Full reset of Xiaomi headphones to factory settings: step-by-step instructions

Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and the sub-brand Redmi are famous for their sound quality and connection stability, but even the most reliable technology sometimes fails. Users often face a situation when one of the headphones stops working, the sound disappears or the device refuses to mate with the smartphone. In such cases, the most effective solution is a full reset (Hard Reset), which returns the gadget to its original state, clearing all temporary errors and conjugation cache.

The reset procedure does not require any technical skills or a computer connection, but it is important to understand that after Hard Reset, the device will “forget” all previously connected gadgets, and you will have to re-mating the process. This is a standard electronics maintenance procedure that helps eliminate software glitches caused by conflicts of Bluetooth versions or malfunctioning firmware.

Before you start active, make sure your headphones are at least 30-40% charged. Low battery power can lead to interruption of the reset process or incorrect execution of the command, which will require repetition of the entire procedure. In this article, we will detail the methods of returning to factory parameters for different models, including the popular AirDots series, Mi True Wireless and Redmi Buds.

When you need to reset the headphones Xiaomi

The need for a forced reset can be determined by a number of characteristics that indicate a software failure in the device. Most often, users notice that the right or left earphone stops playing sound even though both devices are on, a phenomenon often called desynchronization, when the headphones “forget” each other and work as two independent mono-devices.

Another alarming sign is that the headset cannot be detected by the smartphone: if your Xiaomi Earbuds name does not appear on the list of available Bluetooth devices, or the connection is established but the sound is not transmitted, there is a high probability of error in the communication protocol.

  • 🔴 One earphone is not working or works much quieter than the other.
  • 🔴 Smartphone doesn’t see headphones in Bluetooth list, though they’re included.
  • 🔴 Once connected, the sound only goes to one ear or is interrupted.
  • 🔴 Headphones spontaneously turn off or do not respond to touch.

⚠️ Attention: If the headphones are in a state of disrepair (moisture, fall, battery bloating), a software reset may not help.

It's important to distinguish between a software failure and a battery that's dead. If the lights aren't on at all, put the headphones on charge first. 15-20 Sometimes the power controller locks the power on when it's deep, and it simulates a malfunction.

Preparation for the procedure: important nuances

The success of the factory reset operation depends on proper preparation. The first step is to remove the old pairing profile from your smartphone's memory. If you try to reset by leaving the device on the Bluetooth list, the phone can automatically try to reconnect with the "old" settings, which will reduce the effort to zero.

Go to your Android or iOS device’s Bluetooth settings, find your headphones (like Redmi AirDots 3 or Mi True Wireless Earbuds) in the list, and click “Forget Device” or “Delete.” After that, it’s recommended to turn off the Bluetooth on your phone completely so that it doesn’t look for the device during the reset procedure.

☑️ Preparation for discharge

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Special attention should be paid to contacts. Before placing the headphones in the charge case for reset, wipe the golden contacts on the headphones themselves and inside the case with a dry lilaless wipe. Oxidation or dust can prevent the correct reading of the device state, and the reset command will not be performed.

Universal method of discharge through charging case

Most models TWS-Xiaomi headphones, including the AirDots series, Redmi Buds and Mi True Wireless Earphones, use a single reset logic tied to the mechanical case button or the touch zones of the headphones themselves. The most common way involves using a physical button on the case of the charging case.

Place both earbuds in the charge case and leave the lid open. The indicators inside should light up to signal the start of charging. Find a small button on the back or inside of the case (often hidden in the recess) and press that button and hold it for 10-15 seconds.

As you hold it, the indicator on the case will flash, and it may flash white or red at first to show charging status, but when you successfully enter reset mode, the pattern of blinking changes. Usually the indicator will flash quickly in white three times or light up in orange, and then go out, which means that the reset has been successful.

What to do if there is no button on the case?
Some budget models, such as older versions of Redmi AirDots, don't have a physical button on the case, so the reset is done through the touch zones of the headphones themselves, you need to remove them from the case, turn them off (clamp the sensor for 5 seconds), and then simultaneously pinch the touch areas of both earphones for 20 seconds until the red indicator appears.

There are models where the procedure is slightly different. For example, in some versions of the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, you need to remove the headphones from the case, turn them off and then simultaneously press the touch panels of both headphones, holding for about 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red, and then you need to place the headphones back into the case.

Reset for Active Noise Reduction (ANC) models

Flagship models such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro or Redmi Buds 3 Pro feature more sophisticated electronics and active noise reduction systems. For them, the manufacturer often provides a simplified but specific reset method that may differ from budget counterparts.

For many models with ANC, the scheme is relevant: place the headphones in the case, open the lid and press the function button on the case 3 times quickly, and hold it for about 10 seconds for the 4th time. The indicator should flash white several times, confirming the memory cleanup. It is important not to confuse this mode with the pairing mode, which is usually activated with a short press.

Model headphonesAction.Indication of successRetention time
Redmi AirDots / Mi True BasicHold sensors for 20 seconds (outside the case)Triple flashing red20 seconds.
Xiaomi Buds 3 / 3 ProCase button (open)White flash 3 times10 seconds.
Mi True Wireless 2 / 2SCase button (open)Orange indicator10 seconds.
Redmi Buds 4 LiteCase button (open)White flashing10 seconds.

If the indicators behaved differently after the actions, try repeating the procedure, but change the timing. Sometimes the touchpad requires a stronger or, conversely, a lighter touch. In rare cases, simultaneously pressing the case button and the headphone sensors helps, although this is more an exception for specific revisions.

📊 What is your model of headphones Xiaomi?
Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic
Redmi AirDots / Buds
Xiaomi Buds 3 / 4
Mi True Wireless Earphones 2/3 Pro
Another model

Use of Mi Home and Xiaomi Earbuds

For advanced users and owners of ecosystem devices, the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (for global versions) or Mi Home (for devices tied to the China region) is an excellent tool for diagnostics and resetting, not only updating the firmware, but also resetting the equalizer and control settings.

If your headphones support connection to the app, open the device management interface after pairing with your smartphone. The settings menu (usually the gear icon or three dots in the corner) often hides the option “Reset” or “Unlink” (Unlink), using this feature software-cleanses the configuration, which can be more effective than a mechanical reset.

Also, you can check firmware version through the app. Often, the problem with the sound or connection is solved not by a reset, but by updating the software. If the problem persists after the reset, we strongly advise you to check for updates in the same menu. The update process takes a few minutes and requires that the headphones be near the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the firmware update process!If the battery sits down or you go far away from the phone during the upgrade, the headphones may turn into a "brick" and stop turning on.

The app also allows you to reset your controls, and after resetting, all your gesture settings go back to factory, which can be inconvenient, and using the app, you can quickly reassign functions to double or triple touch, adapting the headphones to your habits.

💡

Use the Xiaomi Earbuds app to calibrate microphones after reset, which will improve the quality of voice when calling.

Post-discharge disposal

After the Hard Reset procedure is successfully performed, the headphones go into pairing mode. The indicators start flashing often (usually in white or red and white), signaling readiness for connection, at which point it is important to correctly perform the primary connection to avoid re-synchronization.

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and start looking for new devices. Your headphones should appear on the list. Click on it to connect. Note that after a reset, the old profile with the same name may remain on the list. Be sure to delete it before you connect again, otherwise the phone may try to use the old encryption keys.

If you still don't have sound after you've connected, or only one channel is running, check the sound balance in your smartphone's special features settings. Sometimes Android or iOS system settings can "remember" the balance shift that persists even after the device itself is reset.

  • 🎧 Make sure that the Bluetooth menu features a Media Audio profile, not just a Call Audio profile».
  • 🎧 Check the volume on the smartphone itself and on the headphones (if there is a separate adjustment).
  • 🎧 Reboot your smartphone after first connecting the reset headphones.

In rare cases, you need to repeat the reset procedure twice, the first time the cache is cleared, the second time the communication between the left and right module is finally calibrated, and if that doesn't help, there may be a problem in the hardware of one of the speakers or Bluetooth antennas.

💡

The main goal after reset is to recreate a clean pair between the headphones and then between the headphones and the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the reset remove music if it's stored in headphones?
Most models TWS-Xiaomi headphones do not have built-in memory for storing music (MP3-They're just streaming from your smartphone, so there's nothing to lose, but if you have a specific model with a built-in player and memory card, resetting can clear the playlist, but not the files on the map.
Why are the headphones not visible to the phone after reset?
They probably didn't go into pairing mode. Once reset, you have to remove them from the case (or close and open the lid, depending on the model) so that they start flashing, and check if they automatically connect to another device nearby where the profile is saved.
Can I drop my headphones if one of them is lost?
No, reset procedures (especially sensors) often require both headphones to sync with each other. If one is not available, you can't reset the one left to factory settings to work in stereo - you need a partner.
Is frequent resetting of battery settings harmful?
Software reset does not, by itself, affect the physical wear of the lithium-ion battery. However, the intense blinking of the indicators and the operation of the Bluetooth module during reset and subsequent pairing consumes charge, and it is not worth doing this for prevention, only if there are real problems.