How to pair headphones Xiaomi True Wireless: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi True Wireless headphones (including popular Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones and Xiaomi Buds) have become an integral part of everyday life due to their convenience, compactness and high-quality sound. However, even with such simple devices, users often face problems when first connecting or re- pairing. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth connections to alternative methods for PCs, Macs and even TVs.

The thing about Xiaomi’s True Wireless headphones is that they use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, which saves battery life, but sometimes requires additional steps to keep things running smoothly. If your headphones aren’t defined by the device, connect to only one channel or permanently shut down, here you’ll find solutions. We’ll also look at the hidden features of the I-firmware that allow you to improve the sound quality after pairing.

1. Headphone preparation for pairing: what to do before connecting

Before you start pairing, make sure the headphones are ready to connect, and many users miss this step, causing errors such as "device not found" or "unable to connect."

First, check the charge level of the headphones and case. If the indicator on the case does not burn or flashes red, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes. For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro models, the minimum charge for pairing is 15%, but it is better to bring up to 30% to avoid disconnecting the connection during settings.

• 🔋 Case Charging: Use the Original Cable USB-C (For newer models, or Micro-USB, for older ones, avoid cheap cables, which may not provide enough current.
• 🎧 Earbud Removal: Take both earbuds out of the case and wait until they start flashing white/blue light (search mode).
• 📱 Reset: If the headphones have already connected to another device, reset (press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white).

For models with Mi AI Assistant support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) activate Fast Pair mode in the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone before pairing. This will speed up the process and automatically set your branded AAC or LC3 codec for better sound.

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If the headphones don't respond to push buttons, try clearing the contacts on the case and headphones with a dry cotton swab. Oxidation or contamination can block charge and pairing.

2. Standard pairing with Android-smartphone (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)

The most common scenario is to connect to an Android smartphone, which takes less than a minute, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI and headphone models.

Open the Settings → Bluetooth on your phone and turn on the adapter.

1. Remove the headphones from the case – they will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white and blue).
2. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Redmi Buds 4).
3. Click on the name and confirm the connection. Some models will need to enter PIN-code - default is 0000.

After successful pairing in the Bluetooth settings, an additional headphone setting (or Mi Earphones) will appear.

• 🎛️ Set up touch control (double touch, hold).
• 🔊 Select a sound profile (balance, bass, voice).
• 📊 View the charge level of each headphone separately.
• 🔄 Update the firmware (available for models with Mi support) AI).

Headphones appear in the list of connected devices |

The sound is played synchronously in both headphones |

Bluetooth Settings has a "Mi Earphones" item |

The indicator on the case is lit green (for models with RGB-backlit)

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If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one of them, try:

1. Return both headphones to the case for 10 seconds, then pull again.
2. In Bluetooth settings, click on the gear icon next to the headphone name and select Forget the device, then repeat the pairing.
3. Update the firmware of the headphones through the Mi Home app (not available for all models).

Redmi AirDots (1/2/3 generation) |

Mi True Wireless Earphones (Any model)|

Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro|

Another model of Xiaomi|

Headphones from another brand

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3. iPhone (iOS) interface and features of work

Although Xiaomi is an Android brand, their wireless headphones are compatible with the iPhone, but there are limitations to functionality, such as the branded AAC codec will work, but the Mi AI Assistant and some control gestures will not.

Instructions for iOS:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the adapter.
2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait for them to appear in the list of Other devices.
3. Click on the model name. If you have a confirmation request, select Connect.

After connecting, check:

• 🔊 Sound: C Settings → Universal access → Choose audiovisual content from Stereo (not Mono).
• 🎵 Codec: iOS will automatically select AAC — This is the best option for Xiaomi on iPhone.
• ⚠️ Limitations: Mi Pop-up (pop-up when connected) and automatic switching between Apple devices will not work.

⚠️ Note: On iPhones with iOS 15 and later, there may be a problem when the headphones connect as a Phone Dial (HFP), Not as a music profile (A2DP). To fix this, go to Settings. → Bluetooth, click on the “i” icon next to the headphones and select Forget this device, then plug in again.

