How to properly configure Xiaomi headphones among themselves: TWS, stereopara and problem solving

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are among the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of price, quality and functionality. However, many users have difficulty syncing two headphones to work in stereo (TWS) mode. Unlike wired models, where plug-in is enough, wireless devices require proper configuration at both the hardware and software level.

In this article, we’ll go through all the nuances, from basic synchronization of Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless and other models to solving typical problems like β€œone earphone does not connect” or β€œsound only goes in mono.” Special attention will be paid to firmware, Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and Xiaomi branded chips, which are often overlooked. If you just unpacked a new pair or are trying to revive an old one, here you will find the answers to all the questions.

Which Xiaomi headphones support Stereomode (TWS)?

Not all Xiaomi models are capable of pairing as a full-fledged stereo system. To avoid disappointment, check your model's compatibility. Here are the key series that support True Wireless Stereo (TWS):

  • 🎧 Redmi AirDots (all generations including AirDots 3 Pro)
  • 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earphones (Episode 2, 2S, 3)
  • 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds and FlipBuds Pro
  • 🎧 Mi Buds 3/3 Pro/4
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Smart Earphones (with Mi support) AI)

Important: Even if your model is on the list, both headphones must be the same modification to work correctly. For example, Redmi AirDots 2 does not sync with AirDots 3. TWS-regime.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphone model you use?
Redmi AirDots
Mi True Wireless
FlipBuds
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.

If you’re not sure about TWS support, check the official specifications on Xiaomi’s website or check the box’s inscription β€” it’s usually marked with TWS or Stereo Pairing. For budget models (like Redmi AirDots Basic), the stereo mode may not be available at all.

Preparation of headphones for synchronization: reset and charging

Before setting up, be sure to reset both headphones to factory settings, which will eliminate any conflicts with previous connections.

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case (or the touchpad on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
  3. Wait for the beep (usually the voice message "Reset successful").

After reset, make sure both earbuds are at least 50 percent charged, low charge can interrupt the synchronization process, and check the battery level:

  • πŸ”‹ Open the case cover next to the smartphone – a notification with percentages will appear on the screen.
  • πŸ”‹ Use the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (Devices section) β†’ Headphones).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for synchronization

Done: 0 / 4

Critical error: if one of the headphones is discharged to zero, it may not be determined by the system as part of the pair, in which case, connect the case to charge for 30+ minutes, even if the indicator is not lit.

Step-by-step: how to synchronize Xiaomi headphones with each other

The algorithm of the connection depends on the model, but the general scheme looks like this:

  1. Remove both headphones from the case – they should automatically turn on (indicators flash white).
  2. Activate pairing mode: For Redmi AirDots: double tap the touchpad on the right earpiece. For Mi True Wireless: hold the touchpad on any earpiece for 3 seconds.

Connect from your smartphone.

  • Open the Settings. β†’ Bluetooth on your phone.
  • The name of your model will appear on the list of devices (for example, Mi True Wireless 2).
  • Click on it - after successful connection, the indicators on the headphones will light up in blue.

If done correctly, both earbuds will connect as one device, and the sound will play back in stereo, and to check this, play the music and cover your ear in turn, and the sound should be clearly separated into left/right channels.

What if the headphones are connected as two separate devices?
This means that the stereo is not formed. Repeat steps 1-3, but wait until the indicators on both headphones start flashing synchronously before connecting to the phone (usually 10-20 seconds after extracting from the case).
Model headphonesMethod of activating TWSIndication of successful synchronization
Redmi AirDots (1–3)Double touch of the right earpieceWhite β†’ Blue (both headphones)
Mi True Wireless 2/2SRetain the sensor for 3 seconds.Blinks white β†’ blue-burning
FlipBuds ProAutomatically when extractedSound signal + blue light
Mi Buds 3 ProTriple touch of left earphoneVoice notification "Stereo mode"

Important: for models with Mi support AI (For example, FlipBuds Pro) before synchronization, update the firmware through the Xiaomi Wear app. Outdated versions of the software can block TWS-regime.

Customization of sound and microphone after synchronization

After successful connection, it is recommended to optimize the sound settings. In the Xiaomi Wear app (or Mi Home for older models), the following settings are available:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Equalizer: Choose Preset (Bases, Voice, Custom) or create your profile.
  • 🎀 Microphone: Enable Noise Control for calls (available on FlipBuds Pro and Mi Buds 3 Pro).
  • πŸ”Š Loudness: Limit the maximum level to avoid distortion.
  • πŸ”„ Autoconnect: activate the option for a quick connection when you open the case.

