How to connect headphones Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2: full instruction with photos and tips

Introduction: Why the right connection is important TWS-headphone

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 wireless headphones have become a popular choice thanks to a combination of affordable price, high-quality sound and compact design. However, even these simple devices, the process of first connection can cause questions, especially if you have not previously used it. TWS-It's not just the stability of the connection that depends on the correct pairing, but also the sound quality, battery life, and the availability of additional features like gesture control.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can connect, from standard pairing with an Android/iOS smartphone to connecting to a laptop or PC. We’ll focus on the typical errors that users make when they first turn on, and we’ll give you a checklist to diagnose problems. If your headphones refuse to connect, are not recognized by the device, or are permanently disabled, here you’ll find a solution.

Before you get to the instructions, make sure your Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 is charged. The indicator on the case should burn white or green (depending on the firmware version) - this signals a sufficient charge level. If the indicator is red or flashing, connect the case to charge for 15-20 minutes.

Preparing headphones for the first connection

Before pairing with any device, you need to take the headphones out of sleep and activate the search mode. In Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, this is done simply, but there are nuances that many people are not aware of. For example, if the headphones have already been connected to another gadget, they can automatically try to connect to it, ignoring new devices.

Here is a step-by-step preparation algorithm:

  • πŸ”‹ Take both earphones out of the charge case and they should turn on automatically (you will hear the beep).
  • πŸ”„ If the headphones are not on, press and hold the touchpad on any of them for 5 seconds until the white indicator flashes.
  • πŸ“± Place the headphones back in the case for 3-5 seconds, then pull it out again – this will reset the current connection settings.
  • πŸ” Make sure the indicators on both headphones flash red and white (search mode).If only one flashes, it's a sync problem (solution below).

If the lights are blue or green, it means that the headphones are already connected to some device, in which case they need to be reset to the factory settings (instructions in the corresponding section).

πŸ“Š What device do you plan to connect to Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2?
Android smartphone
iPhone
Laptop/PC on Windows
MacBook/iMac
Other

Connecting to a smartphone on Android

The most common scenario is pairing with an Android device. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 supports Bluetooth 5.0 protocol, so compatibility problems will not arise even on older smartphones (starting with Android 6.0). However, for full operation, it is recommended to use devices with Android 8.0+ - this guarantees support for all functions, including gestures and low audio latency.

Instructions for connection:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth on your smartphone and turn on the module.
  2. Take the headphones out of the case (they should flash red/white).
  3. In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 (or Mi True Earbuds Basic 2 – the name may vary depending on the region).
  4. Click on the headphone name and confirm pairing. In a few seconds, the "Connected" notification will appear.

Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically be detected when removed from the case. If the sound is only going to one earphone, check:

  • πŸ”Š The level of charge of both headphones (indicators on the case should burn the same way).
  • πŸ”„ Synchronize between headphones (if only one flashes, reset them as described in the Reset section").
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth settings on your smartphone: sometimes the system defaults to a mono mode (for example, for calls).

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled | Check the charge of the case and headphones | Remove old Mi Earbuds connections in the settings | Update the headphone firmware (if available) |Reboot the smartphone if you have problems with detection-->

Connection to iPhone or iPad

While Xiaomi is a brand focused on the Android ecosystem, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 works well with Apple devices, and the only limitation is that some versions of the firmware lack AAC codec support, which can slightly degrade the sound quality, but for most users, the difference will be subtle.

The algorithm for connecting to iOS:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth on iPhone/iPad.
  2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait until they appear in the list of "Other devices" called Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2.
  3. Slip the name and wait for the message "Connected".
  4. (Optional) Some versions of iOS may require you to confirm the connection on the device itself (click the button on the headphones if a request appears).

Once connected, the headphones will be displayed in the control panel (swipe down from the top right corner of the screen), where you can quickly switch the sound source or turn off the headphones.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, headphones can automatically switch to "Conversation" (mono) mode when calling. To return the stereo, after the call is completed, briefly press the touchpad on any headphone.

Pairing with a laptop or PC (Windows/macOS)

Connecting Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 to a computer is a bit more difficult than a smartphone because of the way Bluetooth adapters work. On Windows 10/11 and macOS, the process is similar, but there are key differences in audio settings.

For Windows 10/11:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth and other devices.
  2. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device" β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 from the list.
  4. After connecting, go to Control Panel β†’ Sound and set the headphones as β€œDefault Device”.

For macOS:

  1. Open System settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Click "Connect" next to Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2.
  3. In System Settings β†’ Sound, select headphones as the output device.

On a Windows PC, you might have a problem when the headphones are connected, but the sound is only going to one channel. It's related to Bluetooth drivers.

