Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone users often face a situation where you need to completely disable the connected audio device, which may be due to the desire to save battery power, eliminate interference when calling, or simply switch to the phone speaker. However, the standard MIUI interface does not always offer an obvious “Switch off” button for external accessories, which causes bewilderment among gadget owners.
It's important to understand that the term "headset" in the context of the Xiaomi ecosystem can hide completely different devices, it can be classic wired headphones with a microphone, modern wireless devices. TWS-True Wireless Stereo headphones or full-fledged gaming headsets with a microphone, and the methods of turning them off vary dramatically depending on the type of connection and model.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the existing ways to correctly terminate audio devices, learn how to forcefully break the connection, how to put the gadget in deep sleep mode, and what to do if the device “hangs” and no longer responds to smartphone commands. Follow the instructions to control sound effectively.
Features of Bluetooth headset management on MIUI
Modern wireless headsets like Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones or Redmi Buds are all about waiting for a connection. When you press the Bluetooth switch on your phone, the headset doesn't always turn off completely. Most often, it goes into Pairing Mode mode, continuing to consume power. This is normal behavior for most devices in this class, but it can be annoying if you want to keep the charge.
MIUI has its own peripheral control features. Unlike wired ones, there is no physical circuit break. All commands are digitally transmitted. So to actually turn off a device, you often need to perform a sequence of actions that affect both the headset and the settings of the smartphone. Simply resetting a signal is not enough to completely shut down.
There is a common misconception that it is enough to remove the gadget from the list of connected, in fact, while the indicator on the case or on the case flashes, the device is active, to completely turn off, you either need to use physical buttons on the device itself, or resort to the functions of forced stopping of Bluetooth services in the system.
The Bluetooth Low Energy feature, which allows headsets to stay online with minimal consumption, is particularly noteworthy. Even if the music is not playing, the communication channel can be opened. To ensure that data transfers are stopped, you need not just pause the track, but specifically break the connection at the system level or the physical headphone controller.
Physically disabling wired headphones and headsets
Wired models seem to be easier, but there are some nuances, especially when it comes to headsets with additional software or a digital interface. Standard analog headphones with a 3.5 mm connector or USB-C turn off instantly when you remove the plug. However, if you use a USB-C headset with a built-in DAC, the system can continue to “keep” the driver active for a while.
If the headset is connected through an adapter, sometimes there is a software failure when the phone thinks the device is still in the socket. In such cases, cleaning the port from dust helps. Mechanical contact is the most reliable way to break the chain. No software settings will replace the physical removal of the plug from the Mini-Jack or Type-C connector.
For gaming headsets connected over USB, an additional procedure may be required. Some models have their own software that hangs in the background. To completely turn off such a headset, it is not enough to pull the wire out; it is desirable to close the accompanying application in the task manager, this will free up the CPU resources and prevent fan activity.
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If after removing the wired headphones sound remained in them, check the application "Sound" in the settings and forcibly switch the output of audio to "Dynamic".
In the rare cases where the plug is removed, but the record or microphone indicator continues to burn (relevant for backlit headsets), you need to reboot the smartphone. This resets the state of the audio controller, which can occur when the voice recorder or messenger application fails to work properly.
Software Disconnection through Bluetooth Settings
For wireless devices, the main control method is in the Bluetooth menu. To turn the headset off correctly by software, it is not enough to just close the Music app. You need to go to Settings → Bluetooth. Here you will see a list of paired devices. Pressing the gear icon or arrow next to the name of your headset will open the control menu.
The window that opens often has the option to turn off or forget your device. Selecting the option to turn off will break the current connection, but save profiles for future use. The headset will go to standby. If you choose Unpair, you will completely delete the encryption keys, in which case the headset will turn off for the current phone and will look for a new connection, resetting the previous settings.
It's important to distinguish between "unplugged" and "unseen." When you turn off Bluetooth on the phone itself, the headset goes into search mode, so that it is guaranteed to stop broadcasting, you either turn off the headset itself (clutching the button) or use the "Invisible to Others" feature in the advanced Bluetooth settings, although this affects the visibility of the phone more.
☑️ Correct Bluetooth Shutdown
There's also a hidden developer menu where you can control codecs and absolute volume. Turning off the "Absolute Volume Level" option sometimes helps to de-synchronize devices, which actually breaks the active audio stream even if the connection is formally left behind.
Use of the case for TWS-Xiaomi headphones
Owners of Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Mi True Wireless and Redmi Buds models should be aware that the main way to turn off these devices is the case. TWS-So the headphones are so that the retrieval from the charger case automatically turns them on, and the placement inside turns them off or charges them, and this is done through the contact pads on the headphones and inside the case.
If you put your headphones in your case, but the light keeps burning or flashing, it's a signal of a problem. Maybe the contacts got dirty and the device didn't "understand" that it was removed. In this case, the headset will continue to discharge. Wipe the contacts with dry cloth or cotton swabs. Sometimes it helps to easily press the headphone in the socket until a characteristic click or change the color of the indicator.
Some advanced models support autopause when one earpiece is removed, and if you take one out and the other one is in your ear, it will continue to work. To turn it off completely, both earbuds must be in the case. If one earbud is lost, the other can remain active until the battery runs out, unless the single-use mode is activated with auto-off.
What to do if the case does not turn off the headphones?
It's worth noting that older Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic models don't have a physical off button on the case, and for them, the case is the only regular way to turn off. If the case is discharged, the headphones may not turn off when placed inside, because they don't get a signal to start charging. Always monitor the charge level of the case itself.
Resetting and Forced Resetting of the Headset
There are times when the headset freezes: it doesn't respond to pressing, it doesn't turn off through the case or phone, and the indicator doesn't burn properly. This requires a Hard Reset. Most Xiaomi and Redmi models have a standard procedure, but it requires precision. You usually have to put the headphones in the case and leave the lid open.
Then you find the function button on the case (often hidden inside or behind) and hold it for 10-15 seconds. The indicator should flash white or orange several times. This is a signal that the device's memory is cleared, and it is forced to turn off and reset. After that, the headset should be paired with the phone again as a new device.
For models without a button on the case (such as some versions of Redmi AirDots), the reset is done through touch zones. You need to take out the headphones, turn off the Bluetooth on the phone, then simultaneously touch the sensors on both headphones and hold for about 20 seconds until the indication appears. This procedure also leads to a complete shutdown and clearing of the pairing memory.
| Model of the device | Method of shutdown | Retention time | Indication of discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots / Earbuds Basic | Sensor + Case | 15-20 seconds | Blink 3 times |
| Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 | The button on the case | 10 seconds. | Orange light |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Sensory area | 10 seconds. | White flashing |
| Xiaomi Gaming Headset | Power button | 5 seconds | Turning off LEDs |
After reset, it is recommended to remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the smartphone (“Forget the device”) and pair again, which ensures that old conflicting profiles will not interfere with the correct operation of the off function in the future.
Resolving Autoconnection Problems
A common problem with Xiaomi users is that the headset turns on itself when you approach the phone or open the case cover, even if you didn't want to. This is due to the quick pairing feature. To avoid unexpected turn on, you can turn off auto-connection in Bluetooth settings or use third-party profile management utilities.
Some versions of MIUI have a Smart Connect feature that automatically connects the headphones when you put them on your ear (if there are presence sensors).If you want to turn the headset off but are afraid it will turn on itself, just put it away from your phone or turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone before putting the headphones in your case.
Also worth checking is the settings in the Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Wear), where you can turn off various smart features like ear detection or voice control that can wake the device, disabling these features will make the headset’s behavior more predictable and allow you to fully control when it’s turned on and off.
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The most reliable way to turn off TWS-headphones - place them in a charged case and wait for the indicators to be quenched, having previously disabled Bluetooth on the phone.