How to activate Xiaomi headphones correctly: the full guide

Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and the Mijia ecosystem often come in transport mode, requiring initial user activation. Many owners face a situation where the device does not appear in the list of available gadgets for connection, which is puzzling. This is not a breakdown, but standard protection from battery self-discharge during long-term storage in warehouses.

The activation process can vary significantly depending on the model, whether it’s classic AirDots, advanced Redmi Buds or Mi Headphones overhead. The key here is understanding the difference between power on and pairing mode. Ignoring this nuance is the most common reason why the gadget remains “invisible” to a smartphone.

In this article, we will take a look at all the existing ways to launch accessories, from mechanical film extraction to the use of specialized software, you will learn how to correctly interpret color indications and what to do if standard methods do not work.

⚠️ Note: If your headphones were purchased from hand or are refurbished, the activation procedure may differ from the factory one, as the initial start may have already been performed by the previous owner.

Mechanical activation and primary start

The most common scenario for new devices is that they have protective isolation on the charging contacts inside the case or on the headphones themselves. Manufacturers use special films or cardboard inserts that physically open the power chain. Until you remove this cell, the battery will not start charging, and the device will not turn on.

Carefully examine the inside of the charging case. In models like Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, there is often a thin transparent film on metal patches. It must be carefully removed. After that, when you place the headphones in the case and close the lid, you should see a light-up LED indicator signaling the start of charging.

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If the case indicator does not light up after the film is removed, wipe the contacts with dry soft cloth - they could remain factory fat or oxides that prevent contact.

Some models require a long "rocking" battery, if the device has been in storage for more than six months, the lithium-ion cell could go into a deep discharge, in which case leave the case with the headphones on charge for at least 30-40 minutes, even if the indicator does not burn immediately, only after that you can try to activate them through the touch panels or buttons.

• 🔍 Visually check for protective stickers on contacts inside the case.
• 🔌 Connect the charging cable and make sure the light indicator reaction.
• ⏳ Leave the device on charge for 30 minutes before the first attempt to turn on.
• 🧹 Wipe the contacts with an alcohol wipe if charging does not go.

Mode pairing: how to make headphones visible

Once the device is powered, it needs to be put into airing mode. Many users mistakenly believe that simply removing the headphones from the case is enough for the first connection, but this does not always work.

In most Redmi and Mi touch-controlled models, the pairing mode is activated by prolonged retention of touch zones. Usually, you need to remove both earphones from the case and hold the touch panels with your fingers for 5-7 seconds. The indicators should start flashing white often, which means that you are ready to connect.

For models with a physical button on the case, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, the procedure is even easier. Open the charger case lid without removing the headphones, and press the setting button located on the case case case case. The indicator on the front will start flashing, signaling that the Bluetooth module is broadcasting the signal.

⚠️ Warning: Do not press noise reduction or music control buttons instead of pairing buttons – this may change mode but will not start device search.

If the automatic connection is not happening, check the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone. Make sure the wireless module is on and visible to other devices. Sometimes it helps to reboot the Bluetooth service on your phone: turn it off and turn it back on in the notification curtain.

• 👆 Hold the sensory areas. 5-7 seconds before the indicator flashes quickly.
• 🔘 Use the button on the case (if any) with the lid open.
• 📱 Update the list of available devices in your phone settings.

Use of Xiaomi Earbuds and Mi Home

For full activation of functionality, especially in models of medium and high price segment, it is strongly recommended to use proprietary software. the Xiaomi Earbuds application (or Mi Home for ecosystem devices) allows not only to connect headphones, but also to update their built-in software (firmware), which often solves problems with connection stability.

Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. When you first start, the app will prompt you to find new devices nearby. If the headphones are in pairing mode, they will show up in the image and charge level interface. By clicking "Plug in," you initiate the final activation of the device profile.

The app also has sensor calibration and gesture tuning, and without this initial software activation, some features, such as adaptive noise cancellation or low latency in games, may not be available, and it is through the app that you can reset your headphones to factory settings if activation is incorrect.

Activation of wired and overhead models

With wired models like Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro or gaming headsets, the situation is simpler, but also has its nuances. It does not require a pairing mode, but the microphone and control buttons in the Android operating system may require activation. USB-audio-access.

When connecting wired headphones with a Type-C connector or through an adapter OTG, Android system may request permission to use USB-Accessory. You have to press OK or Allow in the system dialog that appears, and without that, the sound can go, but the microphone and the control buttons won't work.

For overhead Bluetooth models, such as Mi Headphones Comfort 2, activation is often tied to a combination of buttons. Usually you need to hold the power button for about 7 seconds. First, the headphones will turn on (voice assistant or audio signal), and then you will go into search mode as you hold them. It is important not to release the button after the first signal, but to wait for the frequency of the indicator to change.

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For wired models, the quality of the adapter is critical: cheap Type-C adapters for 3.5 mm may not have a DAC (DAC), which makes activation of sound in digital headphones impossible.

In some cases, gaming headsets require drivers or special software on a PC to activate virtual surround sound 7.1. This is done through the Mi Gaming Headset utility on the computer. Without this step, the headphones will work in normal stereo mode.

• 🎧 Confirm the system's request for use USB-accessory when connected.
• 🔋 Hold the power button for 7 seconds to go into pairing mode.
• 💻 Use PC to activate advanced features of game models.

Resetting and Reactivation

If the headphones don’t activate, freeze, or the phone sees them as “Le Mono” (only one channel), you need to reset to the factory settings (Hard Reset), which cleans the pairing memory and returns the device to the “out of the box” state, allowing you to re-activate.

The most universal way to discharge for TWS-Xiaomi models: place both headphones in a case, make sure they charge. Then press and hold the touch zones on both headphones simultaneously for a period of time. 20-30 The indicators should flash several times (usually red or orange) and then go out or light up white.

For models with a button on the case (for example, AirDots 3 Pro), the method is different: put the headphones in the case, open the lid and press the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes orange. Then close the lid and wait 10 seconds. Now you can repeat the pairing process as with a new device.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, the headphones can automatically connect to the last known phone. Before activating again, be sure to select "Forget the device" in your smartphone's Bluetooth settings.

Solving Common Problems During Activation

Even if all instructions are followed, there can be technical difficulties. One of the common problems is desynchronizing the channels when only one earpiece is running. This is treated with re-activation: put both earphones in the case, close the lid, then open and quickly press the sensors 5 times in a row (the specific combination can depend on the model, often it is 4 or 5 taps).

Another problem is the invisibility of the device for all phones except one, which means that the headphones have "remembered" the old device and try to connect to it in the background, ignoring new requests, the solution is one: turn off Bluetooth on the old device or remove the headphones from its memory, then re-enter the pairing mode.

If nothing works, check the compatibility of Bluetooth versions. Older headphone models may not work properly with the latest Android 14/15 or iOS 17 without a firmware update. In such cases, try connecting them to a device with an older version of the OS for initial activation and update, and then pair with the main phone.

• 🔄 Perform a Hard Reset by holding sensors or case buttons.
• 🗑️ Remove the device from the memory of all previously connected gadgets.
• 📡 Check if antivirus or privacy settings block Bluetooth search.