How to use Xiaomi wireless headphones: from connection to secret chips

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular smartphone accessories for their combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even experienced users sometimes have questions about how to properly sync them with their phone, adjust touch controls or fix connectivity problems. This article will help you understand everything from basic setup to advanced features that are not written in the official instructions.

Not only will we look at standard models like Redmi AirDots 3 or Xiaomi Buds 4, but we will also give you universal tips that apply to most wireless headphones of the brand. We will focus on the typical mistakes that spoil the experience and how to avoid them. If you have just unpacked a new pair or have long been using, but want to unleash the full potential of the device, read on.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first use

Before you first connect, you need to follow several mandatory steps, even if the headphones have already been used, and if you miss them, you risk running into synchronization problems or improper microphone operation.

Start by checking the charge: most Xiaomi models come with a partially charged case (about 30-50%). To avoid a sudden shutdown during setup, plug the case into the power supply for 10-15 minutes. The indicator on the front will show the current charge level: flashing red is less than 20%, permanent white is 100%.

  • πŸ”‹ Case Charging: Use the Original Cable USB-C (For newer models, or Micro-USB for older ones, avoid cheap cables, which can damage the power controller.
  • 🎧 Headphone Removal: Carefully remove both headphones from the case and wait until they automatically turn on (the indicator blinks).
  • πŸ”„ Reset: If the headphones have previously been paired with another device, perform a reset: press the touchpads on both headphones for 10 seconds until the red/white double blinks.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pro) have a separate reset button on the case, press it 3 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.

Once ready, the headphones are ready to pair, make sure your smartphone is Bluetooth enabled and other wireless devices (columns, fitness bracelets) are turned off, which can cause interference.

2. Step-by-step instructions for connecting to the phone

The process of pairing Xiaomi headphones with a phone takes no more than a minute, but has nuances depending on the model of the smartphone and the version. Android/iOS. We will look at the universal algorithm that works in the 95% case.

On Android smartphones (especially on Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO devices), the connection is almost automatic thanks to built-in support for the LE Audio profile. iPhones may require manual codec tuning for optimal sound.

Open the case cover (the headphones should be inside)|Activate Bluetooth in your phone settings|Select a headphone model from the list of available devices|Confirm the conjugation (when a request appears)|Wait for the sound signal in the headphones ("Connected")-->

Model headphonesTime to connectFeatures
Redmi AirDots 25-10 secondsRequires confirmation on the phone
Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro2-3 secondsAutomatic switching between devices
Haylou GT1 Pro8-12 secondsI need to press the button on the case.
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro4-6 secondsSupports point-to-point connectivity

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

  1. Make sure they are in mating mode (blinking white/blue indicator).
  2. Reboot Bluetooth on your phone: turn off/on the module or reboot the smartphone.
  3. Check compatibility: Older models (like AirDots Youth) may not support Android 12+.

Redmi AirDots 2/3|Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro|Haylou (Moripod, GT1)|Xiaomi FlipBuds| Another model-->

3. Headphone control: sensors, gestures and voice assistant

All modern Xiaomi models are equipped with touch panels that respond to touch, but their configuration and functionality vary greatly depending on the firmware, for example, Buds 4 Pro supports up to 5 different gestures, and AirDots 2 only 3.

Basic commands are usually:

  • 🎡 Single touch: Playback/pause (on any headphone).
  • πŸ”€ Double touch: Next track (right earpiece) or previous (left-handed).
  • πŸ“ž Triple touch: Calling the voice assistant (Google) Assistant/Siri).
  • πŸ”‡ Holding 2 seconds: Deflecting incoming call (on Buds 3 Pro and newer).

To change the purpose of gestures:

  1. Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the model).
  2. Select your headphones in the list of devices.
  3. Go to Settings. β†’ Touch management.
  4. Assign new actions for each gesture (the options available depend on the model).

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, some features may not be available due to iOS limitations. For example, it is impossible to reassign Siri to another action.

πŸ’‘

If the sensors are too sensitive and triggered by accidental touch, reduce sensitivity in the app settings or stick a thin tape on the panel (without closing the microphone).

4. Sound tuning: equalizer, noise cancellation and spatial sound

The sound quality of Xiaomi headphones depends largely on the right settings. Even budget models like Redmi AirDots 3 support hardware equalizer and basic noise cancellation, and flagship (Buds 4 Pro) – adaptive ANC and LDAC for Hi-Res Audio.

To optimize the sound:

  1. Install the Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Audio (for newer ones).
  2. In the Sound section, select one of the preset equalizer profiles: 🎢 Bass Boost - for electronic music 🎀 Voice - for podcasts and calls 🎻 Classics - for instrumental music

ANC

Transparent mode

Regime.When to useEffect on charge
ANC (noise reduction)Transportation, office.βˆ’15-20% time-work
Transparent modeOutside, in conversation.βˆ’5-10% time-work
Off.At home, in a quiet environmentMaximum working time

For models with LDAC support (e.g. FlipBuds Pro):

  1. In Bluetooth phone settings, select High Sound Quality (on Xiaomi/Redmi with MIUI 12+).
  2. In the headphone app, activate LDAC in the Codecs section.
  3. Note that this will increase the latency of the sound by 50-100 ms (critical for gaming).

⚠️ Warning: If you lose sound in one of your headphones after you update your firmware, reset and update the software again. This is a known bug in Buds 3 Pro (routine version 1.4.0.6).

πŸ’‘

Most connectivity problems are solved by doing three things in a row: resetting headphones β†’ cleaning the Bluetooth cache on your phone β†’ re-pairing.

6. Hidden functions and life hacks

The manufacturer doesn't always advertise all the features of its headphones, but here are some non-obvious features that will make it easier to use:

1. Quick switching between devices

Buds 4 Pro and later support multipoint – simultaneous connection to two devices (for example, a phone). + To activate the laptop:

  1. Connect the headphones to the first device.
  2. Open the case cover and hold the pairing button for 3 seconds.
  3. Connect to the second device via Bluetooth.

The headphones will now automatically switch between them depending on activity.

2. Voice notifications in Russian

In the Xiaomi Audio app, you can include voiceover status (charge level, name of the connected device).

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Voice prompts.
  2. Choose Russian.
  3. Activate the Connection Status and Charge Level options.

3. Use of one headphone

If you need to save charge or you are more comfortable listening to music monosound:

  • Remove only one headphone from the case - the second will automatically turn off.
  • For AirDots 3 and newer models, double tapping on a working headphone will switch the sound to mono mode.

4. Set up automatic shutdown

So that the headphones do not discharge when you remove them:

  • In the Mi Home app, activate Auto Shutdown when you withdraw.
  • Set an inactivity timer (default: 5 minutes).

πŸ’‘

If you lose one headphone, you can only buy it (for example, on AliExpress according to the model article), the main thing is that the firmware version matches the remaining headphone.

7. Care and extension of service life

With proper care, Xiaomi wireless headphones last 2-3 years without loss of quality. Follow these guidelines to avoid breakdowns:

1. Cleaning and storage

  • 🧼 Cleaning headphones: Use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol (no more than 70%) to remove earwax from speaker mesh.
  • πŸ“¦ Storage: Always put your headphones in your case – this protects them from dust and mechanical damage.
  • 🌑️ Temperature: Do not leave headphones in the sun or near heat sources (e.g., on a car torpedo).

Charging and battery

  • πŸ”Œ Use the original cable: Cheap cables can damage the charge controller.
  • πŸ”‹ Avoid full discharge: Charge the case when the indicator shows 1-2 division (β‰ˆ20-30%).
  • ⚑ Do not use fast charging: For Xiaomi cases, the optimal current is 1A (5V.

3. Mechanical strength

  • πŸ’§ Waterproofing: Even if the model has a certificate IPX4 (Splash protection, do not wash your headphones underwater.
  • 🧲 Magnets: Do not place the case near strong magnets (such as speakers) – this can damage the battery.
  • πŸ• Pets: Keep headphones out of your pets’ access zone – they often gnaw wires and silicone embustures.

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones crack or crack after falling, don't continue using them - this can lead to short circuit.

8. Update firmware: why and how to do it

The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates for headphones that fix bugs, add new features or improve sound. For example, Buds 4 Pro update 1.7.0.4 added support for LE Audio, and AirDots 3 – improved ANC.

How to check and update the firmware:

  1. Install the latest version of Xiaomi Audio or Mi Home.
  2. Connect the headphones to the phone and open their card in the application.
  3. If an update is available, a notification will appear with the Update button.
  4. Do not turn off the headphones and do not close the application until the process is complete (takes 2-5 minutes).

What the updates are:

  • 🎧 New codecs (e.g., new codecs, LC3 for LE Audio).
  • πŸ”Š Improved noise reduction (especially in FlipBuds Pro).
  • πŸ•’ Optimization of working time (on the 10-15% longer-on-charge).
  • πŸ› οΈ Correcting bugs (for example, spontaneously shutting down the microphone).

⚠️ Note: If during the upgrade, the headphones become depleted or communication is interrupted, they may stop turning on. In this case, contact the service center for flashing through the phone. ISP.

How to roll back the firmware if the update worsened the sound?
Unfortunately, Xiaomi does not provide an official way to roll back.The only option is to contact the service center with a request to flash the previous version (paid service, ~500-1000β‚½).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use Xiaomi AirDots with an iPhone?
Yes, all Xiaomi models are compatible with iPhone, but some of the features will be limited: You can not change the Bluetooth codec (always AAC is used); No access to the equalizer through the app (configured only on Android); Voice prompts work only in English. To connect: open Settings β†’ Bluetooth on iPhone and select headphones from the list.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi headphones?
Counterfeiting is almost indistinguishable, but there are several signs: πŸ“¦ Packaging: Original has a hologram, the font on the box is clear, without typos. πŸ”Š Sound: There is no bass in the fakes, the sound is "empty". πŸ“± Appendix: Original headphones are displayed in Mi Home/Xiaomi Audio with full model information. πŸ”‹ Charging: The original case is charged for 1-1.5 hour, forgeries β€” 3-4 The most reliable way is to check the serial number on the Xiaomi website (check warranty section).
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
The life of the headphone depends on the model and the conditions of use, if the headphones discharge faster than the stated one: πŸ”‹ Check the battery status in the Xiaomi Audio app (Battery status section). 🎧 Turn it off. ANC β€” he consumes up to 20% extra. πŸ“Ά Turn down the volume: At maximum volume, the operating time is reduced by 30-40%. πŸ”„ Reset settings: Sometimes a firmware failure leads to increased power consumption. Average running time (by model): AirDots 2: 4 hour (ANC out.) / 3 hour (ANC (included) Buds 3 Pro: 6 hours (ANC out.) / 5 hours (ANC Includes) FlipBuds Pro: 7 hours (ANC out.) / 5.5 hours (ANC on.)
Can I swim in Xiaomi headphones?
No, not even IPX4-certified models (like Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) are designed to swim. Here's what the protection levels mean: IPX4: Splash Protection (rain, sweat). IPX5: Water jet protection (you can wash under the tap). IPX7: Short-term dip to a depth of 1 m (not Xiaomi). When water hits: Wipe your headphones immediately with a dry cloth. Put them in rice or silica gel for 12-24 hours (do not turn on the service! - if the service is quieter! -
How to Reset Xiaomi Headphones If They Don’t React?
If the headphones don't turn on or react to touch, do a hard reset: Put both earphones in the case and close the lid. Press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 20 seconds. For models without a button: take the headphones out of the case and press the touchpads on both for 30 seconds. The indicators should flash red, then white - this is a signal of a successful reset. If the reset didn't work, try charging the case with another cable or contact service.