How to turn on and activate Xiaomi wireless headphones: instructions for all models

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and usability. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulty first turning on or re-activating after a long downtime. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate Xiaomi headphones (including the Redmi Buds series, Mi True Wireless, Xiaomi Buds and others), and also explain how to solve typical problems if the device does not respond to buttons or is not detected by the phone.

It is important to understand that the activation process can vary depending on the model and the generation of headphones. For example, Xiaomi AirDots (first generation) are enabled with a long press on the touchpad, while Redmi Buds 4 Pro uses automatic activation when extracted from the case, we covered all current models (2020-2026) and collected data from official instructions, user feedback and tests of the Mi Labs laboratory.

If you just bought a headphone or pulled it out after a long break, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes. For example, many users try to turn on the headphones without knowing that they automatically go into pairing mode only after a full reset or when they first connect to a new device, and we will also reveal the secrets of how to speed up the connection process with the phone and why sometimes the headphones “don’t see” each other.

1.Preparation for activation: what to do before activation

Before you try to turn on the headphones, make sure that the basic conditions are met. This will save you from unnecessary manipulation and save time.

• 🔋 Case and headphone charging: even if the indicator on the case is on, it does not guarantee that the headphones themselves are charged. Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes to make sure there is power. In Redmi Buds 3 Lite and later case supports fast charging - 5 minutes is enough for 1 hour of operation.
• 📱 Phone compatibility: Xiaomi headphones work with any Android 5.0 smartphones+ iOS 10+, But for full operation (for example, displaying the charge level), it is better to use devices with a MIUI 12+ Android 8.0+.
• 🔄 Disabling other Bluetooth devices: If your phone already has other headphones, speakers, or fitness bracelets connected, they may cause interference.
• 📦 Checking configuration: in the box should be a case with headphones, a cable for charging (usually) USB-C Or Micro-USB, and a brief instruction. If something's missing, it could be a fake.

Pay special attention to the indicators on the case, and in most Xiaomi models, they signal the status of charging:

• 🟢 Green flashing - headphones charge.
• 🔴 Red constant - discharged (you need to connect the case to the charging).
• ⚪ White flashing - ready to pair (in models Mi True Wireless 2 and newer).

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on the case does not light up when you connect to the charger, check the cable and port. In 30% of cases, the problem lies in a damaged connector. USB-C, Try another cable or power supply.

2. Standard activation method: how to turn on headphones for the first time

If you’ve just unpacked your headphones or reset them to factory settings, use this method.It’s suitable for all models, including the Redmi Buds 3 Pro, Mi AirDots 3 and Xiaomi Buds 4.

Step-by-step:

1. Take both earphones out of the case. In most models, they turn on automatically in 2-3 seconds (you will hear the beep).
2. If you don’t automatically turn on, press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 5 seconds until the indicator (usually white or blue) flashes.
3. Open your phone Settings → Bluetooth and find a device called Redmi Buds... or Mi True Wireless.
4. Click on the headphone name in the list and confirm the pairing. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) will need to additionally confirm the connection on the headphones themselves - tap the touchpad once.

Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically turn on when removed from the case and connect to the last device used. In models with Bluetooth 5.2+ support (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Active), the connection time is reduced to 1-2 seconds.

If the headphones are not determined by the phone, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone: Turn off and turn on the module again in the settings.
• 📱 Update your phone: an outdated version of Android or MIUI It may cause problems with conjugation.
• 🔋 Check the headphones: if the level is below 10%, they may not turn on. Place them in the case for 5-10 minutes.

3. Activation after a long downtime: what to do if the headphones do not turn on

If the headphones were left unused for more than a month, their batteries could run out to critical levels and the firmware could drop, in which case the standard on may not work.

Algorithm of action:

1. Place the headphones in the case and plug it into the charger for at least 30 minutes. Use the original cable or certified counterpart.
2. After charging, remove the headphones from the case. If they do not turn on automatically, perform a forced reset:

1. Place both headphones back in the case.


2. Open the case lid.




3. Press and hold the button on the case (if any) or touch panel on both headphones for 10-15 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing red and white (in models with RGB-backlit – purple).




4. Close the case cover, wait 10 seconds and pull out the headphones.

This method works for Redmi Buds 3/4, Mi AirDots 2/3 and other popular models. If the reset didn't work, try connecting the headphones to another phone - this will help eliminate the problem with your device.

