Why only one Xiaomi headphone works and how to fix it

The situation when only one module starts working from a pair of True Wireless headphones is one of the most common problems of users of the Xiaomi ecosystem. Often the left or right earphone loses communication with the main unit, stops playing sound or simply does not turn on, creating a feeling of breakdown of expensive equipment. However, in most cases this is not a hardware defect, but a software synchronization failure that can be fixed without contacting the service center.

The reasons for desynchronization can be diverse, from the banal discharge of one of the modules to conflicts Bluetooth protocol in the operating system of the smartphone. firmware failures often occur after updating the phone OS or a sudden break in the connection during playback media files. It is important to understand that modern TWS-Headsets are complex microcomputers that require the right algorithm to enable and pair.

In this article, we will take a look at all the steps in diagnosing and restoring your headset, how to perform a full reset, how to re-pair correctly, and when to suspect a physical battery or speaker malfunction. Follow the instructions consistently to return stereo to your headphones.

Primary diagnostics and charge check

Before you start to manipulate the software in a complex way, you have to rule out the most obvious reasons. Often, one of the headphones just runs out and goes into deep sleep while the other one keeps working. Place both modules in a charging case and leave them there for at least 30-40 minutes, even if the indicators show that they are charged.

Pay attention to the contact areas, which can accumulate oxidation or dust, which prevents the normal charging of one of the modules, carefully wipe the contacts with a dry lilaless cloth or a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Poor contact is a common reason that one earphone does not receive energy and does not turn on.

⚠️ Note: Do not use wet wipes with an alcohol content of less than 70% or water to clean contacts, as moisture can get inside the case and cause a short circuit.

After charging, try to remove the headphones at the same time. If the problem persists, check if the device is locked in the system. Go to your smartphone's Bluetooth settings, find a list of paired devices, and remove your headset from the phone's memory. This is a must-have for a clean re-adjustment to begin.

Complete Reset (Hard Reset)

The most effective way to solve the problem of desynchronization is to completely reset the settings to the factory. This process causes the headphones to “forget” each other and previous connections, forcing them to recreate a single pair. The procedure may differ slightly for different Xiaomi and Redmi models, but the general principle remains the same.

Put both earbuds in the charge case and open the lid. Find the function button on the case case case (usually located on the back or between the headphone compartments). Press and hold this button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes white or orange at a certain rhythm. If there is no button on the case, try touching the touch zones on both headphones at the same time and hold for about 5 seconds.

After a successful reset, the indicators should go out or change the blinking mode, signaling readiness to pair, at which point the headphones should automatically find each other. If you hear a voice message "Pairing" or see a rapid flashing of indicators, then the mode (conjugation) is activated.

Re-coupling with the device

Now you need to reconnect the headset to your phone. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and start looking for new devices. It's important not to connect to the headphones as soon as they appear on the list. First, make sure that both modules are synchronized with each other.

Remove both earbuds from the case. They should start flashing. If one flashes and the other doesn't, put them back and reset. If both blink, find your model name (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) on the Bluetooth list and click on it. Successful connection will be confirmed by an audible signal and the level of charge of both headphones on the phone screen.

It can sometimes be helpful to reset the network settings on the smartphone itself if the problem lies in the cache of the Bluetooth protocol Android or iOS. Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. This action will delete all stored networks and devices, but often solves problems with connection stability.

Specifics of the Mi Home and Xiaomi Earbuds application

For owners of the original Xiaomi and Redmi ecosystem devices, using the proprietary Mi Home app or the specialized Xiaomi Earbuds (available via APK or Mi Store) is extremely useful, these utilities allow not only to track the charge, but also to update the firmware of the headphones, which often fixes communication bugs.

If one earphone is behind in volume or loses communication often, check for updates in the application. Unstable firmware can cause channels to become desynchronized. Connect your headphones to your phone, open the app, select your device, and find the Firmware Update, a process that takes a few minutes to open the case or turn off Bluetooth.

The app also has a headphone search feature that can help determine if the phone is seeing the second module, even if there is no sound from it.If the app shows the charge of both headphones, but the sound comes from only one, the problem is most likely in the software distribution of the audio stream.

Removing hardware problems and cleaning

If software methods didn't work, it's worth considering the physical reasons: the sulfur and dust that accumulates on the speaker grid can completely block the sound, creating the illusion of a breakage. Carefully examine the speaker grid of the "non-working" earpiece. Use a soft toothbrush or a special sticky tape for cleaning.

Also check the microphone. TWS-In headphones, one module is a master (transmits sound), and the second is a plume (receives a signal from the master). If the master earpiece is defective or its microphone is closed with dirt, the second earpiece may be silent. Try making a call and closing the microphones in turn to see which one is transmitting the sound.

Another reason could be battery wear, and if one headphone lasts 10 minutes and the other 3 hours, the battery in the first one has degraded, and then software reset won't help, you'll need to change the battery or buy a new module.

When service repairs are needed

There are situations where self-repair is not possible. If after all the reset, flashing and cleaning procedures, one earphone still does not turn on or make sounds, there is probably a failure of the internal components, it can be a plume break, oxidation of the board or death of the battery.

Warranty is an option, but it only works if there is no trace of mechanical damage or moisture. If you drop an earphone or drown with it in the pool, the service center may refuse free repairs, in which case it is sometimes cheaper to buy one earphone in the secondary market (donor) than to pay for expensive repairs.

⚠️ Attention: Self-opening of the headphone case almost always leads to loss of warranty and high risk of damaging the fragile membranes of the speakers.

If you decide to contact the service, be sure to bring a charging case and both headphones. Engineers will need to check the pair in the complex, as the problem may be in the case itself, which incorrectly charges or synchronizes modules.

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When buying used Xiaomi headphones, always check their sync before paying. Often sell kits where one module is already "dying" or has battery problems.

Prevention of desynchronization

To prevent the problem of "only one earpiece" from returning, you should follow simple rules of operation. Always put the headphones in the case after use. Do not leave them discharged for a long time, as the deep discharge of lithium polymer batteries is harmful.

Try not to drop the case and the headphones themselves. The blows can disrupt soldering inside the miniature case. It is also recommended to periodically (once a month) perform a full charge-discharge cycle and reset to clear the device's memory cache.

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Regularly cleaning the charging contacts and updating the firmware on time through the Mi Home app prevents 90% of communication problems between the headphones.

Compliance with these recommendations will prolong your life. TWS-headphones and provide stable stereo sound throughout the service life.