Why you can’t hear the sound in Xiaomi headphones and how to fix it: the complete guide

You bought new Xiaomi headphones — whether it's wireless Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Redmi Buds or wired Mi In-Ear — but you ran into a problem: there's no sound, it's interrupted or only works in one ear, a situation that many users are familiar with, especially after updating your smartphone firmware or first connection. 80% of the time, the problem is solved in 2-3 minutes without going to the service center.

In this article, we will analyze all possible causes of the lack of sound – from basic (incorrect Bluetooth connection) to specific (failures in settings). MIUI You'll learn how to check your headphones for performance, reset them to factory settings, and adjust the sound for different scenarios: calls, music, games. LC3 (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, we will tell you how to include an improved codec for better quality.

Note: the instructions below are relevant for all current models (2020-2026), including Redmi AirDots 3, Mi Earphones Basic, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and others. If your model is older, check compatibility with the current version of MIUI (for this, see the section on firmware).

1. Check basic settings: 5 steps before setting the sound

Before digging deep into the settings, make sure the problem isn't with the basics. Here's a checklist to help rule out obvious errors:

Check the volume level on your smartphone (buttons or slider in the notification panel)

Make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator should flash or burn green)

Turn off the "Do Not Disturb" mode (Settings → Sound)

Try connecting the headphones to another device (laptop, tablet)

Reboot your smartphone (hold the power button for 10 seconds)-->

Pay special attention to the charge indicator. For example, in Redmi Buds 4, red flashing light means a discharge below 10%, and in Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro, a white indicator signals a connection to the device. If the indicator does not burn at all, the headphones could discharge “to zero” – in this case, hold them in a case for 15-20 minutes before turning on.

Another common case is that there is sound, but it is quiet or distorted. This may be due to the active power saving mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → Battery → Performance Mode and select Balanced or Performance. In some models (for example, POCO F5), this parameter is hidden - then use the search by settings (the magnifying icon in the upper right corner).

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If the headphones are connected but the sound is coming through the smartphone speaker, touch the ear area twice (for touch-controlled models) or hold the 3-second switch to switch the audio source.

2. Bluetooth connection: how to pair headphones with a phone

Xiaomi's wireless headphones (Buds, AirDots, FlipBuds) are connected via Bluetooth 5.0+ with AAC codecs, and LC3 (newer models), but even here, users are facing problems: the device does not find the headphones, the connection breaks or the sound is lagging.

Step 1: Activation of mating mode:

• 🔋 For most models: take out the headphones from the case and hold the button on the back of the case (or the touch area on the headphones) for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
• 🎧 In Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer: just open the case cover – the headphones will automatically go into mating mode (if you were not previously connected).
• 🔄 If the headphones have already been paired with another device, reset them: press the button for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.

Step 2: Connect to your smartphone:

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and wait for your headphones to appear (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).
3. Click on the name – if you have a request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234), enter it.
4. Wait for the “Connected” message and check the sound.

If your smartphone doesn’t see headphones, try:

• 📱 Reboot the phone’s Bluetooth module: turn off/on the switch in the settings.
• 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones (relevant for models 2022)+ year-end).
• 🚫 Remove all previously paired devices in the Bluetooth list (old connections sometimes conflict).

Redmi Buds 3/4

Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro

Mi True Wireless Earphones 2

Another model

I don't know the name.-->

3. Sound tuning in MIUI: codec, equalizer and special effects

Even after a successful connection, the sound may not work properly due to MIUI settings, for example, some firmware has the default Sound Amplifier mode activated, which distorts the bass, or a suboptimal Bluetooth codec selected, and let's look at the key parameters.

How to change the Bluetooth codec:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Name of your headphones → Sound.
3. Choose a Codec and try the options: AAC is a balanced quality (recommended for music). SBC is versatile but with less detail. LC3 is the new standard for low latency (there is a Buds 4 Pro and newer).

Equalizer setting:

MIUI 12+ has a built-in equalizer, but it's hidden.

1. Open the Music app (standard player from Xiaomi).
2. During playback, tap on the icon. ⚙️ Settings → equalizer.
3. Choose a preset (Bases, Rock, Classic) or set up the sliders manually.

⚠️ Attention: Do not disassemble headphones yourself, if they are warranty! Xiaomi uses adhesive joints and fragile plumes - after dismantling, the warranty is canceled.

If the headphones are in the water, even if they have IPX4/IPX5 protection, immediately:

1. Dry them for 24 hours (do not use a hair dryer or battery!).
2. Place in a bag with silica gel (eat in shoe boxes).
3. Do not turn it on until it is completely dry.

6. Update the firmware of headphones through Xiaomi Wear

In headphones Xiaomi 2021 release and later has the ability to update the firmware, which often solves problems with sound.

Step 1. Install the application:

• Download Xiaomi Wear (for Buds) or Mi Home (for AirDots) from Google Play or the App Store.
• Sign up or sign in through your Xiaomi account.

Step 2. Put the headphones on.

1. Open the app and click "Add device".
2. Select your headphone model from the list.
3. Follow the instructions on the mating screen.

Step 3. Update the firmware:

1. After connecting, go to the section of your headphones.
2. If an update is available, a “Firmware Update” notification will appear.
3. Click “Update” and wait until it’s finished (don’t turn off the headphones!).

⚠️ Attention: Don't interrupt the upgrade process! If the headphones turn off during the firmware phase, they may stop turning on.

After the update, check the sound. If the problem persists, try rolling back the firmware (if available in the app) or contact Xiaomi for support.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (for wired models)

If you have Xiaomi wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Earphones or Mi Hybrid Pro HD) but no audio, check out:

1. 3.5 mm or USB-C connector:

• 🔌 Make sure the plug is fully inserted into the socket (sometimes light swaying helps).
• 📱 On smartphones without a 3.5 mm connector (for example, Xiaomi) 11T Pro) use the adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm.
• 🔊 Check if the connector is contaminated (dust can block contacts).

The sound output settings:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound output.
2. Select Wired Headphones (if connected, but the sound goes through the speaker).

Verification on another device:

Connect your headphones to a laptop or other smartphone, and if there's no sound there, the problem is:

• 🎧 Breakage of the wire (most often at the base of the plug).
• 🔊 Membrane malfunctions (wheezing, lack of bass).
• 🔌 Break the connector (try another plug).

To diagnose a wire break, you can use a multimeter (ring the chain) or simply bend the wire in different places - if the sound appears / disappears, this confirms the cliff.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the sound in Xiaomi headphones