How to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to Xiaomi phone: full instruction

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have become an integral part of the brand’s ecosystem, offering users freedom of movement and high sound quality. However, even with such advanced devices, users sometimes have difficulties when connecting for the first time. Especially when it comes to synchronizing headphones with a phone of the same brand, there are nuances associated with proprietary protocols and optimizations.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect, from a standard Bluetooth connection to using branded MIUI functions. You will learn how to properly activate the pairing mode on different models of headphones (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds, FlipBuds), what phone settings can interfere with successful connection, and what to do if devices “don’t see” each other. And for experienced users, we have prepared a section with advanced features – from the firmware of headphones to customization of sound.

1.Preparation for connection: compatibility and charging check

Before you start pairing, make sure your devices are ready to go, starting with compatibility checks:

• 📱 Xiaomi phone: All models are supported MIUI 10 and newer (including Redmi Note, POCO, For the old versions (MIUI 9 and below) may require a firmware update.
• 🎧 Xiaomi headphones: All models with Bluetooth 4.2 and higher support (Redmi AirDots S, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, FlipBuds Pro, etc.) Except for the first versions of AirDots Basic (2018), which may require manual resetting.
• 🔋 Charging: Headphone battery level should be at least 20%.At levels below 10%, some models (Buds 4) automatically turn off pairing mode.

Critical information: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro and later use the protocol LC3 (Low Complexity Communication Codec), which requires MIUI 13+ or Android 12+ for proper operation. On older versions of the OS, sound will be transmitted in a reduced quality.

Also check if the phone is active power saving mode - it can block scanning of Bluetooth devices. Path to shut down: Settings → Battery → Power saving mode.

2. Standard Bluetooth connection

This is a universal method that works for all Xiaomi headphones and phones.

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones: 🔄 For Redmi AirDots: Press the button on the case of the charging case on 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red. 🎵 For Xiaomi Buds 3/4: Open the case cover and press the touch panel on one of the headphones on 3 seconds (there will be an audible signal). 📦 For FlipBuds Pro: Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the indicator doubles.

On your phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module. Slip on the Device Search button.

In the list of found devices, select your headphones (the name will contain a model, for example, Mi True Wireless). EB2 Basic_R right-hand side of AirDots).

Confirm pairing on your phone. Some models (Buds 4) will require additional confirmation in the case (press the button again).

If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth: Disable and turn on the module on your phone.
• 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings (data will be saved but the associated devices will be deleted).
• 🔋 Charge Case: At Case Charge Levels Below 15%, Some Models (AirDots 3) Block the Pairing.

Quick connection via MIUI Pop-up (for new models)

Xiaomi phones on MIUI 12.5+ support the automatic pop-up function when opening the headphone case.

1. Open the charge case cover (the headphones should be inside).
2. Bring the case to the phone at a distance of 5-10 cm After 2-3 seconds on the screen will appear a notification with a suggestion to connect.
3. Slip on the notification and confirm the pairing.

If the pop-up window does not appear:

• ⚙️ Check if the function is enabled in the settings: Settings → Connection and sharing → Quick connection of devices.
• 📲 Make sure the phone has “Do Not Disturb” mode turned off – it blocks pop-up notifications.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes MiuiBluetooth service freezes.

Important for Xiaomi 13/14 On these models, the function works only with headphones on the Qualcomm chip QCC3040 and newer (Buds) 4 Pro, FlipBuds 2). For older models (AirDots) 2) You will need to use the standard method.

💡

If you have a Redmi Note 12 or newer, try holding the case to the top of the screen. NFC-chip that speeds up device detection.

4. Solving Connection Problems

Even with the right actions, the headphones may not connect. Consider typical errors and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro headphones are permanently disabled when playing music through Spotify or YouTube Music, the problem may be the codec. AAC. Switch to the switch. SBC in the developer-menu (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then Settings → Additionally. → Developer parameters → Bluetooth Audio Codec).

For models Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and later there is a proprietary diagnostic utility:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play.
2. Connect the headphones and open the application.
3. Go to the Diagnostics section → Connection test.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (resetting headphones may be required).

5. Advanced settings: firmware and customization

For experienced users, Xiaomi offers additional options for setting up headphones:

• 🎛️ Firmware Update: Some models (Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro) support OTA-Update via Mi Earphones app. Path: Device profile → Firmware update.
• 🎧 Equalizer setting: In the same application, pre-settings of sound (Bases, Vocals, Balance) are available. MIUI 14 equalizer integrated into system sound settings.
• 🔊 Activate Low Delay Mode: For Games, Enable Settings → Bluetooth → Low Delay Mode (only works with supported headphone models).
• 🔋 Charge Display: To see the percentage of headphone charge in the status bar, activate Settings → Notifications → Status panel → Show the charge level of Bluetooth devices.

For Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro and later, Dual Device Connection is available, which allows you to connect to your phone and laptop at the same time.

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (phone).
2. Open Mi Earphones and go to Multi-Device → Enable.
3. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (press the touch panel for 5 seconds) and connect to the second device.

⚠️ Note: When using Dual Device Connection, sound quality can deteriorate while playing on two devices. For stable operation, it is recommended to use headphones with only one active sound source.

6. Sound and battery optimization

To extend the work time of headphones and improve the sound quality, use these tips:

• 🔋 Battery savings: Turn off Active Noise Reduction (ANC), If you don’t use it, it increases your battery consumption. 20-30%. Turn down the volume to 70% — At maximum volume, the headphones are discharged 40% Use Monosound (in Mi Earphones) instead of stereo if you're listening to podcasts.
• 🎵 Sound Improvement: Activate Adaptive Sound in the headphone settings – it automatically adjusts the equalizer to the genre of music. To listen through Spotify, enable High quality streaming in the app settings. Use an external DAC (for example, Xiaomi) USB-C to 3.5mm) For wired phone connection, it will give better quality than Bluetooth.

For models with hardware noise cancellation (FlipBuds Pro, Buds 4 Pro) additional settings are available:

1. Open Mi Earphones and go to Noise Reduction.
2. Choose one of the modes: Adaptive - automatically adjusts the level of suppressed noise; Transport - optimized for travel (suppresses low-frequency noise); Office - reduces the noise of keyboards and conversations.

Transparent mode

Tip for gamers: If you play through headphones, turn off Noise Reduction – it adds a 30-50ms latency. Instead, use the Game Sound modes in Mi Earphones that emphasize high frequencies (steps, shots).

7. Compatibility with other devices

Xiaomi headphones can be connected not only to the brand’s phones, but also to other devices.

To connect to Windows 11:

1. Open the Settings → Bluetooth and devices.
2. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Select your headphones from the list (if they don’t show up, update your Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager).
4. After connecting, go to Device Properties → Additional settings and select Stereo as your profile.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro headphones may not have a microphone when connected to Windows. To fix this, the Control Panel → Sound set the headphones as the default communication device.

FAQ: Frequent questions