How to connect two wireless headphones to a Xiaomi phone via Bluetooth: all working ways

Connecting two pairs of wireless headphones to a single Xiaomi smartphone at the same time is a challenge that users face when watching movies together, listening to music or while playing online. Despite the fact that the standard Bluetooth protocol does not support multi-connection of headphones out of the box, Redmi, POCO and Mi devices have hidden features and workarounds to implement this feature.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for syncing two headphones with a Xiaomi phone (including models on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS), examine the limitations of each method and give recommendations for eliminating typical errors.

Why can’t Xiaomi see two headphones at the same time?

The main problem lies in the limitations of the Bluetooth Classic protocol (version up to 5.0). By default, the smartphone can connect to only one audio device such as the one. A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile at once. MIUI And HyperOS includes:

• 🔹 Dual Audio is a feature of Xiaomi, which allows you to duplicate the sound on two devices (available on all models).
• 🔹 Bluetooth 5.2+ supportive LE Audio and LC3 — It allows you to connect multiple devices, but requires compatible headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).
• 🔹 Software bypasses through third-party applications (e.g. SoundAssistant or Bluetooth Dual Audio).

It is important to consider that even with the successful connection of two headphones, there can be a delay of sound (latency) up to 200-300 ms. This is due to the need to synchronize the flows between devices. On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8-series (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro), the delay is minimal due to hardware optimization.

Method 1: Built-in Dual Audio (for supported models)

The most reliable way is to use the proprietary Dual Audio feature available on Xiaomi flagship devices (e.g. Mi 11, Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4 GT) and some Redmi models with MIUI 13+. Check your device support in the table below:

If your model supports Dual Audio, follow the following steps:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Connect the first headphone (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T).
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ Next to the headphone name and select Dual Audio.
4. Turn on the second headphone in pairing mode (usually hold the power button for 5-7 seconds).
5. Select the second headphone from the list of available devices.

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Charge both headphones up to 50%+

Disconnect Headphones from Other Devices

Update the smartphone to the latest version-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Dual Audio is hidden. To activate it, go to Settings. → Special facilities → Laboratory MIUI and turn on the option Developer Mode. After the reboot, the feature will appear in the Bluetooth menu.

Method 2: Use the SoundAssistant application (for all models)

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t support Dual Audio, you can use Samsung’s third-party SoundAssistant app (which also works on MIUI), a solution that works for most models, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, and even the outdated Redmi 9.

Instructions for setting:

1. Download SoundAssistant from Google Play.
2. Open the app and provide all the permissions you request (including access to Bluetooth notifications and settings).
3. Go to the Dual Audio section.
4. Connect the first headphone through the standard Bluetooth menu.
5. In SoundAssistant, click Add Device and select the second headphone.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 It works on all Xiaomi smartphones (including budget ones).
• 🔹 Allows you to adjust the volume balance between headphones.
• 🔹 Supports headphones of different brands (for example, Xiaomi) + JBL).

Disadvantages:

• 🔸 Possible to slow down sound when playing video.
• 🔸 On some firmware, the application can spontaneously shut down.

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If SoundAssistant doesn't see the second headphone, try connecting both devices first through the standard Bluetooth menu, and then launching the app. Sometimes rebooting your smartphone helps.

Method 3: Bluetooth splitter (for headphones without LE Audio support)

If the first two methods didn’t work, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter that supports multi-connection, which is true for older headphone models (e.g. Redmi AirDots or Mi Basic 2) that don’t support modern protocols.

You'll need:

• 🔹 Bluetooth transmitter with access to 2 devices (for example, 1Mii B06 Pro or Avantek APTX-LL).
• 🔹 Cable USB-C/3.5 mm (depending on the transmitter model).

How to connect:

1. Connect the transmitter to the smartphone via USB-C or 3.5 mm (if there is an audio output).
2. Turn both earphones into pairing mode.
3. On the transmitter, press the connection button (usually labeled Pair) and select both headphones.
4. On your smartphone in the sound settings, select your transmitter as the output device.

⚠️ Note: When using a Bluetooth transmitter, the battery charge of the smartphone will be consumed faster due to the simultaneous operation of Bluetooth and the battery. USB-On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-series (for example, POCO X4 Pro) the flow is ~15-20% per hour.

Problem Solving: What to do if the sound is only in one headphone?

If you only play sound through one device after you connect, follow the following steps:

Critical information: On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 12 5G or POCO M5), the Dual Audio function may not work stable due to the limitations of the chipset. In this case, it is recommended to use the method with SoundAssistant or Bluetooth transmitter.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on the model of your smartphone and headphones, and below is a comparison of the key parameters:

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For most Xiaomi users, the best solution would be a combination of built-in Dual Audio (if supported) + SoundAssistant for backup. Bluetooth transmitter should only be considered for older models of headphones or smartphones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting two headphones