How to connect to Xiaomi headphones: full instructions for all models

Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Connect and How to Fix It

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even proven models like the Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 or Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro sometimes have connection problems, and most often, users experience headphones that are not determined by the phone, constantly turn off or give a pairing error.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you connect, from standard Bluetooth pairing to manual resetting, and why Xiaomi can’t see its own headphones and how to fix it without going to the service center. If you just bought a new model or encountered a bug after updating your firmware, here’s the solution.

Let’s note right away: the connection process for most models (Redmi AirDots, Mi Earbuds, FlipBuds) is the same, but there are nuances for MIUI 14+ firmware and iOS devices. We will also separately consider how to connect headphones to several devices at the same time (if the model supports this).

Preparation before connecting: what to check first

Before you try to connect your headphones to your phone, make sure that the basic conditions are met:

• 🔋 Headphone and case charge: if the indicator does not burn or flashes red, charge the device for at least 10-15 minutes%.
• 📱 Bluetooth version on the phone: Xiaomi headphones require Bluetooth 5.0+. Older smartphones (like the Redmi Note 5) may have connection issues.
• 🔄 Resetting previous connections: If the headphones were already paired with another device, they need to be “forgot” in the Bluetooth settings or reset to factory.
• 🛠️ Firmware update: in MIUI 13/14 Accessories have been fixed. Update your phone through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.

Pay special attention to the indicators on headphones:

• 🟢 Green flashing - readiness to pair.
• 🔴 Red constant - low charge.
• 🟢🔴 Alternate blinking - resetting settings.
• 🔵 Blue Permanent – already connected to the device.

⚠️ Note: If the indicator on the Redmi Buds 4 Pro case flashes white and red at the same time, this means a firmware error").

Standard Bluetooth connection: step-by-step instructions

For most models (Redmi AirDots 2/3, Mi Earbuds Basic 2), the pairing process is the same.

1. Get your headphones out of the case. They should turn on automatically (the indicator blinks).
2. On your phone, turn on Bluetooth: On Android: swipe down the screen → tap the Bluetooth icon or go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. On iOS: Settings → Bluetooth.

In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (such as Redmi Buds 4 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S).

Confirm pairing if you request it. Some models (FlipBuds Pro) may need to enter PIN-code - default is 0000.

Once successfully connected, the indicator will turn blue (or go out in some models), and the phone will have the words "Connected" next to the headphone name.

If the headphones are not displayed in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off and turn on again).
• 📱 Try connecting from another device (tablet, laptop) to rule out a problem in your phone.
• 🔧 Reset the headphones to factory settings (instructions in the next section).

Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If the standard connection doesn't work, it's likely that the headphones have been stuck after the previous pairing, and in this case, hard reset will help.

After reset, Xiaomi headphones automatically go into pairing mode, and now they can be reconnected, as described in the previous section.

⚠️ Attention: On models with ANC (Active noise cancellation (FlipBuds Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) may cause a noise reduction setting to fail after reset, and you'll have to reconfigure it in the Mi Home app.

Connection to multiple devices (multipoint)

Some Xiaomi models support simultaneous connection to two devices (e.g., a phone and a laptop), a feature called Multipoint and is available in the following headphones:

• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro (Firmware 1.7.0.0)+)
• 🎧 Redmi Buds 4 Pro
• 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 (Call only)

To connect the headphones to the second device:

1. First, pair the headphones with the first device (for example, a smartphone).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on the second device (laptop, tablet).
3. Press and hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 3 seconds until you hear the beep.
4. In the list of available devices on the second gadget, select your headphones.

Now, headphones will automatically switch between devices depending on which one plays the sound, for example, if you run music on your phone and you have a Zoom conference on your laptop, the headphones will switch to your laptop when you start a conversation.

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If multipoint is unstable, disable Auto Connection in Bluetooth settings on one of your devices, which will help you avoid accidental switching.

Connection to iPhone (iOS) and features of work

Xiaomi headphones officially support iPhone connectivity, but there are a few nuances:

• 📱 No support. AAC: iOS is using a codec by default AAC, But many of the Xiaomi models only work with SBC. This makes the sound worse than Android.
• 🔊 Absent. EQ: Equalizer settings via Mi Home app is only available on Android.
• 📞 Mikphone problems: Calls may lose sound or echo (especially on Redmi AirDots 3).

To connect the headphones to the iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Take the headphones out of the case (they should blink white).
3. In the list of devices, find your model (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) and tap it.
4. If you receive a confirmation request, click "Connect".

If the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted:

• 🔄 Reconnect them (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and pair again).
• 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi while listening to music (sometimes interferes with your ability to listen to music).
• 🔋 Check the charge of headphones - at a level below 20% there may be failures.

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ You may experience a "Device not supported" error when you connect Redmi Buds 4 Pro. This is due to an update to Bluetooth protocols. Solution: Update the firmware of the headphones through an Android device, then connect to the iPhone.

Solving common connection problems

If Xiaomi headphones don’t connect or are not working smoothly, check out these points:

If the problem persists, try updating the headphone firmware.

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Put the headphones on the phone.
3. Open Mi Home → Profile → Smart Devices → Find your headphones.
4. If there is an update, click "Update." Don't turn off the headphones during the process - this can lead to their "bricking" (breaking the firmware).

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If the headphones stop connecting after falling or getting moisture, do not try to sew them - it may be a hardware malfunction.

Additional settings through the Mi Home app

The Mi Home app allows you not only to update the firmware, but also to configure:

• 🎛️ Equalizer (5 preset profiles available) + customization).
• 🔇 Level. ANC (noise-canceling).
• 🎵 Control gestures (double touch, hold).
• 🔋 Charge display (in the widget on the main screen).

To adjust the headphones:

1. Open Mi Home and connect the headphones to the phone.
2. Go to the section "Smart devices" → select your headphones.
3. In the settings menu, select the desired item (for example, "Sound" for equalizer).

For models with ANC (FlipBuds Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) in the application, you can select the noise reduction level:

• 🌃 Weak for the office.
• 🚆 Medium for transportation.
• ✈️ Strong for the plane.
• 🎧 Adaptive - Automatic adjustment.

Also in Mi Home you can turn on the game mode (reduces the latency to 80 ms) and transparent mode (miss external sounds).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones