chargers for phones if the case does not support QC). Leave the design for at least 30 to 60 minutes, even if the indicators do not light up immediately.
It often takes time for the battery voltage to rise to a minimum threshold, after which the controller will "wake up" and allow charging. If the indication appears after an hour, let the device charge fully without removing the headphones. After that, try the reset procedure described above.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to disassemble headphones or close the battery contacts yourself if the device is warranty-free, this will result in loss of warranty obligations and can be dangerous due to the risk of lithium battery fire.
Prevention of hangings and proper operation
To minimize the risk of situations requiring forced shutdown, you should follow simple rules of operation. Regularly clean the charging contacts on the headphones and inside the case with a dry cotton swab. Oxidation of the contacts can lead to improper charging and, as a result, deep discharge and software failures.
Don't leave your headphones on for long periods of time. If you don't plan on using them in the next few hours, always put them in the case. This will not only save charge, but also prevent the sensors from accidentally pressing in your pocket, which can put the device in pairing mode or cause it to freeze.
Periodically, at least once a month, fully discharge and charge the device. This helps calibrate the battery controller and prolongs battery life. Also keep an eye out for Mi Earbuds app updates, as they often contain connection stability fixes.
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Regular cleaning of contacts and timely update of firmware reduce the likelihood of headphones hanging by 80%.