How to switch tracks in Xiaomi Redmi headphones: all ways (2026)

Xiaomi Redmi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets for music lovers, but not all users know how to quickly switch tracks without access to a phone. Depending on the model (Redmi Buds 3 Lite, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, Redmi Buds 5 and others), the ways to control music can vary from touch touch touch to voice commands. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from basic to hidden functions that work even on budget versions.

The main problem owners face is non-obvious gestures or lack of response to presses. For example, in Redmi Buds 4 Pro, you need to hold the touchpad to switch tracks, and in Redmi AirDots 2 you need to press twice, we collected universal combinations that work on 90% of the models of the line, and also explained why sometimes the control does not work (spoiler: Bluetooth settings or firmware are to blame).

If you’ve just bought a headphone or upgraded your smartphone, check version compatibility first – some features (like automatic track switching when double-touching) may not work on Android below 11 or iOS over 14. FAQ answering frequent questions, including resetting headphone settings and solving connection problems.

1. Switching music using touch buttons on headphones

Most Xiaomi Redmi models are equipped with touch panels that respond to touch.

• 🎵 One touch – pause/playback (works on all models).
• ⏭️ Double Touch – Next Track (Redmi Buds) 3/4 Lite, AirDots 3).
• ⏮️ Triple touch – previous track (Redmi Buds 5 Pro, AirDots 3 Pro).
• 🔄 Holding 2 seconds - switching off the noise emitter or switching transparency modes (on models with a ANC).

Important: Redmi Buds 3 Lite and AirDots 2 don't have a rewind function - triple tap is not supported. If double tap doesn't work, check:

Check the density of the earbuds to the ears (the sensor may not work with weak contact)

Update the firmware of headphones through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear

Reset the headphones to factory settings (press both touchpads for 10 seconds)

Turn off the energy-saving mode on your smartphone (it can block background commands)

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On models with physical buttons (e.g. Redmi AirDots S), the logic is different:

⚠️ Attention: On headphones Redmi Buds 5 Pro gestures are customized individually through the Xiaomi Wear app. If after updating the firmware control lost, reconnect the headphones to the phone manually (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again).

2 Music management via Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app

Xiaomi's official apps not only allow you to customize gestures, but also to switch tracks directly from the smartphone screen without opening the player.

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older models).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphones from the device list.
4. On the main screen will appear control panel with buttons ⏮️ Pause ⏭️.

The advantage of this method is visual control over playback, including volume and equalizer. For example, in Xiaomi Wear you can:

• 🔊 Set up the balance of sound between the left and right earphone.
• 🎛️ Select a preset equalizer (Bases, Rock, Classics).
• 🔋 View the charge level of each headphone and case.

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If the app doesn't have a music control panel, upgrade to the latest version or reinstall. On Android, also check permissions: the app needs media management rights and access to notifications.

For Redmi Buds 5 Pro and newer Xiaomi Wear, the Quick Switch feature is available, which is swipe up/down the touchpad to rewind tracks.

1. Open the headphone settings → Gesture management.
2. Select Swipe up/down and assign action Next/Previous Track.
3. Save the settings and reconnect the headphones.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, the quick switching function through Xiaomi Wear may not work due to iOS limitations. In this case, use a standard player (Apple Music, Spotify) or adjust gestures directly in the headphones.

3. Voice control: "Hey Siri" and Google Assistant

If you're uncomfortable with buttons, you can switch music with your voice, and any voice assistant will do that.

• 🤖 Google Assistant: Say “OK Google, next track” or “Put on pause".
• 🍎 Siri (iPhone): Activate the assistant and say, "Hey Siri, play the previous song".
• 🎧 Alice (Yandex Music): works only with the open application Yandex Music.

To ensure that the voice commands are stable:

1. Enable the default voice assistant in your phone settings (for Android: Settings) → Annexes → By default. → Assistant and voice input).
2. Allow the assistant to manage media (in Google or Siri app settings).
3. For Xiaomi smartphones, activate the Xiao Voice Assistant AI In Settings → Additionally.

Redmi Buds 5 Pro headphones have a built-in noise-canceling microphone that better recognizes commands outside.

For owners of Xiaomi smartphones there is a bonus: you can configure automatic music recognition through Xiao AI. For that:

1. Open the Music app on your phone.
2. Turn on the function of sound recognition in the settings.
3. Now, when you double tap on the headphones, the assistant will call the name of the track.

4.Switching tracks through notifications on a smartphone

The most versatile way is to use the notification panel on your phone, which works independently of the headphone and player model.

1. Play music in any application (Spotify, Yandex Music, Apple Music).
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find a notification from the player - there will be buttons ⏮️ ⏯️ ⏭️.
4. Press the button to switch the track.

If the control panel is not:

• 🔍 Check if the notification is hidden (on Android: hold the notification) → Settings → Importance → Tall).
• 🔄 Restart the player or reconnect the headphones.
• 📱 On iPhone, open Control Point (up/down swipe depending on the model) and use the player widget.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the music control panel can be fixed in quick settings:

1. Open the notification panel and press ⚙️ Edit.
2. Find the Music widget and drag it to the active area.
3. The control buttons will always be at hand.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (For example, the global version of the music widget may not be available, in which case use third-party applications like Poweramp or Musicolet, where the control panel is configured flexibly.

Gestures on headphones

Through the notification panel on the phone

Voice assistant.

In the Xiaomi app Wear/Mi Home

In other ways.-->

5. Special features for gamers and athletes

If you use Xiaomi Redmi headphones for games or training, standard ways to switch music may be uncomfortable.

• 🎮 Low Delay Mode (for Games): activated in Xiaomi Wear → Headphone settings → Game mode: In this mode, gestures work faster, but the sound quality may deteriorate.
• 🏃 Automatic pause when you shoot: music stops when you take the earpiece out of your ear (sets up in the same app).
• 🔊 Set up the equalizer for the genre: for training, choose the preset Basa, for podcasts – Voice.

For gamers on Xiaomi smartphones, there is an additional bonus: you can assign virtual buttons to control music directly in the game.

1. Open the Settings → Additional → Game Turbo
2. Choose the game you want to play the music in.
3. Activate Floating Windows and add the player widget.
4. Now, during the game, you will be able to switch tracks without folding the application.

The Redmi Buds 5 Pro has a hidden feature called "Fast Switch Between Devices" on your headphones, if you're listening to music on your phone but want to switch to your laptop:

1. Open the headphone case cover.
2. Hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 3 seconds.
3. The headphones will automatically connect to the last device used.

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On headphones Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, you can assign different gestures for the left and right headphone (for example, double touching the left – the previous track, the right – the next).

6. Problem Solving: Why Tracks Don't Switch

If none of these methods work, check the following points:

If the problem persists, reset your headphone settings:

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Hold the button on the case (if any) or both touchpads on the headphones for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Connect the headphones again via Bluetooth.

For Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and newer models after reset, you may need to update your firmware. Download the latest version in Xiaomi Wear:

1. Open the app and select headphones.
2. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (don’t turn off the headphones during the process!).

⚠️ Attention: After the firmware update, gestures may reset to factory settings. Go to Xiaomi Wear and reconfigure the controls for yourself.

FAQ: Frequent questions about switching music to Xiaomi Redmi