How to connect wireless headphones to the phone Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO

Modern smartphones of the Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO brands are equipped with powerful wireless modules that allow instantaneous transmission of high-quality sound. However, the first pairing process often raises questions among users, especially when switching from a wired headset or changing the manufacturer of accessories. The correct setting of Bluetooth connection is not just to turn on the tumbler, but a set of actions that ensure the stable operation of the audio device.

In this tutorial, we will discuss all the nuances of the interaction of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system with external audio devices. You will learn how to activate search mode, why the phone may not see the headphones and what hidden codec settings are available to advanced users.

Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that the accessories are physically ready to work. Most wireless models require pre-activation of the pairing mode, which is often different from simply turning on the power. Ignoring this stage is the most common reason why the device remains invisible to the smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure your headphones are charged at least 20-30% Low battery power can cause the radio module to work in an unstable manner and interrupt the device search process.

Preparation of headphones for pairing

The first and most important step is to put the headset into detection mode, and many users mistakenly believe that it's easy to turn on the device, but it's not enough to connect it for the first time. The mechanics of work from different accessories manufacturers may differ, so it's important to know the features of your model.

Full-size overheads or neckband headsets usually require a long hold on the power button. You need to press the power button for 5-7 seconds, do not let it go after turning on. The indicator should start flashing red and blue alternately or quickly flashing white, which signals the transition to Pairing Mode mode.

With true-wireless models (all wireless), the situation is a little more complicated due to the lack of physical buttons on the headphones themselves. In most cases, you need to remove both headphones from the case and, if they do not connect automatically, touch touch the touch areas or pinch the mechanical controls on both devices simultaneously. Some models, such as AirDots or Haylou, enter search mode immediately after being removed from the charging case, unless they were previously associated with another phone.

  • 🎧 Press the switch on 5-7 seconds before the rapid flashing of the indicator.
  • 🔄 For TWS-Models often require double touching of the touchpad or sensor retention.
  • 🔋 Check that the case and the headphones themselves have sufficient charge for the radio module to work.
  • 📱 Make sure the headphones aren’t connected to another smartphone nearby, as they can automatically connect to the latest device.
What if the indicator does not flash blue/red?
If the light is flat or flashing slowly, the device is in normal operation rather than search mode. Try turning off the headphones completely and repeat the procedure of pressing the button, holding it longer than usual (up to 10 seconds).

Activation of Bluetooth on smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO

After the accessory is ready, we move on to the smartphone settings. The interface of the MIUI and HyperOS shells has its own features, but the basic algorithm of actions is the same for all models, whether it is a budget Redmi Note or the flagship Xiaomi 14. Access to the management of wireless modules can be obtained in two main ways.

The fastest method is to use a notification curtain. Swipe down from top to bottom to open the control panel, and find the Bluetooth icon. If the icon is grey, press it once to activate. To move to advanced settings, press and hold your finger on this icon for 1-2 seconds. This action will immediately open the wireless device management menu.

An alternative path is through the main system settings menu. Find the Settings icon on your desktop. In the list that opens, look for the “Bluetooth” section, which is usually located at the top of the menu or inside the Connect and Sharing category. In newer versions of the firmware, the path may look like Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth.

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Using a notification curtain to quickly navigate to Bluetooth settings saves time and allows you to instantly respond to pairing requests.

Make sure the switch at the top of the screen is activated. The system can request location permission to operate the device scanner — a standard Android requirement for correct peripheral search. Allow access if a request appears.

The process of searching and connecting the device

When the module is activated, the smartphone starts scanning the surrounding space, a list of available devices will appear on the screen, and if your headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator flashes quickly), they should appear in the list of “Available devices” or “New devices”.

Tap the name of your headset on the list. At that point, handshake protocols will start, where phones exchange encryption keys. A pop-up window may appear on the screen asking for confirmation of pairing and an access code. Usually, the code does not need to be entered manually, just click OK or Connect.

In some cases, especially when connecting older models or specific Chinese versions of accessories, the system may request a new version of the device. PIN-The standard combinations are usually 0000 or 1234. Once the procedure is completed, the device status will be marked "Connected" (for sound and media), and the notification curtain will display an icon of the headphone battery if the model supports charging level transmission.

☑️ Checklist of successful connection

Done: 0 / 4

If the device is found but the connection breaks immediately, try removing it from the list (by clicking on the gear or arrow next to the name and selecting "Cancel pairing" or "Forget device"), and then repeat the procedure again. This will clear the old access keys that may have been locked.

