How to connect headphones Xiaomi: instructions for all models (2026)

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories because of the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users often have questions: how to perform the first connection, why headphones are not determined by the phone, or how to sync them with several gadgets. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic settings to solving typical problems.

We will consider the connection of both wireless models (Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4, FlipBuds Pro) and wired (Mi Basic, Redmi Earbuds S). We will pay special attention to the features of working with different operating systems - Android, iOS and Windows, as well as give recommendations for audio optimization and battery saving.

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for the first connection

Before you plug in your headphones, you need to activate them correctly, and for wireless models, that means going to the pairing mode, and for wired models, checking the integrity of the cable and connectors. Let's look at both.

For wireless headphones (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro, etc.):

• 🔋 Charge the case – connect it to the power source for 15-30 minutes, even if the indicator shows a residual charge.
• 🎧 Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically turn on (white / red indicator flashes).
• 🔄 Activate pairing mode: For most models: press the touchpad on both headphones for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately. For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: press and hold the button on the case (next to the front of the headphone). USB-C) double-blink.

For wired headphones (Mi In-Ear, Redmi Earphones):

• 🔌 Check the connector. 3.5 You'll need an adapter if you connect to a smartphone without an audio jack. USB-C/Lightning → 3.5 mm.
• 🔊 Make sure that the smartphone does not activate the speaker only mode (check in the notification curtain or sound settings).

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If Xiaomi headphones don’t turn on after being removed from the case, try resetting them: place them back in the case, close the cover for 10 seconds, then remove and hold the touchpad 15 seconds before reset (the indicator will flash red 3 times).

2. Connecting to a smartphone on Android

The interface with Android devices (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) occurs via the Bluetooth menu. the algorithm is the same for most models, but there are nuances for headphones with support for Mi AI Assistant or LDAC (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth (or swipe down and hold the Bluetooth icon in the curtain).
2. Activate Bluetooth and wait for the name of your headphones to appear on the list (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 or MI AIR 2S).
3. Click on the headphone name. If you have a request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234), type it in.
4. Wait for the message Connected. In some models (FlipBuds Pro), after connecting, a notification will appear about the availability of the branded Mi Earphones app.

For headphones with advanced functions (noise reduction, gesture customization):

• 📱 Install the official app: Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro / FlipBuds Pro → Mi Earphones (available on Google Play).Redmi Buds 3/4 → Redmi Buds App (required to configure equalizer).
• 🔧 In the app, activate: ANC (Active noise cancellation - for Buds 4 Pro. Transparency mode (for conversations in noisy places) Gestures (double touch for playback / pause).

Headphones appear in the list of connected Bluetooth devices|The indicator on the headphones is lit white (does not blink)|The sound is played without delay|In the notification curtain there is a headphone control panel-->

Important: Xiaomi headphones with Qualcomm QCC3040 chip (like Buds 4 Pro) support the AptX Adaptive codec, but it only activates on Android 10+ with support for this codec. Check compatibility in Bluetooth settings (sound quality section).

3. Connection to iPhone (iOS)

While Xiaomi is an Android brand, their headphones are compatible with iPhones, some features (like the branded equalizer or ANC) may be limited, and consider how to connect the headphones and what to do if problems arise.

Instructions for iOS:

1. Put the headphones in pairing mode (see section 1).
2. On the iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. In the list of Other devices, find the name of your headphones and tap on it.
4. Wait 5-10 seconds. If the connection did not happen, reset the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds and remove again).

Restrictions on iOS:

• ⚠️ No AptX support – iPhone only uses codecs AAC or SBC, Which can impair the sound quality.
• ⚠️ No proprietary software – Mi Earphones or Redmi Buds Apps don’t work on iOS.
• ⚠️ ANC It works in the basic mode - without the possibility of fine tuning.

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO|iPhone|Samsung|Another Android brand|I don't use my smartphone.-->

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted or lagging, try:

• 🔄 Turn off Bluetooth on iPhone and turn on again.
• 📱 Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect it again.
• 🔋 Check the charge of headphones - at a level below 20%, lags can occur.