For models with ANC (active noise cancellation), such as the FlipBuds Pro, further configure:

  1. Noise reduction (weak/medium/strong).
  2. Transparency mode for conversations.
  3. Sensitivity of microphones (in the section Calls).

πŸ’‘

If you hear a hissing background in the headphones, try disabling the ANC or switching to the SBC codec instead of the AAC in the Bluetooth settings (on Android 10+).

On iPhones, some features (such as equalizer) may not be available due to Apple’s limitations, and use third-party apps like Equalizer FX or Boom 3D.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”΄ One earbud doesn't connect: Check battery power (indicator on case). Reset only the problem earbud (hold its sensor for 10 seconds). Update firmware through Xiaomi Wear.
  • πŸ”Š Sound only goes in mono: Make sure you select a profile in your Bluetooth settings A2DP (not HFP Reboot your smartphone and reconnect.
  • πŸ”„ Headphones are constantly off: Turn off Bluetooth power saving mode in your phone settings. Check the distance to the device (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).

Critical bug: On some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 10), the headphones can be defined as Media Audio and Call Audio separately.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Click on the icon. βš™οΈ headphone-name.
  3. Turn off the option "Separate Media and Call Management".

πŸ’‘

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try connecting the headphones to another device (tablet, PC), which will help determine if there is a bug in the headphones or in the smartphone.

Firmware Update: Why it's important for TWS

Xiaomi's headphone firmware is not only responsible for the stability of communication, but also for the correct operation of the stereo mode.

  • 🚫 The lack of sound in one of the headphones.
  • 🚫 Unintentional shutdowns.
  • 🚫 Incorrect operation of sensors (for example, touches are not recognized).

To update the firmware:

  1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older models).
  2. Put the headphones on the phone.
  3. Open the application, go to the Devices section β†’ [Your model] β†’ Settings β†’ Update of the PO.
  4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t remove the headphones from the case!).

Example of current firmware versions (at the time of 2026):

ModelThe latest versionCorrected bugs
Redmi AirDots 3 ProV1.7.0.4Right earphone shutdown fixed
Mi True Wireless 2SV1.4.1.8Improved ANC synchronization
FlipBuds ProV2.1.0.3Added support for LC3 codec

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process. If the headphone battery runs out during the update, they may stop turning on. Charge the case to 100% before starting.

Additional Chips: How to Improve the Use Experience

Besides basic synchronization, Xiaomi headphones support hidden features that many don’t know about:

  • 🎡 Customization of controls: in Xiaomi Wear, you can reassign actions for touching (for example, double-pressing to start a voice assistant).
  • πŸ”‹ Fast charging: Some models (such as the AirDots 3 Pro) support 5-minute charging for 2 hours of playback.
  • πŸ“± Multi-connection: headphones can be connected simultaneously to a smartphone and a laptop (setting in Bluetooth Developer Mode).
  • 🎧 Game mode: reduces sound latency to 80 ms (included in the application).

For models with a wear sensor (for example, FlipBuds Pro), an automatic pause setting is available when the headphone is removed.

  1. Open Xiaomi Wear.
  2. Go to the device settings β†’ Wear sensor.
  3. Turn on the "Pause at removal" option.

⚠️ Note: if you use headphones with Windows or Mac, some of the features (for example, equalizer) may not be available. MIUI.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you sync Xiaomi headphones with headphones of another brand?
No, TWS-The mode only works between two identical models of the same brand. For example, Redmi AirDots 2 will not work in tandem with Samsung Galaxy Buds or even with Mi True Wireless 2.
Why did the headphones stop connecting after the firmware update?
The new firmware probably reset Bluetooth, and you can do this: Remove the headphones from the list of devices on your phone, reset the headphones (hold the button on your case for 15 seconds), and reconnect the process again.
How to check if the headphones are really working in stereo?
Run a stereo balance test on your phone: Open Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Stereo Balance (on MIUI). Move the slider left/right, the sound should be clearly switched between the headphones. If the sound is only on one side at the extreme position of the slider, the stereo mode is not activated.
Can I use one headphone from a pair separately?
Yes, most Xiaomi models support monomode. To do this, remove only one earpiece from the case. Connect it to the phone as usual (sound will be mono). To get back into stereo, put the earpiece back and remove both. Except: FlipBuds Pro in mono mode turns off the ANC.
What if the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted?
The reasons can be different: Interference: disable other Bluetooth devices nearby (fitness bracelets, speakers). Codec: in Bluetooth settings, select SBC over AAC (more stable, but with less quality).