How to Reset Xiaomi Mi Air Headphones: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wireless speakers often find themselves in situations where devices stop syncing correctly or one channel plays a sound quieter than the other, and in such cases, standard Bluetooth reconnection methods don't work, and the only solution is to completely reset the headset to factory settings, which returns the device to its original state by removing all temporary errors and pairing conflicts.

The process of restoring the functionality of the Xiaomi and Redmi accessories does not require special software or a connection to a computer. All the necessary manipulations are performed directly through the touch panels on the headphones themselves or using a case. It is important to understand that Hard Reset is not just a turn off, but a deep cleaning of the internal memory of the communication module.

Below we will look at detailed action algorithms for various modifications, including the Air 1, Air 2, Air 2S and Air 2 Pro models. Despite the similarities, reset protocols may differ depending on the generation of the device and the type of charge case. It is critical to accurately identify your model before starting the procedure, as an incorrect sequence of actions may not give a result.

Diagnosing problems before resetting

Before we take any drastic measures, we need to make sure that the problem is really a software failure, not a hardware breakdown or battery discharge. Often users try to reset when the device simply requires recharging or cleaning contacts. Careful diagnosis will help to avoid unnecessary actions.

Pay attention to the charge indicators. If one earphone is discharged more than the other, they may not see each other and not go into pairing mode. It is also worth checking whether the touch buttons are stuck due to contamination. In some cases, it is simple enough to clean the contacts in the case.

  • πŸ” Check the charge level of both headphones and case – it should be at least 20%.
  • 🧼 Wipe the metal contacts on the headphones and inside the case with a dry cloth.
  • πŸ“± Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone ("Forget the device").
  • πŸ”Œ Make sure the case correctly identifies the inserted headphones (the indicator should light up).

If after these simple steps, the problem persists, such as the phone seeing only one earbud or the sound being interrupted, then the reset procedure is the only right solution. Ignoring the symptoms can cause the headphones to become completely undetectable by the system.

⚠️ Attention: If the headphones have been submerged in water or have visible mechanical damage, a software reset may not help.

Preparation for the discharge procedure

The right conditions are necessary to perform the operation successfully. Chaotic button presses without understanding the state of the device often result in the reset mode not being activated. You will need to provide a stable environment for interaction with the gadget.

The first step should always be to completely shut down Bluetooth on the smartphone, which will prevent the phone from automatically reconnecting to the headphones during the reset process, which may interrupt the procedure, and it is also recommended to close background applications that use audio.

πŸ“Š What problem are you facing?
One earpiece doesn't work.
Not connecting to the phone.
Sound problems
It's working fine.

Make sure your hands are dry, as moisture can cause the touch panels to falsely fire.If your headphones have physical buttons on them, press them clearly and confidently, but without undue effort to avoid damaging the mechanism.

  • πŸ“΅ Turn off Bluetooth on all previously connected devices.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge the case and headphones to at least 50%.
  • πŸ‘ Place your headphones on a flat surface or hold them in your hands, but not in the case (for the initial stage).
  • πŸ‘€ Find the instructions for your model, if it has survived, or check the marking on the case.

It takes only a few minutes to prepare, but it greatly improves the chances of success, and neglecting these steps is a common reason why users fail to enter flash or reset mode the first time.

Instructions: Reset headphones Xiaomi Air 1 and Air 2

The first and second generation models (Air 1 and Air 2) share similar control logic, based on long-term retention of touch zones. These devices do not require a button on the charging case itself, all control is carried out through taps.

Remove both earbuds from the case. You need to touch the touch areas on both devices simultaneously and hold your finger for about 5-7 seconds. The indicators should start flashing red, which signals you to turn off. Don't let your fingers go right away.

β˜‘οΈ Air 1 / Air 2 reset algorithm

Done: 0 / 1

After the lights have gone out or changed color, keep holding the touchpads for a while (the total time can reach 20-30 seconds). At some point, the indicators may flash white or red several times - this is a sign that the reset was successful.

Place the devices back in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds. Then open the case and try to reconnect them to the phone. In the Bluetooth list, they can appear as a new device.

⚠️ Attention: Time is very important on Air 1 and Air 2 models, and if you let your fingers go too early, the headphones will just turn off, but they won't reset. If you delay, you can start flashing, which without special software will not end.

Reset method for Xiaomi Air 2S and 2 Pro

More advanced models, such as the Air 2S and Air 2 Pro, often feature a physical button on the charging case, which simplifies the process. However, the methodology can vary depending on the revision of the device, where interaction with the case plays a key role.

Place both earbuds in the charger case and leave the lid open. Find the function button on the case case case (usually round and side or back). Press and hold this button for 10-15 seconds.

Watch the LED light on the front of the case, and it should start flashing white at high frequency, which means you activate the pairing mode and reset the settings at the same time, and once you see the fast blinking, you can let the button go.

What to do if there is no button on the case?
If your case does not have a physical button, use the touch panel method described for Air 1/Air 2. On some versions of Air 2S without a button, you need to quickly press the sensors of both headphones 5 times at the same time.

For models without a button on the case (rare versions), a combined method is used: remove the headphones, turn them off (holding 5 seconds), then simultaneously press the sensors of both headphones 5 times quickly in a row.

  • 🎧 Place the headphones in an open case.
  • πŸ‘† Find the button on the case case.
  • ⏱️ Hold the button. 10-15 seconds before the indicator flashes quickly.
  • πŸ”„ Close the lid and open again to exit the mode.

After a successful procedure, the indicators should behave as standard as when you first turn on, and now you can re-search the device in the Bluetooth menu of the smartphone.

Comparison of methods for different models

Xiaomi’s diverse product lineup often leads to confusion among users, and to systematize knowledge, we’ve created a summary table that will help you quickly determine the right algorithm for your device.

Model headphonesType of managementAction for dischargeIndication of success
Mi True Wireless Earbuds BasicSensor/Button5 quick presses or 20 seconds holdTriple flashing.
Air 1 / Air 2SensorSensor retention 20-30 secondsThe indicator goes out and lights up.
Air 2SThe button on the caseHolding the case button 10 secondsFast white flashing
Air 2 ProThe button on the caseHolding the case button 10 secondsFast white flashing

As you can see from the table, having a button on a case changes the way you approach it, because touch-controlled devices have to be more agile and accurate in timing, and a mistake in model definition can lead to you holding a button on a case that you don't have indefinitely.

Always check the appearance of your charging case, and if it doesn't have holes or recesses for the button, it's touch control. It's a universal rule for the entire line. TWS-headphone.

πŸ’‘

Write down the sequence of actions for your model in notes on your phone. In times of stress, when the headphones are not working, it is easy to forget the exact number of seconds or presses.

Frequent errors and their elimination

Even if you follow the instructions, users sometimes make mistakes that reduce all efforts to zero. Understanding typical problems will help you avoid frustration and save time. Most often it is a matter of inattention to detail.

One common mistake is to try to reset just one earbud, and synchronization requires that both devices be in the same state, and if you just reset the left, they stop being friends with each other, and the sound only goes to one channel.

It is also common for the user to forget to delete the device from the phone’s memory before resetting, in which case the phone can automatically try to connect to the headphones while they are rebooted, blocking entry into Hard Reset mode.

  • ❌ Attempting to reset just one headphone from a pair.
  • ❌ Forgetting about removing a Bluetooth profile on a smartphone.
  • ❌ Insufficient battery charge during the procedure.
  • ❌ Interruption of the process until the indicator blinks.

If the headphones are acting strange after all the manipulations, try repeating the procedure again, but with a completely discharged case, which then needs to be charged to 100% with the headphones inside, sometimes this helps to reset the static charge on the controller.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble headphones to find hidden reset buttons.This will lead to loss of warranty and a high risk of damage to fragile electronics.

Final stage: re-conjugation

Once successfully reset, the headphones go into standby mode, and you now need to do the initial pairing, as if you had just bought them from the store, which is critical to securing the reset results.

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and go to find new devices. Don't connect to the old saved profile if it's still on the list - you'd better delete it and find the device again. The name usually corresponds to a model, for example, Mi True Wireless EB20 or Air 2S.

πŸ’‘

Once reset, the headphones always lose touch with the old devices, and the connection must be reconnected by selecting the device from the list of available ones, rather than relying on an auto-connection.

Once connected, check both channels. Play the music and make sure the sound is stereo. If it's successful, you'll notice an improvement in connection stability and no delays.

In some cases, it may be necessary to update the firmware through the Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Wear app. After a reset, this is recommended to do first to fix known software bugs.

What if the reset didn't help?
If even a full reset doesn't solve the problem, it could be a hardware malfunction of the battery or the speaker, and it's also worth checking the headphones with another smartphone, and if the problem persists on all devices, it's probably a service center repair that needs to be done.
Can I drop my headphones without a case?
For most Xiaomi models, this is not possible, as the case acts as a power controller and initiates the reset process. Without the case, you can only turn off the headphones, but not perform Hard Reset.
Are the equalizer settings reset?
Yes, if you completely reset all user settings, including equalizer and button assignment, return to factory values. You will have to reset them through the app.