How to connect Xiaomi headset to the phone: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s wireless and wired headsets have long been a popular smartphone accessory, thanks to a combination of affordable price, high-quality sound and usability. However, even with such devices, users sometimes have difficulties when connecting for the first time – especially if we are talking about models that support Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 or specialized chips like LDAC for Hi-Res Audio. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to pair the headset with the phone, including nuances for different versions of MIUI, and also solve typical problems that may arise in the process.

Whether you’re using Xiaomi’s flagship Buds 4 Pro with adaptive noise-making or the budget Redmi Buds 4 Lite, the connection algorithm remains roughly the same — but there are important details. For example, some models require pre-activation of the pairing mode with a long push of a button, while others automatically transition to it when they first turn on. Also, you should consider that smartphones based on MIUI 14+ support FastConnect, which speeds up the reconnection of the headset. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions for all scenarios, from basic connection to fine-tuning of the sound profile.

1. Preparation of the headset for connection

Before you start pairing, make sure your Xiaomi headset is ready to go, which is especially important for wireless models where improper preparation can lead to failures in the future.

• 🔋 Charging headphones: If the headset is discharged, plug it into the charger for 10-15 minutes.Most Xiaomi models (e.g. Buds) 3T Pro or FlipBuds Pro) have a charge indicator – it should flash or burn white/red.
• 📦 Case extraction: For models with a case (like Redmi Buds 5), take out your headphones and wait for them to automatically turn on.
• 🔄 Reset (if necessary): If the headset has already been connected to another device, a reset may be required. To do this, press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.

For wired headsets (such as the Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD), preparation is reduced to checking the integrity of the cable and connector. Make sure that the Type-C plug or 3.5 mm clean - dust or oxidation of the contacts can cause bad sound or no connection. If you use a Type-C → 3.5 mm adapter, check its performance on another device.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Buds 4) have accidental reset protection. If the indicator doesn't blink after a long press, try re-placing the headphones in the case, close it for 5 seconds, and then remove and repeat the procedure.

2. Connecting a wireless headset via Bluetooth

Most modern Xiaomi headsets use Bluetooth to connect to their phone. The pairing process takes no more than a minute, but there are nuances depending on the protocol version and the headphone model.

1. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone. To do this, go to Settings → Connections & Sharing → Bluetooth (on MIUI 14) or use the Quick Access Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).
2. Activate the search mode on the headset: 🎧 For models with a button (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite): press and hold the button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes white/blue. 👆 For touchscreen models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro): tap and hold the touchpad on both headphones at the same time.

In the list of available devices on the phone, the name of your headset (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) will appear. Click on it and confirm the pairing.

Wait for the beep in your headphones (usually a voice message "Connected" or a tune).

On smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco s MIUI 12+ After the connection, a pop-up will appear with a proposal to install additional software for the headset (for example, firmware or branded sound profiles.

3. Connecting a wired headset

If you use Xiaomi wired headphones (such as the Hybrid Pro HD or Piston Fresh), the connection process depends on the type of connector:

• 🔌 3.5mm: just plug the plug into the phone's audio jack. Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 12) don't have a connector - you'll need a Type-C adapter → 3.5 mm.
• 📱 Type-C: connect the headphones directly to the port. Make sure the connector is clean and not damaged. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro) HD) Requires the installation of drivers at the first connection.

After the physical connection, the phone should automatically detect the headset.

1. Check if the “In Phone” mode is activated (the phone icon in the notification panel).
2. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound output and select the connected headset.
3. For models with a microphone (such as Xiaomi Dual Driver), check the microphone access permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions.

⚠️ Note: When using a Type-C adapter → 3.5mm avoid charging your phone at the same time, which can damage the port due to the increased load, and some adapters do not support the microphone, so you will have to use the built-in speaker for calls.

Check the integrity of the cable | Check the cleanliness of the connectors | Disable Bluetooth headphones | Select a headset in the sound settings-->

4. Sound setting and additional functions

Once the Xiaomi headset is successfully connected, you can optimize the sound and activate additional features, and depending on the headphone model and the MIUI version, the following options are available:

• 🎛️ Equator: Go to Settings → Sound. → Equalizer and select a pre-profile (such as Bass or Bright) or create your own.
• 🔇 Noise: For models with ANC (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) enable active noise cancellation in Bluetooth settings (headphone icon) → «Noisemaker»).
• 🎤 Microphone settings: in Settings → Sound. → The quality of the microphone can be chosen to prioritize voice clarity or noise reduction.
• 🔄 Automatic switching: on MIUI 14+ FastConnect is available, which allows the headset to automatically connect to the phone when extracted from the case.

For headsets with support for LDAC (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), it is recommended to manually select this codec in the Bluetooth settings:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the gear icon next to the connected headset.
3. Select Audio Codec → LDAC (Quality Priority).

Important: LDAC codec provides Hi-Res Audio sound, but can increase the latency of audio when watching videos, in which case switch to AAC or aptX.

💡

If the headphones hear a hissing sound at high volume, try to turn off the equalizer or lower the bass level - this will help to avoid distortion.

5. Solving Connection Problems

Even if you follow instructions correctly, sometimes you fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the Xiaomi headset is connected, but immediately disconnects:

1. Remove it from the list of associated devices (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Delete).
2. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone and turn it back on.
3. Reset your network settings on your phone (Settings → Connections → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings).

⚠️ Note: On some smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and below, there may be a conflict between the headset and dual audio (simultaneous audio playback on two devices). → Features → Double audio.

6. Compatibility with other devices

Headset Xiaomi works well not only with smartphones of this brand, but also with devices from other manufacturers - iPhone, Samsung, MacBook and even Windows-PC.

• 📱 iPhone/iPad: Connection is done in the standard way via Bluetooth, but codec LDAC Not supported (will be used) AAC). It may also be impossible to access corporate functions such as ANC.
• 💻 Windows/PK: For full-fledged work (for example, the microphone in Xiaomi Buds) 3 Pro) may require installation of Qualcomm aptX drivers.
• 🎮 Game consoles: PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch do not support LDAC, So the sound will be transmitted through SBC delayably.

To connect to the MacBook:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headset (see Section 2).
3. Select the headphones in the list and click Connect.
4. If necessary, confirm the pairing on the headset (for example, press the button on the case).

On Windows 10/11, after connecting, check that the headset is selected as the default playback device:

1. Right-click on the sound icon in the tray.
2. Select Open the sound parameters.
3. In the Withdrawal section, click on the name of your headset and select Use by default.

💡

On Apple devices, Xiaomi headsets will work in basic mode without support for proprietary features (for example, customization of gestures).

7. Update of the firmware of the headset

Xiaomi regularly releases firmware updates for its headsets that improve connection stability, add new features or fix bugs. You can check for updates through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the model).

Instructions for updating:

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headset to the phone (it should be in the list of associated devices).
3. Open Mi Home, go to Devices → Add Device → Audio.
4. Select your headset model and follow the instructions on the screen.
5. If an update is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the headset!).

For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and the newer firmware update is also available via Xiaomi Wear:

1. Open the app and go to Devices → [Your headset].
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Firmware Update.
3. Confirm the installation and wait for the headphones to restart.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process - this can cause the headset to fail. If the update is suspended, place the headphones in the case, wait 10 minutes and try again.

FAQ: Frequent questions