  • πŸ”§ Update the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager.
  • πŸ”Š In the sound settings, select the "Stereo" format or "A2DP".
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds and pull again).
Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones not detectableBluetooth adapter is disabled or faultyTurn on Bluetooth, update drivers, reboot PC
The sound is only in one headphone.Incorrect Bluetooth profile (HSP instead of A2DP)In the audio settings, select "Stereo" or delete/add the device again.
Permanent communication breakdownsInterference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves)Reduce the distance to your PC, disable other Bluetooth devices
Poor sound qualitySBC codec is used instead of AAC/aptXUpdate the headphone firmware or Bluetooth drivers

Resetting headphones to factory

If Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 refuses to connect, is permanently disconnected or is unstable, a complete reset will help.This procedure removes all saved connections and returns the headphones to the state of β€œout of the box”.

Resetting instructions:

  1. Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
  2. Open the lid and press and hold the touch panels on both headphones at the same time.
  3. After 10-15 seconds, the indicators on the headphones will start flashing red, then go out and light up white - this is a signal of a successful reset.
  4. Close the case cover, wait 5 seconds and take out the headphones - they are ready for a new connection.

⚠️ Attention: After reset, the headphones may temporarily lose synchronization with each other. If only one earpiece is working after removal from the case, put both back for 10 seconds, then pull out again. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times if the problem persists.

The reset does not remove the headphone firmware, but it may be necessary to re-tube the gestures and sound uniformity in the Mi Home app (if you used one).

πŸ’‘

If the headphones don't connect after reset, try using another smartphone or PC for the first pairing, sometimes sticking to the Bluetooth settings on the main device.

Additional settings and capabilities

Once you've successfully connected, you can customize Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 to your preferences, using the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).

  • 🎧 Customization of control gestures (e.g., double touch for playback/pause).
  • πŸ”Š Adjusting the uniformity of sound (presets or manual equalizer settings).
  • πŸ”‹ View the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.
  • πŸ”„ Update of firmware (if a new version is available).

To connect headphones to the application:

  1. Install Mi Home from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  3. Click Add Device β†’ Headphones and select Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to confirm the connection via Bluetooth).

The app also allows you to check the headphone serial number (useful for warranty service) and enable the Game mode to reduce the sound delay (relevant for watching videos or games).

How do you turn on the game mode?
In the Mi Home app, go to the headphone settings and activate the Low Latency option, which slightly worsens the sound quality, but the latency is reduced to 80-100 ms, which is critical for shooters or online games.

Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Headphones are discharged quicklyBackground processes (e.g., constant search for devices to connect)Turn off Bluetooth on unused devices, reset your headphones
Noise or crackling when playingInterference from other wireless devices or weak Bluetooth signalReduce the distance to the sound source, turn off Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz
The microphone doesn't work when calling.Headphones are connected in Sound Only mode (without HSP support)Remove the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again
The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.Not selected the correct sound source in the device settingsManually select Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 as the output device

If none of these methods helped, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Case and headphone charge (indicators should not flash red).
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility of your device (older smartphones may have problems).
  • πŸ”§ Headphone integrity (check if there is any physical damage or moisture).

πŸ’‘

Most connectivity problems are solved by resetting your headphones and re-pairing, and if the problem persists, try connecting your headphones to another device to help you determine whether it's your headphones or your gadget.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I connect Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 to my TV?
Yes, but only if your TV supports Bluetooth. Most modern models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi TV, Samsung QLED 2020+, LG OLED) have a built-in module. To connect: Turn Bluetooth on the TV settings. Activate the headphone search mode (as described above). Select Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 from the device list. If Bluetooth is not available, you will need an external adapter (e.g., Bluetooth transmitter for TV).
How to check the level of charge of headphones without an application?
On Android: open a list of Bluetooth devices when you connect, next to the headphone name, you'll see the percentage of charge. On iOS, swipe down from the top right corner (control panel) and hold the Bluetooth widget, you'll see a charge indicator. On the case, if the indicator is green, it's over 60%, orange, 20-60%, red, less than 20%.
Why do the headphones only connect one at a time?
This is a typical desynchronization problem. Solutions: Put both earbuds in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out. Reset the headphones to the factory settings (see section above). Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list and plug them back in. If the problem persists, one of the headphones may be malfunctioning, contact the service center.
How to update your firmware to Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2?
The update is only available through the Mi Home app: Connect your headphones to the app. Go to Device Settings β†’ Firmware Update. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don't turn off your headphones!). Update time is 2-5 minutes. Once completed, the headphones will reboot automatically.
Can I use one headphone separately?
Yes, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 supports mono mode. Take out just one earpiece from the case, it automatically connects as a standalone device. The second earpiece will be turned off. To return the stereo mode, pull out both earbuds or manually plug the second one in via Bluetooth settings.