Owning a wireless headset from a Chinese tech giant is always a balance between excellent sound quality and periodic software failures. Sometimes True Wireless models stop syncing with each other, the microphone starts to work intermittently, or the device simply refuses to connect to the smartphone. In such situations, standard reboot methods often prove powerless, requiring a more radical approach.
Full reset to factory settings eliminates software errors, forgets conflicting devices, and restores the original responsiveness of the gadget, a procedure that is necessary not only for breakdowns, but also before selling the device or transferring it to another user. Understanding how to properly Hard Reset headphones will save you time and nerves, eliminating the need to carry the device to the service center.
In this article, we will take a look at the action algorithms for different acoustic series, including the popular Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless Earbuds, and wired noise-cancelling models. You will learn how to interpret the color indication of LEDs, what button combinations to use, and what to do if the standard method does not work.
When a forced reset of the headset is necessary
Sound problems don't always require complex repairs or new hardware. Often, there's a software conflict that can be easily resolved by going back to factory settings. Resetting is necessary if the right and left headphones are no longer paired, playing only one side of the sound or being out of sync.
Another alarming sign is that the phone can't detect the device even when Bluetooth is active and other gadgets are visible. Sometimes the headset can "hang" in pairing mode, constantly flashing the indicator, but not connecting to the sound source. In such cases, cleaning the internal memory of old connection profiles is the only right solution.
⚠️ Before performing the reset, be sure to remove the device from the list of conjugated in the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone, otherwise the process may go wrong.
It will also be required if you plan to sell or donate headphones, which ensures that the new owner can connect them to their phone without having to deal with the residual data of the previous owner, and this step should not be ignored, as it ensures privacy and cleanliness of the connection.
Preparation for the memory cleaning procedure
Before you start to take action with the buttons and sensors, you need to perform a number of preparatory activities, which will ensure the successful completion of the procedure and prevent possible errors in the operation of the firmware. The first step should always be to completely disconnect Bluetooth on the smartphone or tablet, which was previously connected to the headset.
Then put both headphones back in the charge case, make sure they fit tightly to the contacts and the charge indicators are on fire. If the case is discharged, plug it into the power source for at least 10-15 minutes, as the device requires energy to perform the reset.
☑️ Checklist before reset
It's important to check the status of the charging contacts. Oxidation or contamination can cause one of the headphones to not receive a signal to start the reset procedure. Wipe the contacts with dry soft cloth if you notice plaque. Only after these manipulations can you proceed to directly execute the reset command.
Universal Reset Method for TWS Models
Most modern models, such as the Redmi Buds 3/4, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, and the AirDots series, use a similar algorithm of actions. This method is standard for devices without a physical button on the case case case. Accurately following the timing here is critical to the success of the operation.
Remove both earbuds from the case at the same time. Find the sensor areas on the case (usually the lower leg or the outer face). You need to press and hold the sensors on both earbuds simultaneously for 5-10 seconds. The indicators should flash red to signal the shutdown, and then the device will go into reset mode.
Once the lights go out, put the headphones back in the case without closing the lid. Wait about 10 seconds, then retrieve them. If the procedure is successful, the lights should start flashing quickly in white, indicating the pairing mode, which means that the device's memory is cleared of old profiles.
What to do if the timing does not match?
Some models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic S, may need to tap the sensor 5 times in a row while the headphones are in the case. However, the classic long-press remains the most common standard for the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Reset models with a button on the case
More advanced models like the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro and flagship versions often feature a physical button on the back or bottom of the charging case.Having this element greatly simplifies the process and makes it more like resetting routers or other gadgets.
Place both earbuds in the case and leave the lid open. Find the function button on the case. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds. The indicator located next to the button or inside the case will flash orange or white, confirming the start of the cleaning process settings.
| Model headphones | Positioning of the button | Retention time | Indication of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro | Behind the case | 10 seconds. | White flashing |
| Redmi Buds 4 Pro | Inside the case | 10 seconds. | Orange blinking |
| Mi Wireless Earbuds | Downstairs case | 15 seconds. | Fast blinking. |
| AirDots Pro 2 | Behind the case | 10 seconds. | Red flashing |
After a successful reset, the indicator usually changes the blinking pattern to active device search mode, so you can close the case cover and reopen it to start pairing with the new smartphone.
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Having a physical button on your case is always a priority over touch control – use it if it is provided by your model’s design.
Features of resetting wired and neck models
Owners of Mi In-Ear Headphones or Mi Neckband Bluetooth neck units may also face resetting, although these devices do not have a case, the principle of operation is based on a combination of control buttons located on a wire or control unit.
For neck models, it is usually required to turn off the device, and then press the on button and the volume button (or a special multifunctional button) simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
In the case of wired USB-C or 3.5mm active noise cancelling (ANC) models, reset is often done by clamping down on the noise control button when connected to a charge, allowing the microphones to be calibrated and the equalizer settings to be reset.
⚠️ Note: In wired models with a button on the wire, resetting can also return volume settings to maximum, so be careful when first switching on after the procedure.
If your model has Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Home, check the settings section inside the application. Some modern models allow you to perform a software reset through the application interface, which eliminates the risk of making a mistake with the timing of the physical buttons.
Diagnosing problems after performing Hard Reset
Once you have completed all the steps to return to factory settings, it is important to correctly conduct the initial connection. Find the device in the list of available Bluetooth gadgets. If it does not appear, try to reboot the smartphone itself - this will clear the cache of the Bluetooth module of the phone.
Notice how the indicators behave, and if one earbud flashes and the other is silent, they may not be synchronized, and in this case, the reset procedure should be repeated, with a focus on simultaneous retrieval from the case, sometimes requiring the reset twice in a row.
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After resetting the settings, it is recommended to update the firmware of the headphones through the official application, since in the new version of the software, errors that caused the need to reset can be corrected.
Check the sound quality and the microphone, and if the interruption or quiet voice problems persist even after the reset, there's a high probability of hardware failure or battery discharge in one of the headphones, and then software methods will not help.
Also, you should consider that after reset, the noise reduction or equalizer settings may change, and you will need to reset your hearing preferences, since all user profiles have been deleted along with the connection data.