Why Xiaomi Mi headphones donβt connect: typical user errors
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth wireless headphones (including Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, Mi AirDots and Mi Air 2 SE) have become popular due to a combination of price and quality. However, even with such devices, users often face problems when connecting first. The main mistake is trying to pair without first activating the search mode on the headphones themselves. Many forget that this requires holding the power button (or touchpad) until the indicator flashes white / blue.
Another common problem is that the headphones have been paired with another smartphone or laptop, and they may automatically try to connect to it, ignoring the new device, which requires resetting the headphones to factory-based ones, and don't underestimate the impact of Bluetooth versions: older Bluetooth 4.0 smartphones may not support all of the features of the Mi AirDots Pro with Bluetooth 5.0.
Preparation of Xiaomi Mi headphones for the first connection
Before pairing, make sure the headphones are charged - the indicator on the body should burn red (discharged) or green (full charge). For models with a case (for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2), open the lid - the headphones will automatically turn on. If the indicator does not respond, check:
- π Case battery: connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes.
- π Headphone contacts: wipe them with a dry wipe (oxidation can block charging).
- π Reset button: on some models (for example, Mi Air 2 Pro) it is hidden under a rubber plug.
To activate the coupling mode:
- Take both headphones out of the case (they will turn on automatically).
- Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing white and blue alternately.
- On models with a physical button (such as Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones), hold it for 3-4 seconds.
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If the headphones don't respond to pressing, put them back in the case for 10 seconds, then try again. This will reset their current state.
Step-by-step: connecting to a smartphone on Android
The process of pairing with Android devices (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) takes no more than a minute. Importantly, before you start, turn off other Bluetooth devices (such as smartwatches or speakers) to avoid conflicts.
Algorithm of action:
- Open Settings β Bluetooth on your smartphone and activate the module.
- Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (blinking white/blue).
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless EBs Basic). 2 or Mi AirDots_PRO_R right-handed).
- Click on the name and confirm the connection. Some models will need to enter PIN-code - default is 0000.
After successful connection:
- π§ In the Bluetooth menu next to the headphones will appear the icon βConnectedΒ».
- π± A notification of available features may appear on the smartphone screen (for example, βDouble touch for controlΒ»).
- π Voice confirmation (in English or Chinese depending on firmware).
Headphones are displayed in the list Bluetooth| Indicators on headphones are constantly lit (do not blink) | The sound is played synchronously in both headphones | In the settings, control options are available (for example, "Double touch")
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Interface with iPhone (iOS) and features of the work
While Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth is optimized for Android, it is also compatible with iPhone (iOS 12 and later).
- π Double-touch features (e.g., to call a voice assistant) may not work or require manual adjustment via the Mi Home app.
- π Sound quality in format AAC (iPhone used may be inferior to aptX on Android.
- π± Notifications about the level of charge of headphones are not displayed on all iPhone models.
Instructions for iOS:
- Open Settings β Bluetooth and turn on the module.
- Headphones should be in pairing mode (flashing indicator).
- In the list of Other devices, find the model name (for example, Mi). AirDots_PRO_L left-ear headphone).
- Click on the name and wait for the βConnectedβ status to appear.
Smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO|iPhone (iOS)|Laptop/PC on Windows|Android tablet|Other-->
Connect to a laptop or PC on Windows 10/11
You will need a Bluetooth adapter version 4.0 or later to connect to your computer. If your PC is not equipped with a module, use an external USB adapter (we recommend the TP-Link UB400 or Asus USB-BT400).
Step-by-step:
- Activate the headphones in pairing mode (blinking indicator).
- On PC, open Settings β Devices β Bluetooth and other devices.
- Click Add Add the device β Bluetooth.
- Select headphones from the list (the name may contain suffixes _L/_R left-right).
- Confirm the connection. If they request a PIN, enter 0000.
After connection:
- π΅ Headphones will be defined as βAudio Deviceβ in the playlist.
- π To use the microphone (e.g. in Zoom or Discord), select them in the microphone settings.
- βοΈ Some PCs may need to update the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager.
What if Windows canβt see the headphones?
Resetting headphones Xiaomi Mi to factory
If the headphones don't connect, play latency sound, or work unstable, do a hard reset, which will remove all the paired devices and return the settings to the factory.
Instructions for different models:
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Sign of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 | Put the headphones in the case, then hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator will turn red). | Case indicator flashes white, headphones automatically turn on in pairing mode. |
| Mi AirDots (Pro/SE) | Hold the touch panels on both headphones for 15 seconds (until flashing red). | The headphones flash white/blue. |
| Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones | Hold the physical button for 8-10 seconds (up to a double beep). | Voice message "Pairing" in English. |
β οΈ Warning: After reset, the Mi Air 2 Pro headphones may require re-tuning the control gestures via the Mi Home app.
Solving common connection problems
If the headphones are connected but are not working properly, check the following points:
- π The sound is interrupted or distorted: move away from the sources of interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves). SBC (most stable).
- π΅ Sound delay (lag) when watching video: activate the Game mode in the headphone settings (available in Mi Home for some models).
- π Fast battery discharge: Turn off the Auto Connection feature in your smartphoneβs Bluetooth settings if the headphones connect to multiple devices.
- π Headphones connect only one by one: put both headphones in the case, then take out and repeat pairing.
For models that support the Mi Home app (e.g. Mi Air 2 Pro):
- Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Add headphones through Add the device β Audio.
- Update the firmware (if available) and adjust the control gestures.
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For stable work of headphones Xiaomi Mi regularly update the firmware through Mi Home. this fixes bugs with connection and adds new features (for example, support for LC3 in the latest versions).