How to connect Xiaomi Earbuds to your smartphone

Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and sub-brands like Redmi or Poco have become the standard of quality for millions of users. However, the process of initial synchronization of a device with a phone or laptop sometimes causes difficulties, especially if you are first encountering the MIUI ecosystem. Proper tuning ensures not only stable sound, but also the correct operation of the microphone, touch control and voice assistant.

In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of connection, from case extraction to fine-tuning through the system application, learn how to activate the pairing mode manually if automatic detection does not work, and we will also discuss the features of working with iOS and Android devices, since the algorithms may differ.

It's important to understand that most connectivity problems are not hardware problems, but software conflicts or residual Bluetooth data. So following a clear algorithm will help you avoid wasting time and nerves. Being ready to work is key to listening to music and communicating comfortably.

Preparation of headphones and smartphone for work

Before you start the pairing procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to interact. First, check the battery level in the case and the headphones themselves. If the indicators are dim or do not light up at all, set the case on charging for at least 15-20 minutes. Bluetooth module may not activate at a critically low energy level.

β˜‘οΈ Connection readiness

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On your smartphone, you should open your Bluetooth settings and make sure that the wireless module is active. In some cases, it is useful to update the list of available devices by clicking the search button again. If you have previously connected these headphones to another phone, you better delete them from the memory of the old device or temporarily turn off Bluetooth on it to avoid automatic interception of the connection.

⚠️ Note: Do not put headphones in the case while searching for the device unless the instruction requires otherwise. In a closed case, many models go into charging mode and stop broadcasting the detection signal.

Special attention should be paid to the purity of the contacts. Oxidation or dust on the charging contacts inside the case can cause one of the headphones to fail to turn on. Wipe the contacts with dry soft cloth. Also make sure that protective films are removed from all components of the structure if you have just unpacked the device.

Algorithm of pairing with Android devices

Connecting to Android smartphones, whether Xiaomi, Samsung or Honor, is usually done automatically thanks to Google Fast Pair technology or proprietary MIUI protocols. Remove both headphones from the charging case at the same time, and they should be lit up with an indicator that signals the transition to standby mode connection.

At this point, a system notification should pop up on the smartphone screen suggesting that you connect a new device. If the animation appears, just click the "Connect" button. The system will automatically configure the necessary profiles for the sound and microphone operation. If the pop-up does not appear, go to the Bluetooth menu manually.

πŸ“Š What kind of operating system do you have?
Android 10-12
Android 13-14
iOS (iPhone)
The other OS

In the list of available devices, find the name of your model, for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earphones. Click on it to initiate pairing. In the process, you may need to confirm the access code, although this is rare for headphones. After a successful connection, the status will be marked "Connected".

  • πŸ“± Open Bluetooth settings on your phone.
  • 🎧 Remove the headphones from the case (the indicator should flash).
  • πŸ” Find the device in the list and click to pair.
  • βœ… Wait for confirmation of successful connection.

It is worth noting that on Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell or HyperOS, the process can be expanded. When connected, it can automatically be prompted to update the headphone firmware or download a plugin for advanced control. This is normal practice, allowing you to access the equalizer and noise reduction settings.

Connection settings on iOS (iPhone)

iPhone owners can also use Xiaomi headphones, but the functionality can be somewhat limited compared to Android devices. Connection is via the standard Bluetooth menu. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth and make sure the switch is activated. As with Android, remove the headphones from the case.

The device will go into search mode, which will be signaled by a fast flashing indicator. In the list of β€œOther devices” on the iPhone screen will appear the name of your headphones. Tap the name to start pairing. iOS can request permission to use the microphone β€” confirm the action.

Why is the auto-pause on the iPhone not working?
The automatic pause of music when removing the earphone from the ear depends on proximity sensors and software support. On iOS, some proprietary Xiaomi features may not work as smoothly as on Android, due to limitations of the Apple operating system. For full functionality, it is recommended to use the Xiaomi Earbuds app from the App Store, if it is available for your model.

Without it, the headphones will work like a normal headset, but access to branded features will be closed.

Once connected, check the sound. If the music is only playing in one ear, maybe the headphones didn't sync with each other (TWS-In that case, put them back in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds and try to retrieve them.

Use of the Xiaomi Earbuds app

To unlock the full potential of your Mi True Wireless Earbuds or Redmi Buds, it is highly recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Buds M8 for some regions).This software allows you to manage options that are not available through the standard Bluetooth menu.

In the app, you can see the exact percentage of charge of each headphone separately and the case, which is much more informative than the standard battery indicator, and you can set up gesture control here, you can assign a double touch, triple or long press to call an assistant, switch tracks or activate transparency mode.

FunctionDescriptionAvailability
equalizerFrequency adjustmentAll models.
ANCNoise reduction managementPro version
Headphone searchAudible signal in case of lossNew models
Update of the POMicrocode firmwareAll models.

Another important feature of the app is the firmware update, and developers periodically release updates that improve connection stability and sound quality, and if the app reports a new version, it is better to update the phone by connecting it to Wi-Fi and putting the headphones in a case with a charge of more than 50%.

πŸ’‘

Use the Xiaomi Earbuds app to calibrate your touch control. Often the standard sensitivity is too high, and the headphones respond to touching hair or clothing.

Coupling mode and forced synchronization

Sometimes, automatic search doesn't work, and the phone just can't see the headphones, so you need to manually activate the Pairing Mode. For most Xiaomi models, the algorithm is the same: put the headphones in the case, but don't close the lid.

Find a function button on the case case, which can be on the back, side, or inside between the headphone compartments. Press and hold this button for 3-5 seconds. The indicator on the case should start flashing white often. It is a signal that the device is visible to all surrounding gadgets.

⚠️ Warning: If you hold the button for too long (more than 10 seconds), the headphones can go into reset mode before the factory settings, in which case they will have to be reconnected, removing from the memory of the phone.

After activating the search mode, update the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone. Headphones should appear with the full model name. If this does not happen, try bringing the case closer to the phone (at a distance of 10-20 cm) and repeat the procedure.

  • πŸ“¦ Put the headphones in the case, leave the lid open.
  • πŸ”˜ Press and hold the button on the case. 3-5 seconds.
  • ⚑ Watch the indicator: it should flash often.
  • πŸ“² Search for devices on your phone.

For some models without a physical button (for example, older versions of the Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic), the pairing mode is activated by simultaneously touching the touch zones on both headphones while they are in the ears or in the case.

Removal and resetting of settings

Even when connected properly, there can be situations where the sound is interrupted, only one earbud is running, or the device is not responding to commands. In 90% of cases, a full Hard Reset helps, which returns the headphones to factory state and clears the memory of pairing errors.

To perform the reset, place both headphones in the case. Make sure they charge (indicators burn). Press and hold the function button on the case for 10-15 seconds. The indicator should blink several times and go out, and then light up again, signaling the completion of the reset.

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Full reset (Hard Reset) eliminates the desynchronization of the left and right earphone, which is the most common cause of sound problems.

Once reset, you need to go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, find your headphones in the list of saved devices, and select "Forget device" or "Unpair pairing", only then you can re-enact the connection procedure as for a new device.

If problems persist even after reset, check if the case is discharged. It is also worth trying to connect the headphones to another smartphone. If everything works perfectly on another device, the problem may be in your phone's Bluetooth module or its software, in which case it is worth updating the smartphone OS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the phone only see one headphone?
That means it's broken. TWS-So, you can synchronize left and right, and the headphones are no longer friends with each other, so you can do a full Hard Reset with a button on your case, then you can delete the device from Bluetooth and reconnect it.
Can I use only one headphone?
Yes, most Xiaomi models support Mono mode. You can only pull out the left or right earphone from the case, and it will work independently. However, the first connection usually requires removing both.
The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.
Check the playback profile. In Bluetooth settings, tap the gear or the "i" icon next to the headphone name and make sure the Multimedia or Media Audio switch is activated. Also check the volume level on the phone itself.
How to update the headphone firmware?
Update is only through the official application Xiaomi Earbuds. Open the application, connect the headphones, and if a new version of the software is available, the corresponding notification will appear. Do not remove the headphones from the case during the update.
Are Xiaomi headphones compatible with iPhone?
Yes, they are compatible and work like normal Bluetooth headsets, but to access advanced settings (equalizer, firmware update, gesture resetting), iPhone owners may need a third-party app or wait for the official iOS version to come out.