How to Reconnect Xiaomi Headphones to Another Phone

Changing a smartphone is always stressful, especially when peripherals like wireless headphones refuse to "friend" a new gadget. Xiaomi ecosystem owners often face a situation where TWS-The model automatically tries to connect to the old phone, ignoring the new one, or does not enter the search mode at all. MIUI HyperOS will help to avoid unnecessary nerves and time loss.

In this article, we will examine not only the standard algorithm of actions, but also the hidden nuances that can block pairing. You will learn how to properly reset the settings of the headset, clean the Bluetooth cache on the phone and what to do if the device is “hung” in the memory of an old gadget.

Before we get into action, it’s worth remembering that wireless headphones, whether the popular Redmi Buds or the flagship Xiaomi Buds Pro, take precedence over the last connected device. This means that if the headset has been successfully linked to a friend’s tablet or phone, it will persistently try to restore that connection even when in the box, which is why the reconnection process always begins with “forgetting” the device on the source side.

Preparation of old and new devices for pairing

The first and most critical step is to completely clean up the connection history on the old smartphone. Many users make the mistake of just turning off Bluetooth on the previous phone, thinking that this is enough. However, the pairing profile remains active in the headphones' memory, and at the first opportunity they will try to reconnect. You need to go to the Bluetooth settings of the old phone, find your headphones in the list and click on the "Forget the device" or "Unpatch the pairing".

The new phone you plan to move to also requires some pre-work. Make sure the operating system version is up to date, as older Android builds may not work properly with new aptX Adaptive or LHDC codecs that use modern Xiaomi models. Also, check if power saving mode is on, which may limit the wireless module in the background.

⚠️ Note: If the old phone does not perform the “Forget the device” procedure, the headphones can automatically switch back when Bluetooth is turned on, creating permanent connection conflicts.

It is also important to check the charge of the case and the headphones themselves. Low charge can prevent the transition to Pairing Mode, as the device saves energy for basic functions. Put the headphones in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, and then open it to initiate the reset of the internal controllers.

📊 What type of problem do you face?
Headphones not visible in search
They're plugging in, but there's no sound.
Automatically connect to an old phone
The microphone is not working.

Algorithm reset headphones Xiaomi before factory settings

If a simple shutdown didn’t work, or the headphones “glutch” after a master change, you need to perform a full reset (Hard Reset), which returns factory settings and removes all stored pairing profiles from the headset memory. The procedure may differ for different models, but the general principle is the same: you need to pinch the touch areas or physical buttons for a certain time.

For most models, such as AirDots or basic Redmi Buds, the algorithm is as follows: place both headphones in the charging case, leaving the lid open. Find a function button on the case case case case case (usually round and located between the indicators or on the end). Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes white at a high frequency.

In models without a button on the case, for example, in some versions of the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, the reset is made through the touch zones. Remove the headphones from the case, simultaneously touch the touch areas on both headphones and hold for about 5-7 seconds before turning off, then repeat the action again, holding for about 20 seconds before the reset indication appears. The exact sequence for your model is better clarified in the documentation, since timings can vary.

☑️ Checklist before reset

Done: 0 / 4

After a successful reset, the headphones go into active search mode. The indicator should flash often, signaling readiness for a new acquaintance. If this does not happen, repeat the procedure, making sure that the headphones fit tightly to the contacts in the case during the process.

The process of connecting to the new smartphone Xiaomi

Now that the headset is ready to go, we move on to the new phone, and Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are the luckiest smartphone owners with the MIUI Pop-up, which allows you to connect your headphones almost instantly by simply opening a case next to your unlocked screen.

To activate this mode, make sure that the phone is enabled Bluetooth and geolocation (GPS). Bring an open case with headphones (in pairing mode) to the screen of the smartphone. After 1-2 seconds, an animated window with the image of your headphones and their charge level should appear on the display. Press the “Connect” button and the system will set up all the necessary profiles.

If the automatic window doesn't show up, don't panic. This may be due to the features of the MIUI version or third-party launchers. In that case, go to the Settings → Bluetooth menu. In the list of available devices, find your model name (e.g., Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) and click on it to pair. In some cases, you may need to confirm the access code — just click OK or type 0000.

Model headphonesType of dischargeIndication of dischargeRetention time
Redmi Buds 3 / 4The button on the caseWhite flashing10 seconds.
Mi True Wireless 2Sensors + CasesThe indicator goes out20 seconds.
Xiaomi Buds ProThe button on the caseOrange light2-3 seconds
AirDots / Redmi AirdotsSensors (5 times)Double blinking.5 taps

Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app to customize

To unlock the full potential of your headphones, especially Pro or Lite-level models, it is highly recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Buds M8 for iOS).The standard Bluetooth menu in Android often hides advanced settings such as equalizer, transparency mode, or firmware updates.

Once you have your headphones on, launch the app, it will automatically detect the headset and prompt you to update the headphones, and updating the headphone firmware is a critical step when changing phones, as new versions of the software often contain compatibility patches with new versions of Android. The process takes several minutes, during which the headphones must be in the case or next to the phone.

In the app, you can also reconfigure touch controls, like double-tapping the left earphone to switch tracks and the right earphone to call the voice assistant, which is especially useful if you're switching from a different brand of headphones where the logic of the control may have been different.

Why do I need a geolocation permit?
Xiaomi Earbuds does not require geolocation access to track you, but because in Android, scanning for Bluetooth devices (especially for fast pairing) is technically tied to location services. Without this permission, the phone simply won’t “see” the headphones in quick search mode.> Sometimes the reconnection process is not smooth: the phone does not see the headphones, or the connection is constantly breaking. One of the common reasons is a crowded Bluetooth cache on the smartphone itself. In Android, accumulated service errors can block new connections. To fix this, go to Settings → Annexes → Show all applications → (Three-dot menu) Show system processes. Find in the "Bluetooth" list, click "Storage" and select "Clean up». Don't worry, it won't delete your devices forever, but it will reset the module's current settings. After that, the phone will reboot and you'll have to pair again, but it often solves the problem of "invisible" devices. It's also worth paying attention to interference. If you’re in a place with a lot of Wi-Fi networks or a running microwave, the Bluetooth signal (acting at 2.4 GHz) can be jammed. Try to step away from the router or turn off the hotspot on the phone for a while if it’s not in use. ⚠️ Note: If the headphones are visible in the list, but when trying to connect, they give an error “failed to connect”, try to remove all other stored Bluetooth devices from the phone’s memory, leaving only the target ones. If the sound wheezes or is interrupted, go to Developer Options in the phone settings. Find the Audio Codec section and try switching the codec from aptX HD to SBC or AAC. This will reduce the sound quality, but increase the stability of the connection in a noisy air. Connection features to devices not on Android If you move from Android to iOS or connect Xiaomi headphones to a Windows laptop, you will have their own features. On the iPhone functionality will be limited to basic audio playback and microphone. Advanced features such as functionality in the noisy mode of the iPhone, which the application can be partially restored from the game mode of the owners of the Bud applications. However, it is worth considering that the protocol of fast data transfer and some codecs may not work properly due to the limitations of the Apple operating system. AAC. When connecting to Windows 10/11 Standard algorithm: Start → Parameters → Devices → Add Bluetooth or another device, however, Windows often requires manual driver selection. If there is sound but the microphone is not working, check in the Sound Control Panel to ensure that the default playback device is Headphones (Xiaomi...) rather than Headset, as the headset mode is often of poor sound quality. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Why do headphones connect to an old phone even if it's off? It's not physically possible. If the phone's off, the Bluetooth module doesn't work. It's likely that the old phone is in sleep mode, or the screen is just gone, but the device is active. Or the headphones connected to another device (tablet, laptop) that was paired before and is in range. Can you connect Xiaomi headphones to two phones at once? Only if the model supports Multipoint, which older models like Xiaomi Buds can boast. 3T Pro or Buds 4 Pro. Budget models usually have multiple devices in their memory, but they can only play sound from one active source at a time. What if only one earphone burns after reset (TWS Put both earphones in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Then pull them out at the same time. If it doesn't work, reset the procedure by making sure both headphones are in the case when you press the button. How do you know the firmware version of the headphones? The most accurate way is through the Xiaomi Earbuds app. The main menu displays the current version of firmware. This information can also sometimes be found in the phone’s Bluetooth menu by clicking on the gear next to the device name if the phone driver supports the transmission of this information. 💡The main secret to a successful reconnection is to completely reset your headphones before trying to link them to a new device, which ensures that old profiles are cleaned.