Connecting Samsung Galaxy Buds to Xiaomi smartphone: full instruction with solutions to typical errors

Samsung Galaxy Buds (any model from Buds Live to Buds2 Pro) can be successfully connected to Xiaomi smartphones, despite the fact that both devices belong to different ecosystems. The main difference from standard pairing with Samsung phones is the lack of proprietary features like automatic switching between devices or customizing gestures through the Galaxy Wearable app. However, the basic features (sound, microphone, control) work without restrictions.

In this article, you will find not only step-by-step connectivity instructions, but also solutions to 90% of typical problems (earbuds are not located, connect, but do not play sound, discharge quickly, etc.). We will also discuss how to optimize the sound through the MIUI settings, what codes are supported, and what to do if Xiaomi “does not see” Buds after updating the firmware. For convenience, interactive checklists and surveys are added to help quickly diagnose your situation.

1.Compatibility of Samsung Galaxy Buds with Xiaomi: what works and what does not

Before you start connecting, it’s important to understand which Galaxy Buds features will be available on Xiaomi and which will have to be abandoned, and in the table below, you can compare the features when using Samsung and Xiaomi:

Critical information: On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+ and Android 13+, Samsung Buds headphones can automatically connect in Low Latency mode, which improves the synchronization of sound in games and videos. However, you need to manually select the aptX codec (if supported by your Buds model) in Bluetooth settings.

If your Galaxy Buds model is released after 2021 (e.g. Buds Pro or Buds Pro) Buds2), It supports codec. AAC, It offers better sound quality on Xiaomi than standard. SBC. Check the current codec in Bluetooth settings: Settings → Bluetooth → ⚙️ near the connected Buds → Audio codec.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) when you first connect to Galaxy Buds, you may be asked to install the Galaxy Wearable app. It is useless to install it - it will not work without a Samsung phone".

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Samsung Buds to Xiaomi

The pairing process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, if you follow the algorithm. Important: before you start, make sure that the headphones are charged at least 30% (the indicator on the case should burn green or yellow).

Open the cover of the Samsung Buds case (do not remove the headphones)

Make sure that Xiaomi has Bluetooth enabled (Settings → Connections → Bluetooth)

Close all applications that use sound (music, YouTube, etc.)

If Buds have already been connected to another device, reset them (clutch the touchpads on both headphones for 10 seconds)-->

1. Activate the pairing mode on Buds: 🔋 Open the case cover. The headphones should be inside. 📱 Press the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds, until the indicator in the case starts flashing white and blue (search mode). 🔊 If the light flashes only red, the headphones are dead.
2. Connect to Xiaomi: 📲 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth and enable device search. 🔍 In the list, find a device called Galaxy BudsXXX (where) XXX — model, for example, Buds+ or Buds Live). 🖱️ Click on it and confirm pairing. If you request access to contacts/messages, refuse (this will not affect the work).

Once successfully connected, the indicator in the case will light up green, and the Xiaomi status bar will display an icon of headphones. To check the performance, run any audio file or video.

3. tuning of sound and microphone for optimal quality

By default, Xiaomi uses the SBC codec for Galaxy Buds, which gives mediocre sound quality. To improve it, you need to manually select the AAC or aptX codec (if supported).

Instructions for changing the codec:

1. Put Buds on the phone.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Press on. ⚙️ near the name of your headphones.
4. Select the Audio Codec and set AAC (Priority) or aptX.
5. Reboot the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds and pull back).

Additional settings to improve sound:

• 🎧 Enable the Equator in Settings → Sound. → For Galaxy Buds, it is recommended to preset Bass or Pop".
• 🎤 For better voice transmission in calls, activate Voice Improvement in microphone settings (available on the phone). MIUI 13+).
• 🔊 Turn off absolute volume in Settings → Additionally. → For developers (if enabled), this will allow you to adjust the volume of the headphones regardless of the phone.

💡

If the sound starts to break after changing the codec, go back to SBC - your phone may not be running smoothly with AAC. Also check if the sound is blocking the power saving mode in MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom) may reset the selected codec after an Android update.

4. Problem Solving: Headphones don't connect or malfunction

If Galaxy Buds are not detected by your phone or connected but no sound, use this diagnostic guide:

Advanced diagnosis:

1. Reset Buds: Put your headphones in the case. Open the lid and press the touchpads on both headphones for 15 seconds. The indicator should flash red - this is a signal of a successful reset.

Cleaning the Bluetooth cache on Xiaomi:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (⋮) → Show system → Bluetooth → Storage → Clear cache

5.Gestural control and features without the Galaxy Wearable app

While you can’t reassign gestures via Galaxy Wearable on Xiaomi, the standard controls work without restrictions. Here’s the full list of supported actions (depending on the Buds model):

• 👆 One touch: Reproduction/pause.
• 👆👆 Double touch: Left earpiece: next track. Right earpiece: previous track (or call voice assistant if tuned in).
• 👆👆👆 Triple touch: Activate Ambient Sound (listening to the environment).
• 👆 Holding: Left earphone: Volume down. Right earphone: Volume up.

Galaxy Buds Live and Buds2 Pro models are controlled with voice commands (e.g., “Hey Google” or “Hello Siri”), but this requires:

1. Activate the voice assistant on your phone (Settings → Google → Voice search).
2. Bluetooth for Buds allows access to the microphone.

💡

Samsung Buds gestures work the same on all phones, including Xiaomi, as they are handled directly by headphones. Reassign them without the Galaxy Wearable app is impossible, but you can use third-party utilities like Bixby Remapper (requires root rights).

6. Optimization of battery life

On Xiaomi, Samsung Buds headphones can discharge faster than on Samsung’s native phones, due to the Bluetooth control features in MIUI.

• 🔋 Disable unnecessary features: In Bluetooth settings, disable Autoconnection for other devices. Deactivate Ambient Sound if not in use.
• 📵 Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode Add Bluetooth to Exceptions. Turn off Automatic Device Search in Bluetooth Settings.
• 🔄 Update Buds firmware regularly: For this, temporarily connect your headphones to your Samsung phone (or ask a friend) and update the software via Galaxy Wearable.

Important: On Xiaomi models with a Snapdragon processor (e.g., Xiaomi 12 Pro or Snapdragon). POCO F4 GT) Galaxy headphones Buds2 Pro supports Bluetooth technology LE Audio, which reduces power consumption by 20 to 30 percent. To activate it, go to Settings. → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Turn it on. LE Audio.

⚠️ If the headphones are discharged in 1-2 hours, check whether they are connected to two devices at the same time (for example, to a phone and a laptop). MIUI Sometimes it doesn’t show up in the interface, but the background connection is actively consuming the battery.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (for experienced users)

If standard pairing doesn't work, alternative methods can be used, which require additional action, but help in 95% of the "hopeless" cases.

Method 1: Connecting through Developer Mode

1. Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → More → For developers and enable: Bluetooth Debugging Version: AVRCP 1.6

Reboot the phone and repeat the pairing.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications

Apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect or Bass Booster help stabilize the connection and improve sound.

• 🛡️ Install only from Google Play (not from Google Play) APK).
• 🚫 Don't give apps access to SMS/Calls – This is not required to work with headphones.
• 🔄 After installation, restart the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Samsung Buds to Xiaomi