How to set up Xiaomi wireless headphones: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern wireless headphones have become the benchmark for price-performance, but their full functionality is often hidden from users who are limited to simple pairing. The correct initial calibration and choice of appropriate settings in the operating system allow you to unlock the potential of the audio device to 100%, providing deep bass and clean high frequencies.

In this article, we will examine in detail not only the process of connecting to Android and iOS smartphones, but also the subtleties of working with proprietary applications that control noise reduction and equalizer. Ignoring these steps can lead to the fact that you will use an expensive gadget only as a regular “plug” with mediocre sound.

Before you jump to the software part, make sure your headphones are fully charged, as the initial synchronization process and possible firmware update require a stable power source.The first turn on of new Xiaomi headphones often requires holding the touch zone for 5-7 seconds to exit transport mode.

Primary connection and interconnection of devices

The first connection process is the foundation for the continued stable operation of accessories. Unlike wired counterparts, Bluetooth headsets require precise protocol handshakes to avoid channel desynchronization in the future. First, remove the headphones from the charging case and wait until the indicators start flashing white or blue, which signals search mode.

On your smartphone, you need to activate the wireless module and go to the menu of available devices. If you are using the Xiaomi or Redmi ecosystem with a MIUI or HyperOS shell, the animation pop-up can appear automatically when you open the case cover next to the unlocked screen of the phone.

⚠️ Note: If two identical names appear in the list of available devices (e.g, AirDots_L and AirDots_R), This means that the headphones are out of sync with each other, so you have to reset them to the factory settings before you pair them again.

When connected to third-party smartphones such as Samsung or Honor, automatic animation will not appear, so you will need a manual search in the Bluetooth list. Once the connection is successful, the system can request permission to access contacts and call logs, which is necessary for the correct display of callers' names and voice assistant.

Use of Xiaomi Earbuds and Mi Wear app

Owners of new models such as Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds will need the Xiaomi Earbuds app, while older versions and fitness trackers will need the Mi Wear app (formerly Mi Fitness).

Once installed and authorized through Mi Account, the app will automatically identify the connected headphones and prompt them to update their software, a critical step as manufacturers often release patches that improve connection stability and active noise cancellation (ANC) algorithms.

Noise reduction mode set up

Case charge level checked

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The app interface gives you access to a fine touch control setting, so you can reassign the actions to double, triple or long-press, adapting them to your music listening habits or call management.

Customization of sound and equalizer

The quality of playback depends on the correct frequency settings. In the app menu or in the system settings of sound (Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound effects), a graphic equalizer is available. Standard presets like Pop or Rock may not take into account the individual characteristics of the hearing and acoustics of specific Xiaomi headphones.

It is recommended to use manual tuning mode, where you can independently adjust the bands of low, medium and high frequencies. For genres with a powerful bass, it is worth lifting sliders in the range of 60-250 Hz, and for vocal music - in the range of 1-4 kHz.

Many modern models support LDAC or AptX Adaptive technology, which provides high-resolution audio transmission. To activate this mode, you need to select the appropriate option in the Bluetooth settings (section “Audio Codecs”), if it is supported by a sound source.

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Use the Adaptive Sound feature in the app if available: it automatically changes the noise reduction mode depending on the level of ambient noise and the density of the earphone in the ear.

And remember, Monaural mode, which mixes stereo channels into one, is useful when listening to podcasts in noisy environments or if one of the headphones is temporarily out of use.

Noise reduction and transparency management

Flagship models are equipped with active noise reduction (ANC) systems that effectively cut off low-frequency hum of transport or air conditioners. Switching between Noise Reduction, Transparency and Off modes is usually done by long pressing on the leg of the earphone.

Transparency mode allows you to hear ambient sounds without removing the headphones from your ears, which is critical for safety when crossing the street or talking to the cashier. Some models allow you to adjust the external volume level, skipping only human speech.

In such situations, it is better to switch to transparency mode or turn off the ANC.

Table of compatibility and characteristics of codecs

Understanding supported codecs helps you choose the optimal balance between sound quality and battery life. Different Xiaomi models support different audio stream compression standards.

As you can see from the table, models that support LDAC or LHDC require a more powerful signal source to unlock the potential. Basic models work perfectly with the standard AAC codec, which is the main one for iOS devices.

When choosing a codec in your developer settings or in your Bluetooth menu, consider that high-resolution data transfer consumes battery power faster. If you care about autonomy over audiophile quality, choose SBC or AAC.

Solution and resetting of settings

During operation, there can be situations when one earphone stops sounding or the connection disappears, most often this is solved by completely cleaning the list of conjugated devices in the phone and then resetting the headphones to factory parameters.

To perform a hard reset, you usually need to place the headphones in the case, open the lid and pinch the touch zones or button on the case case for 10-15 seconds before changing the color of the indicator. The exact combination depends on the specific model, so it is worth checking the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting the settings, the headphones will “forget” all previously connected devices. You will have to re-do the procedure of pairing with the smartphone, as in the first purchase.

If the sound is quiet or gone, check the speaker grid for earwax, and often the problem is the banal contamination that blocks the acoustic channel, not the software error.

Also worth checking is the channel balance settings in the Special Features → Audiovisual on Android. A random shift of the balance slider to the left or right can create the illusion of a malfunction of one of the speakers.

Optimizing autonomy and care

Lithium polymer batteries in the case and the headphones themselves require proper handling to preserve the capacity. It is not recommended to leave the device discharged to zero for long-term storage, as this can lead to deep discharge and inability to charge.

To extend the operating time from a single charge, you can turn off the voice control (Google Assistant or Siri) if you are not using it, and also reduce the volume to a comfortable level of 60-70%.

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Regular cleaning of charging contacts on headphones with a dry cotton swab prevents problems with charging the case and increases the battery life.

Keep your headphones dry, avoiding direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Even having an IP54 certificate doesn't protect your device from steam in a sauna or being hit by a strong stream of water, so it's best to remove them in such conditions.