How to set up Xiaomi wireless headphones: from connectivity to fine-tuning

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are not just an accessory, but a full-fledged device with extensive customization. Whether you just purchased the Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5 or any other model in the line, the right initial setup will determine sound quality, connection stability and even battery life. Many users are limited to basic Bluetooth connectivity, missing features like adaptive noise reduction, gesture customization or synchronization with multiple devices.

In this article, we will analyze not only the standard connection to the smartphone, but also hidden settings that the manufacturer does not always advertise. You'll learn how to optimize the sound for different genres of music, adjust the touch control for convenience, and what to do if the headphones refuse to sync with each other or constantly turn off. LDAC and LC3 — Modern audio codecs that require separate customization to unlock the potential.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection

Before you start pairing, make sure the headphones are fully charged.Most Xiaomi models come with a partial charge (about a half charge). 30-50%), For stable operation, it is better to bring the battery level to the level of the 100%. Use the original cable USB-C or Type-C (depending on the charging case model) – cheap analogues may not provide enough current for fast charging.

If you're taking your headphones out of the box for the first time, they need to be in standby mode.

• 🔋 Remove both headphones from the case - they will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white and red).
• 📱 On the Xiaomi smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and wait for your model name to appear (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones 3).
• 🔄 If no headphones are found, press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing faster.

For models with Dual Device Connection support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4), the initial setup may require the installation of the Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Wear branded app. Without it, some features (such as automatic switching between devices) will not be available.

2. Connection to Xiaomi, Android and iPhone smartphones

The pairing process varies depending on the operating system and even the firmware version. Let's look at the nuances for each case.

Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI 12–14)

On devices with MIUI Connectivity simplified with built-in optimization for Xiaomi ecosystem:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Click Add Device and select your headphones from the list.
3. Confirm the pairing - a notification of a successful connection will appear on the screen.
4. For models with ANC (Active noise reduction system will offer to install additional software - agree.

2.2. Android (clean or other firmware)

On smartphones without MIUI (For example, Samsung, Google Pixel may need to manually configure audio codecs:

• 🔊 Go to Bluetooth Settings → Sound settings → Audio quality.
• 🎵 Choose. LDAC or AAC (Prioritize quality for better sound.
• ⚠️ On some Samsung devices, codec LDAC It is not stable, in which case you choose AAC.

2.3. iPhone and iPad

On iOS, Xiaomi headphones connect as a standard Bluetooth device, but with limitations:

• 🍎 B Settings → Bluetooth Find Headphones and Confirm the Conjugation.
• 🚫 Functions like ANC Or customization gestures will not be available without the Xiaomi Wear app (available only for Android).
• 🔋 Tracking the level of charge of headphones in real time on the iPhone is impossible.

💡

If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Absolute Volume feature in Bluetooth settings on Android. This will solve the problem of mismatching the volume levels on the device and the headphones.

3. Sound tuning: from bass to noise cancellation

Sound profiles in Xiaomi headphones can be configured both through the company's app and manually - depending on the model. Let's consider both options.

3.1 Use of the Mi Earphones app

The app is available for Android and allows you to:

• 🎛️ Select one of the preset profiles: Bass Boost, Pure Vocals, Classics.
• 🔄 Create custom EQ frequency-band adjustment.
• 🔇 Set up a level ANC (From “Light” to “Maximum”) or enable Transparency Mode.
• 🎧 Activate the Immersive Sound function (available on Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro and later).

For supported models LDAC In the application, a separate Audio Codec section will appear, where you can prioritize quality (up to 990 kbit / s) or stability (up to 660 kbit / s).

Manual setting without application

If the proprietary software is not available (for example, on the iPhone), use the system equalizer:

• 📱 On Android: Settings → Sound. → Equalizer (a third-party equalizer is required, such as Wavelet).
• 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → Music. → Equalizer (select Bass Booster or Pop).

For headphones with ANC (For example, Redmi Buds 4 Active, the noise reduction level is controlled by double-touching on the left earpiece. To change the purpose of gestures, you will need the Xiaomi Wear app.

4. Managing gestures and touch panels

Xiaomi headphones support up to 5 different gestures on each headphone, but only the main ones are activated by default.

1. Open the Mi Earphones app.
2. Go to the Control section.
3. Choose a headphone (left or right) and assign actions to: 👆 Single touch 👆👆 Double touch. 👆👆👆 Triple touch. 🔘 Retention

Standard settings:

On models Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro added head tilt control: tilt forward reduces volume, back - adds. → Traffic control.

Make sure the headphones are sitting tight in your ears.|Check the cleanliness of the touch panels (dirty interferes with recognition)|Update your headphones through Mi Earphones|Reset the gesture settings to factory (in the app)-->

5. Solving common problems

Even after you set it up properly, users are faced with typical problems, and here's how to fix them:

5.1 Headphones do not synchronize with each other

If one earphone is working and the other is silent or disconnected:

• 🔄 Reboot both headphones: put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove them.
• 🧲 Reset: Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones for 15 seconds (the indicator flashes red).
• 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates in Bluetooth settings and connect again.

