How to set up TWS-Xiaomi headphones: a complete guide from connectivity to hidden features

Xiaomi Wireless Headphones with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) They've gained popularity through a combination of affordable pricing, high-quality sound and advanced features, but even experienced users sometimes have difficulty setting up their first setup, from mating problems to sensory malfunctions. This article will help you understand all the nuances – from basic connection to fine customization of sound and gesture control.

We will look at current models. 2023–2026 Years (including Redmi Buds) 5/5 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4/4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro, take into account the features of firmware MIUI 14/15 We'll give you some tips to fix common bugs, and we'll focus on hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't advertise in the official instructions, like activating the developer mode for advanced audio settings.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection

Before setting up, make sure your TWS-Xiaomi headphones are fully charged. The indicator on the case should be white or green (depending on the model) - this signals 100% charge. If the indicator is red or flashing, connect the case to the charger for 30-60 minutes.

It is important to check the compatibility of the devices:

• 📱 Smartphones: Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco s MIUI 12+ Android 10+ (fully functional)
• 💻 PC/laptop: Bluetooth 5.0 is required+ Qualcomm AptX drivers (for codec-enabled models)
• 🎮 Game consoles: Nintendo Switch and PS5 Support only basic profile A2DP (microphoneless)

⚠️ Attention: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro and newer devices may conflict with iOS devices due to proprietary codec LC3. For stable operation on the iPhone, force activate the mode SBC Bluetooth.

If the headphones have been used before, reset to factory settings:

1. Place 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. After resetting, the headphones will automatically go into mating mode.

2. Step-by-step connection to a smartphone

The mating process depends on the headphone model and version MIUI. For most devices, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Open the case cover – the headphones will automatically turn on and go to search mode (the indicator flashes white).
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
3. In the list, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 5 Pro) and tap on it.
4. Confirm pairing on both devices. Some models (Buds 4 Pro) will need to enter PIN-code.

For devices with MIUI 14+ Accelerated connection mode available:

• 🔹 Open the case cover next to the smartphone.
• 🔹 On the screen will appear a pop-up window with a suggestion to connect - tap "Hide".
• 🔹 The system will automatically install the Mi Earphones app (unless installed).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones aren't defined by the smartphone, check if they're connected to another device in the background.Some models (Buds 4 Pro) retain the last active connection and may ignore new pairing requests.

3. Set up through the Mi Earphones branded app

The Mi Earphones app (formerly Xiaomi Earphones) provides advanced customization options not available through the standard Bluetooth interface. Download it from Google Play or the App Store.

After connecting headphones in the application, the following options will be available:

• 🎧 Sound profiles: selection from preset (Balance, Bass, Voice) or customization through equalizer.
• 🎚️ ANC/Transparent mode: noise reduction level adjustment (available for Hybrid models) ANC).
• 👆 Gesture Management: Reassigning Actions for Touches and Holds.
• 🔋 Battery monitoring: displaying the charge of the case and each headphone separately.

To activate the developer mode (hidden function):

1. Go to Settings. → About the program in the Mi Earphones app.
2. Slip 5 times on the line "Firmware version".
3. Return to the main menu - a new section "For developers" with options: Debugging by Bluetooth Logic Sound Test microphone

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If the app doesn't show the charge level of the headphones, reconnect them to your smartphone and restart Mi Earphones. Sometimes cleaning the app's cache in Android settings helps.

4. Sound optimization: equalizer and codecs

Sound quality TWS-Xiaomi headphones are largely dependent on the selected audio codec. SBC — It's a versatile, but not the best, option:

1. Go to Settings. → Bluetooth → The gear badge next to the connected headphones.
2. Select "Sound Quality" or "Audio Codec".
3. Recommended settings: 🎵 For music: AAC (Balance of quality and stability) or aptX Adaptive (if supported). 🎮 For games: LC3 (Low latency but requires Android 13+). 🎤 For calls: mSBC (optimized for voice).

For fine-tuning the sound, use the built-in equalizer in Mi Earphones:

• 🔊 Bass: Increase sliders by 60–250 Hz for depth.
• 🎶 Medium frequencies: Raise 1-4 kHz for vocals.
• ✨ HF: carefully add 8-12 kHz for air, but do not overdo it – it can cause fatigue during prolonged listening.

5. Setting up sensory controls and gestures

Touch panels on the TWS-Xiaomi headphones support up to 5 different gestures, but only basic ones are activated by default:

1. Open the Mi Earphones app and go to Management.
2. Choose the headphone (left or right) to adjust.
3. Set up actions for: 👆 Single touch: playback / pause, answer to the call. 👆👆 Double touch: next track, call voice assistant. 👆👆👆 Triple touch: previous track, activation ANC. 🖐️ Retention: Deflection of the call, switching of noise reduction modes.

Examples of optimal settings for different scenarios:

• 🏃 Sport: Double-touch – “Next Track”, retention – “Transparent Mode” (for safety on the street).
• 🎮 Games: Triple touch – “Activate microphone” (for voice chat).
• 🚇 Transport: single touch — "ANC", double-pause".

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Buds 5 and later, the triple-touch gesture may conflict with Android system actions (e.g. calling Google Assistant). → Annexes → Assistant → Keyboard combinations.

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Turn off unnecessary gestures on one of the headphones (such as triple tapping on the left) to avoid accidental triggers while wearing.

6 Advanced Features: Dual Device, LDAC firmware

Modern. TWS-Xiaomi headphones support features that are often unused:

• 📱💻 Dual Device: Connecting to two devices at the same time (e.g., a smartphone and a laptop) is activated in Mi Earphones → "Connection to devices. Restriction: only works with devices on MIUI 14+ Android 13+.
• 🎵 LDAC: High-resolution codec (up to 990 kbps), available on Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro. → Bluetooth → Headphones → Sound quality → LDAC (909 kbps Attention: May cause stuttering on weak smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 10).
• 🔄 Update firmware: check the relevance of the software in Mi Earphones → "Update. New versions add codec support and fix plug-in bugs.

For manual firmware (if the automatic update does not work):

1. Download the firmware file for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Place the headphones in the case and connect it to the PC through USB-C.
3. Run the Mi Flash Tool and select the downloaded.bin file.
4. Press Flash and wait until the case is completed (don’t turn off!).

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If after updating the firmware headphones began to discharge quickly, reset settings (see section 1) and roll back to the previous version of the software.

7. Resolving typical problems

Even after you set it up correctly, users encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

If the headphones are not turned on after a long downtime:

• 🔋 Place them in a case and connect them to charging for 15-20 minutes.
• 🔄 Try resetting the button on the case (hold 20 seconds).
• 🔌 If the indicator is not on, check the cable and port. USB-C lesions.

8. Care and extension tips

So TWS-Xiaomi headphones lasted longer, follow the recommendations:

• 🚿 Cleaning: Use a dry brush with soft bristles to remove dust from the speaker grilles. To disinfect, wipe the case with a tissue with isopropyl alcohol (70%).
• 🔋 Charging: Do not leave your headphones in a case for more than 24 hours - this reduces battery life. USB-C Support for Quick Charge 3.0.
• 🌡️ Temperature: Avoid using temperatures below 0°C or higher than 40°C. Keeping headphones is recommended at 10–30°C.
• 🎧 Storage: Always put your headphones in your case, which protects them from dust and mechanical damage. Avoid pressure on the body (for example, in your jeans pocket).

To restore the battery capacity:

1. Discharge the headphones and case to 0% (the indicator will go out).
2. Charge to 100% without interruptions (about 2-3 hours).
3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times, which helps to reset the charge controller.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use hard-backed cotton swabs to clean your headphones, which can damage the speaker membrane. Also avoid compressed air (cylinders), as this can displace the internal components.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up