How to connect Xiaomi headphones to Android: 5 proven ways and solving errors

Why Xiaomi Headphones May Not Connect to Android – and How to Fix It

Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular smartphone accessories, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users face connection problems: the phone does not see the headphones, the connection is constantly interrupted or the sound is delayed, most often due not to a breakdown, but to the wrong Bluetooth settings, outdated firmware or conflict with other connected devices.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways to connect, from standard Bluetooth pairing to using special applications for low-latency models. And also tell you what to do if headphones Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds or FlipBuds refuse to work with your Android smartphone. 90% In some cases, the problem is solved for 2-3 minute!

Before you go to the instructions, check two key points:

  • πŸ”‹ Headphone charge: Even if the indicator is on, the discharged headphones may not be on pairing mode. 10-15 minute.
  • πŸ“± Android Version: devices older than Android 8.0 may have problems supporting modern codecs (e.g., Android codecs, AAC or).
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphones do you have?
Xiaomi AirDots (any version)
Redmi Buds (3/4/5 Pro)
Xiaomi FlipBuds
Others TWS-headphones
Wired headphones

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection (for all models)

This is a versatile method that works for any Xiaomi wireless headphones – from the budget Redmi Buds 3 Lite to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. The main condition: your smartphone should support Bluetooth 4.2 or newer (virtually all Android devices after 2016).

Algorithm of action:

  1. Open the charger case cover (for the purpose of TWS-headphones) or turn on the headphones with a long press on the power button (for overhead models).
  2. Wait until the headphone indicator starts flashing white/blue – this means that they are ready to pair.
  3. On your smartphone, go to Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ Bluetooth (the path may differ depending on the shell).
  4. Turn on Bluetooth and wait for the name of your headphones to appear on the list (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).
  5. Slip the name and confirm the connection.

If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try:

Reset the headphones to factory settings (clip the button for 10-15 seconds until double blinking)

Reboot your smartphone

Remove all previously saved Bluetooth devices in settings

Try connecting from another phone (to prevent headphones from breaking)-->

Important for case models: some headphones (such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro) automatically go into pairing mode when you first open the lid. If you have previously connected them, reset may be necessary to re-pair - read about this in the section on problem solving.

Method 2: Quick connection via Mi AI (for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO smartphones)

If you have a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone based on MIUI, you can use a proprietary feature - automatic connection via Mi AI. This method works faster than standard Bluetooth and often solves problems with the audio codec.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ Add the device.
  2. At the top of the screen will appear a banner "Fast Connect" (if the headphones are in pairing mode).
  3. The system will automatically determine the headphone model and prompt you to connect. Click Confirm.
  4. After connecting to the headphone menu, additional settings will appear: the selection of codecs (AAC, SBC, aptX), sound test and firmware update.

Advantages of this method:

  • 🎡 Automatically adjust the optimal sound codec for your model.
  • πŸ”„ The ability to update the firmware of headphones directly from the smartphone menu.
  • πŸ“± Sync with other Xiaomi devices (e.g., headphones will automatically switch between phone and laptop).

πŸ’‘

If the headphone menu doesn’t have a firmware update, check out the MIUI version, which is only available on MIUI 12.5 and later.

Method 3: Connecting wired headphones (Type-C/3.5 mm)

Despite the popularity of wireless headphones, Xiaomi continues to produce wired models, such as the Mi Hybrid Pro HD or Redmi Hi-Res Audio. Their connection seems simple, but there are nuances, especially if your smartphone does not have a 3.5 mm connector.

For smartphones with 3.5 mm connector:

  • 🎧 Just insert the headphone plug into the connector. Android will automatically determine the type of connected device.
  • πŸ”Š If there is no sound, check the volume level and audio output settings in Settings β†’ Sound.

For smartphones WITHOUT 3.5mm (Type-C only):

  • πŸ”Œ Use the Type-C adapter β†’ 3.5 mm (included in some models, for example, Xiaomi Mi 11).
  • πŸ“± In the audio settings, select Analog output (sometimes required manually).
  • ⚠️ Attention: some adapters require additional power. If the sound is interrupted, try an adapter with an external one. USB-feeding.

Problems with wired headphones are usually related to:

Symptoms.Possible causeDecision
There is only sound in one headphone.Core or connector damagedCheck the headphones on another device. If the problem persists, replace the cable.
Noise/cracking during reproductionPoor contact in the connector or adapterClean the connector with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Try another adapter.
The phone doesn't recognize headphones.Incompatible adapter or damaged connectorUse the original Xiaomi adapter or check the connector for physical damage.

Method 4: Connect via the Mi Earphones app (for the TWS-headphone)

For owners of Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds or FlipBuds, the company has released the official application Mi Earphones (formerly called Mi Headset), which allows you not only to connect headphones, but also to customize:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Equalizer (preset profiles or custom settings).
  • πŸ”Š Low Delay Mode (Important for Games and Video).
  • πŸ“² Control gestures (double touch, hold, etc.).
  • πŸ”‹ Charge level of the case and each headphone separately.

How to use the application:

  1. Download Mi Earphones from Google Play (it’s free, but there’s ads).
  2. Connect the headphones via standard Bluetooth (as in Method 1).
  3. Open the app – it will automatically determine the model of the headphones.
  4. From the Sound Settings menu, select the optimal profile (e.g. Bass Boost for Music or Clear Voice for Calls).

