Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market for their combination of price, sound quality and convenience, but even with these devices, users sometimes have difficulties in the first connection stage, especially when it comes to models with a non-standard activation method, such as Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earbuds.
In this article, we’ll look at all possible scenarios, from basic smartphone connectivity to solving typical problems like no sound or no headphones on your device list, and how to reset your headphones to factory headphones if they’ve forgotten all previously paired gadgets.
Instructions will be suitable for most Xiaomi wireless headphone models, including Redmi Buds. 3/4 Lite, Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro, Mi Air 2/3 If your model is not mentioned, don't worry: the principle of connection is universal. TWS-Xiaomi’s True Wireless Stereo is almost the same.
Preparing headphones for the first connection
Before you activate Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones, make sure they are fully charged. Most models have a charge indicator on the case case: if it burns in red, it is less than 20% charge, orange is 20% to 80% charge, green or white is full charge.
If the indicator doesn’t glow at all, plug the case into the power supply for 10-15 minutes. Use the original USB-C or Micro-USB cable (depending on the model) – cheap analogues may not provide enough current to charge.
- 🔋 Case charge: at least 30% (otherwise headphones will not turn on).
- 🎧 Headphone charge: check if they are in the case correctly - contacts must match the connectors.
- 📱 Compatibility: Make sure your smartphone or PC supports Bluetooth 4.2 or later (for stable performance) TWS).
If the headphones have been in use but are not connected to the new device, they may need to be reset before the factory settings.
Ways to activate Bluetooth on Xiaomi headphones
Depending on the model, the activation process may be slightly different. Consider two main scenarios: for headphones with an on button (for example, Redmi AirDots) and for models with touch control (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).
Models with a physical button (AirDots, Buds Lite)
To activate, follow the following steps:
- Take both earphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on (the indicators will flash red and white).
- If the lights don’t flash, press and hold the button on the headphone (usually one) for 5-7 seconds until you hear an audible beep or see a blink.
- On your smartphone or PC, turn on Bluetooth and find a device called Mi True Wireless, Redmi AirDots or the like.
Touch-controlled models (Buds 3/4 Pro, Air 2/3)
So instead of using a button, you use a touchpad on the headphone body.
- Take the headphones out of the case - they will turn on automatically.
- Touch and hold the touch area on the right earphone for 3-5 seconds until you hear the voice message "Pairing" or see a flashing white/blue indicator.
- In the Bluetooth menu on your phone, select a device with your model’s name (e.g., Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).
If the headphones are not detectable, try rebooting the Bluetooth module on your phone: turn it off and turn it back on in the settings. Also check if the headphones are connected to another device (for example, a laptop or tablet) - in which case you need to turn them off there first.
Headphones charged (indicator lights green/white)|
Case charged (minimum 30%) |
Bluetooth enabled on phone/PC|
Headphones not connected to other devices |
The distance between the headphones and the phone is not more than 1 meter-->
Connection to different devices: smartphone, PC, TV
The process of pairing Xiaomi headphones with different gadgets has its own nuances. Let's analyze each case separately.
Connection to a smartphone (Android/iOS)
On Android (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO smartphones):
- Open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Activate the headphones (as described above) – they should appear in the list of available devices.
- Click on the model name and it will automatically connect.
On the iPhone (iOS):
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Wait for the headphones to appear in the list and tap them.
- Confirm the connection if a request is made.
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Buds) 3 Pro) when first connected to a smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO It can automatically install the Mi Earphones app, which allows you to configure the equalizer, check the charge level and update the firmware.
Connection to a PC or laptop (Windows/macOS)
On Windows 10/11:
- Press Win + I, select Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
- Turn on Bluetooth and press Add Device → Bluetooth.
- Select the headphones from the list and wait for the connection to complete.
On macOS:
- Open System settings → Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is on and wait for the headphones to appear on the list.
- Press Connect.
If the headphones are connected but no sound, check if they are selected as the output device in the audio settings. On Windows, this is done through the sound control panel (PCM by speaker icon → Open audio settings).
Connecting to a TV or smart speaker
Modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV series, Redmi Smart TV) support the connection of Bluetooth headphones directly.
- Open your TV settings, find the Bluetooth section (usually in the Network and Connections).
- Activate the headphones and wait for them to appear in the list.
- Select the device and confirm the connection.
If the TV doesn’t find headphones, try updating your firmware or use a Bluetooth transmitter (such as Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver) that connects to AUX or HDMI ARC.
What to do if the TV can’t see the headphones?
Solving Connection Problems
Even when activated correctly, Xiaomi headphones can malfunction. Let’s look at the most common problems and ways to fix them.
Headphones are not defined by the device
If the headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list, follow the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot the headphones: Put them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out and try again.
- 📱 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone: Turn off and turn on the module in the settings.
- 🚫 Remove old connections: If the headphones were previously paired with another device, they can automatically connect to it. Forget them in the Bluetooth settings on that device.
- 🔧 Reset your headphone settings: For most models, this is done by holding the button/sensor for 10-15 seconds (until the indicator flashes red and white).
The sound is interrupted or absent.
If the connection is successful, but there is no sound or it breaks, check:
- 🎵 Loudness on headphones and device: Sometimes it can be twisted to a minimum.
- 📶 Distance: The maximum stable distance for Bluetooth 5.0 is up to 10 meters without obstacles. Walls and furniture reduce this radius.
- 🔊 Sound mode: on some Xiaomi smartphones, the “Bluetooth Sound Quality” option is available in the audio settings – select “High Quality” (can increase latency).
- 🔄 Bluetooth Codecs: in Android Developer (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap, you can select a codec (SBC, AAC, For stability, it is better to leave SBC.
If the problem persists, try connecting the headphones to another device - this will help you understand whether they are the case.
One earpiece is down.
A typical problem for TWS-Headphones - when only one (usually right, because it's the main one) is connected:
- 🔋 Check the charge: take both headphones out of the case and see if the indicators on both are on.
- 🔄 Reset the connection: Put the headphones in the case, press the button/sensor for 15 seconds, then repeat the pairing.
- 🧲 Remagnetize the headphones: some models (for example, Redmi AirDots 2) require forced synchronization:
- Put both earphones in the case.
- Close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
- Open the lid – the headphones should automatically sync (indicators blink at the same time).
If nothing works, your left earphone may have failed (it depends on your right earphone), so you can contact the service center.
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If the headphones connect only one by one, try pairing the right earpiece first, and then pull out the left one from the case - sometimes this helps restore synchronization.
Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings
If Xiaomi headphones are unstable, often switched off or not connected to new devices, a complete reset may be required, which removes all stored connections and returns settings to the “out of the box” state.
The method of discharge depends on the model:
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Sign of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1/2/3), Redmi Buds Lite | Put both earphones in the case, close the lid. Press and hold the button on the case (near the case). USB-port) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. | The indicator flashes red and white, the headphones disappear from the list of paired devices. |
| Xiaomi Mi Air 2/3, Buds 3/4 Pro | Take the headphones out of the case. Hold the touchpad on both earphones simultaneously for 10 seconds. | Audible "Reset" signal or flashing of indicators in blue and red. |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Hold the touch button on the right earphone for 15 seconds (until you hear "Factory reset"). | The voice message is "Factory reset completed." |
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | Put the headphones in the case, open the lid. Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds. | The case indicator flashes orange, then white. |
After reset, the headphones will automatically go into mating mode (the indicator will flash white or blue), and now they can be connected to any device as for the first time.
⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all stored connection profiles if the headphones were paired with multiple devices (phone) + laptop + TV, after resetting them will have to connect again to all gadgets.
Update of the firmware headphones Xiaomi
Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Buds 3 Pro, FlipBuds Pro) support firmware updates that can improve connectivity stability, sound quality or add new features.The update is available through the official Mi Earphones app (for Android) or Xiaomi Wear (for iOS).
How to update firmware:
- Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or Xiaomi Wear from the App Store.
- Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
- Open the app, select your headphone model.
- If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click Update and wait until the process is complete (don't turn off the headphones!).
During the update:
- 📵 Do not remove the headphones from the case (if required).
- 🔋 Make sure the charge of the case and headphones is at least 50%.
- 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet.
After the update, the headphones will automatically restart. If something goes wrong in the process (for example, the headphones turn off), try again or reset them to the factory settings.
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Updating your firmware can solve connection issues, improve sound quality, and add new features (e.g., support for LC3 or aptX Adaptive codecs).
Tips for care and extension of service life
To make Xiaomi headphones last longer, follow simple recommendations:
- 🔋 Charging: Use the original cable and power adapter. Don't leave your headphones on charge for more than 24 hours - this can shorten battery life. Store your headphones in your case when not using - this prevents discharge.
- 🧼 Clean: Clean the body and speakers with dry soft cloth (such as microfiber). To remove earwax, use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol (don't drip the liquid directly onto the headphones!). Do not use sharp objects to clean the speaker grilles.
- 🌡️ Operating conditions: Avoid overheating (do not leave headphones in direct sunlight or near heat sources).°C or higher +45°C. Store in a dry place – moisture can damage electronics.
If the headphones were not used for a long time (for example, they lay for several months without recharging), their battery could run out to a critical level.
- Put the headphones in the case and connect it to the charger.
- Wait 1-2 hours – sometimes it takes time to wake up a fully discharged battery.
- If the light doesn’t light up, try another cable or adapter.
⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones stopped holding the charge (discharge in 1-2 hours), this may indicate battery wear. In Xiaomi service centers it can be replaced - the cost of repair usually does not exceed 1000-1500 rubles.