Connecting headphones Xiaomi Redmi Buds: instructions for all models

Xiaomi Redmi Buds wireless headphones have gained popularity due to the combination of affordable price, high-quality sound and easy control. However, even with such simple devices, users have questions: how to turn on pairing mode correctly, why the phone does not see the headphones, or how to reset the settings to factory ones. This article will help you understand all the nuances of connection – from basic instructions to solving non-standard problems.

We’ll look at not only the standard Android and iPhone connection procedure, but also the different versions of Redmi Buds (Redmi AirDots to Redmi Buds 5 Pro), and focus on the common bugs that prevent successful connectivity, and give practical tips on how to optimize sound after pairing. If you’ve just unpacked new headphones or experienced problems reconnecting, this is the guide for you.

Preparing headphones for the first connection

Before you start pairing, make sure that the Xiaomi Redmi Buds headphones are fully charged. The indicator on the case case should be white or green (depending on the model). If the indicator flashes red, connect the case to the power source for 15-20 minutes. The minimum charge level for a successful connection is at least 30% (with a lower value, there may be failures in the pairing process).

To activate the device search mode:

  • πŸ”‹ Get both headphones out of the case - they should automatically turn on (the indicator on each headphone flashes).
  • πŸ”„ Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously during the 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing alternately red and white (pairing mode).
  • πŸ“± On your phone, turn on Bluetooth in settings or through the Quick Access Panel.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones are on a permanent white light (do not blink), this means that they are already connected to another device).

For Redmi Buds 4/5 Pro models with ANC (active noise reduction) support, it is recommended to update the firmware via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app before connecting. This will avoid problems with synchronizing sound between left and right headphones.

πŸ“Š What Redmi Buds model do you use?
Redmi Buds 3/3 Pro
Redmi Buds 4/4 Lite
Redmi Buds 5/5 Pro
Another model
I haven't bought it yet.

Step-by-step: connecting to an Android smartphone

The pairing with Android devices (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme and others) occurs through the standard Bluetooth menu. Consider the process using the example of MIUI 14 (also relevant for MIUI 12/13 and Android 10-14):

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth and activate the switch.
  2. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 5 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earphones for older versions).
  3. Then, click on the name of the headphones and confirm the pairing (if necessary).
  4. Wait for the inscription Connected under the device name.

For full work, it is recommended to install a proprietary application:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Wear (for models) 2023-2026 d.) – allows you to adjust gestures, equalizer and ANC.
  • 🏠 Mi Home (for older models) – provides access to firmware updates.

β˜‘οΈ Checking a successful connection

Done: 0 / 4

If the sound is only played in one headphone after you connect, try:

  1. Return both headphones to the case for 10 seconds, then pull them out again.
  2. In Bluetooth settings, click on the gear icon next to the headphone name and select Forget the device, then repeat the pairing.

Interface with iPhone (iOS) and features of the work

While Redmi Buds are optimized for Android, they also work well with iPhones (iOS 12 and later).

  • 🎡 No support. AAC-codec – the iPhone will use the SBC, Which can slightly degrade the sound quality.
  • βš™οΈ Limited settings – Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home apps don’t work on iOS, so set up gestures or ANC fail.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge level display – only displayed in the battery widget (not for all models).

Instructions for connection:

  1. Open the settings β†’ Bluetooth on the iPhone.
  2. Hold the button on the case (if any) or touchpad on the headphones until the indicators start flashing red and white.
  3. In the list of devices, select Redmi Buds [model] and confirm the connection.

⚠️ Warning: iPhones may have a warning saying, "This device is not certified for use with iPhone." It can be ignored, the headphones will work, but without advanced features.

To improve the sound on iOS:

  • In Settings β†’ Music β†’ Equalizer, select Preset Bass or Electronics.
  • Turn off Automatic Sound Switching in Bluetooth settings if the headphones spontaneously connect to other devices.

Connection Differences for Different Redmi Buds Models

The pairing process may vary depending on the generation of headphones, and below is a table with key features for popular models:

ModelInterconnection modeIndicationFeatures
Redmi AirDots (1st generation)Hold the button on the case for 3 secondsRed + white (alternatively)No ANC support, monomode
Redmi Buds 3/3 ProTouching the sensor on both headphonesWhite (blinking)AAC support, low latency
Redmi Buds 4 LiteAutomatically when extracted from the caseBlue (blinking)Quick connection to MIUI
Redmi Buds 5 ProTriple touch of the sensorGreen + whiteANC, LDAC, multi-point connection

For Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, multi-point connectivity (simultaneous connection to phone and laptop) is available to activate it:

  1. Connect the headphones to the first device.
  2. Return them to the case, then pull out and hold the touchpad for 10 seconds until voice confirmation sounds.
  3. Connect to the second device via Bluetooth.
How to check the version of the headphone firmware?
Open the Xiaomi Wear app, select your headphones from the device list, and go to the About section. The firmware version is listed in V1.2.3.4 format. If the version is older than 1.5.0, it is recommended to update for stable operation.

