How to tie wireless headphones to a Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life — they are convenient for listening to music, calling and even watching videos. However, many Xiaomi users (especially beginners) have difficulty with the first connection: the phone does not see the device, the sound is interrupted or the headphones turn off after a few seconds. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of binding, from a standard Bluetooth connection to solving rare firmware problems.

It is important to understand that the process may vary depending on the headphone model (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro vs. Redmi AirDots 3).>) version MIUI We took these nuances into account and put together universal instructions that work on Redmi Note 12 smartphones, POCO X5, Mi 11 Ultra and newer devices: If your model is older than 2020, check out the section on outdated versions MIUI.

Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to go, and often problems arise from trivial things like a dead headphone battery, a phone's airplane mode on, or an outdated firmware.

Make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator should be white or green)

Turn off the plane mode on the phone (Settings) → Connections → Airplane mode)

Update MIUI to the latest version (Settings → About Phone → System Update)

Check that the headphones are not connected to another device (e.g. laptop)

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Pay special attention to your phone's Bluetooth version.Older models (such as Redmi 7 with Bluetooth 4.2) may not support new Bluetooth 5.3 headphones.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Find the line "Bluetooth version".
3. Compare with the requirements of the headphones (as indicated in the instructions or on the Mi.com website).

If the Bluetooth version on the phone is lower than required, try updating the firmware or using the headphones in compatibility mode (if any). 3T automatically switch to Bluetooth 4.2 if you don’t find a supported device.

Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro / Buds 4

Redmi AirDots 3 / AirDots 3 Pro

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Other Xiaomi models

Headphones from another brand

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Standard Bluetooth connection

This is the most common method that works for 90% The instructions are relevant to the MIUI 12–14 headphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO post-release 2020 If you have an older model, go to the section "Connect on older versions". MIUI».

Steps for pairing:

1. Put the headphones in pairing mode: 🔋 For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: Press the button on the case of the charging case for 3-5 seconds, until the indicator starts flashing white. 🔄 For Redmi AirDots 3: Open the case cover and press the button inside for 5 seconds (the indicator flashes red and white). 🎧 For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: deploy headphones and hold the touch panel on one of them for 3 seconds.
2. Activate Bluetooth on your phone: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.Push and hold the Bluetooth icon (or go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. Turn on the switch if it's off.
3. Find headphones in the list: In the Available Devices section, the name of your headphones will appear (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2). 🚫 If the device doesn’t show up, update the list (update button in the upper right corner) or reboot the headphones.

Confirm the conjugation

• Click on the headphone name in the list.
• If a confirmation request appears (such as a code comparison), click “Connect” or “OK.”

On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14+ After the connection, the profile is automatically installed LE Audio (if the headphones support it) improves sound quality and reduces latency. If the sound is interrupted, check if this mode is enabled in the Bluetooth settings (Section "More»).

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If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one, reset them: place both headphones in the case, press the button for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.

Special functions MIUI headphones for Xiaomi

Xiaomi smartphones offer advanced customizations for branded headphones that are not available for devices from other brands.

• 🎛️ Equalizer setting: individual presets for different genres of music.
• 🔊 Adaptive noise maker: automatic level switching ANC depending on the ambient noise.
• 📱 Fast Device Switching: If the headphones are connected to a phone and laptop, they automatically switch when playing the sound.
• 🔋 Charge level display: the notification panel shows the charge of the case and each headphone separately.

To access these functions:

1. Connect your headphones to your phone (as described in the previous section).
2. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Click on the icon. ⚙️ near the name of your headphones.
4. Select the section "Additional settings" or "Hearphone functions".

For example, for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, you can configure:

🔹 Important for gamers: if you play shooters or online games, turn on Game Mode in the headphone settings. This will reduce the latency of sound from the headphones. ~150 ms to 88-120 ms, which is critical for synchronization with video.

Common problems and their solution

Even after a successful connection, errors can occur. TOP-5 Problems and ways to fix them, based on feedback from Xiaomi users in 2023-2026.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are plugged in but immediately shut off, check if the Bluetooth Power Saving Mode is activated. → Battery → Saving charge and adding Bluetooth to exceptions.

1.The phone doesn't see the headphones

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Headphones are discharged: place them in the case for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator is on.
• 📱 Bluetooth is disabled at the system level: check if it is blocked through Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices: Remove all saved Bluetooth devices and reboot your phone.
• 🛠️ Headphone firmware failure: Update them through the Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play).

2.The sound is interrupted or is interrupted.

This is a problem for Redmi AirDots in crowded places (metro, shopping malls).

• 📶 Change the audio codec: go to the headphone settings and select SBC instead AAC (More stable but worse quality).
• 🔗 Turn off Wi-Fi: If your phone and headphones are on the same frequency (2.4 GHz), interference may occur.
• 🎧 Check the density of the fit: if the earphone is not tightly sitting in the ear, the microphone picks up external noises.

3.Only one earphone works

This is most often a hardware problem, but sometimes a reset helps:

1. Put both earbuds in the case.
2. Press the button on the case for 15 seconds (before flashing red).
3. Take out the headphones and wait 30 seconds – they should sync.

If it does not help, check if the contact connector on the idle headphone is not contaminated (wipe with an alcohol napkin).

4.The headphones plug in, but no sound.

Probable reasons:

• 🔇 The sound is redirected to the phone speaker: swipe down the notification panel and make sure the sound source is selected».
• 🎵 Incorrect Bluetooth profile: in the headphone settings, select “Phone calls and media».
• 🔊 In-app audio turned off: check the volume in the player (for example, in YouTube Music or Spotify).

5. Headphones are discharged quickly

Battery life depends on the model, but if the headphones discharge in 1-2 hours, try:

• 🔋 Turn it off. ANC (Active noise reduction consumes up to 30% of the charge).
• 📴 Update the firmware through the Mi Earphones app.
• 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperatures (below 0)°C or higher than 40°C speeds up discharge).

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If neither of these methods worked, check the headphones on another device. If the problem persists, it's a hardware malfunction that requires repair or replacement under warranty.

Connection on older versions MIUI (12)

If you have a Xiaomi phone released before 2020 (e.g. Redmi Note 8, Mi 9), the pairing process may differ due to the outdated version. MIUI (11 or below: Major differences:

• 📱 There is no fast Bluetooth panel: you will have to go to settings through Settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 No automatic search: you need to manually click "Device search».
• ⚙️ Limited headphone settings: no equalizer and ANC.
• 🔋 Problems with Bluetooth 5.0+: Headphones can be connected as Bluetooth 4.2.

Step-by-step instructions for MIUI 11:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and click on “Search for Devices”.
3. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (see the section "Standard connection").
4. In the list, find your headphones and click on them.
5. If there is a request PIN-Type 0000 or 1234 (standard codes for Xiaomi).

🔹 Important: Older phones may not have dual connectivity (using two headphones at the same time).If you need this feature, upgrade to firmware MIUI 12+ Or use a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter.

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For phones on the phone MIUI 11 and below, install the Bluetooth Auto Connect app from Google Play.It automatically restores the connection after a cliff and supports outdated protocols.

Advanced settings: firmware and custom functions

For experienced users who want to make the most of their headphones, additional features are available:

• 🔧 Headphone flashing: Some models (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) support custom firmware with improved sound.
• 🎛️ Customization through ADB: Change of hidden Bluetooth settings (requires root rights).
• 🔊 Use of third-party codecs: for example, aptX or LDAC (requires support from headphones).

🚨 Warning: Inexperienced users are not advised to stitch headphones, which can cause them to break. If you decide to try, follow the instructions from the forums. 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Example of command to enable Bluetooth debugging mode via ADB:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_hci_snoop_log 1

This team creates a log file with data exchange between the phone and the headphones, which is useful for diagnosing problems.

To install custom firmware on Xiaomi Buds:

1. Download the firmware from a verified source (e.g. XDA).
2. Connect the headphones to the PC via Bluetooth.
3. Use nRF Connect or Flippy to download the firmware.
4. Follow the instructions for your model (the process is different for different chips).

⚠️ Warning: After firmware, the headphones may lose compatibility with the original Mi Earphones app. Before the procedure, back up the current firmware!

Alternative ways of connecting

If Bluetooth doesn’t work or you want to use headphones with non-Bluetooth devices (like an old TV), consider alternatives:

• 📱 Bluetooth adapter: Connected to USB-port and adds Bluetooth 5.0 support. Suitable for PCs or TVs.
• 🎵 FM-transmitter: transmits sound over radio frequency (quality is worse, but works without delay).
• 🔌 AndUX-Bluetooth cable: connects to a 3.5 mm connector and broadcasts sound to headphones.
• 💻 Sync apps: SoundWire, for example, transfers sound from PC to phone and then to headphones.

To connect via Bluetooth adapter:

1. Buy an adapter with aptX Low Latency support (e.g, 1Mii B06 Plus).
2. Put him on the hook. USB-port.
3. Activate the pairing mode on the adapter (usually the button on the case).
4. Connect the headphones to the adapter as a normal Bluetooth device.

🔹 Tip: If you use headphones to watch videos, choose an adapter with support for aptX LL — This minimizes the sound delay to 40 ms.

Frequently asked questions