How to insert Xiaomi headphones: full instruction with expert advice

Xiaomi headphones are a popular accessory that combines sound quality, convenience and affordable price. However, even with such a simple device, users often face problems from lack of sound to mechanical breakdowns. The main cause of most malfunctions is improper connection or operation. In this article, we will discuss how to correctly insert wired and wireless Xiaomi headphones to avoid typical errors and prolong their life.

We’ll focus on the Type-C and Lightning (for adapted versions), Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Redmi Buds. You’ll learn why headphones can’t be recognized by your smartphone, how to extract them correctly, and what to do if the sound disappears after you connect. Instructions are suitable for most of the brand’s devices, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and other models with current versions of MIUI.

Important: If you use active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, the connection process may be different, and we will separately look at the nuances for models such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro or Mi Air 2 Pro.

1. Preparation before connection: what to check

Before you insert your headphones into your smartphone or other device, follow a few simple steps that will help avoid most recognition and sound problems.

• 🔋 Charging headphones (for wireless models): Make sure the charge level in the case and the headphones themselves is at least 20.
• 📱 Firmware Update: Check Relevance MIUI Older versions may not support new headphone models. Update the software in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔊 Clean connectors: Dust or dirt in 3.5mm or Type-C port can lead to poor contact.
• 🎧 Model compatibility: Not all Xiaomi headphones are universal. HD demand LDAC-codec.

For wired headphones with a 3.5 mm connector, further check the integrity of the cable. The worn areas of the plug or speakers often cause intermittent sound. If the cable is damaged, avoid sudden movements when connected - this can exacerbate the problem.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use headphones with damaged insulation near wet surfaces, which can short-circuit your smartphone or even cause electrical shock.

2. How to insert wired headphones Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Wired headphones are still a reliable choice for many users, but even here there are nuances, especially if you are talking about models with Type-C or adapters, follow this instruction to avoid damage to the connector or headphones.

For headphones with a 3.5 mm connector

1. Take a headphone plug and combine the metal contacts with the connector on your smartphone. Don't make any effort -- the plug must come in smoothly.
2. Put the plug in until you feel a slight click, which means that the contacts are fixed.
3. If there is no sound, check it out: 🔇 Mode "No sound" on the smartphone (Settings) → Sound). 🔌 Clean connector (dust can block contacts). 🎵 The correctness of the choice of sound source (for example, in Mi Music or YouTube).

For headphones with Type-C connector

Type-C models (such as Mi Dual Driver Earphones) require caution because they don't have mechanical fixation.

• 📱 Turn the smartphone upwards, and that'll help you avoid the cable bending.
• 🔌 Insert the plug smoothly, without skewing. Type-C is symmetrical, but the wrong angle can damage the contacts.
• 🔄 If the sound is interrupted, try to move the plug slightly. If the problem persists, check the cable for damage.

For models with built-in microphones (such as Mi Basic In-Ear Headphones), check the microphone in the recording or calling app after you connect. If the person can't hear you, try reconnecting the headphones or cleaning the microphone hole from dust.

3. Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones (TWS)

Xiaomi wireless headphones like the Redmi Buds 4 or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro are connected via Bluetooth technology. Despite the apparent simplicity, there are pitfalls. Consider the connection process and typical bugs.

First connection

1. Take the headphones out of the case. They should automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator on the case will flash white and red).
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
3. In the list, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 4) and tap on it.
4. Confirm the pairing. Some models will need to enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).

Reconnection

After the first pairing, the headphones should connect automatically when removed from the case.

• 🔄 Reset the headphones: Put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull out.
• 📱 On your smartphone, “forget” the device in Bluetooth settings and pair again.
• 🔋 Check the case charge. If it's below 10%, the automatic connection may not work.

For noise-canceling (ANC) models, check the function in the Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play) after you connect, and you can adjust the ANC level and pass a leakproofness test.

💡

If the headphones are plugged in, but only one sound comes from, clean the contacts on the case and headphones with an alcohol napkin. Often the problem lies in the oxidation of metal plates.

4 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when connecting Xiaomi headphones, and we have collected the most common ones and explained how to prevent them.

One of the most insidious problems is the false alarm of the sensor in wireless headphones. For example, in Xiaomi Air 2 SE, touching the touchpad can accidentally trigger the voice assistant or skip tracks.

• 👆 Set up sensor sensitivity in the Mi Earphones app.
• 🎧 Wear headphones tightly, but without undue pressure on the ear.
• 🔇 Disable the voice assistant for headphones in Bluetooth settings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not keep wireless headphones outside the case for longer than 24 hours.This causes a deep discharge of the battery and can cause them to fail.

5. Features of connection to different devices

Xiaomi headphones are compatible not only with the brand’s smartphones, but with other gadgets as well.

Connecting to smartphones of other brands

On Android devices (such as Samsung or Huawei), the connection process is similar, but may not feature branded features such as:

• 🎛️ Sensor Customization (Gestural Customization).
• 🔊 Adaptive ANC (noise-canceling).
• 📊 Detailed usage statistics in the Mi Earphones app.

To work properly on an iPhone, you may need to manually adjust your codecs. Go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to your headphones and select AAC over SBC for better sound.

Connection to a PC or laptop

On Windows or macOS, Xiaomi headphones connect as a standard Bluetooth device, but models with ANC (such as FlipBuds Pro) may require:

1. Install Qualcomm aptX drivers (for improved sound).
2. Manually select the Headset or Hands-Free profile in the sound settings.
3. Disable other Bluetooth devices to avoid interference.

6. Headphone care: how to extend the service life

Proper care of Xiaomi headphones is as important as the correct connection. Following simple recommendations, you will be able to avoid most breakdowns and maintain sound quality.

Cleaning and storage

• 🧼 Wired headphones: Wipe the speakers and plug with alcohol wipes 1 time per week. Avoid getting moisture into the connector.
• 🎧 Wireless headphones: Clean silicone embushures with soap solution (without aggressive detergents.
• 📦 Storage: Keep your headphones in a case or case, avoiding direct sunlight. For wired models, use coils or clips to avoid twisting the cable.

Exploitation

Avoid the following actions that shorten your lifespan:

• 🔊 Maximum volume: Long listening at full volume causes wear on speakers.
• 💦 Moisture: Even if the headphones have protection IPX4, Do not use them in the rain or in the shower.
• 🔥 Overheating: Do not leave your headphones in a case in the sun (such as in a car in the summer).

💡

Regular cleaning of contacts and earpieces prevents 80% of connection and sound problems.

For models with a battery (wireless headphones), watch the charging cycle:

• 🔋 Do not discharge headphones "to zero" - recharge at the level 20-30%.
• 🔌 Use the original cable and adapter to charge the case.
• ⚡ Avoid “night” charging – disconnect the case from the network after full charge.

7.What to do if the headphones do not work

If after connecting, Xiaomi headphones do not give out sound or work incorrectly, follow this algorithm:

For wired models

1. Check the integrity of the cable throughout, and pay special attention to the seats on the plug and speakers.
2. Connect the headphones to another device, and if the problem persists, the headphones are malfunctioning.
3. Try another connector (e.g., through a Type-C hub for 3.5mm).
4. In Settings → Sound on your smartphone, select headphones as the output device.

For wireless models

1. Reset the headphones: put them in the case, close the lid for 15 seconds, then pull out.
2. On the smartphone, “forget” the device in Bluetooth settings and pair again.
3. Check the work of the headphones with another device (for example, a tablet).
4. Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Earphones app.

If none of these methods worked, contact the Xiaomi service center. Headphones for warranty (usually 12 months) are repaired or replaced for free if there is a factory defect. Before visiting the service, reset the headphones to the factory (if the model provides it).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones