Xiaomi’s wireless and wired headsets have long been a popular accessory for their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users often have questions about why headphones don’t connect to a phone, how to sync them with a computer or TV, and what to do if the headset is identified but the sound goes to only one headphone. In this article, we will analyze all possible connection scenarios, from basic to advanced, and give recommendations for solving typical problems.
It’s important to understand that the connection process can vary depending on the headset model (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones, Redmi Buds, Poco Pop Buds), the type of device (Android/iOS/PC) and even the firmware version. We’ve compiled universal instructions that will work for most cases, but also paid attention to the nuances of specific models. If you just bought a new headset or encountered a connection error, this guide will help you figure out without going to the service center.
1. Preparing the Xiaomi headset for the first connection
Before you start pairing, make sure your headset is ready to go, which is especially important for wireless models where improper preparation can lead to failures in the future.
For wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones), preparation is reduced to checking the integrity of the cable and connector. Make sure that the 3.5 mm or USB-C plug (depending on the model) is not bent or oxidized. If the headset is equipped with a microphone with a control button, check its performance with a brief press.
For wireless headphones (TWS), the process is more complicated:
- 🔋 Charge the case and headphones: even if the indicator shows a charge, connect the case to the network for 10-15 minutes.
- 📦 Remove the headphones from the case: in most models (Mi Air 2 Pro, Redmi Buds 4) they automatically turn on when removed.
- 🔄 Reset (if the headset has already been used): Press the button on the case or touchpad on the headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white (colors depend on the model).
⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the case flashes only red, it means battery discharge. Connect the case to charging - pairing in this state is impossible.
For active noise cancelling models (ANC, like Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) check that the feature is turned off before connecting – this will make it easier to pair. Also make sure that the headphones are no more than 1 meter away from the device you are connecting them to.
2. Connecting Xiaomi wireless headset to a smartphone (Android/iOS)
The process of pairing with the phone is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances depending on the operating system.
2.1 Connection to Android-smartphone (Miui, Stock Android, other shells)
If you have a Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphone based on MIUI, the system can automatically prompt you to connect the headphones when you first remove them from the case.
- Open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off.
- Click Add Device or Device Search.
- In the list, find the name of your headset (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 3) and tap it.
- Confirm the pairing if a request appears.
For pure Android smartphones (like Google Pixel) or other brands (Samsung, Realme), the process is similar, but additional permission to access contacts or microphone may be required.
Connection to iPhone (iOS)
While Xiaomi is optimizing its Android devices, wireless headphones are also working with the iPhone.
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth.
- Remove the headphones from the case – they should appear in the list of available devices as Mi True Wireless... or Redmi Buds.
- Slip the headset name and wait for the message Connected.
iOS may not support certain features, such as customizing gestures or firmware updates through the Mi Home app, and the sound profile (AAC instead of SBC or aptX) may differ, which will affect sound quality.
Case charge > 30%|Bluetooth is on on the phone|Headphones removed from the case|Distance to the phone < 1m|Previous connections were dropped (if they were)-->
3. Connection to a computer or laptop (Windows, macOS, Linux)
The pairing of Xiaomi headset with a PC has its own peculiarities, especially if we are talking about gaming headphones (for example, Xiaomi Gaming Headset) or low-latency models (Redmi Buds 4 Pro).
3.1. Connecting to Windows 10/11
In most cases, Windows automatically finds and connects the headset, but sometimes manual configuration is required:
- Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
- Click Add Bluetooth or another device → Bluetooth.
- Select your headset from a list (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2).
- Confirm the pairing.
If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only through the speakers of the PC:
- 🎧 Go to the Control Panel. → Sound.
- 🔊 Find your headset in the list of playback devices and install it with the default device.
- 🔄 If the problem persists, remove the device and connect again.
3.2. Connection to macOS
On a MacBook or iMac, the pairing process is simpler:
- Open System settings → Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Remove the headphones from the case - they should appear in the list.
- Press Connect.
If the headset is detected but the sound is interrupted or missing, check:
- 🔋 Headphone charge level (on macOS it is displayed next to the device name).
- 🎛️ B System settings → Sound. → Conclusion Choose Your Headset.
- 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module by holding the Shift + Option and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu.
