How to talk on the phone through Xiaomi wireless headphones: from connection to troubleshooting

Xiaomi wireless headphones have long since ceased to be just an accessory for listening to music — they have become a full-fledged tool for communication. However, many users face problems when trying to use them for phone conversations, from the lack of sound in the microphone to intermittent communication. In this article, we will analyze not only basic connection settings, but also hidden features that will help improve the quality of calls, as well as solve typical technical problems.

It is important to understand that even the most advanced models – be it Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5 or Xiaomi AirDots 3 – require the right setup both on the headphone and on the smartphone side. MIUI, And we'll also give you some guidance for Android and iOS device owners, and if you want your person to hear you clearly and you want them to hear you without interference, this is the guide for you.

1. Xiaomi headphones preparation for calls: what to do before the first conversation

Before you try to make a call through wireless headphones, make sure they are properly connected to the smartphone and configured to work with voice calls. Many users miss this stage, which causes the later to run into problems.

The first thing you need to do is update the firmware on the headphones.

• 📱 Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the headphone model).
• 🔍 Find your headphones in the list of devices and go to their settings.
• 🔄 Check for updates in the Firmware Update section.
• ⚡ Connect the headphones to the charging case and wait for the process to be completed (don’t interrupt it!).

Unique feature of Xiaomi headphones: some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pro) require activation of "Transparency" mode for proper operation of the microphone during calls. Without this, the interlocutor can hear you in a muffled way. To turn on this mode, press the touch panel on one of the headphones for 2 seconds before the beep.

Also check that in the smartphone settings, headphones are selected as the main device for calls:

1. Go to Settings. → Connected devices → Headphones.
2. Click on the gear icon next to your Xiaomi name.
3. Activate the Use for Calls option (on some firmwares it may be called Media Audio or Phone Calls).

2. How to make a call through headphones: step-by-step instructions

If the headphones are already connected and configured, the process of making a call is intuitive, but there are nuances that will help avoid typical mistakes.

How to initiate a call through Xiaomi:

• 📞 From the standard Phone app, just dial a number and tap the green phone, and the sound automatically switches to the headphones if they're connected.
• 💬 Through messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber): voice calls in them will also go through headphones if they are selected as the default output device.
• 🎤 Voice Assistant: If you have Google Assistant or XiaoAI activated, you can say “Call [Contact Name]” and the call will go through the headphones.

If the sound is still going through the speaker of the smartphone, follow the following steps:

Turn off and reconnect the headphones in Bluetooth settings

Reboot your smartphone

Check if the "In the car" or "Speak" mode is activated

Update the firmware of headphones and smartphone-->

Special attention should be paid to the microphone settings, and in some models (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Active), the microphone can be turned off by default to save charge.

1. Open the Xiaomi Wear app.
2. Go to the headphone settings.
3. Find the Microphone or Calls section and turn on the option to Use the Headphone microphone.

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If you're making a call complaining about echoes, try turning off the Noise Cancel feature in your headphone settings, which sometimes conflicts with the voice processing algorithms in your messengers.

3. Why the interlocutor is hard of hearing: common problems and their solution

One of the most common complaints when using wireless headphones for calls is poor voice quality, and the reasons may be hardware or software, and let's look at the main ones.

Problem 1: The headphone microphone is not working

• ❌ Reason: Pollution of microphone holes (especially relevant for Xiaomi AirDots, which are often worn during training).
• ✅ Solution: Clean the holes with a soft brush or compressed air. Do not use sharp objects!

Problem 2: Intermittent sound or stuttering

• ❌ Reason: Weak Bluetooth signal or interference from other devices (e.g., 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router).
• ✅ Decision: 📶 Go to Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and select Sound Quality → Priority for stability (on MIUI 14+). 🔄 Reconnect the headphones by pre-disabling other Bluetooth devices.

Problem 3: The interviewee hears echoes or background noises

• ❌ Reason: Conflict of noise-cancellation algorithms between headphones and a call app.
• ✅ Decision: 🔇 In the headphone settings, turn off Active Noise Canceling (ANC) while calling. 📱 In the app settings (such as WhatsApp) disable the "Voice Improvement" option".

⚠️ Note: If you use headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with function LDAC, Before the call, switch the codec to SBC or AAC Bluetooth. LDAC Optimized for music and can cause delays in voice communication.

4. Optimizing smartphone settings for better call quality

The quality of phone conversations through wireless headphones depends not only on the headphones themselves, but also on the settings of your smartphone. MIUI, where there are hidden options to improve communication.

Bluetooth settings for stable calls:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the gear icon next to the connected headphones.
3. Enable the call quality priority option (available on the MIUI 13+).
4. Turn off Absolute Volume if it is turned on, which can cause communication instability.

Sound settings for clarity of voice:

• 🔊 B Settings → Sound and vibrations turn off the effects of sound MIUI — They can distort their voices.
• 🎙️ Enable Voice Improvement (if available) to suppress noise.
• 📞 In the settings of the application "Phone" activate HD-Voice (VoLTE) if your operator supports it.

For owners of Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon processor available hidden Bluetooth Audio function HAL, It's a processor that improves sound processing, to activate it:

1. Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in your phone settings).
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Bluetooth Audio option HAL and choose AFT.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If you change your Bluetooth Audio settings HAL communication problems, return the value to Default and restart the device.

5. Features of using Xiaomi headphones with iPhone

While Xiaomi’s headphones are optimized for Android devices, they can be used successfully with iPhones, but there are a few nuances to consider for stable calls.

