Modern wireless headphones from the Xiaomi brand and its sub-brands such as Redmi and Poco often come in the TWS format, where each module works independently. However, when you first turn on or after a communication break, users often face a situation where devices stop “seeing” each other or broadcast sound in only one ear, in which case you need to force the Xiaomi headphones to sync with each other to restore the stereo pair.
The process of restoring communication depends on the specific model and version of the firmware installed on the accessory. Usually the problem lies in the desynchronization of Bluetooth modules inside the case, when the left and right channels “forget” each other.
It's important to understand that synchronization is not the same as just pairing with a smartphone. It's the internal process of pairing the left and right modules of the headset. If you ignore this step, the device can work in mono mode or create echoes. Below we'll look at universal methods that are suitable for most models of the brand.
Preparation for the synchronization procedure
Before you start to act, you need to make sure that all the components of the system are ready to work. The battery charge in the case and the headphones themselves should be sufficient, since at low energy, the Bluetooth module can behave unstable or turn off during the setup process. Put the headset in the charging case for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicators indicate a charge.
The next critical step is to clean the list of paired devices in your smartphone’s memory. While the phone remembers the old settings, it may try to connect to one of the modules as a stand-alone device, preventing you from creating a stereo pair. Go to Bluetooth settings, find your model in the list (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2), and select the option “Forget the device” or “Delete”.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, make sure that the smartphone is completely off Bluetooth.This will prevent automatic connection during the reset process.
Also worth checking is the contact pads. If there is dust or oxidation on the metal contacts of the headphones or inside the case, the charging may not go and the device will not realize that it is in the case.
☑️ Preparation for synchronization
Universal method of discharge through the case
Most modern Xiaomi and Redmi models use a single reset logic to re-sync, which is relevant if your headset has a physical button on the case of the charger or touch area. First place both headphones in the case and leave the lid open.
Press the function button on the case and hold it for 10-15 seconds. The status indicator should start flashing a certain color (most often white or orange), signaling the transition to pairing mode. If there is no button on the case, try simultaneously touching the touch zones on both headphones while they are in the case (if the model supports this function).
What to do if the indicator does not flash?
Once the lights are flashing, close the case cover for 5-10 seconds, and then open it again. Now the headphones must automatically find each other. This is usually confirmed by the flashing of the indicators on the headphones themselves or changing the color of the case glow, only after that you can turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and search for the device again.
For models without a button on the case, such as some versions of the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, the procedure may be different. You will need to remove both headphones from the case. Then quickly press 5 times on the touch panels of both headphones at the same time. The device must emit an audible signal or a squeak confirming the entry into reconnection mode.
Synchronization of Redmi and Mi models with touch control
Touch-controlled devices like the Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 often require a specific sequence of taps to reset. Because there may not be a physical button on the body, all logic is tied to touch controllers. Make sure the headphones are charged, as a discharged battery may not respond to touch.
Remove both earbuds from the case. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone. Press and hold the touchpads on both earbuds simultaneously for 20 seconds. You have to wait until the lights blink 2-3 times red or white, and then go out. That means that the reset has been successfully completed.
There is also an alternative method for some firmware versions: four-press. Quickly tap the touch area of the left earphone 4 times, then immediately do the same with the right. After that, put them back in the case, close the lid and open again in a minute. The headphones should start blinking, waiting for the connection.
| Model headphones | Type of management | Action for discharge | Indication of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | The button on the case | Hold 10 seconds. | Orange blinking |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | Sensor/Kays | 5 touches or button | White flashing |
| Redmi AirDots S | Sensor | Hold 20 seconds. | Red flashing |
| Poco Buds Pro | The button on the case | Hold 10 seconds. | Green flashing |
After the action, be sure to check the sound. If the music is only playing in one ear, repeat the procedure, paying special attention to simultaneity of pressing. Sometimes it takes several attempts to make the timers on both modules coincide.
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Use the Xiaomi Earbuds app to check the charge level of each headphone separately – this will help you to understand whether they are synchronized correctly.
Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app to customize
For Android smartphone owners, especially the Xiaomi ecosystem, it is strongly recommended to use the specialized Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly known as Mi True Wireless), which allows you not only to manage the settings of the equalizer, but also to force the firmware of the headphones, which often solves the problems of desynchronization at the software level.
Download the app from Google Play or install it APK-Connect your headphones to your phone as normal. If the app detects a device, it will prompt you to update firmware. The firmware update is a powerful tool that overwrites the internal algorithms of Bluetooth modules, eliminating software errors in communication.
Inside the app, you can also have a "Find Headphones" or "Reset" feature that automatically executes all the necessary commands to reconnect left and right channels, which is much more convenient than manually counting the seconds of holding the buttons.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process and keep the headphones close to the smartphone. Breaking the connection during data recording can lead to complete failure of the device.
If the app doesn’t see the headphones or shows an error, try clearing the app’s cache in your Android settings. Go to Settings → Apps → Xiaomi Earbuds → Memory → Clear the cache, and then restart the program.
Problem Solving: Only one headphone works
The situation where after all the manipulations, the sound comes from only one channel is the most common, which means that the left and right modules are not connected to a single network, often because the phone connected to one of the headphones as a separate device, ignoring the second.
To fix, complete a full cleaning cycle. Remove the device from the phone's Bluetooth list. Turn off the Bluetooth on the phone. Put the headphones in the case. Press and hold the buttons (or sensors) until the indicators are completely quenched (about 30 seconds). This will force the modules to turn off.
Get the headphones out. They should start blinking fast, looking for each other. Don't rush to turn on Bluetooth on your phone. Give them 10-15 seconds to establish internal communication. Only when the blinking pattern changes (it gets slower or color changes), turn on the search on your smartphone.
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The main secret of success is to give headphones 10-15 seconds after extracting from the case so that they find each other before connecting to the phone.
If that doesn't work, try connecting your headphones to another device (like a tablet or laptop), and if the stereo is working, it's a problem with your main smartphone's Bluetooth cache, and then completely resetting the network settings on your phone will help.
Technical features and frequent errors
Not only can the user's actions be the cause of the failure, but external factors can also cause the synchronization failure: interference from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves or other Bluetooth devices can interrupt the handshake between modules. Try to set up away from high-power sources.
Another common mistake is trying to synchronize headphones of different models or batches. Xiaomi headphones of different generations (such as AirDots 1 and AirDots 2) can not work in pair, even if they look similar.
Also worth considering is the Bluetooth version. If your smartphone only supports the old Bluetooth 4.0 standard, and headphones require 5.0 for some synchronization functions to work, there may be disruptions. However, the basic audio transmission must work. Check your phone's specifications.
In rare cases, hard discharge helps. Leave the headphones off the case on for 2-3 hours until they are completely discharged and turned off. Then put them in the case to fully charge. This resets the power controller errors.