Customization of sound quality and codecs

After a successful connection, many users are faced with the question of audio quality. Standard SBC profile provides basic quality, but modern Xiaomi smartphones and POCO support more advanced codecs such as aptX, aptX HD, LDAC or LC3.

To activate the developer menu, go to Settings → About Phone and click 7 times in a row on either MIUI Version or OS Version until the message “You’re a developer” appears. Then go back to the main settings menu, go to “Additional” → “Developers”.

In the list that opens, look for the Audio section or scroll down to the Bluetooth Audio codec. When you click on it, you'll see a list of codecs supported by your smartphone and connected headphones. The system will automatically select the best possible option, but you can forcefully switch to the desired codec if the standard choice does not suit you.

CodecSound qualityStabilityDelay (Latency)
SBCBasicTall.Tall.
aptXGood (CD-like)MediumMedium
aptX HDHigh (Hi-Res)MediumMedium
LDACExcellent (Hi-Res)Low (depending on interference)Tall.

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For games, use aptX Low Latency or AAC codecs, as they provide minimal latency between the on-screen action and sound.LDAC is better suited for listening to music in silence.

It's worth remembering that both devices (both phone and headphones) must support the codec you choose. If you choose LDAC on your phone and the headphones don't support it, the connection will either fail or roll back to SBC. Experiment with settings to find a balance between signal quality and stability in your environment.

Managing the device and widget

Xiaomi ecosystem offers a convenient way to manage connected devices through a pop-up window (pop-up), which appears when you open a case TWS-However, this functionality often only works with Mi, Redmi or ecosystem partners, JBL) functionality may be limited to the basic display of the charge.

Use standard interface elements to control playback and volume. The Control Center displays a media player widget that allows you to switch tracks, pause and change volume without unlocking the screen. In new versions of HyperOS, the widget has become more informative and can show the charge levels of the left and right earphone separately.

It's also possible to assign actions to headphone buttons through third-party apps if standard functionality isn't enough. Apps like Button Mapper or specialty utilities from headphone manufacturers allow you to reassign single, double and triple taps, which makes it possible, for example, to launch a voice assistant or navigator with a single touch.

  • 🎵 Use a widget in the curtain for quick access to music management.
  • ⚙️ Check the button settings in the headphone manufacturer's application to expand the functionality.
  • 🔊 Volume control is carried out by buttons on the phone body or on the headphones themselves.
  • 📱 The pop-up widget only works in full force with Xiaomi ecosystem devices.
📊 What brand of wireless headphones do you use with Xiaomi?
Original Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO
Sony
Samsung
JBL/Apple/Others

Addressing common problems

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties, and one of the common problems is that the phone sees the device but it doesn't connect, or says, "I couldn't connect." This is often due to overcrowded memory of the connected devices. 10-15 latest gadgets, and if the list is full, new connections can be blocked.

Another common situation is to desynchronize audio in video or games, which is treated by switching the codec (as described above) or rebooting the Bluetooth stack, and to do this, turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, and then turn it off, which will force all the radio modules of the phone to restart.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are plugged in but no sound, check the usage profile. In Bluetooth settings, click on the gear next to the device and make sure the Sound and Media ticks are ticked. Sometimes, after updates, Android resets these profiles.

In rare cases, a complete reset of network settings helps. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Note that this action will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and connection history, but often resolves deep driver software conflicts.

Why do headphones discharge quickly after connecting to Xiaomi?
This may be due to a poor energy saving protocol, such as turning off the Bluetooth Low Energy option in the developer menu or turning it on if it is turned off, and checking if you have a memory cleanup app that aggressively closes the background processes needed to keep your Bluetooth service running smoothly.
Can I connect two pairs of headphones at the same time?
Yes, most modern Xiaomi smartphones support Dual Audio. Once you plug in the first pair, just find the second headset in the list of available devices and click Connect without disabling the first. The sound will be broadcast to both devices. However, using high-resolution codecs (LDAC) may not be available.
The phone doesn’t see the headphones at all, although they’re in search mode.
Try this: 1. Reboot your phone. 2. Get closer to your phone (within 1 meter). 3. Make sure the headphones aren't connected to another device nearby (tablet, laptop). 4. If nothing works, complete a headphone reset (usually pressing a button on your case or headphones for 15-20 seconds before changing the color of the indicator) and remove them from the Bluetooth list on your phone before re-searching.