What to do before the first call:

• 📱 Update iOS to the latest version (since iOS 15, Bluetooth codec support has been improved).
• 🔄 Connect your headphones in Steam mode (not as two separate devices).
• 🎧 In Bluetooth settings, click on the "i" icon next to the headphones and select Use for calls: Always.

Problems and solutions for iPhone:

• 🔇 Microphone not working: On iOS, the default is the phone's microphone. To switch, tap the Audio icon during the call and select the headphones.
• 🔊 Low quality audio: iPhone automatically selects codec AAC, Sometimes it is better to manually switch to SBC (If the headphones support it).
• 🔋 Fast Headphone Discharge: Turn off Spatial Sound in Bluetooth settings as it actively consumes energy.

For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and later, the branded Dual Device feature is available, which allows you to connect your headphones to both your iPhone and Android device at the same time. However, for calls, this can cause conflicts. If you notice an unstable connection, turn off the second device in the headphone settings.

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On the iPhone, Xiaomi headphones will work more stable if you turn off the “Automatic audio switch” function in the Bluetooth settings, which will prevent accidental switching of sound between devices.

6. How to extend the work time of headphones during long conversations

Calling wireless headphones consumes battery life much more than listening to music, which is due to the constant operation of the microphone and Bluetooth module, and we have collected proven ways to increase battery life during conversations.

Optimization of headphone settings:

• 🔋 Turn off Active Noise Canceling (ANC) — It consumes up to 20% of the additional energy.
• 🎵 Reduce the volume to a comfortable level – high volume speeds up the discharge.
• 🔄 Turn on Monozvook mode (if it is in the settings) to use only one headphone.

Smartphone settings to save charge:

• 📱 Activate Battery Saving Mode, but add the Phone app to exceptions.
• 🔍 Turn off Device Search and Wi-Fi Direct in Bluetooth settings.
• 🔄 Switch Bluetooth to Power Saving Mode (available on some Xiaomi models via Developer Settings).

If you talk on the phone often, look for models with increased talk time. For example, the Redmi Buds 5 Pro provides up to 6 hours of conversations on a single charge, and with a case - up to 24 hours. 3T It gives you only 3.5 hours of autonomy when using the microphone.

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If the headphones are out of order during an important call, but you have a case, put them back on the phone. 5-10 Most Xiaomi models support the "Fast Charging for Calls" feature, which gives you a quick call. 1-2 One hour of talk after a short charge.

7. Alternative ways to use headphones for communication

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones can be used not only for standard phone calls, but also for other types of voice communication.

1. Calls through messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

• 💬 Close all background apps that use the microphone (such as voice assistants) before calling).
• 🔊 In the messenger settings, select the headphones as an input/output device (for example, in WhatsApp: Settings) → Warehouse and data → Audio).
• 🎤 If the sound is delayed, turn off the option "Improving voice" in the messenger".

2. Voice calls in games (Discord, Among Us, PUBG Mobile)

• 🎮 In the game settings, select headphones as a sound output device.
• 🔇 Turn it off. 3D-sound in games - it can conflict with the microphone.
• 🔌 For Discord on Android, select Use Legacy Audio Subsystem in your voice settings.

3. Video calls (Zoom, Google Meet, Skype)

• 📹 Before calling, check that in the application settings, headphones are selected for both the microphone and speakers.
• 🔍 In Zoom, turn off the option Automatic microphone volume setting.
• 🎥 If the image is “freezite”, reduce the camera resolution or turn it off altogether, this will reduce the load on Bluetooth.

For streamers and gamers who use Xiaomi headphones to communicate in Discord or Twitch, it is useful to know that models with support for aptX Low Latency (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) allow you to reduce the sound latency to 80 ms.

1. Open Xiaomi Wear.
2. Go to the headphone settings.
3. In the Sound section, select Low Latency.

8.What to do if nothing helps: diagnosis and resetting

If you've tried all the tips, but the problem with Xiaomi headphone calls remains, you might need a deeper diagnosis or a reset, and we've put together some extreme measures to help get everything back to work.

1. Resetting headphone settings

• 🔄 Put the headphones in the case and close it.
• 🔋 Make sure the charge level of the case is not below 50%.
• 📱 Open the case cover and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (for most models.
• 🔄 After reset, reconnect the headphones as a new device.

2. reset Bluetooth settings on a smartphone

• 📱 Go to Settings. → System and device → Resetting settings.
• 🔄 Select Network Settings Reset (this will remove all stored Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi networks).
• 🔋 Reboot your smartphone and connect your headphones again.

3. Checking of hardware faults

• 🔊 If the microphone doesn't work even after reset, try connecting the headphones to another device. If the problem persists, it's a hardware malfunction.
• 🔋 Check if the battery in the case or headphones is swollen (this can lead to poor contact and unstable operation).
• 🛠️ If the headphones fall and then stopped working normally, the microphone module may break down (in this case only a service center will help).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi headphones with an unoriginal charging case, this can lead to unstable microphone operation and quick discharge.Always use original accessories or certified analogues.

If none of these methods worked, contact Xiaomi Service Center, and warranty headphones (usually 12 months) can be repaired or replaced for free.

• 📄 Check or guarantee card.
• 📱 Box and all components (including documentation).
• 🔄 Pre-reset the headphones to factory settings.

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Before contacting the service center, check if Xiaomi has released a new firmware for your model. Sometimes problems with the microphone are solved with a software update.

Frequently asked questions