Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users have difficulty combining two headphones into a stereo pair or syncing them with a phone. In this article, we’ll look at all possible scenarios, from basic connectivity to solving complex synchronization problems.
It's important to understand that the process of combining depends on the headphone model (Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds, Xiaomi FlipBuds, etc.), the firmware version and even the operating system of a smartphone. We have collected universal methods that work for most devices, as well as unique life hacks for specific models. If you just bought headphones or they suddenly "disconnected" - here you will find a solution.
Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Merge: The Main Reasons
Before we get to the instructions, we'll look at why the headphones might not sync with each other or with the phone, and most of the time, one of the things that's going on is:
- 🔋 Battery discharge – if at least one headphone is discharged below 10%, the pair will not be able to unite.
- 📱 Outdated firmware in headphones or smartphones (especially relevant for models older than 2021).
- 🔄 Resetting – if the headphones have previously been reset or connected to another device.
- 🎧 Hardware defect – physical damage to contacts or microphone (often after falls).
- 📶 Interference from other devices – Bluetooth devices (columns, fitness bracelets) working nearby can interfere with synchronization.
In 80% of cases, the problem is solved software – just follow the instructions below. If the headphones do not respond to reset or charging, this may indicate a hardware malfunction, and you should contact the Xiaomi service center.
⚠️ Note: If one of the headphones flashes red and the other flashes white, this indicates a discrepancy in the firmware versions. In this case, a forced update is required through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.
How to combine Xiaomi headphones with each other (create a stereo pair)
If Xiaomi headphones don’t pair automatically (for example, after a reset or purchase separately), follow these steps:
- Turn off both headphones – press and hold the touchpad (or button) on each of them for 5-7 seconds until the indicator goes out.
- Activate mating mode: 🎧 For Mi True Wireless 2/3, Redmi Buds 3/4: Keep the sensor on both headphones. 10 seconds until the red and white light flashes. 🎧 For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: Open the case cover, then press the button on the back of the case 3 seconds.
Wait for synchronization.
synchronously
Put it on the phone.
Mi True Wireless 2_L
Mi True Wireless 2
If the headphones are still not joined after this, try a forced reset (instructions in the next section). Also check that both earphones are charged - if one is discharged, a pair will not be created.
Charge both headphones up to 50%+
Turn off Bluetooth on other devices nearby
Make sure that the headphones are the same model (not Mix different versions)
Update the headphone firmware through Mi Home-->
Resetting headphones Xiaomi: when and how to do
Hard reset is a universal solution for most connectivity problems, and it brings the headphones back to factory settings, erasing all the stored devices and audio settings, and here's how to do it for different models:
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Sign of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless 2/3, Redmi Buds 3/4 | Hold the sensor on both headphones for 15 seconds until the red-white-red flashes | Double beep + flashing red 3 times |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Open the case, press the button on the back panel 10 seconds (case indicator flashes orange) | The headphones will be released with a voice message "Reset successful" |
| Mi AirDots (First Generation) | Hold the button on each headphone for 20 seconds until the indicator goes out | Single Squeak + Slow Blinking White |
| Redmi Buds 5 Pro | Place the headphones in the case, hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator will become purple) | Voice notification "Cleared all devices" |
After reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode. If this does not happen, remove them from the case and hold the touch panels for 5 seconds.Remember: reset erases all user settings, including the noise maker and equalizer settings (if supported by the model).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi headphones with firmware older than 2022 may require a double reset — first each headphone separately, then pairs together.
Mi True Wireless 2/3|Redmi Buds 3/4/5|Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro|Mi AirDots (first generation) |Another model-->
Combining Xiaomi headphones with a phone: step-by-step instructions
If the headphones have successfully paired with each other, but do not connect to the phone, follow this instruction:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone: On MIUI: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth. On Android (clean): Settings → Devices → Bluetooth. On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth.
Activate the search mode
- 🎧 For most models: Get your headphones out of the case – they will automatically go into mating mode.
