How to connect Xiaomi headphones to PC: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and battery life. However, when you first connect to a computer, users often face problems: the PC does not see the device, the sound is interrupted or played with a delay. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth to using adapters for models with a Type-C or 3.5 mm connector.

We will focus on solving common errors: why Redmi AirDots are not defined in Windows 10/11, how to update Bluetooth drivers, and what to do if the sound goes to only one headphone. You will also find a table of compatibility of popular models with different versions of Windows and instructions for rare cases - for example, connecting through Mi Bluetooth Assistant or setting up codecs to improve sound quality.

If you use Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5 or older models like AirDots Youth, this is a good guide for everyone. The main rule is to fully charge the headphones before connecting and make sure they are in pairing mode (usually signaled by a flashing white or blue indicator).

1. Bluetooth connection: the standard method

Most Xiaomi headphones support Bluetooth 5.0/5.2 connectivity, which provides stable communication with the PC from up to 10 meters away. However, even here there are nuances: Windows 10 and 11 may require additional drivers, and some models (for example, AirDots 3 Pro) support advanced codecs like LC3 or AAC, which need to be enabled manually.

To plug the headphones in:

• 🔋 Turn on the headphones and put them in pairing mode. For most models, you need to hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white/blue. Xiaomi Buds 4 requires you to press and hold the touchpad on both headphones.
• 🖥️ On PC, open Start. → Parameters → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices (in Windows 11: Settings) → Bluetooth and devices).
• 🔍 Click "Add device» → Choose "Bluetooth» → Wait for your headphones to appear on the list (the name usually includes a model, such as the Redmi Buds 5).
• 🔗 Click on the device and confirm the pairing. PIN-If you want to try 0000 or 1234.

Once successfully connected, the headphones will appear in the list of audio devices. To check the sound, open Control Panel → Sound and select them as the default playback device.

Make sure your headphones are charged (minimum 30%)

Turn on Bluetooth on your PC (Fn + F2/F3 key or through the notification panel)

Disconnect the headphones from other devices (phone, tablet)

Put the headphones in pairing mode (see the instructions for your model)-->

2. Problem Solving: PC doesn't see Xiaomi headphones

If your Xiaomi isn’t on the list of available devices, the problem may be Bluetooth drivers, conflict with other devices, or features of the model itself.

Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro models may need to update the firmware through the Mi Bluetooth Assistant app (available only for Android).If you don't have an Android smartphone, try plugging your headphones into another device and upgrading them there.

⚠️ Note: If your PC is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 or older, some headphone features (e.g, ANC Buddy TWS) It may not work properly, and in this case it is recommended to use USB Bluetooth adapter 5.0 (cost from 300) ₽).

Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)

Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro

Redmi Buds 5

Xiaomi Buddy TWS

Another model-->

3. Connect via USB Bluetooth adapter (if the built-in module does not work)

If your PC’s built-in Bluetooth is outdated or missing, an external adapter is the best solution. Modern adapters (such as the TP-Link UB500 or Asus USB-BT500) support Bluetooth 5.0 and provide stable connection even with headphones that require quality communication (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with LC3).

Instructions for connection:

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to USB-Wait for the driver to install automatically (usually 10–30 seconds).
• 🔄 Restart your computer if the adapter is not immediately determined.
• 🎧 Transfer the headphones to pairing mode and repeat the steps from the first section.

Advantages of external adapter:

• ✅ Support for modern codecs (AAC, aptX).
• ✅ Increased range (up to 20 meters in the room).
• ✅ Less interference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves).

⚠️ Note: Cheap adapters without certification (e.g. no-name for 200) ₽) Xiaomi headphones may not support the microphone. Check the reviews for compatibility with your model before buying.

4. Connect Xiaomi wired headphones to a PC (3.5mm or Type-C)

Not all Xiaomi headphones are wireless. Models like the Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD or Redmi SonicBass have a 3.5mm connector, and some newer versions (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Lite) support USB-C connectivity. Let's consider both options.

For 3.5 mm:

• 🎵 Connect the headphones to the green audio jack on the back of the PC (or to the front panel if it is connected to the motherboard).
• 🔊 Windows automatically detects the device. If there's no sound, check the settings: Control Panel → Sound. → Reproduction.

For USB-C:

• 🔌 Use the adapter. USB-C → 3.5mm (e.g. original from Xiaomi or certified by Anker).
• 💻 Connect the adapter to the PC via the port USB-A or USB-C (Some adapters require driver installation (download from the manufacturer's website).

Important: Headphones with USB-C may not work with cheap adapters due to the lack of support for digital audio (for example, USB Audio Class 2.0). If the sound is distorted, try an adapter with an external DAC (for example, Creative Sound Blaster).

5. Sound tuning: how to improve quality and eliminate delays

Even after a successful connection, users often experience poor audio quality or lag when watching videos, which is due to Bluetooth codec settings and buffering in Windows.

To optimize the sound:

1. Open the Control Panel → Sound, select your headphones and click “Properties”.
2. Go to the “Advanced” tab and set the 16-bit bit rate, 44100 Hz sampling rate (or 48,000 Hz if supported).
3. Turn off all sound effects (such as sound enhancement or spatial sound).

To eliminate the delay:

• 🎮 Enable Low Latency in Bluetooth Settings (available on Windows 11 for supported devices).
• 🔄 Switch the codec to AAC or aptX Low Latency (if your headphones and adapter support them).
• 📥 Install Bluetooth Audio Receiver from the Microsoft Store – it allows you to manually select a codec.

💡

If in games or video sound is behind the image, try manually synchronizing the audio track. Players (VLC, MPC) have a function called "Sound Lag" (usually in playback settings).

6. Connect via Mi Bluetooth Assistant (for advanced features)

The Mi Bluetooth Assistant app (available only for Android) allows you to update your headphone firmware, customize gestures, and enable additional features (such as ANC or Game Mode).

Alternative methods:

• 📱 Use an Android emulator (like BlueStacks) to install the Mi Bluetooth Assistant. Connect the headphones to the emulator and update the firmware.
• 🔧 For models Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later, you can use informal utilities like EarTrumpet (Windows) for sound management.

Note that not all features will be available, for example, touch gestures can only be customized through the original app on the smartphone.

💡

Updating the firmware through the Mi Bluetooth Assistant can significantly improve connection stability and add new features (e.g., LC3 support in Buddy TWS).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, there may be problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try connecting the headphones to another device (phone, laptop) to check whether they work, and if the problem persists, one of the headphones may have malfunctioned or the battery has run out.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions