How to switch a song in headphones Xiaomi: all the ways to control music

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular music lovers accessories, but not all users know how to effectively control playback directly from the device.If you just bought Xiaomi AirDots, Buds 4 or FlipBuds Pro and can’t figure out how to switch tracks, skip ads or pause music – this article is for you.

We’ll look at all the different ways we can go from standard touch gestures and physical buttons to voice commands and app control, and we’ll focus on the nuances for different models — for example, why dual-touch works differently on Xiaomi Buds 3T than on AirDots Pro 2.

Important: some features depend on the headphone firmware version and smartphone model. If your Redmi or POCO doesn't support fast track change, we'll suggest workarounds. And at the end of the article, we'll give you an FAQ with answers to frequent questions, including compatibility with iPhone and other brands.

1. Standard control gestures on the headphone body

Most Xiaomi models support touch control — just touch a special area on the headphone body with your finger. However, the gesture algorithms differ depending on the series. Below is a table with the current combinations for popular models (data for 2026).

⚠️ Note: On models with active noise reduction (ANC) Retention can switch audio modes instead of music control. To return standard gestures, go to the headphone settings via the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Earbuds.

If the headphones do not respond to touch:

• 🧹 Wipe the touchpad with a dry wipe – dirt or sweat can block the signal.
• 🔋 Check the charge level: when the discharge is below 10%, the sensor sensitivity drops.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones to your phone (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again).
• 📱 Update the firmware headphones through the official application.

2. Control via physical buttons (for older models)

Some early versions of Xiaomi headphones, such as Mi Basic Earphones or Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones, feature mechanical buttons instead of touch panels, and the algorithm is simpler, but less intuitive:

• 🎵 Single press: pause/replay.
• 🔀 Double tap: the next track.
• 🔙 Triple press: previous track.
• 📞 2 seconds retention: Deflection of incoming call (if no active playback is available).

🔧 Problem: On push-button models, there's often a false alarm when walking or running, to avoid this:

⚠️ Warning: Do not carry headphones with physical buttons in your pocket along with keys or coins – this can cause mechanical damage to the button and constant “sticking” of commands.

If the button stops working:

1. Check if moisture has fallen under the case (relevant for models without IPX4+ protection).
2. Knock on the headphone case – sometimes contacts “step away” from the vibration.
3. Reset the headphone settings (usually hold the power button 10+ seconds).

3. Voice control: Xiao AI and Google Assistant

Xiaomi’s modern headphones support voice assistants, making it easier to control music without hand gestures.

1. Xiao AI (china-fix): 🎤 Activated by holding the touch panel (default setting). 🗣️ Chinese teams: (next track), (previous track). ⚠️ It only works with phones. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO on MIUI.

Google Assistant (International Firmware):

• 🌐 Activated in a similar way or through the settings of the Mi Home app.
• 🗣️ Teams in English/Russian: "Next track", "Pause", "Log up the volume".
• 📱 Requires an Internet connection and enabled assistant in the phone settings.

Important: On firmware headphones for the Chinese market (such as those purchased on AliExpress), the default voice assistant can be tied to Xiao AI, which does not understand Russian. To change it to Google Assistant, you will need to reflash the headphones or use workarounds through third-party apps.

💡

If the voice assistant doesn’t work, check if the microphone permissions are enabled in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings. On Android, this is done in the Settings menu → Apps → Permissions → Microphone.

4.Manage via Mi Home/Xiaomi Earbuds app

Xiaomi’s official apps not only allow you to customize gestures, but also toggle tracks directly from your smartphone screen, which is handy if the touch panels don’t work or you prefer visual control.

📲 Instructions for Mi Home:

• 📱 Install Mi Home from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔍 Connect the headphones via Bluetooth and add them to the app (Devices section) → Add).
• 🎧 After connecting, open the headphone card - here the current track and control buttons are displayed:

[◀ Previous] [▶ Pause/Reproduction] [◀ Next]

⚙️ Additional settings:

• 🔊 Adjustment of the equalizer (preset profiles: Bass, Vocals, Classics).
• 🎙️ Customization of the microphone for calls (voice amplification, noise cancellation).
• 🔄 Update firmware (critical for fixing management bugs).

🚨 Problem: In the latest Mi Home (2026) music control buttons have been removed for some headphone models.

Install the Xiaomi Earbuds | Connect headphones to Bluetooth | Update the headphone firmware | Check permissions for the application |Reboot the smartphone (if the headphones are not determined)

-->

5. Features of management on iPhone and other brands

Xiaomi headphones officially support iPhone connectivity, but with a number of limitations:

• 🍎 Gestures work: pause/play, next/previous track (if the model supports the model).
• 🚫 Not working: Voice assistant Xiao AI (Set up the equalizer via Mi Home (app not optimized for iOS) Automatic switching between devices (like AirPods).
• 🔧 Solution: Use third-party apps like EarBuddy or HeadsetButton Controller to reassign buttons.

📊 Compatibility with other brands:

⚠️ Note: On some Huawei devices with HarmonyOS firmware, Xiaomi headphones can connect in mode HFP (for calls instead A2DP (To fix this, go to Bluetooth settings, find your headphones, and manually select your Media Audio profile.

6. Alternative methods: widgets and third-party applications

If the standard methods do not suit, you can use additional tools:

• 🎛️ Player widgets: On Android: add the Google Play Music or Spotify widget to the home screen. On iOS: use the widget Now Playing in Control Center.
• 📱 Third-party apps: EarBuddy (Android) - reassigns gestures for any headphones. HeadsetButton Controller (Android) - adds support for double/triple taps. SoundAssistant (Samsung) - advanced sound management.
• ⚡ Quick Commands (Shortcuts on iOS): Create a Next Track command with the action Play the next track. Assign it to triple press Home or via AssistiveTouch.