Solving Connection Problems

If Redmi Buds headphones don’t connect or are permanently disabled, follow this algorithm:

  1. Reboot devices: Turn off Bluetooth on your phone for 30 seconds, then turn it on again. Put the headphones back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull out.

Resetting headphone settings

1. Place both headphones in the case.


2. Open the case lid.




3 Hold the button on the case (or sensor on the headphones) for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.




4. Close the lid, then reconnect.

Compatibility check

  • Make sure your phone supports Bluetooth 5.0 or later (for Redmi Buds 4/5 models).
  • On Android, check if Power Saving is enabled – it can limit Bluetooth.

Common mistakes and their causes:

  • πŸ”΄ "Failed to connect" - headphones connected to another device (reset required).
  • πŸ”Š The sound is only in one headphone - left and right are not synchronized (return to the case and get it again).
  • πŸ”„ Permanent communication breaks – interference from other wireless devices (routers, microwaves).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones stop turning on after reset (the indicators don't burn), check the charging contacts in the case for oxidation.

πŸ’‘

For models with ANC (Redmi Buds 4 Pro/5 Pro), after connecting, press the touchpad for 2 seconds to switch noise reduction modes. The voice assistant will voice the current mode ("ANC is on" / "Transparent mode").

Customization of sound and control after connection

After successful pairing, it is recommended to optimize the sound and gestures of the control. In the Xiaomi Wear app (for Android), the following options are available:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Equalizer: Presets "Bases", "Voice", "Balanced" or manual setting.
  • πŸ”‡ ANC/Transparent mode: noise reduction level adjustment (for supported models).
  • πŸ‘† Gestures: Double touch: playback/pause, next track. Triple touch: voice assistant call. Hold: mode switching ANC.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge Display: Enabling Low Battery Notifications.

To improve the sound quality manually:

  1. In your Bluetooth phone settings, select Audio Codec (if available) and set AAC or LDAC (for Redmi Buds 5 Pro).
  2. In the Xiaomi Wear app, activate the Voice Improvement option for clearer calls.
  3. Turn off "Absolute Volume" in the Android developer settings (if enabled) to avoid volume spikes.

On the iPhone settings are limited, but you can:

  • In Settings β†’ Universal Access β†’ Audiovisual content to enable β€œmonoaudio” if the sound is played in only one headphone.
  • Use the equalizer in the Music or Spotify app.

πŸ’‘

To keep your headphones running smoothly, turn off automatic connectivity to other devices in Bluetooth settings, which will prevent accidental switching of sound between your phone and laptop.

Connection to other devices (PC, laptop, TV)

Headphones Redmi Buds can be used not only with smartphones, but also with Windows-PC, Mac or Smart TV.

Windows 10/11

  1. Open the settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Click Add Add the device β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select Redmi Buds from the list and confirm your connection.
  4. If the sound is not played, in Control Panel β†’ Sound, set the headphones as β€œDefault Device”.

MacOS

On a MacBook or iMac:

  1. Open System settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Hold the button on the case until the headphones appear in the list.
  3. Click "Connect" and wait for confirmation.

For Smart TV (such as Xiaomi TV or Samsung):

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Sound output β†’ Bluetooth devices.
  2. Select Redmi Buds from the list of available devices.
  3. If TV doesn't find headphones, update the TV firmware.

⚠️ Warning: When connecting to a PC or TV, you may experience a delay of up to 200 ms. To reduce this, select Low Latency or Game Mode in Bluetooth settings (if available).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Redmi Buds

Why do headphones only connect to one device, even though they support multi-point connection?
To activate multipoint mode, you need to: Connect the headphones to the first device. Return them to the case, then reach and hold the touchpad for 10 seconds to the sound signal. Connect to the second device. Now the headphones will automatically switch between them. If the function does not work, update the firmware through Xiaomi Wear.
How to check that the headphones are original, and not fake?
Signs of the original Redmi Buds: The case has a hologram with the Xiaomi logo.In the Xiaomi Wear app, headphones are defined with the full name of the model (for example, Redmi Buds). 5 Pro, not. TWS Earphones.The charge indicator on the case flashes white when connected to the charger (fakes often have red or blue). mi.com/verify.
Can I use Redmi Buds to make Discord/Zoom calls?
Yes, but for stable operation: In the application settings (Discord/Zoom), select Redmi Buds as "I/O Device." Turn off "Noise Cancel" in the microphone settings (it can conflict with the ANC of headphones). For Redmi Buds 5 Pro, activate "Transparency" (sensor retention) to better hear the interlocutor.
Why do headphones discharge quickly after connecting?
Possible reasons: ANC or Transparent Mode (consumes up to 30% additional power) is enabled; Headphones are connected to two devices at the same time (multipoint mode); LDAC is used (higher quality = more power consumption) Solution: turn off the ANC in the Xiaomi Wear app or switch to the AAC codec.
How to update the headphone firmware?
To update: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app. Go to the firmware or update section. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it's finished (don't turn off the headphones!). Update time: 2-5 minutes. Once complete, the headphones will automatically restart.