4. Connection to PC (Windows) 10/11) Mac

Pairing with a computer takes more steps than with a smartphone, especially when it comes to Windows, and the main problem is the Bluetooth adapter drivers and choosing the right sound profile.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Turn Bluetooth on in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Take the headphones out of the case and select them from the list. If the device is not located, update the Bluetooth adapter driver through Device Manager.

After connecting, check:

• 🔊 Sound Profile: In the Control Panel → Sound select headphones and set the Stereo format (A2DP), Not by hand (HSP).
• 🔋 Power saving: Disable the option Allow the computer to turn off this device to save energy in the properties of the Bluetooth adapter.

For the Mac:

On macOS, the process is simpler:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait for them to appear in the list.
3. Press Connect.

If the sound is interrupted or stuttering, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth module: Hold the Shift + Option and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar, then select Reset Bluetooth module.
• 📡 Switch the headphones to Low Lag (if supported) via the Mi Home app.

5. Connect to TV, smartwatches and other devices

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones can be connected not only to smartphones and PCs, but also to Smart TVs, smart watches and even game consoles.

Interface with TV (Android TV, Mi TV, Samsung Tizen)

Most modern Smart TVs support Bluetooth, but not all are AAC or aptX codec.

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound output → Bluetooth devices.
2. Select Add the device and wait for the headphones to appear.
3. Confirm pairing. If the sound is late, turn on Low Latency mode in the TV settings.

Connect to smart watches (Mi Band, Amazfit, Apple Watch):

With wearable devices, pairing is possible, but the functionality will be limited:

• 📱 Mi Band 7/8: You can only connect for notifications (music sound is not transmitted).
• ⌚ Apple Watch: headphones will connect as a headset, but management will be minimal.
• 🏃 Amazfit GTR/GTS: Only voice assistants and calls are supported.

⚠️ Note: On game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), Xiaomi True Wireless headphones are connected only through additional Bluetooth adapters (for example, 8BitDo). The standard Bluetooth module does not support a profile A2DP streaming.

6. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after successful pairing, users encounter errors, and we've compiled the TOP-5 problems and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try updating your headphone firmware.

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
3. In the application, go to the Profile section → Headphones → Software update.

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If after updating the firmware headphones stopped working, reset to factory settings (press the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and green).

7. Additional settings to improve sound

Once paired, you can optimize your sound to suit your preferences, and depending on the headphone model, there are different options available.

On Android (MIUI):

• 🎛️ Equator: In Bluetooth settings, select Sound Effect and adjust frequencies.
• 🔊 Spatial audio: activate Mi Spatial Audio (available for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).
• 🎤 Noise suppression: turn on ANC (active noise reduction) or transparent mode.

On the iPhone:

Use the built-in equalizer:

1. Go to Settings → Music → Equalizer.
2. Choose a preset (such as Bass or Rock).

On PC (Windows):

Set the sound evenly:

1. Open the Control Panel → Sound → Properties of headphones → Improvements.
2. Activate Equalizer or Bass Boost.

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For models with LDAC support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) in the Android developer settings, enable the Disable Bluetooth A2DP hardware offload option – this will reduce delays when listening to music.

8. How to turn off and reconnect headphones

If you need to temporarily turn off your headphones or reconnect them to another device, follow these steps.

Disconnection:

• 📱 On your smartphone: in Bluetooth settings, click on the gear icon next to the headphones and select Disable.
• 💻 On PC: in Parameters → Devices select headphones and press Remove device.
• 🎧 Manual shutdown: Put the headphones in the case and close the lid - they will automatically shut down.

Reconnect:

Xiaomi True Wireless headphones remember the last connected device to connect again:

1. Get the headphones out of the case – they should automatically connect to the latest device.
2. If this does not happen, manually select them from the list of Bluetooth devices.
3. To change the device, reset (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).

⚠️ Warning: Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Pro) support multi-connection to two devices at once. To activate this feature, connect the headphones first to the first device, then to the second.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pairing Xiaomi True Wireless