One Xiaomi headphone is quieter than another: reasons and 12 working ways to fix

You listen to music or watch videos, but you notice that one Xiaomi earphone sounds quieter than another, the difference can be subtle or critical, until the sound is completely lost in one of the speakers, a problem that occurs in both wired models (Mi Basic, Mi Sports) and wireless models (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds), causes ranging from banal smartphone settings to serious hardware breakdowns.

In 80% of cases, uneven volume is eliminated by software methods — just reset the settings or clean the connector. But if the problem is a damaged speaker or a wire break, you will need repair. In this article, we will discuss all possible scenarios: From diagnostics to step-by-step repair, you'll learn how to check the headphones on another device, get the sound balance back in the settings. MIUI, When to carry the gadget to the service center.

Why one Xiaomi headphone has become quieter than another: 5 main reasons

Before you start repairing, it is important to understand the root of the problem. Here are the most common causes of volume imbalance in Xiaomi headphones:

• 🎧 Software failure: errors in the firmware of the smartphone, downed sound settings or application conflict (especially relevant for the user). MIUI 12-14).
• 🔌 Connector contamination: dust, moisture or oxidation of contacts in a 3.5 mm connector or USB-C port.
• 🔊 Hardware damage: wire break (for wired models), speaker or microphone failure (for wired models) TWS-headphone).
• 📱 Device incompatibility: Some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) have trouble balancing sound when connecting to older smartphones.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: In wireless headphones, one of the modules can discharge faster, leading to lower volume.

Interesting fact: Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 have a factory defect, which is the uneven distribution of sound due to a defect in the speaker membrane, and if your model is in that batch, the only solution is to replace it with a warranty.

Diagnosis of the problem: how to determine the cause

Before you take apart your headphones or reset your phone, make a simple diagnosis that will help narrow down the possible causes.

1. Check it on another device. Connect your headphones to another smartphone, tablet or PC. If the volume difference persists, the problem is with the headphones. If it disappears, it's your Xiaomi fault.
2. Change sides. Put the plug in the jack in reverse (if possible). If the "quiet" earphone is loud and the "loud" is quiet, it's the faulty contacts.
3. Test the microphone. TWS-You can use headphones like the Redmi Buds 3 Pro to connect the microphone and the speaker, and you can call someone and see if they hear you equally well from both headphones.
4. Look at the indicators. In wireless models, one of the headphones can flash red, which is a signal of low charge or a connection error.

If you’re using a Xiaomi Buds 4 or a new model, look at the Mi Earphones app, which shows the charge level of each headphone separately – a difference of more than 20% can cause a sound imbalance.

Software solutions: settings of the smartphone and headphones

Most of the time, the problem is solved without disassembling the devices, and let's start with the simplest of methods.

1. resetting the sound balance in MIUI

In the firmware MIUI There's a hidden balance setting between the left and right earphones to find it:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Slip on sound quality and effects (in some versions – Additional settings).
3. Select the Balance of Sound and move the slider to the middle.

If there is no sound balance, try an alternative method:

Settings → Special features → Hearing settings → Mono-sound balance

2. Update to the headphone firmware

For TWS-Xiaomi headphones (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 or Xiaomi Buds) 3T) Firmware updates are coming out regularly to fix sound bugs:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play.
2. Put the headphones on the phone.
3. Open the application and go to the Firmware Update section.
4. If a new version is available, click Update.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the refresh process! If the headphones run out or the connection is interrupted, they may stop turning on. Charge them to 100% before starting.

3. Resetting headphone settings

If Xiaomi headphones start playing quieter after connecting to another device, reset their settings:

• For TWS-models: put both headphones in the case, press the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
• For wired: disconnect them from your phone, wait 30 seconds and reconnect.

After reset, you will have to reconnect the headphones in Bluetooth settings.

Hardware solutions: cleaning, repair, replacement

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is the hardware. Let's look at the most common hardware malfunctions and how to fix them.

1. Cleaning connector and contacts

Dust, moisture or oxidation in a 3.5 mm connector or USB-C They can cause bad contact:

• 🧹 Use a toothpick or cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 🔦 Illuminate the connector with a flashlight - there should be no foreign objects inside.
• 💨 Blow the connector with compressed air (for example, a canister to clean the keyboard).

For TWS-Headphones (Redmi Buds 4, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) pay special attention to charging contacts in the case. Oxidation here leads to uneven charging and, as a result, different volumes.

Wire repair (for wired models)

Xiaomi Mi Basic or Mi Sports headphones often rub the wire at the base of the plug or speaker to check:

• 🔍 Examine the wire for creases or scuffs.
• 🎵 Bend the wire in different places while playing music – if the sound appears/disappears, it confirms the break.

The temporary solution is to lock the wire with a tape, and the complete repair will require:

1. Cut the wire at the cliff.
2. Clean and weld the contacts again.
3. Insulate the repair site with a shrink tube.

⚠️ Warning: If you've never soldered, you'd better take your headphones to the service.

3. Replacement of speaker or membranes

If one of Xiaomi's speakers is wheezing, distorting, or becoming significantly quieter, the membrane may have been damaged.

• 🔧 For wired headphones (for example, Mi Hybrid) you can replace the speaker yourself by buying a spare part on AliExpress.
• 🏥 For TWS-Repair of models (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds) is more difficult - a soldering iron and experience with microelectronics are required.

The cost of replacing the speaker in the service: from 500 to 1500 rubles, depending on the model.

Specific problems for Xiaomi wireless headphones

TWS-Headphones (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds) have unique problems that are not found in wired models:

1. Different level of charge of headphones

If one earphone discharges faster, it leads to automatic volume reduction.

• 🔋 Check the contacts in the case – they may be contaminated or bent.
• 🔄 Reset the headphones to factory settings (press the button on the case for 15 seconds).
• 📱 Update the firmware through the Mi Earphones app.

Problems with synchronization

Sometimes the headphones connect to the phone separately, which causes an imbalance, so that they can sync.

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Close the lid for 10 seconds.
3. Get your headphones out – they should connect automatically.

If that doesn’t work, remove the headphones from the Bluetooth device list and reconnect.

3.Dumping through the engineering menu

For Xiaomi Buds models 3/4 and Redmi Buds. 3 Pro has a hidden engineering menu to get there:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open the Mi Earphones app.
3. Slip 5 times according to the firmware version (in the section About headphones).
4. Select Reset and confirm the reset.

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If the headphones don’t connect after reset, try connecting them manually: press the button on the case for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white, then find them in the list of Bluetooth devices.

When to contact the service center

Not all problems can be solved on their own, but here are some cases where you should consult a professional:

• 🔊 Complete absence of sound in one of the headphones after falling or getting moisture.
• 🔥 Extraneous noise (cracking, hissing) even after cleaning and resetting settings.
• 🔋 Quick discharge of one of the headphones (if the battery replacement did not help).
• 🛠️ Damage to the body (cracks, chips), which can lead to moisture.

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia:

• 📍 Moscow: Tverskaya str., 12 (in the shopping center "Okhotry Ryadh").
• 📍 St. Petersburg: Nevsky Prospect, 28 (Mi Store store).
• 📍 Regions: addresses can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service.

Average cost of diagnosis: 300-500 If the headphones are warranty (usually) 12 months, the repair will be free of charge.

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Before visiting the service, make a backup copy of the smartphone data - sometimes a reset is required for diagnosis.

Prevention: How to avoid problems in the future

To make Xiaomi headphones last longer and do not lose volume, follow these recommendations:

• 🧼 Regularly clean the connectors and speakers with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 🔌 Avoid wire bending – keep the headphones in a case or hanger.
• 💧 Do not use in wet conditions (such as rain or swimming pool) if the model is not protected. IPX4 higher.
• 📵 Do not drop wireless headphones – even from a height of 1 meter it can damage the speaker.
• 🔋 Charge correctly: Use the original cable and don't leave your headphones on charge for more than 24 hours.

For TWS-Headphones (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds) are especially important to monitor contacts in the case, oxidation here is the main cause of uneven charging and, as a result, different volumes.

Important: in models Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer uses technology ANC (Active noise cancellation, which can create the illusion of different volumes. ANC In the settings, if you notice an imbalance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the uneven volume of Xiaomi headphones