Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories due to their combination of price, sound quality and battery life. However, many users have difficulty connecting them to a computer, especially if they are models with proprietary features like dual connectivity or game mode. In this article, we will explore all possible synchronization methods, from a standard Bluetooth connection to using adapters for older PCs.
It's important to understand that the connection process can vary depending on the headphone model (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds, FlipBuds), the computer operating system, and even the version of the Bluetooth module. We'll look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific devices. If your headphones are not defined by the system or the sound is interrupted, at the end of this article you will find a section with a solution to typical problems.
1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for connection
Before you connect the headphones to your computer, you need to put them in pairing mode. Most Xiaomi models start this process automatically on the first turn on, but if the device has already been connected to another gadget (for example, a smartphone), you will need to reset the settings.
Here’s how to do it for popular models:
- 🎧 Redmi AirDots (1/2/3 gen), Mi True Wireless Earbuds: press the button on the case of the charging case on 5-10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
- 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro: Open the case cover, then press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously on the 15 seconds until you hear a voice confirmation.
- 🎧 Mi Neckband Bluetooth: Hold the power button on the headphone case for 8 seconds until the indicator flashes blue.
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If the indicator on the case flashes only white, the headphones are already in pairing mode. If it burns constantly, you need to reset.
Once reset, Xiaomi headphones will be searchable by any device within a 10-meter radius. Make sure the case charge is at least 30% – when the battery level is low, the pairing process can be interrupted.
2. Connect via Bluetooth on Windows 10/11
Modern versions of Windows support most of Xiaomi's Bluetooth devices out of the box, but it's recommended that you update the adapter drivers to work smoothly.
- Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
- Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it is turned off).
- Press "Add device" → Choose "Bluetooth".
- In the list, find your headphones (the name will contain Mi, Redmi or Xiaomi).
- Confirm connectivity. Some models (such as the Buds 4 Pro) may need to manually select "Headphones".
Update Bluetooth driver via Device Manager | Turn off headphones from other devices | Make sure your PC is no more than 1 meter away | Check the case charge (at least 30%)
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If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try:
- 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth service: enter net stop bthserv & net start bthserv in the command line
- 🔌 Connect the headphones to another device (for example, a smartphone), then start pairing mode again.
- 🖥️ Update the adapter driver through Device Manager → Network adapters (look for devices called Qualcomm, Intel Wireless, Broadcom).
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3. Features of connection on macOS
On Apple computers, the process of pairing with Xiaomi headphones is usually easier than on Windows, but there are nuances with the AAC codec, which can cause audio delays.
- Open System settings → Bluetooth.
- Make sure the adapter is on (the menu bar should have a blue icon on).
- Click "Connect" next to the name of your headphones.
- If you request code confirmation, type 0000 or 1234 (for older models).
On macOS Ventura and newer Xiaomi headphones can be defined as "Microphone Headphones" even without Hands-Free Profile (HFP) support.
To improve the stability of the connection:
- 🎵 B Sound settings → Select "High Quality Sound" (if available).
- 🔋 Turn off Auto Switch in Bluetooth settings if the headphones spontaneously connect to the iPhone.
- 🔄 If the sound is interrupted, try turning off Bluetooth, then turn it back on through Control Center.
4. Linux connection (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora)
On Linux, connecting Xiaomi headphones can be complicated by the lack of proprietary drivers for some Bluetooth chips. However, most distributions have a standard process:
- Open Settings → Bluetooth (or use the blueman utility).
- Activate the adapter and click "Search for devices".
- Select headphones from the list and confirm the pairing.
If the headphones are connected but there is no sound:
- 🔊 Install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth: sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth
- 🔄 Reboot PulseAudio: Pulseaudio -k && pulseaudio --start
- 🎛️ In pavucontrol (install via sudo apt install pavucontrol) select a profile "A2DP Sink's for headphones.
How to check the Bluetooth version in Linux?
5. Solving Connection Problems
If Xiaomi headphones are not connected or are not working stable, use this table for diagnosis:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on the list of devices | Inactive pairing mode | Reset your headphones (see section 1) and repeat the search |
| The sound is interrupted or stuttered | Interference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwave) | Move closer to your PC, disable other Bluetooth devices |
| There's a connection, but there's no sound. | Incorrectly selected sound profile (HSP instead of A2DP) | In the audio settings, select "Stereo" or "A2DP" |
| The headphones are turned off in 5-10 minutes. | Power saving settings of Windows/macOS | Turn off "Allow Shutdown to Save Energy" in Device Manager |
For models with game mode (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, FlipBuds Pro), the sound delay can reach 80-100 ms when using SBC or AAC codecs.
- 🎮 In the Mi Earphones companion app (available for Android), activate Low Latency Mode".
- 🔌 Connect your headphones via Bluetooth 5.0+ Adapter (e.g. TP-Link) UB500).
- 🖥️ On Windows, disable “Sound Improvement” in Player Properties.
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For minimal audio delay, use the aptX Low Latency codec, but it is only available on Xiaomi headphones with aptX support (such as Buds 4 Pro) and requires a compatible Bluetooth adapter on a PC.
6. Alternative ways of connecting
If your computer is not equipped with a Bluetooth module or it is outdated (version below 4.0), you can use:
- 🔌 USB Bluetooth adapter: Connects to the port USB-A It also adds Bluetooth 5.0 support. Recommended models: TP-Link UB500 (Bluetooth 5.0, suitable for gaming mode USB-BT400 (Low power consumption, compatible with Linux)
- 🎧 3.5mm audio cable: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi Neckband) support wired connection via the case connector.
- 📡 Wi-Fi headphone adapter: rare solution, but some devices (like Xiaomi Air 2 Pro) can connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
When using an adapter:
⚠️ Attention: Cheap Bluetooth-dongle on a chip CSR 4.0 may not support codec AAC, It's going to make the sound worse than when you're connected to a smartphone.
7. Sound optimization after connection
Even after successful pairing, the sound can be quiet or distorted, and here's how to improve the quality of the sound.
On Windows:
- 🔊 Open the control panel. → Sound. → Device properties.
- In the Improvements tab, mark "Disable all sound effects."
- 📊 In the "Additional" tab, select 16-bit, 44100 Hz (or 48,000 Hz if available) formats).
On macOS:
- 🎛️ B Sound settings → Exit move the Balance slider to the middle.
- 🔇 Turn off "Use Sound as an Output" for the built-in microphone if it is not needed.
For all systems:
- 🎶 Use uniform equalizer settings (e.g. in Equalizer) APO Windows or SoundSource for macOS).
- 🔋 Charge the case to 100% – when the charge is low, some models automatically reduce the sound quality.
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To test the sound quality, use tracks with a frequency of 20-20000 Hz (for example, on YouTube, look for "Bluetooth audio test").