Important: the app only works with official Xiaomi headphones. If you use clones (for example, "Xiaomi AirDots Pro" from a third-party manufacturer), the functionality will be limited or unavailable.

How to enable low latency for gaming
1. Connect the headphones via Mi Earphones. 2. Go to Game Mode. 3. Activate Low Latency. 4. Restart the game - the sound delay should decrease to 80-100 ms. Note: in this mode, the sound quality may deteriorate due to the use of codecs with a lower compression ratio.

Method 5: Connect to Android through third-party apps (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try special applications for managing Bluetooth devices, which help in cases where:

  • πŸ”„ The headphones are connected, but immediately switch off.
  • 🎡 The sound is delayed or interrupted.
  • πŸ“± Phone "forgets" headphones after rebooting.

Top.-3 problem-solving applications:

AnnexWhat do you need?Reference
Bluetooth Auto ConnectAutomatic reconnection of headphones after disconnectionGoogle Play
SoundAssistantSet up Bluetooth codecs, equalizer and gesture managementGoogle Play
Bluetooth RepairReset Bluetooth settings and fix connection errorsGoogle Play

Example of Bluetooth Auto Connect:

  1. Install and open the application.
  2. Turn on the Auto Connect option and add your headphones to your trusted device list.
  3. Activate Reconnect on Power – this will make the phone automatically connect to the headphones when they are turned on.
  4. In Bluetooth settings on your phone, turn off Energy Saving for Bluetooth (this is a common cause of communication breaks).

Attention: some apps require root rights to work properly, without which functionality may be limited, and be careful with programs that request access to contacts or messages, which are not necessary for work with headphones.

Solving Common Connection Problems

Even after successful pairing, Xiaomi headphones may not work properly.-5 problems and solutions:

1.The headphones plug in, but no sound.

  • πŸ”Š Check if the phone is in No Sound or Vibration mode.
  • πŸ“± In audio settings, select headphones as the output device (sometimes Android automatically switches to the speaker).
  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the headphones: turn them off in the Bluetooth menu and connect them again.

2.The sound is interrupted or delayed

  • πŸ“Ά Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, other Bluetooth devices).
  • 🎡 In Bluetooth settings, select the codec SBC instead AAC β€” It's less prone to delays.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge headphones to 100% – low charge can worsen the stability of communication.

3.One earphone is not working (for TWS)

Check if it sits tightly in the ear (sometimes the proximity sensor turns off the sound)

Reboot both headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out)

Reset the headphones to the factory settings (press the button on the case for 15 seconds)

Try connecting the problem headphone separately (some models support mono-mode)-->

4.The headphones are constantly switched off

⚠️ Note: if the headphones are turned off through 5-10 minutes of use, the problem may be in Android power saving mode. Add Bluetooth app to battery optimization exception list (in battery settings).

5.The phone doesn't remember headphones after rebooting

  • πŸ“± Update the firmware of the smartphone – in the old versions of Android there was a mistake with the preservation of Bluetooth devices.
  • πŸ”„ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Reset β†’ Resetting network settings.
  • πŸ”§ Use the Bluetooth Auto Connect app (described in Method 5).

πŸ’‘

If neither of these methods worked, check the headphones on another device. If the problem recurs, it is a warranty case (contact the Xiaomi service center).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones

Can I connect Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone?
Yes, but with limitations. Headphones will connect over Bluetooth, but: Mi Earphones app won't work (it's only for Android). Some features (like Low Latency) may not be available due to iOS limitations. Sound quality may vary - iPhone uses AAC codec, which on Android often works worse.
How to update the firmware headphones Xiaomi?
For most models, the update is available through: Official Mi Earphones app (software update section); Bluetooth menu on Xiaomi smartphones (if the headphones are connected via Mi AI); If the update does not come, check: Headphone firmware version (you can find in the app); Region of your Mi Account account (some updates are coming first for China).
Why are Xiaomi headphones running out quickly?
The battery life depends on the model, but if the headphones are discharged for 1-2 hour, check it out: πŸ”Š Volume level (at maximum energy consumption is higher in the 2-3 once). 🎡 The codec used (aptX and AAC They consume more energy than SBC). πŸ“± Distance to the phone (if the signal is weak, the headphones spend energy on amplifying it). πŸ”‹ Battery status (through 2-3 The battery capacity may decrease by 30-40%). To extend your running time: Turn off Noise Reduction (if any) as it puts the battery down a lot. Use one earphone in mono mode (if the model supports it).
Can I use Xiaomi headphones for calls?
Yes, all Xiaomi and Redmi models support phone calls. For better quality: In Bluetooth settings, select Phone Calls (HFP) profile. In Mi Earphones, activate Clear Voice. Make sure the microphones are not closed (for example, hair or scarf can impair voice quality). If the person is not hearing well, try: Reconnect the headphones. Use only one headphone (in some models, the microphone works better in mono mode).
How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings?
The instruction is model-dependent, but the overall algorithm is: Put both headphones in the case (for TWS). Open the case lid. Press the case button (or the touchpad on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. Close the case lid and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid and reconnect the headphones. For models with buttons on the case (for example, Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2): Press both touchpads on the headphones again until all the signals are saved from the device.