Wireless headphones from JBL and Xiaomi have long become the standard for music lovers and active users – they offer freedom of movement, high-quality sound and ease of use. However, even with such popular brands, beginners often have questions: how to connect headphones to a smartphone, why they are not on the list of devices or how to fix audio interrupts. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic pairing to fine-tuning and solving typical problems.
We will look at the connection process for different models – from the budget Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 to the flagship JBL Live Pro 2>, and also explain how to work with functions like multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices) or audio codecs (AAC, aptX).
1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection
Before pairing with a phone, the headphones need to be turned into a pairing mode. The JBL and Xiaomi models have a different process, but the general principle is the same: the device should be “visible” to the smartphone.
- 🔋 Charge the headphones. Make sure the charge level of the case and the headphones themselves is not lower than 30%. For the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, the charge indication is displayed on the case, the headphones are not the same. JBL Tune 130NC — LED flashes red at low charge.
If the headphones are already connected to another device, they need to be reset.
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Hold the reset button (usually on the back of Xiaomi’s case or the power button on JBL headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes white/red.
- Get your headphones out, they'll be ready for a new pairing.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. AirDots 3)>) They require pre-activation through the Mi Home app, without which they may not appear in the list of Bluetooth devices.
2. Step-by-step connection to Android and iOS
The pairing process is almost identical for both types of smartphones, but there are nuances in the audio and control settings. Let's look at both.
For Android (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)
- Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth (on MIUI, the path can be Settings → Bluetooth).
- Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off.
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, the JBL Tune 510BT or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) and tap it.
- Confirm the pairing if a request appears (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code - default 0000 or 1234).
After connecting, check the sound quality:
- 🎵 Go to Settings. → Sound. → Bluetooth sound quality and select a codec AAC (for balance of quality and stability or aptX (if supported).
- 🔊 Turn on Absolute Volume (in the same settings) to synchronize volume levels on your headphones and phone.
For iPhone and iPad
- Open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator flashes quickly).
- Find the device on the list and tap it. On iOS, it can take up to 10 seconds.
- If the notification “Not recognized”, update the firmware headphones through the proprietary application (JBL Headphones or Mi Home).
The iPhone automatically selects the optimal codec, but JBL models with aptX support may require manual adjustment in the manufacturer’s app.
☑️ Checklist before connection
3. Configure additional functions
Modern wireless headphones support not only sound playback, but also voice assistants, noise cancellation, customization of control. Let's look at how to activate these functions.
Voice assistants (Google Assistant, Siri, XiaoAI)
For Xiaomi:
- 🎤 In the Mi Home app, go to the headphone settings and turn on the option “Voice Assistant».
- 📱 On Android, also activate Mi Home access to the microphone in the app settings.
For JBL:
- 🔊 In the annex JBL Headphones select the headphone model and turn on Voice Awake).
- 🎧 iPhone may need to allow Siri access to Settings → Siri and Search → Headphones.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
Models like the JBL Live 660NC or Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro support ANC.
- Open the company app and find the Noise Reduction section.
- Select the mode: ANC (total suppression), Transparency (amplification of ambient sounds) or Adaptive (automatic adjustment).
- For Xiaomi in Mi Home, the sensitivity setting of ANC microphones is available.
⚠️ Attention: ANC It reduces the time of the headphones. JBL Tune 760NC without ANC The battery lasts 50 hours, and with noise cancellation on – only 25 hours.
Customization of management
In the JBL Headphones or Mi Home apps, you can reassign actions to:
- 👆 Single/double/triple touch.
- 👈 Flicking tracks (left/right).
- 🎵 Calling the voice assistant.
Headphones Xiaomi Air 2 SE control is configured only through Mi Home – in standard Bluetooth settings, these options are absent.
How to reset control settings to factory?
4. Solving Connection Problems
If the headphones are not connected or the sound is interrupted, use this instruction:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list | Inactive pairing mode, low charge, conflict with other devices | Reset your headphones, charge them, turn off Bluetooth on other gadgets |
| The sound is interrupted or stuttered | Interference from other wireless devices, weak Bluetooth signal | Move closer to your phone, turn off Wi-Fi (5GHz may interfere), change the codec to AAC |
| Only one earpiece works. | Unsynchronized pair, contamination of contacts in the case | Place both headphones in a case for 10 seconds, wipe the contacts with alcohol |
| Low volume. | Limiting volume in phone or headphone settings | Turn off Safe Volume in Android Sound Settings or Reset EQ in the App |
If the problem persists, check:
- 📱 The headphone firmware version. Updates often fix connection errors. JBL use JBL Headphones, for Xiaomi - Mi Home.
- 🔄 Codec compatibility. On Android, try manually selecting SBC (The most versatile, but with the worst quality).
- 🔌 Interference from other devices: microwaves, 5GHz routers, even USB-Hubs can interfere with Bluetooth.
💡
If the headphones are connected but no sound, check if the Media Audio mode is activated in Bluetooth settings (should be enabled to play music).
5. Multipoint: Connecting to two devices at the same time
Multipoint allows the headphones to be paired with two devices (like a smartphone and a laptop) and switch between them automatically, an option available on the JBL Live 660NC, JBL Tune 760NC and Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro models.
How to set up:
- Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
- Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually by holding the power button until a double beep).
- Connect the second device (laptop, tablet) through its Bluetooth settings.
- In the proprietary app (JBL Headphones or Mi Home), enable the option “Multipoint” or “Two devices”.
Example of work:
- 📞 You listen to music on your phone, but you get a call on your laptop – the headphones will automatically switch to it.
- 🎮 If you watch a movie on a tablet and a notification arrives on your phone, the sound will temporarily switch to your smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: When multipoint may be observed delay of sound (latency) up to 200 ms. for games or watching video it is better to turn off the second device.
💡
Multipoint only works with devices that support the Bluetooth A2DP 1.3+ profile. Check the specifications of your smartphone or laptop.
6. Sound and battery optimization
To extend the headphones’ life and improve sound quality, follow these tips:
Saving charge
- 🔋 Turn it off. ANC, If you don’t need it, it increases your work time by 30-50%.
- 📴 Use Mono mode (one earphone) if you don’t need stereo sound.
- 🔌 Keep your headphones in your case – most Xiaomi models and JBL automatically charged when placed in the case.
Sound tuning
In branded applications available:
- 🎛️ Equalizer. For bass, pick "Bass Boost"; for vocals, "Vocal».
- 🔊 3D-sound. JBL Headphones has the option of “Surround Sound” to simulate surround sound.
- 🎵 Responsive sound: Mi Home for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro can enable automatic adjustment to the ear acoustics.
For Android, it is also recommended:
- Turn off the absolute volume if the headphones are too quiet.
- Turn on LDAC (if supported) for maximum sound quality (but this will increase latency).
7. Update to the headphone firmware
Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that fix connection errors, improve sound and add new features. Here's how to update headphones:
For Xiaomi.
- Install the Mi Home app and log in.
- Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
- Open Mi Home, find your headphones in the list of devices.
- If an update is available, a notification will appear – click “Update”.
- Do not turn off the headphones and do not close the application until the process is completed (it takes 2-5 minutes).
For JBL
- Download JBL Headphones from the App Store or Google Play.
- Connect the headphones and open the application.
- Go to the “Settings” section → “Firmware Update”.
- If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
⚠️ Note: When updating the firmware JBL Live Pro 2 via Live Pro JBL Headphones headphones can temporarily shut down and reboot.Don't panic - it's okay.