Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have gained popularity due to their excellent value for money and deep integration with the smart device ecosystem. However, the process of initial synchronization or re-pairing after reset can raise questions for inexperienced users. Properly configuring a Bluetooth connection is the foundation for the audio device to work smoothly and use all its functions, including touch control and noise cancellation.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps needed to make your Mi True Wireless Earbuds work at full capacity. We will look at the nuances of connecting to Android and iOS smartphones, and also pay attention to diagnosing typical errors that can occur in the process.
Before you move on to action, make sure you understand the basic principles of modern workings. TWS-They automatically go into search mode when they're removed from the case, but sometimes manual intervention is required.
Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing
The first step before starting the synchronization procedure should be a thorough preparation of the equipment. Make sure that the case with Xiaomi Mi Earbuds headphones is charged and the liners themselves are tightly installed in the charging sockets. The indicator on the front panel of the case should burn or flash when the lid is opened, signaling readiness to work. If the indicator does not light up, put the device on charge for at least 15 minutes.
On the smartphone side, you need to activate the wireless module. To do this, go to Settings → Bluetooth and make sure that the activation slider is translated to the "On" position. At which point the phone will start scanning the space for available devices. Visibility of your smartphone for other gadgets should also be allowed, although it is not always critical for connecting headphones.
There is a common misconception that headphones must be removed from the case to switch to mating mode. In the case of Mi True Wireless Earbuds, most models go into search mode automatically when the lid of the charged case is opened. However, if the device was previously paired with another gadget, it may be necessary to manually start the pairing mode.
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Keep your smartphone at a distance of no more. 10-15 This is especially important in places with large concentrations of wireless signals, such as offices or shopping malls.
Check your phone’s operating system version. High-quality codecs like AAC or aptX should be able to work properly, and it’s advisable to have an up-to-date MIUI or Android update. Outdated Bluetooth drivers can cause unstable connections or no sound in one channel.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Android (MIUI)
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are in the most advantageous position, as the MIUI system offers native support for the brand headphones. When you first connect compatible models such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 or Air 2, an animated window with the image of the case and the charge level of each headphone will automatically appear on the screen of the smartphone.
If the automatic pop-up doesn't appear, don't panic, and then the algorithm is as follows:
- 📱 Open the charge case cover without removing the headphones themselves.
- 🔍 In the list of available devices on the phone screen, find the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless EBs). Basic_R).
- ✅ Click on the device name to initiate the pairing process.
- 🎧 Wait for the sound confirmation in the headphones and the appearance of the status “Connected” in the interface.
Once the connection is successful, the system will offer you to adjust the touch control functions, you can assign actions to double or long-term pressing on the touch area of the earphone. Options available include switching tracks, activating the voice assistant or running low latency Game Mode.
☑️ Checking a successful connection
An important aspect is working with the MIUI Pop-up profile. If you upgraded your phone and the window doesn't show up, check your Bluetooth settings. Sometimes you need to clear the Bluetooth cache through the Apps menu to make the detection function work correctly, especially after major firmware updates on your smartphone.
Connection with iPhone (iOS) and other smartphones
Connecting Xiaomi Mi Earbuds to iOS or pure Android (Samsung, Pixel) is standard protocol. Since the branded pop-up is only available in the MIUI shell, the process looks classic. Open the case, find the device in the Bluetooth list on the iPhone and click Connect.
It is worth noting that when working with iOS, some features may be limited. For example, the voice assistant will activate Siri, not Xiao AI. Also, there may be no display of the exact percentage of charge of each headphone in the battery widget, although the overall charge level of the case is often displayed correctly thanks to standard HFP and A2DP profiles.
⚠️ Note: When connecting to an iPhone, make sure the headphones aren’t connected to another Xiaomi device at this point. iOS can search for the device longer if it’s actively broadcasting a signal to another phone.
For users of other Android brands (Huawei, Samsung, Sony), the process is identical to connecting any other Bluetooth headset. The only difference is the lack of visual animation and the ability to fine-tune the equalizer without installing third-party applications.
If your smartphone can’t see the headphones, try the following trick: put the headphones in your case, close the lid and press the reset button (if you have one), or press the touch zones for 10-15 seconds before the indicator flashes, which will force them to Discovery mode.
Use of the Xiaomi Earbuds app
To unlock the full potential of your Mi True Wireless Earbuds, it is highly recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly known as the Mi Buds M8 or simply the headphone app).It is available in the Google Play Market and App Store.This software allows you to update your headphone firmware, which often fixes connection bugs.
Inside the app, you can have a detailed equalizer where you can customize your frequencies to your taste, you can choose (presets) like Bass, Vocals, or create your own profile, and the app provides usage statistics and allows you to search for lost headphones if they are within range of Bluetooth.
Why update the headphone firmware?
You can also find the headphone search feature in the app interface, and if you lose one of your earbuds at home, run a sound test through the app, and the earbud will start squeaking loudly, helping you locate it. This function only works until the headphone battery is completely discharged.
| Function | No app. | With the Xiaomi Earbuds app |
|---|---|---|
| Update of the PO | Unavailable | Automatically and manually |
| Equalizer setting | Standard (systemic) | Extended (8 lanes) |
| Headphone search | Unavailable | Sound signal |
| Sensor settings | Basic | Full (all gestures) |
Low Delay Mode and Game Settings
For gamers, minimal delay between the action on the screen and the sound response is critical. Many Xiaomi models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 and the Air series, support a special game mode, which can be activated by long pressing (about 2 seconds) on the touch zone of both headphones simultaneously or through the app menu.
In game mode, priority is given to transmission speeds (data packets), which may slightly reduce the sound quality or stability of the connection over long distances. However, in game conditions, this is a justified compromise.
Not all games support low latency via Bluetooth due to codec limitations. For best results, make sure that the developer’s Bluetooth settings (Developer section) select an aptX Low Latency codec or similar if your smartphone and headphones support this technology.
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The game mode increases battery consumption. If you don't play dynamic shooters or rhythm games, it's best to keep this mode off to save energy.
Diagnostics and Solving Connection Problems
Even reliable Xiaomi devices sometimes fail, and the most common problem is that the headphones can't see each other or the phone can only see one channel (usually the right one), which is solved by a Hard Reset procedure. Place both headphones in the case, open the lid, and press the touch zones (or the button on the case, if any) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes orange or white.
Once reset, remove the device from the phone’s pairing list (“Forget the device”) and pair it again, like with a new gadget. Often the problem lies in the “junk” in the smartphone’s Bluetooth stack, so cleaning the pair list is a must.
If the sound is interrupted or cracks, check the following factors:
- 📶 Wi-Fi router overload (try switching Wi-Fi to 5 GHz frequency).
- 🔋 Low battery charge case or headphones.
- 🧼 Contamination of charging contacts in the case (wipe with alcohol).
- 📱 The presence of a cover on the phone, shielding the signal.
⚠️ Warning: If after resetting and repairing, the problem persists on only one phone, but with other devices, the headphones work normally, the problem may be in the smartphone’s antenna or its software.