Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: instructions

Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and Redmi are stable, but even they have software failures. Sometimes the device stops connecting to the smartphone, the sound becomes intermittent or one of the headphones simply stops responding to commands. In such situations, the most effective solution is to completely reset the configuration to factory parameters.

This procedure returns the gadget to its original state by removing all the accumulated pairing errors, and you don't need any special skills or tools to do this process. You just need to know the right sequence of actions for your model.

In this article, we will discuss how to perform Hard Reset for different headphone series, and we will look at both classic models with touch buttons, and the latest versions with support for wireless charging and noise cancellation.

When a complete headphone reset is required

Users often confuse normal reconnection with full resetting, and resetting is necessary when the Bluetooth software module in the headphones is not working correctly, and it is not just a disconnection of communication, but a clearing of the internal memory of the device from old profiles.

There are a number of symptoms that suggest that you need to intervene, and if you notice that the left earphone is not synchronized with the right earphone and the lights are flashing randomly, then it's time to act, and this is also true when you transfer the device to another owner.

  • πŸ”΄ Headphones are not visible in the Bluetooth list on the smartphone, although the charge is there.
  • πŸ”΄ The sound is only heard in one ear, the second is silent.
  • πŸ”΄ When you try to connect, there is a pairing error or a password request.
  • πŸ”΄ You are planning to sell a gadget or give it to you.
πŸ“Š What problem are you facing?
One earpiece doesn't work.
Can't see the phone.
Bad sound.
I just want to drop it before I sell it.

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea for hardware breakdowns. If the speaker is physically damaged or the battery is completely out of order, software methods will not help restore functionality.

Preparation for the resetting procedure

Before you start manipulating the buttons, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, ignoring this stage can lead to the fact that the reset will not occur or will not go properly, the main requirement is an adequate level of charge.

Make sure that the case and the headphones are at least 50 percent charged. If the device turns off during the reset, it can cause channels to become desynchronized.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-reset check

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Go to your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, find your Mi True Wireless Earbuds, and select the option β€œForget the device” or β€œDisable.” This is a critical step that is often missed by beginners.

⚠️ Note: Do not put headphones in the case during the reset process, unless the instruction requires otherwise.

Once the communication profile is removed, you can go directly to the mechanical actions, and depending on the model, the methodology will differ, so it is important to identify your device.

Redmi AirDots and Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic

The AirDots and Basic series are some of the most popular, but also the most capricious, in the setup: they don’t have a physical button on the case, so all control is done through the touch zones on the headphones themselves.

The process requires precision and a certain sequence. First, remove both earbuds from the charging case. If they automatically turn on and start flashing, that's fine. If not, press and hold the touchpads until you turn on.

Now you need to turn off both headphones. To do this, press the touch panels on both devices simultaneously and hold for about 5-7 seconds until the lights go out. After turning off, the most important step begins.

Press the touchpads on the headphones off and hold them for about 20 seconds. You have to wait until the lights turn red twice, which is a signal that the factory settings have been restored.

  • πŸ”΅ Remove the headphones from the case.
  • πŸ”΅ Turn off both headphones by holding the touch zone.
  • πŸ”΅ Press the sensors again for 20 seconds before a double red blink.
  • πŸ”΅ Put the devices in the case for charging.

After doing this, the headphones are dropped, and now they need to be removed again, and they will go into pairing mode, and one of them should flash white, signaling readiness to connect.

Instructions for models with a button on the case (Pro, 3, 4 Pro)

More advanced models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, feature a functional button on the charging case. This greatly simplifies the procedure and makes it more like resetting other models. TWS-headphones, for example, from Apple.

Put both earphones in the charger case and open the lid. Don't close it during the process. Find a round button on the case (usually located behind or inside between the sockets).

Press and hold this button for 10 seconds. The indicator on the front of the case will start flashing white, and then, after reset, can change the color or rhythm of the blinking. Some models require holding the button until the indicator flashes orange three times.

ModelPositioning of the buttonIndication of dischargeRetention time
Mi True Wireless 2Behind the caseWhite flashing10 seconds.
Xiaomi Buds 3TInside the caseOrange 3 times10 seconds.
Redmi Buds 4Back/SideWhite flashing10 seconds.
FlipBuds ProBehind the caseWhite flashing10 seconds.

After a successful reset, close the case cover and open it again. The headphones should automatically go to device search mode. The Mi Wear or Xiaomi Earbuds app may notify you of a new device.

Specificity of reset for Xiaomi Buds 4 and newer

Flagship models like the Xiaomi Buds 4 often have additional features like adaptive noise cancellation and spatial audio.Resetting these devices may require using a proprietary app to completely clean profiles.

Mechanical reset button on the case is performed as standard: 10 seconds of holding until the indicator flashes. However, for complete removal of the equalizer settings and gesture control, it is better to use the software method through the Mi Wear application.

Open the app, go to your headphone settings, and scroll down to Reset Settings or Unlink.This action will break the connection to your account and clear user audio profiles.

⚠️ Note: When resetting via the app, make sure the headphones are near the smartphone and the Bluetooth signal level is maximum. Interrupting communication while writing new settings can lead to a configuration error.

If the application is not available, the mechanical method with a button on the case is a priority, it affects the low-level settings of the Bluetooth module, which is more effective when connected to problems.

Problem Solving: Headphones are not reset

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where standard methods do not work: headphones do not respond to prolonged pressing, or the indicator does not change color. This can be caused by a deep discharge or a "hang" of the controller.

Try putting the headphones in the case and connecting it to a wired charging on 15-20 Even if the lights don't burn, the batteries could have gone into a deep discharge, and they need a shock to activate the controller.

Also worth checking the contacts. Wipe the metal contacts on the headphones and inside the case with a dry cotton swab. Oxidation or dust can prevent the charge and (status) of the device from being correctly determined.

  • πŸ”‹ Check the charging of the case and contacts.
  • πŸ”‹ Make sure that the film from the contacts of new headphones is removed.
  • πŸ”‹ Try resetting from another smartphone.
  • πŸ”‹ Leave the headphones to discharge to zero, then charge completely.

In rare cases, you need to flash the device over a PC, but for most users, this is not available. If nothing helps, there may be a hardware malfunction of the battery or board.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the reset remove music if it was in the headphones' memory?
Yes, if your headphone model has built-in memory for storing music (for example, some versions of Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 with support for standalone play), then if you completely reset all downloaded tracks will be deleted.
Do I need to re-register the guarantee after resetting?
No, the software reset does not affect the warranty status of the device, the warranty is tied to the purchase date and the check, and software changes user-level is not considered a violation of warranty conditions, unless they have led to physical failure.
Why does only one earpiece work after resetting?
This means that the headphones are not synchronized with each other (TWS mode is not activated), and after reset, you need to redo the pairing procedure: usually double touching both headphones at the same time or waiting close to each other for 10-15 seconds.
Can I drop my headphones without a case?
For most Xiaomi and Redmi models, a full reset without a case is impossible, since it is in the case that the reset or charging is initialized before the procedure. Some models allow you to reset with long-term sensor retention, but the case is necessary for the final synchronization.
Does the reset affect the sound quality?
Resetting returns the equalizer and sound processing settings to factory values. If you've previously tuned bass or high frequencies through an app, they'll reset. The quality of the speakers alone doesn't change that, but it can remove software artifacts that have arisen from software bugs.