Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones to a Samsung phone: full instruction 2026

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular smartphone accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and battery life. However, Samsung users sometimes face difficulties when connecting them: the phone does not see the device, the sound is interrupted or the headphones turn off after a few minutes. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions for syncing any Xiaomi models (from Redmi AirDots to Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) with Samsung Galaxy phones (including the S23, A54, Z Flip5), and solve typical problems.

It’s important to consider that the connectivity algorithm may vary slightly depending on the Android version (like One UI 5.1 vs One UI 6.0) and the headphone model. But the basic principles remain the same: turn on the pairing mode on the headphones, search for the device in Samsung’s settings and confirm the connection. If you’ve previously connected these devices, the phone should automatically connect to the headphones when they’re activated β€” but sometimes you need to reset or update the firmware.

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for connection

Before you connect the headphones to your phone, make sure they are charged (the indicator on the case should flash or burn white/green). If the headphones are discharged, connect them to the charger for 10-15 minutes. Also check that they are in pairing mode:

  • πŸ”‹ For Redmi. AirDots/AirDots 2: Press and hold the button on the case of the charging case 5–7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red alternately.
  • 🎧 For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro: Open the case cover, then press the touch panel on both headphones simultaneously on the 3 seconds – sound the signal, and the indicator will flash white.
  • πŸ”„ For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: Touch and hold the touch area on the right earphone for 5 seconds until you hear the voice message "Pairing modeΒ».

If the light doesn't flash or it's red, it means the headphones are discharged or there's been an error. Try rebooting them: put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove and repeat the pairing procedure.

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If Xiaomi headphones have previously been connected to another device (for example, an iPhone or laptop), reset their settings. To do this, hold the on button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times - this is a reset signal.

2. Turning on Bluetooth on Samsung phone

Now, to the smartphone settings, open the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down the screen with your finger) and find the Bluetooth icon (stylized "B"). Click on it to activate. Alternatively,

  1. Open the Settings app (cog on the home screen).
  2. Go to the Connection section β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.

On phones with One UI 6.0 (like the Galaxy S24), the interface may be slightly different: the Bluetooth partition is sometimes displayed directly on the main settings screen. If the feature does not turn on, check if the flight mode is activated (Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Flight Mode) - it blocks all wireless modules, including Bluetooth.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphone model you use?
Redmi AirDots/AirDots 2
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.

3. Search and pairing of devices

Once Bluetooth is enabled, the phone will start scanning available devices, and your Xiaomi should appear on the list (the name will include a model, for example, "Redmi". AirDots_RΒ» or "Mi True Wireless" if the device is not displayed:

  • πŸ” Update the list: click on the Update button (round arrow) in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • πŸ“± Make sure the headphones are near the phone (no further than 1 meter) and not covered by the case case case.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth: Disable and turn the module back on in the settings.

When the headphones appear on the list, click on their name. The pairing request will appear on the screen - confirm it by clicking Connect or Hide. Some Samsung models (such as the Galaxy Z Fold5) may require additional confirmation on the headphones: tap the touchpad or press the button on the case.

Headphones charged (indicator flashing white)|Bluetooth on phone enabled | Headphones in pairing mode (blinking white/red)| Distance between devices < 1 meter | Flight mode is disabled on phone--->

4. Sound and microphone setting

After you've successfully connected, check the sound quality and the microphone.

  1. Run any audio application (YouTube Music, Spotify, Yandex Music) and play the track.
  2. Adjust the volume with the buttons on the headphones or a slider on the phone screen.
  3. To check the microphone, make a test call (for example, via WhatsApp or the standard number 123 for checking the connection).

If the sound is interrupted or there is interference, try:

  • 🎡 In Bluetooth settings (Settings) β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth) tap the gear icon next to the headphone name and select Sound Quality β†’ Priority for stability.
  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the headphones: forget the device (Delete or Forget) and pair again.
  • πŸ“± Reboot your phone – sometimes it solves problems with Bluetooth drivers.
How to improve the sound quality in Xiaomi headphones?
In Bluetooth settings (Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Cog next to the device), enable LDAC or AAC Audio Codec (if available). You can also set the equalizer in the Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play) and turn on Game Mode to reduce audio delay.

5. Solving typical problems

Even after a successful connection, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Phone can't see headphonesHeadphones are not in pairing mode or dischargedCharge the headphones, reset their settings (hold the 10 sec button), repeat the search
The sound is interrupted.Interference from other devices or weak Bluetooth signalRemove the headphones from the list of devices and connect again, disable other Bluetooth devices
The microphone is not working.Headphones are connected only to play soundIn Bluetooth settings, select the headset profile instead of the audio device
Headphones are discharged quicklyOutdated firmware or background processesUpdate the headphone firmware through the Mi Earphones app, turn off Device Search in Bluetooth settings

A critical feature for owners of Samsung Galaxy with Android 13+: if Xiaomi headphones are connected, but the sound is only through one earphone, check the settings of the mono-audio. Go to Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Hearing aids and turn off the option Mono-audio.

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If Xiaomi headphones are turned off 5-10 minutes after you connect, the problem may be Samsung’s energy saving. Add the Mi Earphones app to the battery optimization exception list (Settings β†’ Device Care β†’ Battery β†’ Background work).

6. Update to the headphone firmware

The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates for headphones that improve connectivity stability and sound quality.

  1. Install the official Mi Earphones app from Google Play.
  2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
  3. Open the application and go to the Firmware Update section.
  4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the headphones!).

The update can take up to 5-10 minutes. Once it is completed, the headphones will automatically restart. Important: do not interrupt the process, otherwise the device may fail. If after the update you have problems (for example, the headphones do not turn on), reset (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds).

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Before upgrading your firmware, charge your headphones to 100% and make sure your phone is connected to charging, which will prevent failures due to lack of power.

7. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method doesn’t work, try alternatives:

  • 🀝 Connecting through the Mi Earphones app: sometimes it recognizes devices better than a standard Bluetooth module. Open the app and follow the instructions on the screen.
  • πŸ“± Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings β†’ General management β†’ Reset β†’ Network resets. This will delete all stored Bluetooth devices, but often solves connection problems.

For models Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and later, the dual connection function (simultaneous connection to the phone and laptop) is available.

  1. Connect the headphones to the first device (such as Samsung).
  2. Open the Mi Earphones app and go to Double Connection.
  3. Activate the option and connect the headphones to the second device via standard Bluetooth.

8. Compatibility of Xiaomi and Samsung models

Most Xiaomi headphones are compatible with Samsung phones, but some features may not work properly due to differences in Bluetooth protocols.

  • 🎡 Redmi AirDots (1st and 2nd generation) only support basic profiles A2DP, So the sound may be less quality than on Xiaomi phones.
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer work with codec LC3, Samsung can automatically switch to the AAC, Which slightly degrades the sound.
  • πŸ”‹ Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) Can discharge faster when connected to Samsung due to power management features.

To check the compatibility of a particular model, use the table:

Model headphonesSamsung supportFeatures
Redmi AirDots (1-gen)Yes.No AptX support, possible sound delays
Xiaomi Buds 3 ProYes.Supports LC3, but can switch to AAC
Xiaomi FlipBuds ProYes.ANC is stable, but consumes the battery faster
Redmi Buds 4 ActiveYes.Optimized for sports, but microphone may work worse on Samsung

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If you’re using a Samsung Galaxy with One UI 5.0 or older, for stable Xiaomi headphones, turn off Automatic Device Switching in Bluetooth settings. It can interrupt the connection when switching between your phone and other gadgets (such as a smartwatch).

FAQ: Frequent questions

Why does Samsung’s phone not see Xiaomi headphones, even though they’re in pairing mode?
There are several reasons: Headphones are discharged (charge them for 10-15 minutes); the phone has power saving mode that limits Bluetooth (turn it off in Settings β†’ Device Care β†’ Battery); the headphones were previously connected to another device and did not reset (hold the button on the case for 10 seconds to reset); interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi router, microwave). Try connecting elsewhere. If nothing helps, try connecting the headphones to another phone - this will help determine the problem on Samsung.
How to reset the settings of Xiaomi headphones to factory?
For most models, the reset procedure is the same: Put the headphones in the charging case and close the lid. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds. The indicator should flash red 3 times - this is a signal of a successful reset. After the reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator flashes white / red). For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro, the reset is performed via the Mi Earphone: Reset application β†’
Can Xiaomi headphones be connected to Samsung via NFC?
No, Xiaomi headphones (except for some flagship models, such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) do not support the technology. NFC You can only sync via Bluetooth, if your model supports it. NFC (This is indicated in the specifications), touch the back of the Samsung phone (where it is located). NFC-chips in the headphone case - a notification of connection should appear, however, this method is unstable and is available only on a limited number of devices.
Why is Xiaomi headphones quiet when connected to Samsung?
This is a common problem with the limitations of Samsung's Bluetooth protocol. Solutions: In Bluetooth settings (Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Cogs next to the device), select Sound Quality β†’ Sound Priority β†’ Stability Priority. In Mi Earphones, turn on Game Mode mode β€” this sometimes increases volume. Check if the phone has Safe Sound mode (Settings β†’ Sound and Vibration β†’ Sound Quality and Effects) β€” it limits maximum volume. Update the headphone firmware via the Mi Earphones app, try to use the third-party power-up (emplouds, for example, use the problem).
How to turn off the automatic connection of Xiaomi headphones to Samsung?
So that your phone doesn't automatically connect to your headphones: Open Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth. Find your headphones in the list and click on the gear next to the name. Turn off the Auto Connection option (some Samsung models may call it Automatically Connect), and you can also remove the device from the pair list, but then you'll have to repeat the search and confirmation procedure the next time you connect.