Why Bluetooth can’t see Xiaomi headphones and how to fix it in 10 minutes

You took out Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds or Mi True Wireless headphones from your case, and your smartphone stubbornly doesn't see them on the list of available devices? The problem with Bluetooth connectivity is one of the most common among owners of Xiaomi wireless equipment. The reasons can lie in both the phone settings and the headphones themselves, and sometimes even the charge case is to blame.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible scenarios why Xiaomi headphones don’t show up on the Bluetooth device list, and give you step-by-step troubleshooting instructions. From simple actions like rebooting to hidden Android settings, you’ll find a solution for even the most neglected cases. And if the problem is in the hardware, we’ll show you how to check it out without visiting a service center.

1. Check the basic conditions for connection

Before digging deep into the settings, make sure the basic requirements for the connection are met. Often users miss the obvious:

• 🔋 Headphone and case charge: If the indicator on the case does not burn or flashes red, the headphones are discharged. Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes and try again. For AirDots Pro 2 and newer models, the minimum charge to turn on is 10%.
• 📱 Bluetooth on your smartphone: Make sure the module is enabled not only in the notification bar, but also in the settings (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth. On some firmware MIUI There is a bug when the icon is active, but the module is actually disabled.
• 🎧 Headphone pairing mode: Most Xiaomi models automatically go into search mode when removed from the case, but if the indicators do not flash white/blue – press and hold the button on the case (for AirDots 3 Pro) or the touchpad on the headphone (for Redmi Buds 4) for 5-7 seconds.

If the headphones have previously connected to this phone, but are not visible now, remove them from the list of associated devices (Bluetooth Settings) → ⚙️ headphone-name → Delete/Forget the device. After that, search again.

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On some Xiaomi models (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) to reset the pairing you need to press the button on the case 4 times in a row - this will lead the headphones to factory settings.

2.Reboot the headphones and smartphone

A banal but effective way is to software-based reboot both devices, and Xiaomi headphones can freeze in standby mode, especially if they have not been used for a long time or a previous connection has been interrupted.

How to restart your headphones:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10 seconds, then take them out.
3. If the indicators don’t flash, press and hold the touchpad on both headphones (for Redmi Buds 3 Pro) or the button on the case (for AirDots) before reset (usually 10-15 seconds until the indicator changes color).

Smartphone reboot: On Xiaomi phones with MIUI, a forced restart sometimes helps (press the power button + increase the volume for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears).

3. Update the firmware of headphones and smartphone

If Xiaomi headphones aren’t visible on the list of devices, the problem may be with outdated software.The company regularly releases updates for wireless headphones that fix connection errors.

How to update the firmware headphones:

1. Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Connect your headphones to your phone (if you have ever had a headset).
3. Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices and check the Firmware Update section.

Update MIUI on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About → System Update. If a new version is available, install it. Especially for phones on MIUI 12.5 and older, where bugs with Bluetooth 5.2 have been fixed.

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If Xiaomi headphones aren’t updated through the app, try connecting them to another phone (like iOS) – sometimes it works.

4.Reset Bluetooth settings on your smartphone

If the problem isn't with the headphones, but with the phone's Bluetooth module, resetting the phone's settings will help, and it will remove all the associated devices and return the settings to factory settings.

Instructions for MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Slip on three points in the upper right corner (or additionally).
3. Select Reset Bluetooth settings (on some versions – Clear cache).
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After reset, try reconnecting your headphones. If the problem persists, check if Bluetooth is in conflict with other modules:

• 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data while you connect (sometimes 2.4GHz interference interferes with device search).
• 📍 Turn off Geolocation (in rare cases, it blocks Bluetooth scanning).

5. Check for hardware malfunctions

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the physical breakdown of your headphones or your smartphone.

Signs of malfunctioning headphones:

• 🔴 The indicator on the case does not burn at all (even when charging) → Failed battery or power controller.
• 🔄 Headphones are constantly rebooted (flashing different colors) → dampened firmware.
• 🎵 The sound comes from only one earpiece. → synchronization or speaker problem.

How to check the Bluetooth module of the phone:

1. Try connecting another Bluetooth device (like a speaker or a fitness bracelet) to your phone, and if you can't see it, it's your smartphone.
2. Install a Bluetooth Scanner app (like nRF Connect) and check if the phone sees any devices around. If the list is blank, the module is faulty.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones fall into the water or have been hit hard, do not try to turn them on - this can lead to a short circuit.In this case, contact the service center (the addresses of the official Xiaomi SC can be found on the website mi.com).

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method doesn’t work, try workarounds:

• 📱 Developer Mode: Enable it (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers, activate Bluetooth Debugging. Then try reconnecting.
• 🔄 Use another device: Connect your headphones to another phone (or even a computer), and then put them back in your case and try to tuck in with your smartphone.
• 🔌 Connection via cable: For models with support USB-C (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4) you can try to update the firmware through a wired connection (instructions are in the Xiaomi Wear app).

Critical nuance: Headphones Xiaomi AirDots 2 and Redmi Buds 3 may not connect to phones with Android 13+ due to changes in the protocol Bluetooth LE Audio. In this case, only the rollback of the phone’s firmware or waiting for a patch from Xiaomi will help.

Headphones charged and flash when removed from the case |

Bluetooth on your phone is on and sees other devices |

The firmware of headphones and phone is updated |

Reset Bluetooth settings completed |

Try to connect the headphones to another device-->

7. Frequent User Errors and How to Avoid Them

Many connectivity problems are caused by users' incorrect actions, and here are the most common errors:

• 🚫 Use of a non-original case: Cheap substitutes may not charge headphones correctly or block Bluetooth signal. For example, cases without magnets do not put headphones into sleep mode.
• 🔄 Too frequent headphone reboot: If you constantly drop your headphones with a button on your case, it can cause the firmware to fail.
• 📵 Connection in the jamming zone: Near microwaves, 2.4 GHz routers or other Bluetooth devices, communication may be interrupted.

Another common mistake is ignoring the indicators, for example, if Redmi Buds 4 has a red LED on it, it means low charge, not ready to pair. Always check the instructions for your model!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions