How to connect Xiaomi headphones to a Samsung phone: a complete guide to problem solving

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are a popular accessory for their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, Samsung smartphone owners often face difficulties connecting them: devices can’t see each other, connections are interrupted or sound is distorted, due to differences in Bluetooth protocols, firmware features and even hardware limitations of some models.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi headphones can connect (including Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless, Buddy, and more) to Samsung Galaxy phones (from the S20 to the S24 Ultra), learn how to set up a connection via standard Bluetooth, use NFC for fast pairing, and solve typical problems, from lack of sound to constant communication breaks. At the end of the article, a table of model compatibility and answers to frequent questions.

1. Connection Preparation: What to Check Before Pairing

Before you try to pair your headphones with your phone, make sure both devices are ready to go, and neglecting these steps is the main reason for 70% of failed connections.

Start by charging your headphones: discharged batteries can lead to intermittent connection or complete lack of reaction. Check the indicators on the case (if it is a case). TWS-Model: flashing red light means low charge, green or white means full alert. For Type-C models (e.g. Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), plug them into charging for 10-15 minutes if they have been lying around for a long time.

Next, update your firmware on your Samsung smartphone. Go to Settings → Software Update and install the latest patches. This is especially important for Galaxy S22/S23 owners, where updates often fix Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 errors. For Xiaomi headphones, firmware updates are also available – they can be installed through the Mi Home app (if the model is supported).

Remove the headphones from the charger (if they are in the case)

Turn on Bluetooth on your Samsung phone

Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device

Update the smartphone software and headphone firmware (if possible)

Reboot both devices in case of previous failures-->

If you have previously connected your headphones to another device (such as an iPhone or MacBook), you need to reset them to factory settings.

• 🔄 For Xiaomi AirDots: Press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
• 🔄 For FlipBuds Pro: Tap the touchpad three times on both headphones at the same time.
• 🔄 For Mi True Wireless 2: Press Both Touch buttons for 5 seconds.

💡

If Xiaomi headphones previously connected to a Samsung phone but are not currently being identified, remove them from the list of conjugated devices in the Bluetooth settings and repeat the procedure again.

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection

This is the most versatile method that works for all Xiaomi headphones and Samsung phones, but even here there are nuances that depend on the Bluetooth version and firmware.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the headphone case (for the purpose of TWS-models) or turn them on with the power button (for overhead/full-size).
2. On your Samsung phone, go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and activate the feature.
3. Click on “Add New Device” (or “Search for Devices”).
4. In the list, find the name of your headphones (such as Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) and tap it.
5. Confirm the pairing on both devices (if required).

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

• 🔍 Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator should flash white or blue).
• 📱 Reboot the Bluetooth module on your phone: turn off and turn on the function again or restart the smartphone.
• 🔄 Reset your network settings to Samsung: Settings → General management → Reset → Resetting network settings.

Redmi AirDots (1-4 generation)

Mi True Wireless (1–2 generation)

FlipBuds Pro or Lite

Buddy or other invoices

Another model-->

A critical feature for Samsung Android 13+ phones: some firmware has a filter on uncertified Bluetooth devices. To turn it off, type the code *#0011# in the phone app, go to Service Menu → Bluetooth Test → Disable BT Filter.

Method 2: Quick connection via NFC (for supported models)

If your Xiaomi headphones and Samsung phone support NFC, pairing can be done in one tap.

• 📱 Headphones: FlipBuds Pro, Mi True Wireless 2, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro.
• 📱 Phones: Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23 chip-wise NFC (Check in the settings → Connections → NFC and).

Instructions:

1. Activate NFC on your Samsung phone.
2. Take the headphones out of the case (they should be in pairing mode).
3. Bring the back of the cover (where located) NFC-chip to the top of the phone (usually next to the camera).
4. Wait for the sound signal or vibration – the devices will automatically mate.

If the connection has not occurred:

• ⚡ Check that NFC enabled on both devices.
• 📍 Bring the headphones to the other part of the phone (chip) NFC may not be symmetrically).
• 🔄 Reboot the headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds and pull them out again).

Method 3: Connect via the Mi Home app (for advanced features)

The official Mi Home app allows you to not only connect headphones, but also update their firmware, adjust gestures or activate the mode (low latency) for games. However, there are limitations for Samsung phones: some features may not be available due to a conflict between Xiaomi and Samsung services.

How to connect via Mi Home:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
3. Click on Add Device (+ in the upper right corner) and select Headphones category.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm pairing in Bluetooth settings).

What is the connection through Mi Home:

• 🔧 Update to the firmware headphones (if available for your model).
• 🎵 Set up equalizer and sound modes (for example, ANC For FlipBudds Pro).
• 🕹️ Activation of low latency mode for games (latency decreases from 100-150 ms to 60-80 ms).
• 🔋 View the charge level of each headphone and cover.

💡

The Mi Home app doesn’t replace standard Bluetooth connectivity, it only extends its features. If the headphones aren’t defined in the Mi Home, pair them first through your phone’s settings.

⚠️ Note: On Samsung phones with One UI 5.0+ Mi Home can conflict with system services. If the sound is interrupted after you connect, turn off autostart and background permissions in the application settings.

5. Problem Solving: Headphones are plugged in but not working

Even after successful pairing, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the proven solutions for each.

If Xiaomi headphones are connected, but the sound is only through the phone’s speaker, check:

• 🔈 In the notification panel: tap the Media icon and select the headphones as the output device.
• 🎧 In the sound settings: Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality and effects → Output device.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: turn them off in Bluetooth settings and pair them again.

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy phones S23 Ultra with Android 14 can trigger automatic audio switching to the speaker at low Bluetooth signal level. To disable this feature, go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additionally. → Auto-switch sound and deactivate the option.

6.Optimize the sound and battery after connection

After successful pairing, it is worth adjusting several parameters to improve the sound quality and extend the work time of the headphones.

First, choose the best Bluetooth codec:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Slip the gear icon next to the connected headphones.
3. Select Sound Quality:

To save battery power:

• 🔋 Turn it off. ANC (active noise cancellation, if not necessary.
• 📴 Reduce volume to 70-80% (maximum volume quickly drains the battery).
• 🔄 Turn on the automatic turn off of the headphones when inactivity (in Mi Home, if supported).

For gamers, activate low latency mode in Mi Home (if available for your model) and this will reduce the lags in games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty, but can reduce the sound quality.

7 Model Compatibility: Which Xiaomi Headphones Work Best With Samsung

Not all Xiaomi headphones are equally well-compatible with Samsung phones, and below is a table with a score of connection stability and recommendations.

If you’re planning to buy new headphones specifically for a Samsung phone, look out for models that support AAC or LDAC codec. They provide better sound quality on One UI devices. Avoid older models (until 2020) as they often run on Bluetooth 4.2, leading to delays and communication interruptions.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)