5.2. The sound is interrupted or interfered with.

Causes and solutions:

• 📶 Interference from other devices: Disable unnecessary Bluetooth devices nearby or switch router to 5GHz channel.
• 🔋 Low-charge headphones: charge up to 50% or more.
• 🎵 Inappropriate codec: in Bluetooth settings, select SBC instead LDAC (last-stress).

💡

If the sync problem only occurs on one device (like a PC) and everything works on a smartphone, it’s the computer’s Bluetooth adapter that’s to blame. UB500).

5.3 The microphone is not working during calls

A common problem on iPhone and older versions of Android:

• 📞 On iPhone: Go to Settings → Bluetooth, press the "i" next to the headphones and select Use for calls: Always.
• 🤖 On Android: In Bluetooth settings, turn off the option Absolute Volume.
• 🔧 Update your headphones through Mi Earphones.

💡

If the headphones stopped connecting after updating the firmware, reset (see 5.1) and reconnect them again. This is due to a change in the pairing protocol in new versions of the software.

6. Additional features: game mode, multiconnection, headphone search

Modern headphones Xiaomi supports features that many users do not even know.

Game mode (low delay)

To reduce the latency of sound when playing games or watching videos:

• 🎮 Activate the mode in the Mi Earphones app (Game mode section).
• 🔊 The delay will decrease with ~200 ms to ~80–100 ms (by using the aptX Low Latency codec if supported).
• ⚠️ In this mode, the sound quality deteriorates slightly and battery consumption increases.

6.2 Connecting to two devices at the same time

Dual Device Connection is available on Xiaomi Buds 4 and later:

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the back for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
3. Connect to the second device (laptop or tablet) via Bluetooth.

Now, headphones will automatically switch between devices depending on activity (for example, when music is played).

6.3 Search for lost headphones

If you have lost one headphone or case:

• 🔍 In the Mi Earphones app, click Find the device.
• 📍 The headphone will start to emit a loud sound signal (if it is within range of Bluetooth).
• 🗺️ For models with UWB (Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro is available with the Xiaomi Smart Home.

7. Optimization of autonomous operation time

The actual operating time of Xiaomi headphones is often different from the manufacturer's stated.

• 🔋 Turn it off. ANC, If you don’t need it, it reduces your work time by 20-30%.
• 🎵 Use the codec. SBC instead LDAC AptX – it is less energy intensive.
• 📴 Reduce the volume to 60-70% of the maximum.
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware – new versions optimize power consumption.

Comparative table of autonomy (on the example of Xiaomi Buds 5):

To check the current charge level of the headphones and case:

• 📱 On Android: open the notification about the connection of headphones – there will display the percentage of charge.
• 🍎 On iPhone: Charge level is only displayed in the Battery widget (if the headphones are connected).
• 🔋 On the case: the number of burning indicators corresponds to the level of charge (1 indicator) = ~25%).

💡

If the headphones discharge too quickly, check for moisture (especially after exercise). condensation inside the case can cause short circuits and increased battery consumption. Dry the headphones for 24 hours in a dry place before use.

8 Connect to PC, Mac and other devices

Xiaomi headphones can be used not only with smartphones, but also with computers, TVs and even gaming consoles.

8.1. Windows 10/11

Instructions for connection:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your PC (Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth).
2. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Select headphones from the list and wait for the pairing to be completed.
4. 🔊 To use headphones as a headset for calls, in the Control Panel → Sound set them with the default communication device.

If the sound is only coming through one earpiece:

• 🔄 Go to the Control Panel. → Sound. → Device properties.
• 🎧 In the tab additionally disable the option Mono audio.
• 🔊 Select 16-bit, 44100 Hz (or higher if supported) format).

8.2. macOS

On Mac, headphones are connected standardly, but for full operation:

• 🍎 Open System settings → Bluetooth and select headphones.
• 🔊 B System settings → Sound set the headphones as an output device.
• ⚠️ Some Mac models have codec AAC It is unstable, in which case the sound may be interrupted.

8.3 Televisions and game consoles

Compatibility with Smart TV and prefixes:

• 📺 On Xiaomi TVs (e.g. Mi) TV Q2) Headphones are connected through settings → Bluetooth without additional action.
• 🎮 PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X will require a Bluetooth adapter (for example, a Bluetooth adapter, 8BitDo WB03), Since consoles do not support connecting headphones directly.
• 🔊 The sound delay on TVs can reach 200-300 ms – turn on the game mode on headphones, if it is available.

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1


start devmgmt.msc

Then, in Device Manager, select View → Show hidden devices and remove all unused Bluetooth devices.-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up Xiaomi headphones