⚠️ Note: Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.) may require additional drivers to work properly. AAC Install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth and restart the service, sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth pulseaudio -k && pulseaudio --start 4. Connecting to a TV or other devices (Smart) TV, Xiaomi headsets can be connected not only to smartphones and PCs, but also to smart TVs, consoles (such as the Mi Box) and even game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox. 4.1. Connecting to Smart TV (Xiaomi, Samsung, LG, Sony: If your TV supports Bluetooth (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) TV Samsung QLED), The pairing process is similar to a smartphone: Open Settings → Sound. → Sound output → Bluetooth devices. Select Add a new device. Remove the headphones from the case and wait for them to appear in the list. Confirm the connection. If Bluetooth is missing, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter (for example, Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver) that connects to the list. 3.5 mm or optical TV output. 4.2. Connection to PlayStation 5 Xbox Series X with gaming consoles the situation is more complicated: 🎮 PlayStation 5 It officially only supports a limited list of headsets. Xiaomi will need a Bluetooth adapter to connect (e.g., a Bluetooth adapter, 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter). 🖥️ Xbox Series X/S It doesn't support Bluetooth headphones directly, so the solution is to connect the headset to the controller through a wireless device. 3.5 mm (if the model is wired) or use an adapter. Bluetooth Support device Sound Protocol Need adapters? Xiaomi Mi TV Yes (Bluetooth 5.0) AAC, SBC No Samsung. QLED (2020+) Yes (Bluetooth 4.2)+) SBC No PlayStation 5 Limited Own Protocol Yes (Bluetooth adapter) Xbox Series X No - Yes (3.5 mm or adapter) 💡If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth but there’s a 3.5mm output, use Xiaomi’s Bluetooth Audio Receiver – it converts wired signal to wireless and supports aptX for better sound. 5. Even after successful pairing, users often encounter errors: one earphone does not work, the sound is interrupted, or the headset turns off on its own. Headset is not defined by the device unless the headphones appear in the list of available devices: 🔄 Reset the headset settings: press the button on the case for 15-20 seconds (for Redmi Buds 3 Pro – touch panel on both headphones at the same time). 📱 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone: Turn off and turn on the module or reboot the device. 🔋 Check the case charge: if the indicator does not burn, connect the case to charge for 10 minutes. 🚫 Make sure the headset is not connected to another device (e.g. laptop). 5.2. The sound goes to only one headphone This problem most often arises from the use of a computer: 🎵 Unsynchronized headphones: Put both earphones in the case, close it, then remove and wait 10 seconds. 🔊 Incorrect Bluetooth profile: Go to Bluetooth Settings on Android → Settings of the gear next to the headset → Audio profile and select A2DP. 🛠️ Contact contamination: wipe metal contacts in the case and on headphones with an alcohol napkin. ⚠️ Attention: If the problem persists, check the headset on another device. If the sound is only going to one headphone, it is a hardware malfunction that requires replacement under warranty. 5.3. The headset is permanently disabled Causes and solutions: 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal: Make sure there are no obstacles between the device and the headphones (walls, metal objects). 🔋 Low Charge: Charge the case to 100% – some models are turned off at levels below 10%. 📱 Conflict with other devices: Turn off Bluetooth on all devices except the current one. 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update the headset software through the Mi Home app (available for most models). How to update the Xiaomi headphone firmware? 1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store. 2. Connect the headset to your phone. 3. In the application go to the section Profile → My devices. → Headphones → Firmware update. 4. If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen. ⚠️ Don’t interrupt the process – this can put the headset out of order! 6. Customize additional features (gestures, noise reduction, equalizer) Xiaomi headsets support a number of additional features that can be customized through branded applications or third-party utilities. 6.1.Tunes the touch gestures Most TWS-Headphones (Mi Air 2) SE, Redmi Buds 4 supports gesture control: 🎧 Double touch: playback / pause, accepting a call. 🎧 Triple touch: moving to the next track. 🎧 Retention: Enable voice assistant or noise cancellation. Change the purpose of gestures in the Mi Home app: Open the app and connect the headset. Go to the headphone management section. Select Gesture Customization and assign the desired actions. 6.2. Enable noise reduction (ANC) Active noise reduction models (Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) allow you to adjust the level of the noise. ANC: 🔇 Adaptive mode: automatically adjusts to ambient noise. 🔈 Manual setting: 3-5 intensity levels. 🌿 Transparency mode: skip external sounds (useful outside). To activate: Open Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear. Select your headset. Go to Noise Reduction Settings. 6.3. The sound profile can be changed both through branded applications and through third-party ones (for example, Wavelet or Equalizer). FX). In Mi Home, pre-settings are usually available: 🎶 Bass boost (intensifies low frequencies). 🎵 Balance (neutral profile). 🎤 Voice (optimized for podcasts). 💡Use it for better sound. LDAC or aptX (if supported). On Android, enable these codecs in Settings → Bluetooth → Sound quality (not available on all devices). 7. Connecting a Xiaomi wired headset (3.5mm, USB-C) While wireless headphones are gaining popularity, wired models (Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro, Redmi Wired Earphones) are still relevant due to their low price and stable sound. They are easier to connect, but there are nuances. 7.1 Connect through 3.5 mm If your smartphone or PC is equipped with a 3.5 mm connector: Put the headphone plug in the connector. The smartphone automatically asks you to select the output device — confirm wired headphones. If there's no sound, check: 🔊 Loudness on the device and headphones (if there is a regulator). 🔧 Clean connector (dust or oxidation may interfere with contact). 🎧 Integrity of cable (curves often cause a break). 7.2. Connection through USB-C Coupled models USB-C (Mi USB-C Earphones) connect directly to modern smartphones: Connect your headphones to your phone. Wait for the notification to appear USB-The device is connected. Select to transmit audio (if you have a request), on a PC or MacBook, you may need to install drivers (usually they are installed automatically: 🔄 Reset the device. 🔧 Check the sound settings in Control Panel (Windows) or System Settings (macOS). ⚠️ Attention: Headphones with USB-C You may not work on devices with a Lightning (iPhone) connector without an adapter. Use the Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter to connect to your iPhone. USB-C to Lightning (depending on the headset model). 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can you connect Xiaomi headset to two devices at the same time? Most Xiaomi models (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 3) support multipoint, which is a two-device connection, but with limitations: Sound is played from only one device. Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite) don't support this feature. To check multipoint support, check the specifications of your model on Xiaomi's official website. Why does Xiaomi headset run out quickly? Battery life depends on the model and usage conditions. If the headphones are discharged too quickly: 🔋 Check the battery status in the Mi Home app (Battery status section). 🎧 Turn off noise cancellation (ANC) — It significantly increases energy consumption. 📶 Reduce the volume – at the maximum level, the headphones discharge 2-3 times faster. 🔄 Update the firmware of the headset (if available). Average running time for most models: Case-free: 4-6 hours (s) ANC) or 6-8 hours (without) ANC). Case: 18-30 hours (depending on model). How to reset Xiaomi headset to factory settings? Reset is necessary if the headphones are glitchy, not connected or work incorrectly. Instructions depend on the model: For TWS-Mi Air, Redmi Buds: Put both earbuds in the case. Open the case cover. Press the button on the case (or the touchpad on the headphones) for 15 to 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. Close the case and remove the headphones - they are ready for a new connection. For wired headphones with a microphone: Turn off the headphones from the device. Press the response button for 10 seconds (before the beep). After reset, all settings (gestures, equalizer) will return to factory. Can you use the Xiaomi headset for calls? Yes, most Xiaomi models support phone calls, but the quality of the microphone depends on the specific headset: 🎤 Mi True Wireless Earphones 3: two noise-canceling microphones, good communication quality. 🎤 Redmi Buds 4: One microphone, suitable for short conversations. 🎤 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: three microphones with the ANC, Optimized for calls. To answer a call: Double tap on any earpiece (default setting) or press the button on the case (for some models: 📶 Make sure the microphone is not covered by hair or clothing. 🔊 Check the microphone settings in the Mi Home app (if available). 📱 On your smartphone, turn on the option to Improve Voice in Bluetooth settings. Where to download official software for the Xiaomi headset? To manage most Xiaomi headsets, the Mi Home app is used (available for Android and iOS). You can download it: 📱 Google Play: Mi Home for Android. 🍎 App Store: Mi Home for iOS. For some models (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) also available app Xiaomi Wear: 📱 Google Play: Xiaomi Wear. ⚠️ Caution: Do not download software from third-party sites – this can lead to the installation of malware.