- 🎧 If not connected: Hold the sensor on any headphone for 3 seconds until the white indicator flashes.
- Select headphones from the list of devices – they should show up as a single device (e.g. Redmi Buds). 4, Not Redmi Buds. 4_L and Redmi Buds. 4_R separately).
- Confirm the connection – some phones will need to enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).
If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one of them, check the sound settings on the phone:
- 📱 Nana MIUI: Settings → Sound. → Sound output → Stereo (Bluetooth).
- 📱 On Android: In the notification bar, click on the Bluetooth icon and select Media Audio.
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If the headphones are connected as two separate devices (e.g. L and R), the reset didn’t work. Repeat the reset procedure or update the firmware through the Xiaomi Wear app.
Solving Connection Problems on Different Devices
Problems with the combination of headphones Xiaomi can occur not only on smartphones, but also on other devices.
📱 Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)
On Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones with MIUI firmware, there is sometimes a conflict with branded headphones.
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📱 Reset Bluetooth Settings: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Reset the settings.
- 🎧 Disable Double Connection (if any): This feature may interfere with stable connection to headphones.
🍎 iPhone and iPad
On Apple devices, Xiaomi headphones can connect late or only in HFP (low sound quality) mode.
- 🔋 Forget the device in Bluetooth settings, then plug in again.
- 🎵 Turn it off. AAC-Codec: Go to Settings → Bluetooth → i (near the headphones) → Codec of sound → Choose. SBC.
- 📱 Update iOS – Older versions (below 15.4) have bugs with Bluetooth 5.2.
💻 Laptops and PCs (Windows/macOS)
On computers, Xiaomi headphones can be defined as Headset instead of Stereo.
- 🖥️ On Windows: Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Additional sound parameters, select headphones and set the format SBC or AAC.
- 🍎 On macOS: Open the audio-MIDI-Setting up (via Spotlight) and setting the sampling rate 44.1 keto.
What if the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted?
Xiaomi Headphone Firmware Update: Why It Matters
Many headphone integration problems are solved by updating the firmware. The manufacturer regularly releases patches that fix plug-in bugs, improve Bluetooth stability and add new features (such as support for Bluetooth). LC3-Codec for Redmi Buds 5 Pro).
To update the firmware:
- Install the official annex: 📱 Xiaomi Wear (for new models starting in 2022). 📱 Mi Home (for older models, for example, Mi AirDots).
Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices and check for updates.
Don't turn off the headphones.
during the trial!
After updating the firmware to the 2026 version, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro headphones have an automatic reconnection feature to the latest device, which solves the problem of accidental disconnections. For other models, the update can add support for new codecs or improve battery life.
⚠️ Note: If during the firmware update, the headphones become deficient or communication is interrupted, they may stop turning on, in which case you will need to force flashing through the service center or special software (for example, Mi Flash Tool for advanced users).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even after successful headphone combinations, users often encounter common mistakes, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 🔊 The sound comes only in one headphone: Check the sound balance in the phone settings (on the phone). MIUI: Settings → Special opportunities → Mono-audio balance. Reset your headphones and reconnect. If the problem persists, one of the headphones may be malfunctioning (check the microphone for moisture).
- 🔋 Headphones discharge quickly: Turn off Always-On (if any) in the settings of the Xiaomi Wear app. Update the firmware - new versions optimized battery consumption. Use the original charging case (non-original can undercharge).
- 🎵 Poor sound quality (wheezing, noise): In your Bluetooth phone settings, select a codec SBC instead AAC. Clean the speaker grid from dust (soft brush or compressed air) and check if the Noise or Transparency modes are on (they can degrade sound in some models).
If neither of these methods worked, try connecting the headphones to another device (like a tablet or laptop). If the problem recurs, it's a hardware defect and the headphones need repair.
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Before contacting the service center, check whether the warranty period has expired (usually 12 months for Xiaomi headphones). If the headphones were bought on AliExpress or other sites, check the warranty conditions with the seller.