How to connect Bluetooth headphones Xiaomi: instructions for all devices

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are a combination of sound, convenience and affordable price. However, even with such simple devices, it can sometimes be difficult to connect the first time. If you just bought Xiaomi Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Mi Neckband or another model, but do not know how to properly sync them with a smartphone, tablet or computer, this article will help you understand all the nuances.

The connection process may vary depending on the operating system (Android, iOS, Windows, macOS) and the firmware version of the headphones. We will look at each case in detail, and also tell you what to do if the device is not detected or permanently disabled, especially focusing on hidden features of the headphones, which are not written in the standard instructions – for example, how to activate low latency mode for games or reset to factory settings.

What Xiaomi headphones support Bluetooth

Before you start connecting, make sure your model is actually equipped with a Bluetooth module. Almost all modern Xiaomi headphones work on this protocol, but there are nuances:

• 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 / Pro 2 – Bluetooth 5.0 AAC and SBC codecs.
• 🎧 Redmi AirDots 3/Pro – Bluetooth 5.2, low latency for gaming (up to 88 ms).
• 🎧 Mi Neckband Bluetooth Earphones – Bluetooth 5.0, up to 20 hours.
• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro – Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation (ANC).
• 🎧 Redmi Buds 4 / 4 Pro — Bluetooth 5.3, noise-canceling.

Older models like the 2018 Mi Bluetooth Headset Youth can use Bluetooth 4.2, which affects connection stability and sound quality. If your headphones are released before 2020, check compatibility with your device before connecting - some Android 12+ phones may not support outdated versions of the protocol.

Preparing headphones for the first connection

There are several mandatory steps to follow before pairing, and skipping at least one of them can cause the headphones to be undetectable by the device.

1. Charge headphones and case. Make sure the headphones are at least 30% charged and the case is at least 50% charged. With the battery discharged, the Bluetooth indicator may not activate.
2. Removing headphones from the case. In most Xiaomi models, automatic switching on only occurs after both headphones are removed. The exception is Mi Neckband, where you just press the power button.
3. To do this, press the touchpad (or mechanical button) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (or blue - depending on the model).

If the light doesn't flash, try to put the headphones back in the case, close it for 10 seconds, then repeat the extraction. This will reset the current state of the Bluetooth module.

Charge case and headphones | Remove both headphones from the case |Plug the button before the indicator flash |Check visibility in the list of devices-->

Connecting to a smartphone on Android

The Android device pairing is the most common scenario, and the instructions are suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, and other brands (Samsung, Honor, Realme, etc.).

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth on your phone and turn on the module.
2. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator flashes white/blue).
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, "Redmi"). AirDots_XXX") and tap him.
4. Confirm the connection if a pairing request appears.

Xiaomi phones with MIUI 12+ may be notified of the availability of branded features (for example, firmware via Mi Home or gesture settings) after connecting to activate them:

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. In the Devices → Add device, select your headphone model.

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If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the energy-saving Bluetooth mode in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Disable Bluetooth A2DP hardware acceleration).

Connection to iPhone (iOS)

Although Xiaomi is an Android brand, its headphones work well with iPhones and iPads, but there are a few nuances:

• 🔹 On iOS will not be available branded features like firmware through Mi Home or gesture settings.
• 🔹 Some models (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) may not support codecs. AAC iPhone, which worsens the sound quality.
• 🔹 Automatic reconnect after discharge works worse than on Android.

To connect the headphones to the iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (the indicator flashes white / blue).
3. In the list of devices, select your model (for example, "Mi True Wireless EBs").
4. Wait for the status of "Connected".

If the headphones are not determined, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the iPhone.
• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset the network settings).
• 🔄 Update iOS to the latest version.

Connection to a computer (Windows and macOS)

Xiaomi wireless headphones can be used with a PC or Mac. the pairing process is almost the same as mobile devices, but there are its own features.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Press Win + I, select Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and click "Add Device".
3. Select "Bluetooth" from the list of device types.
4. Wait until your headphone model appears in the list, and click on it.
5. Confirm the connection (if necessary, enter the code 0000 or 1234).

For macOS:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator flashes).
3. In the list of devices, select your model and click "Connect".

On Windows, after you connect, you may need to manually select headphones as a playback device:

1. Right-click on the sound icon in the tray.
2. Select "Open sound parameters".
3. In the "Output" section, select your headphones from the list.

Solving Connection Problems

If Xiaomi headphones are not connected or permanently disabled, the causes can vary from software failures to hardware malfunctions. Let’s consider the most common cases and how to fix them.

If none of the methods did not help, try resetting the headphones to the factory:

1. Put both earbuds in the case.
2. Press the button on the case (or touchpad on headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
3. Remove the headphones and repeat the connection procedure.

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If Xiaomi headphones are not connected to Windows 11, try removing them from the list of devices, then install the Bluetooth driver manually through Device Manager (select "Update Driver" → "Follow driver search on this computer" → "Select driver from the list" → "Generic Bluetooth Radio").

Additional features of Xiaomi headphones

Many users are unaware that their Xiaomi headphones support hidden features that can be activated through proprietary software or special combinations of buttons.

• 🎮 Low-latency mode (Game Mode) - Relevant for Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and FlipBuds Pro. Activated by triple touch touch touch of the touchpad on any headphone. latency is reduced to 88 ms (versus 150-200 ms in standard mode).
• 🔇 Active noise cancellation (ANC). Available in FlipBuds Pro and Redmi Buds 4 Pro. Double-touch enabled (set up via Mi Home).
• 🔊 Guest settings: In Mi Home, you can reassign actions for touching (for example, turn on the voice assistant or switch tracks).
• 📞 Call auto-answer. In some models, you just need to touch the headphone twice to take an incoming call.

To access these functions:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for Android) or Xiaomi Wear (for iOS).
2. Connect the headphones via Bluetooth.
3. In the application, find your device and go to its settings.

Note: On iOS, some features (such as firmware or ANC configuration) may not be available due to Apple’s limitations.

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If you have Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, try turning on Super Low Latency in the Mi Home settings. This will reduce latency to 55ms, but slightly worsen the sound quality. Perfect for shooting and racing!

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones