How to use Xiaomi headphones: from connection to advanced features

Introduction: Why Xiaomi headphones require a special approach

Xiaomi’s headphones have gained popularity thanks to a combination of affordable prices, high-quality sound and advanced features that were previously only available in premium models. However, many users face problems already at the first connection stage: headphones are not determined by the phone, sound is interrupted, or touch controls are not working, the fact that the manufacturer is actively developing its own ecosystem, and some functions are optimized for devices on MIUI.

In this article, we will not only look at basic operations (how to turn on, connect or charge your headphones), but also hidden features that are not mentioned in the official instructions, such as how to activate low latency for games, adjust gestures, or reset your headphones to factory settings if they stop responding, and pay special attention to typical errors that lead to rapid battery discharge or sound deterioration.

The material is relevant for all modern models, from the budget Redmi Buds 4 to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with support for LDAC and active noise cancellation. If you have an older model (for example, AirDots Youth or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2), most instructions will also remain relevant, but some features may be missing.

Connecting Xiaomi headphones to the phone: step-by-step instructions

The first time you turn on your headphones is often a question, especially if you've used wired models before. In Xiaomi, the connection process depends on the type of headphones: fully wireless (TWS) or neck strap (for example, FlipBuds Pro).

For wireless headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds 5 or Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro):

1. Take both earphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicator on the case will flash white or blue).
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and find a device with your model’s name (e.g. Redmi Buds 5) in the list.
3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the connection. Some models will require you to press the button on the case.

For headphones with a neck strap (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro):

• 🔋 Press the power button for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes blue and red.
• 📱 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and select the device from the list.
• 🎧 Once connected, the headphones will automatically go into playback mode.

If the headphones are not defined, try resetting them.

1. Place both headphones in the case.


2. Open the case lid.




3. Press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.




4. Repeat the connection process.

Headphone management: gestures, buttons and voice assistant

Xiaomi earphones have several playback controls, and they vary according to the model. Most of today's TWS- headphones support touch gestures, and neck strap models support physical buttons.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) offer customization of gestures via the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app.

1. Open the app and select your headphones from the device list.
2. Go to the Control Settings section.
3. Select an action (e.g., Double Touch) and assign it a new function (e.g., Turn on Noise Cancelation).

Make sure the headphones are connected to the phone.|Check that gestures are included in the app settings|Remove unnecessary fingerprints from the sensor (wipe the headphones with a dry napkin)|Update your headphones to the latest version-->

If the gestures don't work:

• 🧴 Wipe the touchpad with an alcohol napkin — fat or dirt can block touch.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones to your phone (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again).
• 📱 Update the firmware headphones through the official application.

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On models with ANC (active noise cancellation) support, double-touch can be assigned by default to switch noise reduction modes. To return music control, change the settings in the Xiaomi Wear app.

Sound tuning: equalizer, noise cancellation and spatial sound

One of the key benefits of Xiaomi headphones is that it has flexible audio settings, so depending on the model, you can adjust the equalizer, turn on noise cancellation (ANC), or activate transparency mode, and let's look at each setting in detail.

The equalizer (EQ) allows you to customize the sound to your preferences. In the application Xiaomi Wear or Mi Fitness, several pre-installed profiles are available:

• 🎵 Bass Boost – Higher low frequencies (suitable for hip-hop and electronic music).
• 🎶 Bright – High frequency emphasis (for vocals and classics).
• 🎧 Balanced – Neutral settings (recommended for most genres)
• 🎹 Customized - manually adjusting the equalizer bands.

To activate active noise reduction (ANC):

1. Open the Xiaomi Wear app and select your headphones.
2. Go to the Noise Reduction section.
3. Choose one of these modes: ANC, which is maximum noise suppression; Transparency, which allows for noise (good for the street); Adaptive, which is automatic noise reduction.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) have a Low Latency mode that reduces lag when watching videos or games.

1. Open the Xiaomi Wear app.
2. Go to the sound settings → Low latency mode.
3. Turn on the option. Notice that this mode may slightly degrade the sound quality.

What drains the battery faster?

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If the headphones are discharged too quickly, try resetting them (see Reset and Flash) and updating the firmware. In some cases, replacing the earbuds helps - a tight fit reduces the leakage of sound, and the headphones do not have to turn up the volume.

Reset and flashing: what to do if the headphones are glitchy

If Xiaomi headphones start to work unstable (self-disconnect, do not sync with each other or do not play sound), the first thing you should try to reset them to the factory settings.

How to drop headphones:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
3. Close the case cover, then open it again and connect the headphones to the phone again.

If the reset didn't work, try updating the firmware.

1. Install the latest version of the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Fitness app.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone and open their card in the application.
3. If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click Update and wait until the process is complete (don't turn off the headphones!).

Common errors when updating the firmware:

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process, even if it takes more than 5 minutes. If the headphones turn off during firmware, they may stop turning on and you will need to contact the service.

• 📵 Don't move far away from your phone - the Bluetooth connection should be stable.
• 🔋 Make sure the case is at least 50% charged.
• 📱 Close all background apps on your phone to avoid a connection break.

Compatible with other devices: PC, Mac, TVs

Xiaomi headphones can be connected not only to smartphones, but also to computers, tablets or even TVs. However, there are nuances: some features (such as noise cancellation or gesture customization) may not be available.

Connection to Windows or Mac:

1. Turn the headphones into pairing mode (see the "Connection" section).
2. On your computer, open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth (Windows) or System Settings → Bluetooth (Mac).
3. Select headphones from the list and connect them.

For stable work on the PC is recommended:

• 🖥️ Use a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter or later (built into laptops or an external USB- adapter).
• 🎵 Install drivers for AAC or aptX (if your model supports these codecs).
• 🔇 Disable other Bluetooth devices to avoid interference.

Television connection:

Most modern Smart TVs (such as Xiaomi Mi TV, Samsung or LG) support Bluetooth headphones.

1. Put the headphones in pairing mode.
2. On the TV remote, click Settings → Sound → Sound output → Bluetooth devices.
3. Select the headphones from the list.

⚠️ Warning: TVs may have lag. To reduce this, turn on Low Latency in your headphone settings (if supported by your model).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even the most reliable headphones can malfunction, and we've collected typical problems and ways to fix them.

If the headphones are not determined by the phone:

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and headphones.
• 🔄 Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth device list and reconnect.
• 📴 Check if the phone is on airplane or power saving mode (they can block Bluetooth).

If the sound is distorted or omitted:

• 🎵 Try changing the audio codec in your Bluetooth settings (e.g., from AAC to SBC).
• 📡 Reduce the distance between the phone and the headphones (maximum 10 meters without obstructions).
• 🔋 Check the charge of the headphones - at a low level of the battery, interference may occur.

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If the problem recurs after all the manipulations, try connecting the headphones to another device.If they work steadily, the problem is in your phone (maybe you need to reset your network settings).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions