Connecting wireless headphones to the Xiaomi phone: full instruction with expert advice

Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Connect to Phones: The Main Reasons

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones (AirDots, FlipBuds, Buds or SoundPEATS) typically pair with the brand’s smartphones in seconds — the manufacturer has optimized the process for its ecosystem. However, users often face problems: devices can’t find each other, connections are interrupted or the sound is distorted.

Outdated firmware (both on headphones and on the phone), Bluetooth profile conflict (for example, if the headphones were previously connected to another device), or hardware limitations - some budget Redmi models only support Bluetooth 4.2, which causes audio delays when watching videos. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from basic pairing to fine-tuning the audio profile.

We will pay special attention to models with Qualcomm aptX (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro), where you need to activate additional codecs in the developer menu to work properly.

Preparing for connection: compatibility and charging check

Before you start pairing, make sure your headphones and phone meet the minimum requirements.Most modern Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 8 and Mi 9) support Bluetooth 5.0+, but there are nuances:

• 🔋 Headphone Charge Level: If the indicator on the case flashes red or does not burn at all, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes. AirDots 3 Pro and later require a minimum of 20% charge for stable pairing.
• 📱 Bluetooth version on your phone: Outdated smartphones (like Redmi) 6A Bluetooth 4.2) may not support AAC AptX, which will affect the sound quality.
• 🔄 Resetting previous connections: If the headphones have previously been paired with another device, they must be returned to search mode (usually by holding the button on the case for 5-10 seconds).

To check the Bluetooth version on your phone, go to Settings → About Phone → Full Specification. If your model supports Bluetooth 5.2 or later, you can use Dual Audio (coupling to two devices at once) and LE Audio (low power).

⚠️ Attention: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro and FlipBuds Pro require Bluetooth functionality LE Audio, which is only available on smartphones with MIUI 13 and newer. If your phone works on MIUI 12, the update is mandatory!

Step-by-step: how to connect headphones to Xiaomi

The pairing process depends on the headphone model, but the overall pattern is the same for most devices.

1. Activate Search Mode: Open the case cover (for AirDots and Buds) or press and hold the button on the case (for FlipBuds) until the indicator flashes white and red (pairing mode).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone: Go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the switch. Alternatively, you can open the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) and click on the Bluetooth icon.
3. Find the headphones in the list: Your model name will appear in the Bluetooth menu (e.g., "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2"). Click on it. If the device doesn't show, update the list (Update button in the upper right corner) or reboot the headphones.
4. Confirm pairing: Some models (such as Buds 3 Pro) may have a request for code confirmation — usually 0000 or 1234. Enter it and wait for the "Connected" message.

For models with support for MIUI Pop-up (for example, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5), a pop-up will appear when you first connect with a proposal to install the Xiaomi Earphones branded application - it is necessary to adjust gestures and equalizer.

Sound tuning and gesture management

Once successfully connected, it is recommended to optimize the sound and adjust the touch control.

1. Install the Xiaomi Earphones app: Download it from Google Play or AppGallery (for Huawei models). TWS-Xiaomi headphones and allows: 🎛️ Set up an equalizer (Presets Bass, Voice, Classic or Custom Profile). 👆 Change gestures (e.g., double tapping to play/pause or call a voice assistant). 🔋 View the charge level of each headphone and case.

aptX

LDAC

For models that support high-end codecs (like Buds 4 Pro), go to Settings → Bluetooth → Sound Settings → Codec and select aptX Adaptive or LDAC. This will improve sound quality, but can increase latency.

Dual Audio

If your phone supports Bluetooth 5.2, you can connect your headphones to two devices at the same time (like your phone and your laptop). ⚙️ next to the headphone name and select Connect to another device.

For models without an official application (for example, SoundPEATS Air3), you can use third-party utilities like Wavelet or Equalizer FX to fine-tune the sound.

💡

If the sound is interrupted after you connect, try turning off the Absolute Volume function in the developer settings. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times), then open Developer Settings → Network → Turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth.

Problem Solving: Headphones are not connected or turned off

If the pairing fails, use this table for diagnosis:

For Buds 3/3 Pro models and newer ones, try resetting your headphones via the Xiaomi Earphones app:

1. Open the application and go to Settings → Reset.
2. Confirm the action – the headphones will reboot and return to the factory settings.
3. Repeat the process of pairing again.

To connect to the iPhone:

1. Open the case cover and hold the pairing button until the indicator blinks.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone and select headphones from the list.
3. Confirm Connection – Some models (such as AirDots 3) may require the input of 0000 code.

⚠️ Note: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro when connected to the iPhone automatically switch to codec AAC, What can worsen the sound quality compared to Android devices.

💡

To fully work all the functions of Xiaomi headphones (gestures, equalizer, updates) requires a phone on MIUI 12 and later. Other devices only available basic functionality.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions