Xiaomi Wireless Headphones: A Detailed Guide to Selection, Connection, and Setup

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have become an integral part of the brand’s smart device ecosystem, offering users a combination of sound, convenience and affordable price. From budget Redmi Buds to premium Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, the range covers the needs of a wide variety of audiences, from athletes to music lovers. However, with such a variety, the logical question arises: how not to make the wrong choice and maximize the potential of the device purchased?

In this article, we will analyze not only how to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to a smartphone or laptop, but also the nuances of their configuration through the proprietary Mi application. Home/Xiaomi Wear. You'll learn which models support active noise cancellation (ANC), How to update the firmware of the headphones, and what to do if they suddenly stop working, and we will pay special attention to hidden functions that the manufacturer does not mention in official instructions, such as how to activate low latency for games or configure control gestures.

The material will be useful for beginners who are just planning a purchase, and for experienced users who want to squeeze the most out of their Xiaomi headphones. All instructions are tested on current models of 2023-2026 and are compatible with devices on Android, iOS and Windows.

How to choose Xiaomi wireless headphones: comparison of key models

Xiaomi’s wireless headphone range includes more than 15 models, varying in design, functionality and price, and to avoid confusion, we will divide them into three categories:

  • 🎧 Budget (Redmi Buds 3 Lite, Redmi Buds 4) – basic sound, up to 20 hours of autonomy, no sound ANC. Suitable for calling and listening to music in transport.
  • 🎧 Mid-segment (Xiaomi Buds) 4, Redmi Buds 5 Pro – improved sound, support LC3/AAC codecs, semiconductor speakers, ANC. The best choice for most users.
  • 🎧 Premium (Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro) – adaptive noise reduction, support LDAC, wireless charging, IP54. Competitors AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5.

For clarity, compare the key parameters of popular models in the table:

ModelTypeANCAutonomy (hours)Codecs.Price (β‰ˆ)
Redmi Buds 3 LiteTWS❌ No.18AAC, SBC1 500 β‚½
Xiaomi Buds 4TWSβœ… There is.30 (with a case)AAC, LC35 000 β‚½
Redmi Buds 5 ProTWSβœ… Adaptive38 (with a case)AAC, LC3, aptX Adaptive7 500 β‚½
Xiaomi FlipBuds ProLeg insertsβœ… Hybrid28 (with a case)AAC, LDAC12 000 β‚½

When choosing, pay attention to the type of mount: classic TWS (Redmi Buds) are suitable for sports, and models with a leg (FlipBuds) are suitable for long-term wear. If you care about the quality of calls, look for headphones with support for cVc 8.0 (for example, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro).

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphones are you using?
Redmi Buds 3 Lite/4
Xiaomi Buds 4
Redmi Buds 5 Pro
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
Others/No

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to the phone

The process of pairing headphones with a device takes no more than a minute, but there are nuances for different operating systems.

  1. Remove the headphones from the case - they will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator blinks).
  2. On your phone, activate Bluetooth in settings or through the Quick Access Panel.
  3. In the list of available devices, select the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones).
  4. Confirm pairing. Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 5 Pro) will require you to press a button on the case.

For Android devices (especially Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO) the quick connection feature is available:

  • πŸ“± Open the case cover next to the smartphone.
  • πŸ“± On the screen will appear a pop-up window with a suggestion to connect - tap on it.

Charge the case to 50% or higher |

Update the firmware of the smartphone |

Remove old paired devices in Bluetooth | settings

Check codec compatibility (iPhone support is important) AAC)-->

On the iPhone, there may be some audio problems because of codec incompatibility.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Find your headphones and tap the "i" icon next to the name.
  3. Select Forget this device, then plug it back in.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are not determined, reset them to the factory settings: place them in the case, press the button for 10 seconds (the indicator flashes red).

Setup with Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear: Hidden Features

Xiaomi Wear (formerly Mi Home) reveals additional headphone features not available through standard Bluetooth settings. Download it from Google Play or the App Store and follow the following steps:

  1. Connect the headphones to the phone (as described above).
  2. Open Xiaomi Wear, allow access to location and notifications.
  3. In the Devices section, select your headphones.

The settings menu is available:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Equalizer: Preliminary presets (Basic Boost, Pure Vocals) or manually adjusting bands.
  • πŸ”‡ ANC/Transparent mode: adjustment of noise reduction level (on models with ANC).
  • πŸ‘† Control gestures: reassigning touches (for example, double tapping to trigger voice assistant).
  • πŸ”‹ Charge Display: Percentage of Battery of Each Headphone and Case in the Widget.

On Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro and FlipBuds Pro, the app has a feature called "Space Audio" -- a surround sound simulation with presence effect -- to activate it:

  1. Go to the sound settings. β†’ Space Audio.
  2. Select the mode (Cinema, Concert, Game).
  3. Set the position of virtual speakers with sliders.
How to enable low latency mode for games
In the Xiaomi Wear app, go to Headphone Settings β†’ Game Mode. Activate the option – the audio delay will be reduced to 80 ms (versus the standard 120-150 ms).

For models with adaptive ANC (such as Redmi Buds 5 Pro), the app allows you to adjust the sensitivity of microphones to ambient noise. If you are on a subway or an airplane, select Maximum mode; Balanced will suit the office.

Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates for headphones, fix bugs, improve sound and add new features. For example, in the latest update for Xiaomi Buds 4, support for LC3plus codec, and for FlipBuds Pro – Super ANC mode.

To update the firmware:

  1. Connect your headphones to your phone and open up Xiaomi Wear.
  2. Go to the Device Settings section β†’ Firmware update.
  3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (the headphones should be in the case!).

πŸ’‘

Do not interrupt the refresh process, this can lead to the "bricking" of the headphones. If the indicator on the case flashes white for more than 10 minutes, reset (press the button for 15 seconds).

List of the latest firmware versions for popular models (June 2026):

  • Redmi Buds 5 Pro: V1.7.0.8 (fixed bug with iPhone connection)
  • Xiaomi Buds 4: V1.4.1.2 (added LC3plus codec)
  • FlipBuds Pro: V2.1.0.5 (Super ANC noise reduction improved)

If the update does not come automatically, check:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Wear app version (update in store).
  • πŸ“Ά Internet connection stability (use Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ”‹ Case charge (must be at least 30%).

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even the most reliable devices can fail, and let's look at the typical faults and how to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones don't turn on and react to the reset button, check the contacts in the case for oxidation.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones don't plug in.Bluetooth or firmware failureReset your headphones, update your firmware, reboot your phone.
The sound is interrupted.Interference from other devicesDisable other Bluetooth devices, go closer to the source
ANC is not working.Microphone contamination or software failureClean the microphones, update the firmware, check the settings in the application
They're discharged fast.Battery wear or background processesDisable the ANC, reset the usage statistics in the app

If one of the headphones stopped working:

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
  2. Take them out and check if the indicator flashes on the "silent" earphone.
  3. If the indicator does not burn, clean the contacts and try to charge the case with another cable.

For touch-controlled models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro), there may be a problem with false positives.

  1. Open Xiaomi Wear.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Gesture Management β†’ Sensitivity.
  3. Choose Low or Medium.

Tips for care and extension of service life

Wireless headphones require careful handling, especially if used in sports or outdoors.

  • 🧼 Clean: Once a week, wipe your headphones and case with a napkin with isopropyl alcohol (at least 70.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging: Do not leave your headphones on charge for more than 24 hours. use original cable or certified USB-C.
  • 🌑️ Temperature: Avoid overheating (do not leave in the car in the sun) and hypothermia (do not use in the cold below). -10Β°C).
  • πŸ’§ Moisture: Even if the model has protection IP54, Don't wash your headphones underwater. After rain or sweating, dry them 1-2 hours.

To extend the life of the battery:

  • πŸ”„ Once a month, completely discharge and charge your headphones (battery calibration).
  • πŸ“΄ If you don’t use headphones for more than a week, remove them from the case and store them at a charge of 40-60%.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use cotton swabs to clean your headphones, they can damage the speaker mesh. Also avoid abrasives (such as toothpaste) that scratch the coating.

If the headphones have lost volume or wheezing, check:

  • πŸ”Š Equalizer settings in the application (reset to factory ones).
  • 🎧 Integrity of the speaker membrane (when damaged, the sound becomes "deaf").
  • πŸ“± Sound settings on the phone (Safe Sound mode in Android may be activated).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use Xiaomi Buds with an iPhone?
Yes, all Xiaomi models are compatible with iPhone, but some features may be limited: πŸ“± ANC and transparent mode work, but the noise reduction level setting is available only through Xiaomi Wear (the app is in the App Store). πŸŽ›οΈ The equalizer is configured only through the company application. πŸ”‹ Battery notifications are displayed in the Bluetooth widget. For stable operation, it is recommended to disable Automatic Switching in Bluetooth settings on iPhone.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi headphones?
Fakes are almost indistinguishable from the original, but there are several ways to check them: πŸ“¦ Packaging: The original box has a hologram, barcode and serial number that can be checked at mi.com. πŸ”Š Sound: Counterfeits often have the worst detail and distortion at high frequencies. πŸ“± Appendix: Original headphones are defined in Xiaomi Wear with a full set of features. πŸ’° Price: If the price is below the market average by 30% or more, this is a cause for suspicion. Also pay attention to the build quality: the original has no backlashes, the buttons are pressed clearly, and the indicators are lit evenly.
Why are Xiaomi headphones at different volume levels?
Uneven volume may be caused by: 🎧 Contamination speaker (clean with a soft brush). πŸ“± Balance settings in your phone (check in Settings) β†’ Special facilities β†’ Audio/visual β†’ Stereo balance). πŸ”‹ Discharge one headphone (place both in a case to level the charge). πŸ“€ Firmware failure (update the software via Xiaomi Wear).If the problem persists, reset the headphones and check them with another device.
How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings?
The instructions are universal for most models: Place both headphones in the case and close the lid. Press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds (the indicator flashes red, then white). Open the lid - the headphones will go into pairing mode. For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro reset is done differently: Touch and hold the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds. Wait for the sound signal and flash indicators.
Can I replace the battery in Xiaomi headphones?
Theoretically yes, but in practice it is: ⚠️ Difficult: Battery soldered into a board, and the body glued. πŸ’° Expensive: Replacement costs at service center can reach 70% of the price of new headphones. πŸ”§ Risky: It's easy to damage microphones or speakers when self-repaired. If headphones are older than 2 years, it's better to buy a new model. To extend the life of the battery, avoid full discharges and use original chargers.