Synchronization of Xiaomi wireless headphones: full instruction from connection to troubleshooting

Why Xiaomi Headphones Are Not Synced and How to Fix It

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are among the most popular gadgets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. 3T Pro or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 sometimes have problems with sync: one earphone does not connect, the sound is interrupted, or the device is not detected by the phone at all. 80% of cases this is solved by simple actions that do not require contacting the service.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all scenarios: connecting to a smartphone (Android/iOS), Synchronizing headphones with each other, setting up on a PC or laptop, and how to fix common errors. Particular attention is paid to Bluetooth-enabled models 5.2/5.3 and the Qualcomm chip QCC3040, which require specific settings.

If you are experiencing a problem for the first time, start with the Basic Phone Connection section, and advanced settings and troubleshooting will be helpful for power users.

1. Basic connection of Xiaomi headphones to a smartphone

The first headphone connection to a phone is usually automatic, but there are nuances for different models. Consider a universal algorithm that works for most people. TWS-Xiaomi headphones (including Redmi AirDots, Mi Buds and Xiaomi FlipBuds).

Before starting, make sure that:

• 📱 Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone (check notification panel or settings).
• 🔋 Headphones charged (the indicator should flash white or blue when removed from the case).
• 🎧 Both headphones are in the case - this is important for the initial synchronization between each other.

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will start flashing red and white alternately).
2. On your phone, go to Settings. → Bluetooth and find the device on the list of available. The name will contain a model, for example, "Redmi Buds 4 Lite».
3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the connection. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) will require additional acceptance of a request for access to contacts or microphone.
4. Wait for the sound in the headphones (usually a voice message "Connected" or a melody).

Charge headphones up to 50%+

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone

Remove headphones from the case (they should flash)

Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device

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If the headphones don’t appear in the list of devices, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (disable/enable in settings).
• 📦 Remove the headphones from the case and put them back for 10 seconds, then try again.
• 🔧 Reset the headphone settings (instructions in the section "Reset and reconnect»).

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On some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4) to manually transfer to pairing mode, you need to hold the touch panel on both headphones for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.

2. synchronization of Xiaomi headphones among themselves

If one of the headphones doesn't play sound or connects separately, the problem is internaural synchronization, which is typical after a reset or prolonged inactivity, and you can restore communication between the headphones in two ways:

Method 1: Automatic synchronization through the case

This method works for most models (Redmi Buds). 3/4, Mi True Wireless 2):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
2. Open the lid – the indicator should flash white (charging) or blue (ready to connect).
3. Take both headphones out of the case and wait until they synchronize with each other (the indicators on both headphones will start flashing at the same time).
4. Connect to the headphones via Bluetooth on your phone.

Method 2: Manual synchronization (for touch-controlled models)

For Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro and other models with touch panels:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Touch and hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Repeat the action for the left earpiece.
4. Put the headphones back in the case for 5 seconds, then pull out - they should sync automatically.

If the headphones are still out of sync, the problem may be:

• 🔋 Discharged battery of one of the headphones (charge the case to 100%).
• 🛠️ Software failure (reset required, see Resetting Settings section»).
• 🎛️ Firmware incompatibility (relevant for older models connected to a new phone).

3. Connection to a PC or laptop (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Synchronizing Xiaomi headphones with a computer has its nuances, especially on Windows 10/11, where you sometimes need to manually install drivers. Let's take a step-by-step instruction for each OS.

Windows 10/11

Connection algorithm:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device» → «Bluetooth».
3. Transfer the headphones to pairing mode (see the section "Basic connection").
4. Select the headphones from the list. If you request telephony support, select No.

If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only through one earpiece:

• 🎧 Check the control panel. → The sound that the headphones are defined as a stereo device (not a “Headphone»).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones, previously removing them from the list of devices.
• 🔧 Update your Bluetooth driver through Device Manager (find a device called Qualcomm or Broadcom).

Windows 10/11

macOS

Linux

Android

iOS

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macOS

On a Mac, the connection usually goes smoothly, but there are nuances with the codec. AAC:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Put the headphones in pairing mode.
3. Select the headphones in the list. If the sound is interrupted, turn off the absolute volume in the Bluetooth settings.

