Xiaomi Wireless Headphones: Full Instructions for 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 the budget Redmi Buds to the premium Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, the company’s line of headphones covers all price segments and use cases, from sports training to listening to music in Hi-Res Audio. However, even the most advanced models can raise questions for users: how to connect headphones to a smartphone, why one headphone is quieter than another, or how to update the firmware to improve sound.

In this guide, we will cover all the key aspects of working with Xiaomi wireless headphones, from choosing a model for specific tasks to fine-tuning the sound profile and fixing typical problems. Special attention will be paid to compatibility with devices (not only with Xiaomi smartphones, but also with iPhone, MacBook or Windows PC), and also reveal the secrets of extending the battery life. If you are just planning to buy or have already encountered problems in operation, here you will find answers to 90% of questions.

How to choose Xiaomi wireless headphones: comparison of models 2023-2026

Xiaomi’s wireless headphone line includes more than 15 models, which differ in design, specifications and price. To avoid confusion in variety, we will analyze the key series and their features:

• 🎧 Redmi Buds is a budget series with basic functionality, suitable for calling and listening to music without claims to audiophile quality. Examples: Redmi Buds 4 Lite, Redmi Buds 5.
• 🎵 Xiaomi Buds – mid-segment with improved sound and active noise cancellation (ANC). Popular models: Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5.
• 💎 FlipBuds/Pro — flagship headphones with support LDAC, adaptive ANC And it's a premium design, like Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro.
• 🏃 Sports models – headphones with protection from sweat and water (IP54/IP55), With ear hooks for secure fixation, for example: Xiaomi Haylou GT7.

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

Important: Models with LDAC codec support (e.g. FlipBuds Pro) provide sound close to Hi-Res Audio but require a compatible source (an Android 8.0+ smartphone with LDAC support or a dedicated player).

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to a smartphone

Connecting Xiaomi headphones to a smartphone takes no more than 1-2 minutes, but there are nuances that depend on the model of the headphones and the phone operating system.

1. Remove the headphones from the case - they will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will start flashing white / blue).
2. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone: On Android: Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth. On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth.

Select headphones in the list

Mi True Wireless

Redmi Buds

Confirm the conjugation

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For models with dual connectivity (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), you can synchronize headphones with two devices simultaneously.

1. Connect the headphones to the first device.


2. Press the button on the case for 3 seconds (until the indicator flashes twice).




3. Connect to the second device via Bluetooth.

Headphones appear in the list of connected devices |

The indicator on the case is on with a smooth light (does not blink)|

The sound is played synchronously in both headphones |

The mobile application (if any) displays the charge level

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If the headphones are not identified, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module of the smartphone (disable/enable Bluetooth).
• 📱 Remove headphones from the list of associated devices and connect again.
• 🔋 Check the charge of the case (the indicator should burn when the lid is opened).

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If Xiaomi headphones do not connect to the iPhone, try updating the case firmware through the Mi Home app (requires a temporary connection to the Android device).

Sound tuning and gesture management

Xiaomi wireless headphones support gesture control (tapes) and audio profile settings through the company's application.

Gesture management

Standard gestures for most models:

• 🎵 Single tap - playback / pause.
• 🔀 Double tap – next track (right earpiece) / previous track (left earpiece).
• 📞 Triple tap – call voice assistant (Google Assistant or Siri).
• 🔇 Retention - on/off ANC (noise-canceling).

For models that support the Mi Earphones app (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), you can reassign gestures:

1. Open the Mi Earphones app.


2. Go to the "Management" section.




3. Select an action for each gesture (e.g., double tap → enable transparent mode).

Adjusting the sound profile

The Mi Earphones app is available:

• 🎛️ Equalizer – Pre-settings (Bases, Vocals, Classics) or manually adjusting bands.
• 🔊 ANC/Transparent mode - adjusting the level of noise reduction.
• 🎧 3D-Sound – Virtual Environment (available for FlipBuds Pro).

Attention! When using the LDAC codec on Android, you may experience increased power consumption.

⚠️ Go to Settings. → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones → Sound quality and select AAC or SBC.

Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Xiaomi’s headphone firmware is responsible for connection stability, sound quality and additional features (such as ANC or gestures). Regular updates fix bugs and add new features. You can check the relevance of the firmware through the Mi Earphones or Mi Home app.

How to update firmware:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open the Mi Earphones app (or Mi Home for older models).
3. Go to the Firmware Update section (usually at the bottom of the screen).
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait for completion (earphones should lie in a case with the lid open!).

Critical information: Interrupting the upgrade process can lead to headphones becoming “bricked” (loss of performance). If the indicator on the case flashes red for more than 10 minutes, contact the service center.

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Update the firmware only when the case charge level is above 50%. Otherwise, the process may be interrupted due to discharge.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even the most reliable headphones Xiaomi can encounter problems, let's analyze the most common cases and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: One earphone is quieter or not connected

Causes: battery discharge, contamination of contacts in the case, failure of synchronization.

Decision:

• 🔋 Check the charge of the case and headphones (indicators should burn green when fully charged).
• 🧹 Clean contacts in the case and on headphones with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 🔄 Reset the headphone settings: press the button on the case for 10 seconds (until flashing red/white).

Problem 2: Headphones are quickly discharged

Reasons: active use of ANC, high volume, outdated firmware.

Decision:

• 🔋 Turn it off. ANC in the application settings, if it is not needed.
• 📉 Reduce the volume to 70-80% of the maximum.
• 🔄 Update the firmware (new versions optimize power consumption).

Problem 3: The sound is interrupted or distorted

Causes: interference from other devices, incompatible audio codec, weak Bluetooth signal.

Decision:

• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the headphones (walls, metal objects).
• 🎵 In Bluetooth settings, select the codec AAC instead SBC (Best quality with stable connection).
• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module of the smartphone.

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If Xiaomi headphones start to “wheez” at high volume, try turning off the equalizer in the app – perhaps the basses are too amplified.

How to extend the life of the headphone battery

The battery in wireless headphones is the most vulnerable component, and the average life of lithium polymer batteries is 300 to 500 charge cycles, but if used properly, it can be extended to 600 to 800 cycles.

• 🔋 Do not discharge headphones "to zero" - connect the case to charging at a charge level of 10-20%.
• ☀️ Avoid overheating – do not leave headphones in the sun or near heat sources (e.g. on the dashboard of a car).
• 🔌 Use the original cable – cheap cables can deliver unstable voltage, which harms the battery.
• 📵 Keep your headphones charged – if you don’t use it for a long time (more than 2 weeks), leave your charge level at 40–60%.

Attention! If the headphone case swells or starts to make hissing sounds when charging, immediately stop using and dispose of the device, these are signs of a battery malfunction that can lead to fire.

⚠️ For recycling, go to the electronics reception center or Xiaomi service center!

To check the battery status, use the Mi Earphones app, which shows the battery wear (percentage) in the Device Status section. If it is below 80%, consider replacing the battery at the service center.

Compatible with other devices: PC, Mac, TVs

Xiaomi headphones work not only with smartphones, but also with other devices that support Bluetooth.

Connecting to a Windows PC or MacBook

The algorithm is the same as for the smartphone:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your computer.
2. Remove the headphones from the case (they will go into pairing mode).
3. In the list of devices, select headphones and confirm the connection.

Windows 10/11 may require the installation of a Bluetooth Audio driver. If the sound is distorted, select the AAC codec in your device settings:

Control Panel → Devices and printers → Headphones (PCM) → Properties → Services → Audio → Codec: AAC

Connection to the TV

Modern Smart TVs (e.g. Xiaomi TV, Samsung QLED, LG OLED) support Bluetooth headphones.

1. Go to the settings of the TV: Sound → Sound output → Bluetooth devices.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (press the button on the case for 3 seconds).
3. Select headphones in the list of available devices.

If the TV can't find the headphones, check:

• 📺 Does yours support you? TV Bluetooth (some budget models require an external adapter).
• 🔊 In the TV sound settings, is the output to the Bluetooth device selected.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi wireless headphones