How to combine two headphones Xiaomi in a stereo pair: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have long been the standard for millions of users, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. But what if you happen to have two separate headphones from different sets — for example, after losing one of the pair or buying used devices? Or do you want to use two headphones at the same time for amplified sound? In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of pairing two Xiaomi headphones with each other, including official methods for combining the headphones with each other. TWS-Models and workarounds for non-standard situations.

It’s important to understand that not all models support Dual Mode (simultaneously connecting two headphones to the same source). For example, Redmi Airdots or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic are not originally designed to work in tandem with “foreign” headphones. However, with special manipulations, you can make them synchronize — about this below. We will also look at the unique method of activating the “Master-Slave” mode through an engineering menu that works even for budget models of 2020-2023.

If you're trying to connect headphones from different models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3T and Redmi Buds 4 Pro), the chances of success are minimal — the manufacturer blocks this pairing at the firmware level. But for headphones from the same line (e.g. two Mi Air 2 SEs), there are solutions. Next, step-by-step instructions with specific models and typical user errors.

Official method: synchronization TWS-Xiaomi headphones

Most of the modern TWS-Xiaomi headphones (such as Buds 4 Pro, Air 3 or Redmi Buds 5) support automatic synchronization when first turned on:

1. Remove both headphones from the case and wait until they start flashing white/red (pairing mode).
2. On your smartphone, activate Bluetooth and find a device with the model name (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones).
3. Connect – the headphones automatically identify each other and form a stereo pair.

If the synchronization has not occurred:

• 🔄 Reset the headphone settings: press the button on the case (or touch panel on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
• 📱 Update your firmware via the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (available for 2021 and newer models).
• 🔋 Charge the case and headphones to 100% – at low charge, synchronization can fail.

For models with Dual Mode support (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), you can connect both headphones to the same sound source separately:

Bluetooth settings → Headphones → Additional settings → Connect both devices

2. Manual pairing through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If the standard method didn't work, try forced synchronization through hidden commands. TWS-Xiaomi headphones on Realtek or Qualcomm chips (including Redmi Airdots 2, Mi Air 2).

1. Charge both earphones to 100%

2. Remove them from the list of connected devices on your phone

3. Prepare a second smartphone (Android) for testing

4. Download the nRF Connect application (to check the connection)-->

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the headphones pairing mode (press the button for 5 seconds before the indicator blinks).
2. On your smartphone, open the nRF Connect app and connect to one earbud.
3. Go to the Unknown Service tab and find the characteristic from UUID 0000fff1-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb.
4. Send the command AT+RESET (without quotes) – the headphone will reboot.
5. Repeat the steps for the second headphone, then place both in the case for 30 seconds.

When the headphones are restarted, they should automatically find each other. If not, try AT+PAIR=1 for the first headphone and AT+PAIR=0 for the second.

3. Interconnection of headphones of different models: workarounds

The manufacturer deliberately blocks the connection of headphones from different lines, but there are unofficial ways to get around this restriction. RTL8763B (Redmi Airdots S and Mi AirDots Youth can be used to reflash with modified MAC-address.

Option 1: Programming emulation

• 🖥️ Install Bluetooth Auto Connect (Windows) or SoundAssistant (Android) on your PC).
• 🔗 Connect both earphones to the same device as separate audio devices.
• 🎧 In the sound settings, select Stereo mode and assign each earpiece to your channel (left/right).

Option 2: Hardware deception (for power users)

With a soldering iron and a multimeter, you can swap the controllers in your headphones to make one of them a Master, a technique that requires microelectronics skills and is only suitable for low-cost models (risk of damage ~30%).

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Before flashing, save the original headphone firmware! Use the Flash Tool for TWS utility with the Read Backup option.

4. Compatibility table of Xiaomi models for pairing

Not all Xiaomi headphones can be paired, and the table below shows proven combinations (the data is relevant for firmware in 2026):

Note that even if the models in the table are marked as compatible, the sound quality can deteriorate due to the difference in drivers. For example, when connecting Redmi Airdots and Mi AirDots, audio delays of up to 200 ms can be possible.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When you try to pair, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 The reason is different versions of the firmware. Solution: upgrade both headphones through Mi Home or manually (see the firmware files on the forum). 4PDA).
• 🔊 The sound is only in one headphone, the reason is that the channel balance settings are lost. Solution: reset the headphone settings (press the button for 15 seconds) and repeat pairing.
• 🔋 The reason: constant search for the second device. Solution: disable Auto-Connect in Bluetooth settings.
• 📱 Phone can't see headphones Reason: conflict with other Bluetooth devices Solution: Turn off all other gadgets and restart your smartphone.

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If the headphones are unstable after pairing (sound breaks, noise), check the Bluetooth codecs in the smartphone settings. For Xiaomi, the best option is SBC or AAC (turn off aptX and LDAC).

Pay special attention to the case for charging: if it is damaged or defective, the headphones may not synchronize. You can check the case using a tester - the voltage on the contacts should be 4.2-4.4 V.

⚠️ Note: Do not use an app like Bluetooth Pair or pair headphones. TWS Plus from unknown sources. They often contain malicious code and can damage the firmware of devices. Official utilities from Xiaomi are only Mi Home and Xiaomi Wear.

6. Alternative ways to use two headphones

If you can not combine headphones into a stereo pair, consider alternative scenarios for their use:

• 🎮 For gamers: connect one headphone to a PC / console, the second to a smartphone for voice chat (for example, in Discord).
• 🎵 For musicians: use headphones as monitors with different mixes (for example, in the FL Studio through ASIO-driver).
• 👂 For people with hearing impairments: adjust each earphone to your own sound source (e.g. TV) + subtitle).

To implement these scenarios, you will need:

• Bluetooth transmitter with Multipoint support (e.g. Avantek BTA-200).
• SoundAssistant (Android) or Audio MIDI Setup (macOS) for manual audio routing.

If you need to amplify the sound, it is best to consider buying specialized ones. TWS-Headphones with support for Dual Mode, for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 Pro. They are originally designed to connect two devices to the same source.

7. Safety and risks in conjugation

Attempts to combine the two headphones by informal methods are fraught with consequences:

• 🔥 Overheating of the controller with incorrect firmware (especially important for models with a Jieli chip) AC693N).
• 📵 Loss of communication with headphones after reset (reflashing through is required) JTAG).
• 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge due to constant synchronization.

⚠️ Note: If after manipulation, the headphones stopped turning on, do not try to disassemble them yourself - Xiaomi uses adhesive connections that are easily damaged. Contact the service center with an error code (if the indicator flashes in red-blue, this is an error). 0x12 — firmware-match).

To minimize the risks:

• Use only official firmware from Xiaomi’s website or trusted sources (e.g., XDA Developers).
• Before firmware, check the headphone chip version through the nRF Connect app.
• Do not interrupt the upgrade process – this can lead to a brick (complete inoperability).

Frequently asked questions