Linux

Distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora may require the installation of pulseaudio-module-bluetooth:

sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth


pactl load-module module-bluetooth-discover

After installation, restart the pulseaudio service:

pulseaudio -k && pulseaudio --start

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On Windows, for stable operation of Xiaomi headphones, it is recommended to turn off power saving for the Bluetooth adapter in the Device Manager (the Power Management tab).

4. Advanced settings: multiconnection and priorities

Modern Xiaomi models (such as Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro) support multi-connection (simultaneous connection to two devices) and automatic switching between them.

How to enable multiconnection

To activate the function:

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
2. Transfer the headphones to pairing mode without disconnecting them from the first device.
3. Connect to the second device (laptop or tablet).
4. In the Mi Earphones app (if supported by your model), enable the option “Dual Connection”.

Limitations of multiconnection:

• 📵 The sound will only be played on one device at a time.
• 🔊 When you call your smartphone, the sound will automatically switch to it.
• 🛑 Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite) do not support this feature.

Setting Connection Priorities

If the headphones connect to the wrong device, change the priority in Bluetooth settings:

• 📱 On Android: Go to Settings → Bluetooth, click on the gear next to the headphones and select Priority Connection».
• 💻 On Windows: Remove the headphones from the list of devices and connect again, selecting them manually.
• 🍎 On iOS: Forget the device (Settings) → Bluetooth → «i» → Forget this device and connect again.

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For supported models LDAC (For example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) in Bluetooth settings on Android select "Sound quality» → «LDAC» For better sound (but note that this will increase latency).

5. Resetting and reconnecting

If Xiaomi headphones don’t sync or work incorrectly, a full reset often solves the problem.

Reset for most models (Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless)

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (if any) or touchpad on both headphones for 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicator will flash red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Close the case cover for 5 seconds, then open and reconnect the headphones.

Reset for models with a button on the case (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, FlipBuds Pro)

1. Connect the case to the charger.
2. Hold the button on the back of the case for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange.
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (the indicator will go out and blink white).

After resetting, the headphones will return to the factory settings, and they will need to be connected again, as when you first use.

6. Update to the headphone firmware

Xiaomi’s headphone firmware affects connection stability, sound quality and support for new features. The update is not available for all models, but for flagship (Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro) there are regular updates.

How to update firmware

1. Install the official Mi Earphones app (available for Android on Google Play).
2. Put the headphones on the phone.
3. Open the app and go to the “Firmware Update” section (if it’s available for your model).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the headphones during the process!

List of models with support for updates:

If firmware update is not available, but the headphones are unstable, try:

• 🔄 Reset settings (section "Resetting settings»).
• 📱 Update Bluetooth stacks on your phone (via system settings).
• 🛠️ Clear the cache of the Mi Earphones app.

7.Diagnostics and troubleshooting

We'll break down the typical problems and how to solve them. If your situation is not described below, check the section. FAQ.

Problem: Headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal: Close your phone to your headphones or remove interference sources (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• 🎵 Incorrect codec: in Bluetooth settings, select SBC instead AAC or LDAC.
• 🔋 Low battery power: charge your headphones to 100% (at levels below 20%, failures are possible).
• 🛠️ Conflict with other devices: Disable Bluetooth on other gadgets connected to your phone.

Problem: One earphone is not working

Diagnostic algorithm:

1. Check if the problem headphone is charged (put it in the case for 10 minutes).
2. Clean the contacts on the headphone and in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
3. Reset the settings (section "Resetting settings").
4. If nothing helps, try connecting the headphone separately (get only it out of the case).

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If one earphone makes a quiet click or squeak when connected, it is a sign of a hardware malfunction of the speaker, in which case repair or replacement is required.

Problem: Headphones are not defined by the phone

In order:

1. Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Bluetooth → Turn off/Enable).
2. Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices and try to connect again.
3. Check compatibility: Some older models (Redmi AirDots) don’t work with Bluetooth 5.2 on newer smartphones.
4. Update the phone (in the system settings).

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On Xiaomi phones with MIUI Enable the Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times and activate the Bluetooth Debug option in additional settings.

8 Frequently Asked Questions