How to connect Xiaomi headphones to Samsung phone: step-by-step instructions

Why Xiaomi Headphones Aren’t Always Easy to Connect to Samsung

Making Xiaomi headphones pair with a Samsung phone may seem like a simple task, but in practice, users are faced with nuances ranging from lack of response to device searches to problems with the audio codec. The fact is that both companies use different wireless protocols and optimize their devices primarily to work within their own ecosystems. For example, Samsung is actively promoting the Samsung Seamless Codec standard, and Xiaomi is LHDC, which can create conflicts when connecting.

Another common problem is the Bluetooth version. Samsung Galaxy S23 or Z Fold 5 flagships support Bluetooth 5.3, while Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 budget headphones can be limited to Bluetooth 5.0. This does not block connectivity, but affects communication stability and sound quality. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of pairing, from basic to alternative methods for older models, and also give recommendations for audio tuning for better perception.

What Xiaomi headphones are compatible with Samsung phones

Before connecting, it’s important to make sure your Xiaomi headphones can work with Samsung at all. Most models support the universal A2DP (for audio transfer) and HFP (for calls), but there are nuances:

  • 🎧 Fully compatible: Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5, Haylou GT6 — Works with all Samsung smartphones on Android 10+.
  • ⚠️ Limited compatibility: Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 (may not support aptX on older Samsung models).
  • 🔌 Wired only: Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD — require an adapter USB-C → 3.5mm for new Galaxy without connector.
  • 🚫 Problem models: Xiaomi Air 2 SE (Mik bugs on Samsung due to codec conflict).

If your model is not included in the list, check its specifications on the official Xiaomi website in the section Technical Specifications → Wireless Technologies. Pay special attention to supported codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX) - they depend on the sound quality.

📊 What Xiaomi headphones are you using?
Xiaomi Buds Series
Redmi Buds series
Haylou
Other Xiaomi models
I don't know the model.

Preparing Samsung Phone for Connection

Before pairing the headphones, you need to configure the Samsung phone to avoid typical errors.

☑️ Preparation of Samsung phone

Done: 0 / 4

Pay special attention to the power saving mode. In Galaxy models, it can automatically turn off Bluetooth when the battery is low.

  1. Go to Settings → Care for the device → Battery.
  2. Click on Power Saving Mode and turn it off.
  3. In Battery Optimization, add the Bluetooth app to exceptions.

⚠️ Note: If you connect Xiaomi headphones with support ANC (Active noise cancellation, make sure that your Samsung phone is on High Sound Quality in Bluetooth settings. Otherwise, noise cancellation will not work properly.

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to Samsung

The pairing process depends on the type of headphones. Below is a universal instruction for most Xiaomi models (relevant to the Galaxy S21/S22/S23, A54/A73, Z Flip/Fold, etc.).

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection

  1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones: For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: press the button on the case charger for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red. For Redmi Buds 5: open the case cover and press the touchpad on both headphones for 5 seconds.

Samsung

Settings → Connections → Bluetooth

Add a new device

Mi

Redmi

Haylou

0000

1234

Method 2: Connect via Xiaomi Earbuds app (for advanced features)

If you want to use Xiaomi’s branded features (like gesture settings or equalizer), install the official app:

  1. Download Mi Bluetooth or Xiaomi Earbuds from Google Play.
  2. Connect the headphones via standard Bluetooth (as in Method 1).
  3. Open the app and follow the instructions on the screen to activate additional features.

If the headphones are connected but there is no sound:

  1. Make sure the headphones are selected as the output device in Settings → Sound → Output device.
  2. Check if Media mode is activated instead of Call and Media in Bluetooth settings.
  3. For models with ANC (such as Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro), turn off noise cancellation in the Xiaomi Earbuds app – sometimes it conflicts with sound processing on Samsung.
What if the headphones are connected, but immediately switched off?
This problem is often associated with a Bluetooth profile conflict. Try this: 1. Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices. 2. Turn on the phone Developer Mode (click 7 times on the Build Number in Settings → Phone Information). 3. In Settings → Developer Mode, find the option to turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth and activate it. 4. Repeat pairing.

Customize the sound for better quality

Once you've successfully connected, optimize your sound to your preferences. Samsung phones have built-in tools to do this:

1.Selection of Bluetooth codec

Open the Settings. → Connections → Bluetooth, press the icon. ⚙️ next to your headphones and select Sound Quality:

  • SBC is versatile, but with mediocre quality.
  • AAC is better for music, but it can slow down on older phones.
  • AptX is high quality, but not supported by all Xiaomi models.
  • LHDC is the best option for the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, but requires Android 11+.

2. Equalizer adjustment

Use Samsung’s built-in equalizer or Xiaomi Earbuds app:

  1. In Settings → Sound → Sound quality and effects, select Adaptive Sound or Equalizer.
  2. For bass, increase sliders by 60-250 Hz, for vocals - by 1-4 kHz.
  3. In the application Xiaomi Earbuds available pre-installed profiles: Bass, Bright, Voice.

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For the best sound, disable all sound processing effects in Samsung’s settings (such as Dolby Atmos or UHQ Upscaler) if you use an equalizer in the Xiaomi app.

Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones to Samsung (without a 3.5 mm connector)

If you have Xiaomi wired headphones (like the Hybrid Pro HD or Piston Fresh) and a Samsung phone (like the Galaxy S23 Ultra) doesn’t have a 3.5mm connector, you’ll need an adapter.

  • 🔌 Official Samsung Adapter (USB-C → 3.5 (m) provides support 24-bit/96kHz, but it's expensive (~1500 ₽).

After the adapter is connected:

  1. Insert the headphones into the 3.5mm adapter connector.
  2. Connect the adapter to your phone via USB-C.
  3. In the audio settings (Settings → Sound → Sound Quality), select UHQ 24-bit for the best quality.

⚠️ Note: When using an adapter, do not turn on charging your phone at the same time – this can cause noise interference due to a lack of power at the port. USB-C.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's connection to Samsung

Can you connect Xiaomi headphones to Samsung through two phones at the same time?
Yes, but only if the headphone model supports multipoint (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Haylou GT6). To do this: Connect the headphones to the first phone. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (as with the first connection). On the second Samsung phone, find them in the Bluetooth list and plug them in. Limit: music will only play from one device at a time.
Why Xiaomi headphones discharge quickly when connected to Samsung?
This problem is due to the fact that Samsung defaults to maximum sound quality, which increases the load on the headphone battery. Solutions: In Bluetooth settings, select the SBC codec instead of AAC or aptX. Turn off the ANC (noise reduction) in the Xiaomi Earbuds app. Turn down the volume - at the maximum level, the headphones discharge 2 times faster.
How to update the firmware of Xiaomi headphones through a Samsung phone?
Update firmware is only possible through the official Xiaomi Earbuds app: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open the app and go to the Firmware Update. If the update is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Don't turn off your headphones during the process - this can cause them to break! Note: on Samsung phones with Android 13+, the update may be blocked due to security restrictions. In this case, use a second phone on a pure Android (for example, Pixel or Xiaomi).
Can I use Xiaomi headphones to make calls to Samsung?
Yes, but the microphone quality can vary depending on the model. For better sound: In Bluetooth settings, select the Calls and Media profile. For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, activate Transparency mode in the Xiaomi Earbuds app, this will improve the audibility of your own voice. If the person is not hearing you well, try using only one earpiece (Mono mode).
What to do if Xiaomi headphones are connected, but the sound goes only one?
This problem is usually associated with a missynchronization between headphones. Solutions: Put both headphones in the case and wait until the indicator turns red. Take them out and wait 10 seconds for them to automatically sync. If it doesn't work, reset the headphone settings (press the button on the case for 15 seconds). On a Samsung phone, remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list and reconnect. If the problem recurs, check the headphones on another device - perhaps one of the speakers is faulty.