How to turn on both Xiaomi headphones: the complete guide

The situation where a pair of Xiaomi or Redmi wireless headphones only hear from one device is familiar to many users, and this can happen for various reasons, from a banal discharge of the battery of one of the modules to a software failure in which the right and left channels stop “seeing” each other. Often users think that the device is out of order, and bring it to the service, although the problem is solved by a simple reboot or the correct connection algorithm.

In this article, we will go into all the possible scenarios for why one earphone doesn’t work and how to force both channels to play, and we will look at models from different generations, from classic Airdots to modern Buds, and offer solutions for iOS and Android.

First of all, you have to rule out mechanical damage and critical battery discharge. If the device has been in the middle of a long period of time without use, the lithium-ion battery could go into a deep discharge and it takes time to "rock"; however, most often the problem lies in the desynchronization, when one speaker considers himself the main speaker, and the second simply loses connection to it.

Primary diagnostics and charge check

The first step should always be to check the physical condition and charge level. Make sure that both earbuds are in the charging case and the indicators are on. If the indicator on one of them does not light up, wipe the contacts with a dry cotton swab - oxidation or dust often interfere with charging.

Leave the devices in the case for at least 30 to 40 minutes, even if the indicators show full charge, which is necessary to calibrate the power controller. Sometimes the system shows 100%, but the real voltage is not enough to start the Bluetooth module.

Check the smartphone menu. In Bluetooth, find your device and see the charge level of each channel separately. If the phone displays the charge of only one earphone, then the second one is in sleep mode or off.

⚠️ Warning: If one of the headphones makes a quiet squeak or flashes red immediately after being removed from the case, it's a critically low charge signal. Don't try to plug it into the phone right away, give it 10 minutes in the case.

It’s also worth checking if mono-audio is activated in the settings of the smartphone itself. Android and iOS have accessibility features that can force audio to only one channel, which is mistakenly perceived as a breakdown.

The correct algorithm for the first connection

Many problems arise from a disruption in the sequence of actions during the first pairing. Headphones Xiaomi and Redmi often require that the primary synchronization between the left and right channel (TWS-communication) occurred before the phone connection.

Remove both earbuds from the case at the same time. Wait until they blink (usually white or blue), signaling a pair. Only after one of them stops flashing quickly and starts flashing less often (pairing mode), you can search for the device in the Bluetooth list of the smartphone.

If you plug only one headphone into your phone and try to add the other separately, there will be a name conflict.The phone will see two devices with the same name, such as Redmi Airdots and Redmi. Airdots_R. Connecting to both at once in this case is impossible without resetting.

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Always delete (forget) the device in your Bluetooth settings before repairing. Older profiles may contain erroneous encryption keys.

It is important not to try to pair headphones with two different phones at the same time during the setup process. TWS-Headsets usually support multipoint (connection to two devices), but the initial setup should take place with a single sound source.

Instructions for complete reset (Hard Reset)

The most effective way to get both earbuds to work at the same time is to perform a full factory reset, which is a clears cache of a Bluetooth module and forcibly initiates a search for a "partner" within the pair.

There are several reset methods that depend on the model. Most models without touch control (for example, Airdots 1/2/Basic) use a mechanical button on the case case case or touch zones on the headphones themselves.

Here is a universal algorithm that helps in 90% of cases:

• 📱 Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone ("Forget the device»).
• 🔌 Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
• ⏱️ Press and hold the buttons on both headphones (or the single button on the case) for 20-30 seconds.
• 💡 Watch for indicators: they should flash several times (usually red, then white) and go out or catch a bright color, signaling a reset.

Then pull the devices out again. They should start blinking fast, waiting for the connection. Now, there should only be one device on the Bluetooth list, not two.

Specificity of connection for iOS and Android

Operating systems handle Bluetooth protocols differently, which can affect connection stability. iPhone owners should be aware that iOS strictly monitors the A2DP profile and can block “wrong” connections.

On Android, there is often a problem where the system remembers left and right as separate devices, in which case it helps to clear the Bluetooth cache through the engineering menu or the developer’s settings.

Let’s look at the differences in approaches:

For Android users, it is highly recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Buds) that allows you to update the firmware of the headphones, which often eliminates the bugs of desynchronization that are not available through the standard menu of the phone.

⚠️ Note: When using Android, don’t forget to turn off the Absolute Volume feature in the developer menu if the sound in the headphones is too quiet or intermittent.

Solving the problem of channel desynchronization

Dissynchronization is a state where the right and left headphones work independently of each other, and you can only hear music in one, or one is playing music and the other is silent, even though both are connected to the phone.

It happens when it is broken. TWS-One headphone (Master) receives the signal from the phone and broadcasts it to the second (Slave.

For forced resynchronization, perform the following actions:

1. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Put both earphones in the case.
3. Get them out at the same time and wait for them to connect to each other (the indicators should stop blinking quickly and go to standby mode).
4. Now turn on Bluetooth on your phone and connect.

If that doesn't work, try retraining your headphones. Connect one (usually the right one), wait for the sound, then in Bluetooth settings, tap "Plug" for the second device. This method doesn't work on all models, but it can help in emergency situations.

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The key to success is to give the headphones 5-10 seconds after extracting from the case so that they can find each other before connecting to the phone.

Updating the firmware and working with the application

Software bugs are a common reason why both headphones don't work at the same time. Xiaomi regularly releases updates to fix the stability of the connection and the operation of microphones.

To upgrade, you’ll need the Xiaomi Earbuds app (available on Google Play) or Mi Buds. Some flagship models, such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Air 2 Pro, support the upgrade via a pop-up on Mi and Redmi smartphones with a MIUI/HyperOS shell.

The update process is critically important:

• 🔋 Charge the case and headphones to at least 60%.
• 📶 Connect your phone to a stable Wi-Fi.
• 🚫 Do not open the case cover or take out headphones during the process.
• ⏳ Wait until the indicators are finished, even if the indicators go out.

After the firmware update, be sure to reset (as described in the section above) so that the new settings apply correctly to both channels.

⚠️ Warning: Interrupting firmware updates can turn headphones into a brick. If the process is stalled, don't panic, but don't take the devices out of the case for at least 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)