⚠️ Note: in headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Active reset is performed differently - you need to quickly press the touch panel of the left earphone three times for 2 seconds.

4. Features of activation for different models Xiaomi

The process of switching on may vary depending on the series and year of the headphone release, and we collected data on the most popular models in the table:

The 2023-2026 models (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5) feature Bluetooth 5.3 and automatic switching between devices, for example, if you plug your headphones into your phone and laptop, they will automatically switch depending on which device plays the sound.

Older models (until 2020) may not have automatic activation, in which case use a physical button on your headphones (for example, in Mi AirDots Youth Edition, the button is located on the outside of the case).

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If you lose the instruction for the headphones, find it electronically on the official support site Xiaomi. Type the model of the headphones in the search bar and download it. PDF-leadership.

5. Problem Solving: Headphones are not activated or connected

If after all the manipulations, the headphones are still not turned on or are not determined by the phone, use this troubleshooting instruction.

Frequent causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Charging problems: Check if the indicator on the case burns when you connect to the charge. If not, try another cable or power supply. In models with wireless charging (Redmi Buds 4 Pro), the case may not charge through the charging USB-C, if the coil is damaged.
• 📶 Bluetooth problems: Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, restart it and turn on the module again. Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices and try to connect again. On Android, clear the Bluetooth cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Show all applications → Bluetooth and press "Clear Cache".
• 🔊 Sound problems: If the headphones are connected but no sound, check the volume level on the phone and in the headphones (sometimes they are reset after updating). ANC (Xiaomi Buds 4) check if the noise cancellation mode is activated – it can drown out the sound.
• 🔄 Headphone synchronization problems: If you hear sound in only one headphone, place both in a case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull out and wait for 20 seconds. In Redmi Buds 3 Pro models, you need to press the right earphone touchpad twice to sync.

If none of these things worked, try updating your headphone firmware.

1. Connect the headphones to your Xiaomi phone (or another with MIUI).
2. Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
3. Go to the section with connected devices and find the headphones.
4. If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the headphones during the process!

⚠️ Note: Updating firmware through third-party applications (e.g. Earbuddy) may result in loss of warranty and unstable headphone performance.

6.How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If the headphones are glitchy, not plugged in, or are unstable, a complete reset often solves the problem, a method that is also useful before selling the device.

The universal method of resetting (for most models):

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.


2. Open the case lid.




3. Press and hold the button on the case (or touch panels on both headphones) for 15-20 seconds.




4.The indicator should start flashing red and white (or purple in new models).




5. Close the case cover, wait 10 seconds and take out the headphones - they will be dropped.

For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 models, the process is slightly different:

• Put the headphones in the case.
• Open the lid.
• Press 5 times in a row on the right earphone touchpad for 3 seconds.
• Wait until the indicator starts flashing orange.

After resetting, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode, and they will need to be reconnected to the phone, as when you first turn on.

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Resetting to factory settings removes all stored devices from the headphone memory, and after this procedure, they will be visible in the Bluetooth list as a new device.

7. Additional Features: How to Activate Voice Assistant and ANC

Modern headphones Xiaomi supports not only basic sound reproduction, but also additional features: active noise cancellation (ANC), transparent mode, voice assistants and gestures. Let's consider how to activate them.

Google Assistant (Xiao AI)

• 🎙️ On Android: Open Settings → Devices → Voice Assistant. Select Google Assistant or Xiao AI (On Xiaomi phones, turn on the "Use with headphones" option, and you can now double-tap the assistant on the touchpad (guest settings in the Mi Home app).
• 🍎 On iOS: Siri Voice Assistant activates automatically when you connect your headphones. To change your settings, go to Settings → Bluetooth → The "i" badge next to the headphones.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparent mode:

• 🔇 Inclusion ANC: In the models with ANC (Xiaomi Buds 4, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) hold the left earphone touchpad for 2 seconds. You will hear voice confirmation "Noise Cancelation is enabled".
• 🌿 Transparent Mode: Double tapping on the left earphone activates a mode in which external sounds penetrate through microphones. Useful for talking or orientation in space.

In the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app, you can adjust the sensitivity of touch panels, disable unnecessary gestures and update the firmware. For example, in Redmi Buds 4 Active, there are 3 ANC levels (light, medium, strong) that can be switched manually.

8. Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)