How to set up Xiaomi Earbuds headphones: from connectivity to fine tuning of sound

Xiaomi Earbuds are compact wireless devices that combine sound, convenience and advanced features. However, many users face difficulties when connecting or setting up their first phone, from pairing problems to incorrect touch controls. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of configuration, from basic connectivity to hidden features that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

Regardless of the model — whether it’s Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5 or earlier — the principles of customization are similar in many ways, but there are also nuances: for example, support for LC3 or AAC codecs affects the sound quality, and the firmware of the headphones can add new features, we will tell you how to check the version of the software, update it and avoid typical errors.

If you're just unpacking your headphones or want to reconnect them to a new device, start with the first section. Power users can jump right to audio tuning or gesture control. And if the headphones don't work, there's a troubleshooting section at the end of this article with rare but effective solutions.

⚠️ Warning: Some features (such as adaptive noise making or spatial sound) are only available in the Mi Earphones app (formerly Mi Headphones) without which you lose half the headphones' capabilities - even if they are physically supported by your smartphone.

Connecting headphones to a smartphone or PC

The first step is pairing the headphones with the device. In most cases, Xiaomi Earbuds automatically go into search mode when they first turn on, but sometimes manual activation is required. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Remove the headphones from the case - they must turn on automatically (the indicator on the case flashes white or blue).

2. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone: go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.

3. Select the headphones from the list of found devices. The name will contain a model, for example, "Redmi Buds 4 Pro" or "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2".

If the headphones are not displayed:

• 🔋 Make sure the case is charged (the indicator on the front panel should burn at least red).
• 🔄 Press and hold the button on the case (usually 5-10 seconds) until the indicator flashes white/blue – this is a pairing reset.
• 📱 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone: Disable and re-enable the module or reboot the device.

⚠️ Note: iPhone or Mac may require confirmation of connection through a pop-up. On Windows, select Headphones (not Sound System) or the microphone will not work.

Installation and configuration of the company application

Mi Earphones (or Xiaomi Earbuds depending on the region) is a headphone control center, without which you can't:

• 🎛️ Set up equalizer and sound profiles.
• 🔊 Enable adaptive noise maker or transparency mode.
• ⚙️ Update the firmware of headphones.
• 📊 View the charge level of each headphone separately.

Download the application from official sources:

• 🤖 Google Play for Android).
• 🍎 App Store (for iOS).

After installation:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone (as described in the previous section).
2. Open the application and wait for the automatic model definition.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts for initial setup.

⚠️ Note: On iOS, some features (such as firmware) may be restricted due to Apple's policies.In this case, use your Android device for updates.

Sound tuning: equalizer, noise maker and spatial sound

The sound of Xiaomi Earbuds can be radically changed with the help of built-in tools.

1.Equalizer (EQ)

The Mi Earphones app has several pre-installed profiles:

• 🎵 Balance – Neutral settings for most genres.
• 🎸 Rock – Enhanced Low and High Frequency.
• 🎤 Vocals – emphasizes the average frequencies for voice.
• 🎧 Custom - manual tuning of sliders (available not on all models).

2. Adaptive noise emitter (ANC)

The feature is available in Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4 and later. It is enabled in the app or double-tapping on the earpiece (gesture settings - in the next section).

• 🔇 High - maximum suppression of surrounding sounds (suitable for aircraft, subway).
• 🔈 Medium – balance between sound and sound quality.
• 🔊 Transparency mode – allows external sounds to pass (useful on the street).

3. Spatial sound

Mi Spatial Audio technology creates surround sound by simulating the location of sources around you, it is enabled in the application settings, but only works with supported video and audio files (for example, Dolby Atmos).

📊 Comparison of sound modes:

💡

If the headphones hear a hissing background when the ANC is turned on, try switching to the “Mediocre” mode or turning off the noise maker altogether – this may be a feature of your model.

Setting up sensory control (gestures)

Xiaomi Earbuds is controlled by touching the headphone body.

• 👆 One touch - playback/pause.
• 👆👆 Double touch – the next track (right earpiece) or the previous (left-handed).
• 👆👆👆 Triple touch – Calling the voice assistant.
• 👆 Retention – inclusion of noise emitter/transparency (on supported models).

To reassign gestures:

1. Open the Mi Earphones app.
2. Go to the Touch Management section.
3. Select an earpiece (left or right) and assign a new action for each gesture.

🔹 Tip: Turn off gestures on one of the headphones if you accidentally press often (for example, when you put on.

Firmware verification and update

The firmware of the headphones is responsible for connection stability, sound quality and support for new features. For example, in Redmi Buds 4 Pro, the update added support for the LC3 codec, which improved autonomy.

To check and update the firmware:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open Mi Earphones and go to Settings → Firmware Update.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (the headphones will reboot).

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the upgrade process and do not put the headphones in the case - this can lead to loss of operation of the device. If the update is suspended, wait 10 minutes, then restart the headphones (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds).

📌 How to find out the current version of the firmware?

In the Mi Earphones app, go to Settings → About. The firmware version is displayed in V1.2.3.4 (where the first digit is a major update).

💡

Update the firmware only when the charge level of the headphones and case above 50%. Otherwise, the process may be interrupted.

Optimization of operating time and charging

The autonomy of Xiaomi Earbuds depends on the model, mode of use and battery condition.

• 🎧 Redmi Buds 4 Pro: Up to 9 hours (from) ANC — 6 hours).
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 5: Up to 10 hours (from S) ANC — 7 hours).
• 🔋 Case adds 3-4 full charge (total 30-40 hours).

How to extend the working time:

• 🔇 Turn it off. ANC, If you don’t need it, it reduces battery consumption by 20-30%.
• 📉 Lower volume to 60-70% – High levels discharge headphones quickly.
• 🔌 Use the original case charging cable (fast charging is not supported on all models).
• 🔄 Regularly discharge your headphones to 0% and charge to 100% (1 every 2-3 months) to calibrate your battery.

⚠️ Attention: If the case stopped charging the headphones, clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not use metal objects - this can damage the connectors.

Troubleshooting: Headphones don’t connect, sound is interrupted, microphone doesn’t work

Let’s look at the typical problems and ways to solve them:

1. Headphones don't connect to the phone

• 🔄 Reset the headphone settings: hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
• 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates in Bluetooth settings and connect again.
• 🔋 Charge the case - at a discharge below 10%, the headphones may not turn on.

2.The sound is interrupted or interference is occurring.

• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the headphones and the phone (walls, metal objects).
• 🎵 Switch the codec in Bluetooth settings to SBC (The most stable, but with less quality).
• 🔄 Reboot the headphones: Put them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out.

3.The microphone is not working during calls

• 🎤 In Bluetooth settings, select the headphone profile (not the Sound System").
• 🔇 Check if the microphone holes on the headphones are closed (they are located at the bottom).
• 📱 Update the firmware of headphones and smartphone software.

Frequently asked questions