Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and battery life. However, even with these devices, users often have questions about how to connect them to a smartphone, why you can’t find headphones on the list of available devices, or how to switch between several gadgets. In this article, we’ll look at all possible ways to connect, from standard Bluetooth pairing to using special applications for fine-tuning.
We’ll focus on the common bugs that prevent successful connectivity, from outdated headphone firmware to conflicts with other Bluetooth devices, and how to connect Xiaomi’s wired headphones to devices without a 3.5mm jack (via adapters), and what sound settings should be changed to better understand music. If you just bought a Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro or any other model, this will help avoid common problems.
1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for the first connection
Before you start pairing, make sure the headphones are charged and searchable. Most Xiaomi models (like Buds 4 or AirDots) automatically go into pairing mode when they first turn on, but if they have already been connected to another device, they need to be reset.
Here's what needs to be done:
- 🔋 Charge the case headphones at least 30% (the indicator on the case should burn white or green).
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone/PC is Bluetooth enabled (in settings or through the notification panel).
- 🔄 If the headphones have already been paired with another device, reset (instructions in the next section).
- 🎧 Get the headphones out of the case - they should automatically turn on (the indicator blinks).
Dual Device Connection models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) can connect to two devices at once, but it’s better to use one for the first pairing.
2. Standard Bluetooth connection (for all models)
The most universal way is to connect via the Bluetooth menu, which runs on Android, iOS, Windows and macOS. Consider the process with the example of the Xiaomi smartphone (MIUI):
- Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the switch.
- Get your headphones out of the case – they should appear in the list of available devices called Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds or similar.
- Click on the headphone name in the list. If you have a request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234), type it in.
- Wait for the message “Connected.” In some models (for example, Buds 4 Pro) after pairing, a notification will appear about the availability of the branded Mi Earphones app.
On an iPhone or iPad, the process is similar, but the list of devices can only display the model name without mentioning the brand. On Windows 10/11, after connecting, the headphones can be defined as "Stereo" (for music) and "Headphone" (for calls) - select the desired profile manually.
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If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try turning off and re-enable Bluetooth on your phone, and reboot the headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds and pull them back out).
3.Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings
If the headphones were previously connected to another device and do not want to mate again, they need to be reset.
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 4 / 4 Pro | Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red/white. | After resetting, the headphones will automatically turn off. |
| Xiaomi Buds 3 / 3T Pro | Put the headphones in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator blinks orange). | The case should be charged at least 20%. |
| Xiaomi AirDots (1-3 generation) | Three times quickly press the touch panel of one headphone (left or right). | After resetting, the headphones will reset. |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red. | Reset removes all stored devices. |
After reset, Xiaomi headphones return to factory settings and can be reconnected. If the reset didn't work, check the case charge or try using another device to pair.
Charge the case at least 20% | Make sure the headphones are not connected to other devices | Use the right combination for your model | After reset, wait for automatic shutdown-->
4. Connection via the Mi Earphones branded app
For models Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later available official application Mi Earphones (formerly Mi Headphones), which allows you not only to connect headphones, but also to customize:
- 🎛️ Equalizer (presets or custom settings).
- 🔊 Transparency mode (for models with ANC).
- 🔄 Gesture control (double touch, retention).
- 📊 Case and headphone charge status.
How to connect through the application:
- Download Mi Earphones from Google Play or App Store.
- Open the app and allow access to Bluetooth.
- Get the headphones out of the case - they should be automatically determined.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the pairing.
The app also has headphone firmware available, so if you notice an update, don't interrupt the process, which can cause a crash.
What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
5. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones (from 3.5mm or USB-C)
If you have Xiaomi wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro or Redmi Hi-Res Audio), the connection process depends on the connector:
For the 3.5mm connector:
- 🎵 Simply insert the plug into the audio nest of a smartphone or PC. Xiaomi phones without 3.5 mm (for example, Xiaomi 13) will require an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm.
- 🔊 On Android, after connecting, you may receive a request to choose the type of device (“Hearphone” or “Microphone.
For USB-C headphones (such as Mi USB-C Headphones):
- 🔌 Connect your headphones directly to the port USB-C phone-to-laptop.
- ⚠️ Some devices will need to be enabled. OTG in settings (for example, on older smartphones Redmi Note).
- 🎧 Sound will be transmitted digitally, which reduces quality loss.
On the iPhone to connect 3.5-mm headphones will require a Lightning → 3.5 mm adapter (not included). USB-C headphones to the iPhone can not be connected without additional adapters.
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Wired headphones with USB-C may not work on some laptops due to lack of audio support over OTG. In this case, use an external sound card.
6. Solving Connection Problems
If Xiaomi headphones don’t connect or are permanently turned off, check the following points:
⚠️ Note: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer may conflict with devices on Android 10 and below due to the outdated version of Bluetooth. Update the firmware of the phone or use another gadget.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on the Bluetooth list | Inactive coupling mode | Put the headphones in the case for 5 seconds, then take out and hold the touchpad for 5 seconds. |
| Connection is interrupted in 1-2 seconds | Conflict with another Bluetooth device | Disable all other Bluetooth gadgets (fitness bracelets, smart watches). |
| The sound is interrupted or distorted | Low signal or interference level | Move closer to the device (maximum 10 meters without obstacles). |
| The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound. | Incorrectly selected Bluetooth profile | In the Bluetooth settings of your phone, select “Use for Media”. |
| One earpiece is down. | Failure of synchronization between headphones | Put both headphones in the case, wait for the indicator to blink, then take out. |
If the problem is not solved, try updating the headphone firmware through the Mi Earphones app or reset the phone to factory settings (pre-backup).
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones with support LDAC (For example, FlipBuds Pro may not work properly with Apple devices due to protocol limitations. In this case, select the mode in the Bluetooth iPhone settings. AAC instead LDAC.
7 Connect to multiple devices at the same time (Multi-Point)
Some Xiaomi models (such as the Buds 4 Pro or Buds 3T Pro) support connecting to two devices at the same time, which is handy if you want to listen to music from a laptop, but do not miss a call on your phone.
How to set up Multi-Point:
- First, connect the headphones to the first device (such as a smartphone) in the standard way.
- Then activate Bluetooth on the second device (laptop) and find the headphones in the list.
- Connect to the second device, and the headphones will automatically switch between them depending on the activity (e.g., when playing sound).
Limitations:
- 📱 At the same time, sound can be played from only one device.
- 🔊 When you call on your phone, the sound from the laptop will be muffled.
- 🔋 Multi-Point increases headphone battery consumption 10-15%.
Xiaomi’s Multi-Point headphones do not support simultaneous audio playback from two sources (e.g., music from a phone and video from a laptop), and priority is always given to the last active device.
8.Tune the sound for better quality
After you connect, you should optimize the sound. Depending on the headphone model and device, the following options are available:
On Android (MIUI):
- 🎶 Open the Settings. → Sound. → Sound quality and select High quality (LDAC) or aptX (if supported).
- 🔊 Turn on Absolute Volume to avoid jumps in sound level.
On Windows 10/11:
- 🖥️ Go to the settings. → System system → Sound, select headphones and click on "Device Properties».
- 🎵 Insert “Additional» → Select 16-bit, 44100 Hz format (quality) CD).
On the Mi Earphone app:
- 🎛️ Select the Preset equalizer (Bases, Vocals, Classics) or set it up manually.
- 🔇 Activate. ANC (active noise reduction or transparency when necessary.
For models with aptX Adaptive (for example, Buds 4 Pro) it is recommended to use smartphones that support this codec (for example, Xiaomi 12/13, Samsung Galaxy S22 and later).