Can you use Xiaomi headphones on two devices at once?
Xiaomiβs wireless headphones are among the most popular accessories due to their price-to-quality ratio, but many users face a limitation: by default, most models (including Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds, and Xiaomi Buds) only connect to one device at a time, but there are ways to get around this limitation, both official and alternative.
In this article, weβll look at all the possible ways to synchronize headphones with two sound sources simultaneously β whether itβs a smartphone and a laptop, a tablet and a PC, or even two phones. Itβs important to understand that not all models support this feature out of the box, but with the right settings or additional hardware, the result is achievable.
Before you get into the instructions, make sure your headphone model is theoretically capable of such a connection.For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and Redmi Buds 5 have more flexible Bluetooth 5.3 protocols, whereas older AirDots 2 may require workarounds. Also check if your device (smartphone, PC) supports multithreaded Bluetooth - this is critical for successful synchronization.
Previous Post:What Xiaomi Models Support Dual Connection
Some flagship Xiaomi headphones have a built-in Dual Connection (or Multipoint) feature that allows you to connect to two devices at once. Here is the current list of supported devices:
- π§ Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro β supports connection to 2 devices with automatic switching.
- π§ Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro β Enhanced Bluetooth 5.3 protocol with Dual Device Connection.
- π§ Redmi Buds 5 β Limited support (manual switching required).
- π§ Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro β Supports, but with a delay when switching.
To activate this feature on supported models:
- Open the Mi Earphones app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models).
- Go to the headphone settings β Connect to two devices.
- Turn on the Dual Connection option and follow the instructions on the screen.
If your model isn't on the list, don't despair - we'll look at alternatives below. However, note that Dual Connection-enabled headphones can automatically switch between devices when playing audio, whereas bypass methods require manual control.
Method 1: Use of Bluetooth multiplexer (hardware method)
If your headphones don't support Dual Connection, the most reliable way is to use a Bluetooth multiplexer (or Bluetooth transmitter with Multipoint), a small device that connects to two sound sources and transmits a signal to the headphones.
Popular models of multiplexers:
- π‘ Avantek BTA-200 β Supports 2 devices, low latency.
- π‘ 1Mii B06 Pro β aptX Low Latency, suitable for watching videos.
- π‘ TaoTronics TT-BA09 β Budget option with good compatibility.
How to connect:
- Connect the multiplexer to the first device (such as a smartphone) via Bluetooth.
- Activate the pairing mode on the multiplexer (usually a long push of a button).
- Connect the second device (laptop, PC) to the multiplexer.
- Connect Xiaomi headphones to the multiplexer as a regular Bluetooth device.
Charge multiplexer and headphones | Disconnect headphones from other devices |Enable pairing mode on multiplexer | Check codec compatibility (AAC/SBC)
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β οΈ Note: Some multiplexers may delay sound until 100-200 To view the video, choose models with support for aptX Low Latency or AAC.
| Multiplexer model | Dual Connection Support | Sound delay | Price (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avantek BTA-200 | Yes (2 devices) | ~80 ms. | 2 500 β½ |
| 1Mii B06 Pro | Yes (2 devices) | ~50 ms (aptX LL) | 3 200 β½ |
| TaoTronics TT-BA09 | Yes (2 devices) | ~120 ms | 1 800 β½ |
Method 2: A software solution for Windows/macOS (virtual-audio mixer)
If you want to connect Xiaomi headphones to both your PC and smartphone, you can use a software solution called a virtual audio mixer, which is suitable for Windows 10/11 and macOS, but requires some technical skills.
For Windows, we recommend Voicemeeter or VB-Cable:
- Download and install Voicemeeter Banana.
- In Windows audio settings, select Voicemeeter Input as the default device.
- Connect Xiaomi headphones to your PC via Bluetooth.
- In Voicemeeter, set up the audio output to the headphones and enable the Multichannel option.
For macOS, Soundflower or BlackHole is suitable:
- Install BlackHole.
- In Settings β Sound, select BlackHole (2ch) as the output device.
- Connect the headphones to the Mac and configure audio routing through the Audio MIDI Setup.
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If the sound is interrupted or there is interference, try to turn off the option βHigh Quality Audioβ in the Bluetooth device settings on your PC (use the SBC codec instead of AAC).
β οΈ Attention: Virtual audio mixers may cause echoes or interference. Close all background programs that use the microphone (Discord, Zoom, etc.) for stable operation.).
Method 3: Manual switching between devices (for models without Dual Connection)
If your Xiaomi headphones donβt support Dual Connection and you donβt want to buy multiplexers, you can use fast switching between devices. This method does not allow simultaneous connection, but allows you to quickly switch (in 2-3 seconds).
Instructions for most models:
- Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
- Turn on the headphone pairing mode (usually hold the button for 5-7 seconds before the indicator flashes).
- Connect the second device (laptop, PC), but do not disable the first.
- Now the headphones will remember both devices.
To speed up the process, you can use labels:
- π± On Android: Add Bluetooth widget to the home screen for quick shutdown.
- π» On Windows: Use the Win combination + A β Quick action β Bluetooth.
- π On iPhone: Add Control Point to Settings for Quick Access.
How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings?
Method 4: Using Bluetooth (Android) Management Applications
On Android devices, you can use third-party apps to force headphones to connect to two sources, one of the most reliable is SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but it works on other brands) or Bluetooth Auto Connect.
Instructions for Bluetooth Auto Connect:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Enable the Multiconnect option in the settings.
- Add both devices to the list of trusted.
- Activate Prioritize Audio mode for headphones.
Limitations of the method:
- β οΈ It does not work on all smartphones (depends on the Bluetooth version and firmware).
- β οΈ There may be a break in the connection during active use.
- β οΈ Some functions (such as a microphone) may not work.
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Third-party Bluetooth management applications may conflict with system services. Make a backup copy of network settings before using.
Problems and Solutions: Why Simultaneous Connection Doesn't Work
Even if you do it right, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The headphones are connected to only one device. | No support for Multipoint | Use a Bluetooth multiplexer |
| The sound is interrupted or there is interference. | Codec Conflict (AAC/SBC) | In Bluetooth settings, select SBC instead of AAC |
| Delayed sound when watching video | Low Bluetooth (below 5.0) | Use multiplexer with aptX Low Latency |
| Headphones spontaneously turn off | Weak signal or interference | Reduce the distance between devices |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Headphone charge level (below 20% may be malfunctioning).
- π± The firmware version on your smartphone / PC (update to the latest).
- ποΈ Power saving settings (turn off optimization for Bluetooth).