4. Connect to a PC or laptop (Windows/macOS)

Xiaomi headphones can be used with computers, but there are some nuances here: for example, on Windows you may need to install drivers to correctly work codecs, and on macOS you may need to manually adjust the microphone.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your PC (via Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth or Taskbar).
2. Put the headphones in pairing mode.
3. In the list of available devices, select your headphones and click Connect.
4. If the sound is not being played, check it out: 🔊 To the control panel. → Sound headphones should be selected as Device by default. 🎤 To use the microphone, select headphones in the Record section.

For macOS:

• 🍎 Open System settings → Bluetooth.
• Click Connect next to the headphone name.
• 🔊 If the sound is going through the Mac speakers, open System Settings → Sound. → Exit and select headphones.

For low latency models (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro in Game Mode):

• 🎮 On Windows, install the Bluetooth Audio Receiver app to manually configure codecs.
• 🔧 In the audio settings, select 16-bit, 44100Hz format to minimize lags.

5. Solving Connection Problems

Even when paired properly, Xiaomi headphones can be unstable, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them.

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the headphones are connected but immediately switched off, update the firmware cover through the Mi Earphones app.
• 📱 On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ Turn on Improved Sound Quality in Bluetooth Settings.
• ⚡ For fast-charging models (such as Redmi Buds 4 Active), avoid using wireless charging stations – they may not provide enough current.

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If Xiaomi headphones after updating the firmware stopped working correctly, reset to factory settings: place them in the case, hold the button on the case (if any) for 20 seconds until flashing a red indicator.

6. Sound optimization and charge saving

To make Xiaomi headphones sound better and hold the charge longer, just follow a few recommendations, especially for models with active noise cancellation (Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro), which consume the battery more intensively.

Sound setting:

• 🎛️ In the Mi Earphones app, select Preset Equalizer: Bass+ — Voice for podcasts and audiobooks. Balanced for universal.
• 🔊 For supported models LDAC (For example, Buds 4 Pro activate this codec in Bluetooth settings (Sound quality) → Codec).
• 🎧 Use transparency mode in the subway or on the street for safety.

Battery savings:

• 🔋 Turn it off. ANC, When it is not needed, it increases the working time by 20-30%.
• 📴 If the headphones are not used, put them in the case - they will automatically turn off.
• ❄️ Avoid overheating or hypothermia (optimal temperature: 0-35)°C).

|Only in transport |Near noisy places |Never use-->

Care tips:

• 🧼 Clean the speaker grid with a soft brush (do not use alcohol!).
• 💧 Avoid getting moisture, even if the headphones have protection. IP54.
• 🔌 Charge the case with the original cable – cheap analogues can damage the battery.

7. Connect to other devices (TV, game consoles)

Xiaomi headphones can be used with more than just smartphones, such as being easy to connect to a smart TV (Mi TV, Samsung, LG) or game consoles (PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch), but there are limitations on the codecs and Bluetooth profiles that are supported.

Connection to Smart TV:

• 📺 On the remote. TV press Settings. → Sound. → Sound output → Bluetooth devices.
• 🔍 Select the headphones from the list. If they don't show up, reboot. TV and re-search.
• ⚠️ Samsung TVs may need to disable Auto Connection for other devices.

Connection to PlayStation 5:

• 🎮 Go to Settings. → Sound. → Sound output → Headphones out.
• 🔊 Select All Audio Signals and Connect Headphones via Bluetooth.
• ⚠️ PS5 supportive AAC, So the sound will be transmitted through SBC (delays).

Connection to Nintendo Switch:

• 🎮 Upgrade your console to the latest version of the software (Bluetooth support is available in version 13.0.0).
• 🔗 Go to System Settings → Bluetooth audio → Add the device.
• ⚠️ In games, you can delay sound up to 100-150 ms (use wired headphones for competitions).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)