Xiaomi’s right-hand earphone works quieter than the left: 12 reasons and step-by-step solutions

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi headphones have a quieter right speaker than the left? This problem is common for many users, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. The difference in volume can manifest as a barely noticeable imbalance, and as a complete "loss" of sound in one of the channels. In 80% of cases, the problem can be fixed on your own, but it is important to correctly diagnose its source.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible causes, from simple errors in smartphone settings to hardware malfunctions. You’ll learn how to check headphones for defects, what Bluetooth parameters affect sound, and when to contact the service center. And for owners of Xiaomi/Earbuds with support for LDAC or AAC, we have prepared separate recommendations for optimizing sound.

Before you start repairing, answer two questions: 1 does the problem appear with only one source device (for example, only with a Xiaomi 13T smartphone, but not with a laptop)? 2 does the imbalance persist when listening to different tracks or only specific frequencies (for example, bass)?

1. Checking basic settings: why a smartphone can "mut down" the right channel

Start by eliminating software errors. In 30 percent of cases, the volume difference is not due to the headphones, but to the audio balance settings in the operating system. On MIUI and Android, these settings can be lost after updates or when you connect to new devices.

Open Settings → Sound → Stereo Balance (some versions of MIUI may have different paths: Special features → Audio settings). Check if the slider moves to the left, which artificially reduces the volume of the right channel. If there is no such item, use a universal method:

• 📱 Install the SoundAssistant app (available on Google Play) and check the balance in the Volume Monitor section».
• 🎧 Connect your headphones to another device (like your iPhone or MacBook) If the imbalance is gone, your Xiaomi settings are a problem.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and headphones (for the first time) TWS-Put them in a case for 10 seconds, then pull them out).

Important: On some MIUI firmware (especially on Redmi Note 10/11), the balance bug appears after Dolby Atmos mode is activated. Try turning it off in Settings → Sound → Sound Effects.

2. Software failures: When Bluetooth or firmware is to blame

If the right earbud is quieter after updating MIUI or firmware headphones — this is a classic sign of software conflict, especially with models that support LDHC (high resolution codecs from Xiaomi).

Here are the key symptoms of a software failure:

• 🔊 The imbalance only appears when played via Bluetooth, but disappears when connected via cable (for hybrid models).
• 📱 The problem occurs with only one source device (e.g. Poco smartphone). X5, but not with an iPad).
• 🔄 After resetting the headphone settings (via Forget the device in Bluetooth), the sound is temporarily leveled off.

For diagnosis, follow the following steps:

1. Remove headphones from the list of conjugate devices on your smartphone (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Forget it).
2. Reset the headphones to factory settings (for most Xiaomi models: hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the red light flashes).
3. Update the firmware of the headphones through the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (available on Google Play and AppGallery).
4. Turn off the Absolute Volume option in Bluetooth settings (on some devices it is called Media Volume Synchronization).

Remove the device from Bluetooth |Reset the headphones to factory settings |Refresh the firmware through Xiaomi Earbuds |Deactivate "Absolute Volume" |Try connect to another device-->

Critical information: On the headphones Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and Buds 4 Pro bug with sound imbalance was officially confirmed in firmware version 4.7.0.12 and below. Update to 4.7.0.14+ through the Xiaomi Earbuds app — this solves the problem in 95% of cases.

Hardware malfunctions: when a speaker or chip needs to be replaced

If all the software methods have been tried and the right earbud is still quieter, it's probably physical damage.

For self-diagnosis:

1. Illuminate the speaker with a flashlight into the grille - visible particles of dust or pile indicate clogging.
2. Shake the earpiece next to the ear: if you hear the noise of rolling particles, it is a sign of debris getting inside.
3. Connect your headphones to your PC and check the sound through Audacity (record the test signal from each channel separately).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones are warranty, don't disassemble them yourself! Opening the case will void warranty obligations. Contact an authorized service center with a check and a box.

4. Features of models: why Buds 4 Pro and AirDots 3 are weaker right channel

Some Xiaomi models have design features that make the right earphone sound quieter.

• 🎵 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: Use dual speakers (low frequency) + high frequency), and when one of them is damaged, the imbalance becomes noticeable.
• 🔋 Redmi AirDots 3: Have a weak battery in the right earphone, which leads to volume dips when the discharge is below 30%.
• 📡 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: in the right earphone is the main Bluetooth module, and with a weak signal, it can “save” power.

For owners of Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro there is a special test:

1. Activate LDHC mode in the settings of the Xiaomi Earbuds app.
2. Turn on a track with clearly separated stereo channels (e.g., a test signal).
3. If the right channel sounds quieter only at high frequencies, the problem is in the high-frequency dynamics.

External factors: moisture, magnets and electromagnetic interference

Few people know, but to sound. TWS-The headphones are affected by the environment:

• 💧 Moisture: After sweating or rain, the contacts on the right headphone board oxidize (it is more often used for control, so it heats up more strongly).
• 🧲 Magnets: If you store headphones next to powerful magnets (such as in a powerbank bag), it can demagnetize the speaker.
• 📶 Interference: In the subway or near microwaves, the Bluetooth signal weakens, and the right earphone (usually the lead) begins to “save” energy.

To rule out these factors:

1. Dry your headphones in rice or silica gel for 12–24 hours (do not use a hair dryer!).
2. Check the sound in different locations: if the imbalance disappears in a quiet room, the interference is to blame.
3. Make sure that there are no foreign metal objects (clips, coins) in the case.

💡

If Xiaomi headphones get wet, DO NOT turn them on right away! Put them in a dry place for 48 hours, then charge. In 70% of cases, this saves speakers from corrosion.

6.When to contact the service: signs of irreparable breakdowns

There are symptoms in which self-repair is impossible or impractical:

• 🔇 Complete absence of sound in the right earphone (even after resetting).
• 🔥 Visible traces of burning or melting on the board (at opening).
• 🔋 Fast discharge of the right earphone (less than 1 hour of operation).
• 🎛️ Sound distortions similar to a “teared” signal (a sign of damage to the Bluetooth module).

The cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers (in Russia for 2026):

Important: If the headphones are warranty, repairs will be free of charge when you confirm a factory defect.

1. Save the check and the box.
2. Do not open the body yourself.
3. Please contact the official service center with your passport.

💡

The Xiaomi headphone warranty is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, but does not cover damage from moisture or mechanical stress.Always check the warranty card before visiting the service!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the sound imbalance in Xiaomi headphones