How to connect headphones Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular accessories for smartphones and other devices due to the combination of price, quality and functionality. However, even with such simple gadgets, users often have difficulties: Bluetooth headphones are not on the list of available devices, wired ones are not recognized by the system, sound only in one ear. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to connect Xiaomi headphones — from the budget Mi Basic to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro — and tell you how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that the connection process can vary depending on the type of headphones (wired, wireless, TWS), device model (smartphone, laptop, PC) and even firmware version. For example, Xiaomi AirDots headphones connect differently than Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, and Windows 11 may require additional drivers. We’ve compiled universal instructions that will help in 90% of cases, and also considered rare problems that users face.

If you are first plugging in Xiaomi headphones or you are experiencing a mistake, don’t rush to bring them to the service. In most cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes using our recommendations. And if your headphone model is not mentioned in the article, don’t worry: the connection principles for all Xiaomi devices are similar, only small nuances differ.

1. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones to a smartphone or PC

Xiaomi wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones, Mi Hybrid Pro or Xiaomi Piston) are the easiest to connect to, but there are nuances to this, especially if you have a smartphone without a 3.5 mm jack or headphones with a built-in microphone.

On modern Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13), the 3.5mm connector is often missing. In this case, you will need a USB-C → 3.5mm adapter (preferably the original one from Xiaomi).

• 🔌 Insert the adapter in the port USB-C smartphone.
• 🎧 Connect the headphones to the adapter.
• 📱 On the screen of the smartphone will appear a notification about the connection of Analog headphones (if it is not – check the cleanliness of the connectors).
• 🔊 Adjust the volume and check the sound in both ears.

On a PC or laptop, the process is similar, but you may need to select a sound output device:

1. Connect the headphones to the green Audio Out connector (or the combined Audio Jack on laptops).
2. Right-click on the Speaker icon in the Windows tray and select Open Sound Settings.
3. In the Withdrawal section, select your headphones from the list of devices.

⚠️ Attention: If only one ear is sounding, check the plug for contamination or mechanical damage. Often the problem is incomplete contact due to oxidation of the connector. Try to move the plug slightly - if the sound appears, it means that cleaning or replacement is required.

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If your Xiaomi wired headphones have a built-in microphone but it doesn't work, check if you inserted the plug correctly.Most models only activate the microphone when plugged in to the stop (a click should be heard).

2. Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones over Bluetooth

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones (such as Xiaomi Buds 4, Redmi Buds 5 or Xiaomi Air 2 SE) are Bluetooth connected, but there are a few key points here: First, the headphones should be in pairing mode. Second, the device should be enabled with Bluetooth and the restrictions on new devices are disabled.

General instructions for most models:

• 🔋 Get your headphones out of the case (they should automatically turn on).
• 🔄 Press the button on the case or touch panel on the headphones on the 5-10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (pairing mode).
• 📱 On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and enable device search.
• 🔍 In the list, find your headphones (such as Redmi Buds 5 or Mi True Wireless Earphones) and tap to connect.

On Windows PC, the process is slightly different:

1. Press Win + I, select Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click Add Bluetooth or other device → Bluetooth.
3. Select your headphones from the list and wait for the pairing to be completed.

If the headphones are not there, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull them out).
• 📱 Reboot the Bluetooth module on your smartphone (turn off/on Bluetooth in the settings).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on your smartphone (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).

3. Features of connection TWS-earphones (True Wireless)

TWS-Headphones (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 Pro) connect a little differently than conventional wireless headphones, the main difference is that they work in pairs, and if one headphone is not connected, the sound will only go in one. They also have their own customization app (Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Home).

Step-by-step instructions for TWS:

1. Take both headphones out of the case - they should automatically turn on and connect with each other (the indicator on the case flashes white).
2. Press the button on the case for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white (pairing mode).
3. On your smartphone, turn on Bluetooth and find a device with your model’s name in the list (e.g., Xiaomi Buds). 4 Pro_L and Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro_R).
4. Connect to the device with the prefix L (left earphone) - the right will connect automatically.

If one of the headphones is not connected:

• 🔋 Check the charge of the headphones (the indicator on the case should burn green or orange).
• 🔄 Reset the headphone settings: put them in the case, press the button for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.
• 📱 Remove the headphones from the list of conjugate devices on the smartphone and connect again.

For full-fledged work of TWS-headphones, install the official application:

• 📱 Xiaomi Earbuds (for most models).
• 🏠 Mi Home (for older models like AirDots).

4. Connect Xiaomi headphones to devices of different brands

Xiaomi headphones are compatible not only with smartphones of this brand, but also with devices Samsung, iPhone, Huawei and others. However, there may be nuances with codecs (for example, AAC, ) or functionality (for example, control gestures may not work).

Let’s look at connecting to popular devices:

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted or stuttered, try:

• 📶 Disable other Bluetooth devices (such as a smartwatch or speaker).
• 🔧 In Bluetooth settings, prioritize Sound Quality over Low latency.
• 📱 Reboot the headphones and device.

⚠️ Note: on the iPhone headphones Xiaomi can connect in mode HSP/HFP (mono sound for calls instead of A2DP (To fix this, go to Settings. → Bluetooth, tap the i icon next to the headphones and select Disable, then plug again.

5. Set up Xiaomi headphones through the official app

The official Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Home apps not only allow you to connect headphones, but also configure gestures, equalizer, noise sounding and other functions. Without them, many features (such as ANC or Transparency Mode) will not be available.

How to set up headphones through the application:

1. Install Xiaomi Earbuds from Google Play or App Store (not available for iOS on all models).
2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and allow access to Bluetooth and Notifications.
4. Select your headphone model from the list.
5. Set up: 🎛️ Gestures (such as double tapping to pause or call a voice assistant). 🔊 Equalizer (preset profiles or custom settings). 🔇 ANC (Active noise reduction or Transparency Mode.

If the app doesn't see the headphones:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones in Bluetooth settings.
• 📥 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🔧 Reset the headphone settings (press the button on the case for 15 seconds).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after successfully connecting with Xiaomi headphones, there can be problems, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them.

If none of the methods did not help, try resetting the headphones to the factory:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red 4 times.
3. Take out the headphones and reconnect.

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If Xiaomi headphones don't connect to Windows 10/11, try removing them from the device list, then restart your PC and reconnect. Often the problem is solved by installing the Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth driver.

7.How to prolong the life of Xiaomi headphones: tips for operation

To make Xiaomi headphones last longer, follow simple recommendations:

• 🔋 Do not discharge headphones and case before 0% — connect to the charger when 20-30% charge.
• 🧼 Regularly clean the mesh speakers soft brush and contacts in the case with alcohol wipes.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating – do not leave headphones in the sun or near heat sources.
• 💧 Do not use headphones in the rain or in the pool, even if they are protected. IPX4.
• 📦 Keep your headphones in a case – this protects them from dust and mechanical damage.

For wireless headphones, it is also important:

• 🔄 Periodically (once in a 2-3 months) to reset settings to avoid software failures.
• 📱 Update the firmware through the official application (if available).
• 🔊 Do not listen to music at maximum volume – this reduces the life of speakers.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi headphones with support for fast charging (for example, Redmi Buds 5) can not be charged from powerful power supplies (more 10W). This can lead to overheating of the battery and reduce its service life.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones