Xiaomi Wireless Headphones: How to Use It to Get the Most From Sound

Xiaomiโ€™s wireless headphones are not just an accessory, but a full-fledged audio device with advanced features that many users donโ€™t even know. From the budget Redmi AirDots to the premium Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, every model requires the right approach to operation to unleash its potential. But as practice shows, even simple synchronization with a phone raises questions among 37% of owners (Mi Community survey data for 2023).

In this article, you will find not template instructions out of the box, but practical management tips, hidden functions (for example, activating Low Latency mode for games), as well as solutions to typical problems โ€” from sudden communication interruptions to distorted sound. We will understand why Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro can not connect to an iPhone, how to reset headphones without a smartphone, and what to do if one earphone discharges faster than another.

1.The first connection: how to sync headphones with the phone

The process of pairing Xiaomi headphones with the device depends on the model, but the overall scheme is the same for most of the brandโ€™s gadgets.The main rule is always to start with the right headphone (it is the leading in the pair). SE.

Connecting to Android smartphone (including devices) Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO):

  1. Open the case cover and get the headphones out - they will automatically go into pairing mode.
  2. On your smartphone, go to Settings โ†’ Bluetooth and turn on device search.
  3. In the list, find your model name (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) and tap it.
  4. Confirm the pairing if a request appears.

For iPhone or iPad process is similar, but there is a nuance: some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pros may require manual reset before first connecting to iOS:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Repeat the connection process via Bluetooth.
๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi headphone model you use?
Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation)
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Series
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi.

If the headphones are not determined, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Case charge level (the indicator must burn with at least one white segment).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Headphones are not connected to another device (for example, a laptop or tablet).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Try restarting Bluetooth on your smartphone (Settings) โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ switch off).

๐Ÿ’ก

If your Xiaomi headphones donโ€™t connect to a MacBook, try pairing them with an Android smartphone first and then adding them to your computer. This helps 80% of the time because of the protocolโ€™s peculiarities. AAC.

2.Gestural control: secret combinations for different models

All Xiaomi wireless headphones support touch control, but the set of gestures varies depending on the model. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 recognizes only single and double touches, while Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro understand swipes and retentions.

Basic gestures (working on most models):

Action.Redmi AirDots / Xiaomi Air 2Xiaomi Buds 3/4 ProFlipBuds Pro
Reproduction/pauseDouble touch of any headphoneSingle touch of the right earpieceSwipe up/down on the touch panel
Next trackTriple touch of the right earpieceDouble touch of the right earpieceSwipe forward on the panel.
Previous trackTriple touch of left earphoneDouble touch of the left earpieceSwipe back down the panel.
Calling the voice assistantHolding 2 seconds of any headphoneRetaining 1 sec of left earphoneTouch panel retention

For models with support for active noise reduction (ANC) (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or FlipBuds Pro):

  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Switching regimes ANC/Transparency: retention 2 right-hand-on.
  • ๐ŸŽง Shutdown ANC: Double touch of the left earpiece (on some firmware).
How to enable low latency for gaming
To activate Low Latency (good for gaming and watching videos), go to the Mi Earphones app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models), select your headphones. โ†’ Sound settings โ†’ Low latency mode. In this mode, the sound is transmitted with a less latency. 80 MS (against) 120-150 MS in standard mode, but the audio quality is slightly reduced.

โš ๏ธ Note: On Redmi AirDots 2 and older, gestures are customized only through the proprietary app. Without it, double tap will always play/pause, and triple touch will always switch tracks, even if you are used to different logic.

3. Battery Charging and Care: How to Prolong the Life of Headphones

Average battery life in wireless headphones โ€” 2-3 But many users have a problem when they're using it in a very heavy way. 8-12 For months, the headphones start to run out. 1-2 The reason for this is the wrong charging and storage mode.

Basic rules:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Do not keep your headphones discharged for more than 2 weeks โ€“ this leads to deep discharge and loss of capacity.
  • โšก Avoid charging from powerful adapters (more than that). 5W) โ€” It speeds up the degradation of the battery, and it's optimal to use the original cable or adapter on the battery. 5V/1A.
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Do not charge your headphones at a temperature below 0ยฐC or higher than 35ยฐFor example, if you leave a case in the sun in the car, the battery can lose up to 15% of capacity in one cycle.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Once a month, perform a full discharge-charging cycle (0% to 100%) to calibrate the power controller.

How to check the status of the battery:

  1. Connect your headphones to the Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Wear app.
  2. Go to the Device Status section โ†’ Battery.
  3. Note the Health parameter below 80%, which indicates that replacement is necessary.

Close the case cover (the headphones should be inside)

Use the original cable USB-C (new-model)

Make sure the indicator on the case flashes red (discharged) or white (charged)

Do not connect the case to quick charging (Quick Charge)-->

โš ๏ธ Warning: If one of the headphones discharges much faster than the other (for example, the left one holds a charge for 3 hours, and the right one for 1 hour), this is a sign of a malfunction of the power controller.

4. Sound tuning: equal to the best quality

By default, Xiaomi headphones use a standard sound profile, which does not always reveal their potential. LDAC (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, where incorrect settings can lead to distortions at high frequencies.

How to optimize the sound:

  1. Install the branded app: For older models: Mi Earphones (available on Google Play). For newer ones (2022 and later): Xiaomi Wear (also supports watches and fitness bracelets).
  2. In the app, select your headphones and go to Sound Settings.
  3. Activate the following options: ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Adaptive EQ โ€” Automatically adjusts the sound to the genre of music. ๐Ÿ”Š Bass amplifier โ€“ adds depths at low frequencies (good for hip-hop and electronic music). ๐ŸŽต 3D-sound โ€“ creates a surround sound effect (works only with supported applications, for example, Tidal or QQ Music).

For models with ANC (active noise reduction):

  • ๐Ÿ”‡ In the Noise Reduction section, select Adaptive mode โ€“ it automatically adjusts the level of suppressed noise depending on the environment.
  • ๐Ÿš† For trips on the subway or plane, it is better to use the maximum mode, but remember that this increases battery consumption. 15-20%.

๐Ÿ’ก

On the Xiaomi Buds model 4 Pro and newer Super Audio mode available (24-bit/96kHz), But it only works with Android devices. 12+ and requires support LDAC On the iPhone, this mode is not available due to Apple's restrictions.

If the sound is distorted at high volume:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Reduce the volume on your smartphone to 80% โ€“ at the maximum, many models start to โ€œwheezy".
  • ๐ŸŽง In the app, turn off the Bass Amplifier โ€“ it can cause clipping (distortion) on some tracks.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reconnect the headphones to the phone - sometimes codec failures AAC or SBC lead to artifacts.

5. Solving typical problems, from communication interruptions to distorted sound

Even the most reliable Xiaomi headphones can malfunction, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.The wrong source of sound on the smartphone is selected. The sound is muffled on the headphones themselves.On Android: Check the settings โ†’ Sound. โ†’ On iPhone: swipe up for the control panel โ†’ hold the sound block โ†’ You can pick the headphones. Double tap any earpiece to turn on the sound.
Permanent communication breakdownsInterference from other Bluetooth devices, weak signal from barriers (walls, furniture), outdated firmware of headphones.Turn off other Bluetooth gadgets (fitness bracelets, smart watches). Keep your smartphone and headphones at a distance of no more than 10 meters without obstacles. Update your firmware through the Xiaomi Wear app.
One earpiece discharges fasterBattery malfunction in one of the headphones, bad contact in the case (earphone is not fully charged).Clean the contacts on the headphone and in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If the problem remains, contact the service (possible replacement of the battery).
Noise suppression is not working.ANC It's turned off in the settings. The earbuds are not tight in the ears.Turn it on. ANC In the app or through gesture (holding the right earpiece) select the appropriate earpieces (usually size 3) and clean the microphones with a soft brush.

If Xiaomi headphones are not defined by the device at all:

  1. Reset to factory settings: Place both headphones in the case. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.

Settings โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ switch off

iPhone

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi Buds models 3T Pro and newer reset is performed not through the button on the case, but through the application: Device settings โ†’ Reset: Attempting to reset through the case can lead to a synchronization error between the headphones.

6.Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

Xiaomi headphone firmware is responsible not only for the stability of communication, but also for the sound quality, work. ANC For example, the update for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro (version 4.7.15) fixes the problem with audio distortion when using the device. LDAC and added support LE Audio.

How to update firmware:

  1. Install the latest version of the Xiaomi Wear app (or Mi Earphones for older models).
  2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone and open the app.
  3. If an update is available, a notification will appear with the Update button.
  4. Confirm the update and wait until it is completed (the headphones will reboot automatically).

Important: Interrupting the firmware update process (for example, due to battery discharge or application closure) can lead to the โ€œbrickingโ€ of the headphones โ€“ they will stop turning on and require flashing through the service center.

What to do if the update is suspended:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Wait 10 minutes โ€“ sometimes the process takes longer than the time specified.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต If the indicator on the case flashes red for more than 15 minutes: Close the app and restart Bluetooth on your smartphone. Take the headphones out of the case and put it back. Repeat the update attempt.

Xiaomi

๐Ÿ’ก

Updates for headphones Xiaomi comes out once in a while 2-3 To avoid missing important fixes, enable the option in the Xiaomi Wear app Automatic check for updates.

7. Compatibility with other devices: PC, Mac, TVs

Xiaomiโ€™s headphones work not only with smartphones, but also with other gadgets, from laptops to smart TVs. But there are nuances here, especially with Apple devices and older versions of Windows.

Connection to Windows 10/11:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Devices โ†’ Bluetooth and other devices.
  2. Click Add Add the device โ†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select your headphones from the list (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).
  4. If the sound is distorted, go to the Control Panel โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Device Properties and Select a Codec AAC instead SBC.

Connection to MacBook or iMac:

  • ๐ŸŽ Open System settings โ†’ Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ” Click Connect next to the headphone name.
  • ๐ŸŽง If the sound is interrupted, turn off the option to Improve the sound quality for phone calls in Bluetooth settings.

Connecting to Smart TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV Samsung):

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Go to Settings. โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Sound output โ†’ Bluetooth devices.
  • ๐Ÿ” Select headphones from the list.
  • โš ๏ธ Samsung TVs may need to disable Dual Audio (in Bluetooth settings) or the sound will be delayed.

Compatible with game consoles:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ PlayStation 4/5: Xiaomi headphones are connected only through a Bluetooth adapter (for example, 8BitDo WB01), As the consoles do not support AAC.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Nintendo Switch: A separate Bluetooth adapter (like the GuliKit Route Air) is required, as the built-in Switch module is not compatible with most of the devices. TWS-headphone.
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Xbox Series X/S: It doesnโ€™t officially support Bluetooth headphones, but you can use an Xbox Wireless Adapter.

8.Alternative firmware and custom settings: for advanced users

If you donโ€™t like standard functionality, some Xiaomi headphone models support alternative firmware or hidden settings, such as Earbuddyโ€™s firmware for Redmi AirDots adds:

  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Extended equalizer with presets for different genres.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Support for aptX codec (if hardware supported).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Optimized power management to increase working hours.

How to install custom firmware:

โš ๏ธ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware will void warranty and may cause permanent damage to the headphones!

  1. Download firmware from a trusted source (for example, forum) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
  2. Connect the headphones to the PC via Bluetooth.
  3. Use the nRF Connect utility (for Nordic chips) or QCC Flasher (for Qualcomm chips) for downloading firmware.
  4. Follow the instructions for your model (usually several headphone reboots are required).

Hidden settings in the official software:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง In the Xiaomi Wear app, click 5 times on the firmware version โ€“ the developer mode with additional options will open (for example, manual calibration of microphones).
  • ๐ŸŽง In the models with ANC You can manually adjust the noise reduction level by adding a line to the build.prop smartphone persist.bluetooth.a2dp_ldac_enabled=True (root required).

If you want to experiment with sound but arenโ€™t willing to risk firmware, try:

  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Equalizer apps like Wavelet or Poweramp (tune sound at smartphone level).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Enable Absolute Volume in the Android developer settings (this will allow you to adjust the volume of the headphones regardless of the smartphone).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use Xiaomi headphones in the rain or in the shower?
Most models have protection by standard IPX4 or IP54, Which means spray resistance, but not direct water resistance: IPX4 โ€” You can use it during rain or workouts, but not in the shower. - Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: IP54 โ€” dust and splash protection, but not water jets. If your headphones get wet, dry them without charging for 24 hours!
Why Xiaomi headphones are quickly discharged on the iPhone?
On Apple devices, Xiaomi headphones by default use a codec AAC, which is more energy-consuming than SBC (To increase the time: Turn off noise reduction (ANC), If you don't need it, turn it down to the volume. 70-80% โ€” At maximum, the battery consumption increases by 30%. In the iPhone settings, turn off Improved Sound Quality (Settings) โ†’ Also check if the Xiaomi Wear app is running in the background, which can use up extra energy to sync.
How to find a lost Xiaomi headphone?
If you have lost one headphone, try the following methods: ๐Ÿ“ฑ Use the Device Search feature in the Xiaomi Wear app (works if the headphone is in Bluetooth range). ๐Ÿ”Š If the headphone is nearby, but not visible, play the sound through the application (optional Play the sound). ๐Ÿ”‹ Check the last Bluetooth connection location on your smartphone. If the headphone is lost forever, you can buy a replacement separately (for example, on AliExpress or in Xiaomi service centers.
Can you use Xiaomi headphones with multiple devices at the same time?
Xiaomi headphones support connection only to one