How to sync Xiaomi Mi headphones: full instruction with problem solving

Xiaomi Mi wireless headphones (including Mi True Wireless Earphones, Mi AirDots, Mi Earbuds, and others) have become a popular accessory thanks to a combination of sound quality, convenience, and affordable price. However, even with such devices, users sometimes face difficulties in first synchronizing or reconnecting. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect headphones to your phone, computer, and other gadgets, as well as consider typical errors and their elimination.

It is important to understand that the synchronization process can vary depending on the headphone model and firmware version. For example, Mi AirDots Pro 2 supports Bluetooth 5.0 and has the function of automatically connecting to the latest device, whereas earlier versions (for example, Mi AirDots Basic) require manual pairing. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will help even if your model is not explicitly mentioned.

If you've tried to plug in your headphones, but they're not defined by the device or the sound is interrupted, there's a section in this article that addresses common problems, and we've added an FAQ that answers common questions, like how to reset your headphones to factory settings or why one earphone doesn't work.

Preparing headphones for synchronization

Before you first connect, make sure that the Xiaomi Mi headphones are charged and working.

• 🔋 Check the charge level: place your headphones in your case and look at the indicator. If it's red or flashing, charge the device for at least 30 minutes.
• 📱 Make sure your smartphone (or other device) is Bluetooth enabled. Swipe down the screen to open the Quick Settings Panel, or go to Settings. → Connections → Bluetooth.
• 🎧 Take both earbuds out of the case. In most Xiaomi models, they automatically turn on and go into pairing mode when first removed.

If the headphones have already connected to another device, they may need to be reset (instructions in the section "Reset"). Also pay attention to the Bluetooth version of your phone or PC: for stable operation Mi AirDots Pro and later recommended Bluetooth 4.2 or higher.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones were connected to the device on Android 10+ iOS 14+, They could have saved the profile in memory, and in that case, the new pairing would require removing them from the list of devices in the Bluetooth settings.

Synchronization with the phone on Android

Connecting to a Xiaomi, Redmi or other Android device is the most common scenario.

1. Open the settings on your phone and go to the Bluetooth section.
2. Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off.
3. Take your headphones out of the case and wait until they appear on the list of available devices. They are usually displayed as Mi True Wireless Earphones or Mi Mi. AirDots_XXX (where XXX — unique identifier).
4. Click on the headphone name in the list. If you request confirmation of pairing, select Connect or OK.

Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically be detected when they are removed from the case (if not reset).Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi AirDots Pro 2) support two-way connectivity – you can use each headphone separately.

Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices|The sound is played without interruption.|The indicator on the headphones is burning white / blue|The microphone is working (check by phone)-->

If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off and on again).
• 📴 Remove headphones from the list of conjugate devices and reconnect.
• 🔋 Check the charge of the case and headphones (sometimes the discharged battery blocks the pairing mode).

Connection to iPhone or iPad

Although Xiaomi Mi is an Android device, it is compatible with iOS, but there are some nuances: some features (such as touch control or low latency) may not work properly. iPhone/iPad:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and hold the button on the case (if any) for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red (pairing mode).
3. In the list of devices, find Mi AirDots_XXX And press them.
4. Confirm the connection if a request is made.

On iOS, Xiaomi headphones can be defined as Stereo headphones or I/O. If the sound is interrupted or there are delays, try:

• 📱 Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again.
• 🔊 Disable the dual-connection audio function (if it is in the headphone settings).
• 📲 Update the firmware of the headphones through the Mi Home app (if available for your model).

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 15+ You may have a problem with automatically reconnecting after you remove the headphones from the case, in which case manually turning on Bluetooth or rebooting your iPhone helps.

Synchronization with a computer (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Connecting to a PC or laptop is a little bit more complicated than a smartphone, but it's also doable. Consider the process for different operating systems.

Windows 10/11

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and press Add Device.
3. Select Bluetooth from the list of device types.
4. Take the headphones out of the case and wait until they appear on the list. Click on them and follow the instructions on the screen.

macOS

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on and wait for Mi AirDots to appear on the list.
3. Press Connect and confirm the pairing.

On Linux (like Ubuntu), the process is similar, but additional packages may need to be installed to support Bluetooth 5.0.

sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth

On headphones Xiaomi Mi AirDots Pro 2 and later, when connecting to a PC, the microphone may not work due to Bluetooth profile limitations (HFP). In this case, use an external microphone or update Bluetooth drivers on your PC.

Resetting headphones Xiaomi Mi

If the headphones are not connected, the sound is interrupted or one of them is not working, you may need to reset to the factory settings.

Mi AirDots Basic / Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic

1. Put both earbuds in the case.
2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Close the lid and remove the headphones - they will be reset.

For Mi AirDots Pro/Mi Earbuds

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until the indicators start flashing red.
3. Place the headphones back in the case and reconnect.

After reset, Xiaomi Mi headphones will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices as new. If the reset did not help, check:

• 🔋 Case and headphone charge (a discharged battery can block resetting).
• 📱 Device compatibility (some older smartphones don't support Bluetooth 5.0).
• 🔧 Physical damage (infection of moisture, falls).

Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi Mi users may face typical problems, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. Headphones are not defined by the device

If the headphones don't appear in the Bluetooth list:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your device (turn off and turn on the module).
• 📴 Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices (if there are any) and try to connect again.
• 🔋 Check the case charge - sometimes a discharged battery blocks the pairing mode.
• 📱 Update the firmware of the headphones through the Mi Home app (not available for all models).

2.The sound is interrupted or there are delays

Sound problems are often related to:

• 📶 Interference from other devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves). Try to move to another place.
• 🎵 Incorrect audio codec. Go to Bluetooth Settings on Android → Headphones → Audio codec and select SBC or AAC.
• 🔋 Low headphone charge (at a level below 20%, interruptions may occur).

3.One earphone is not working

If the sound is only in one headphone:

• 🎧 Check if the earphones are inserted correctly (sometimes the proximity sensor blocks the sound).
• 🔄 Reboot the headphones: Place them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out.
• 🔧 Reset settings (instructions in the section "Reset settings").
• 🛠️ Clean contacts on headphones and in the case (dust or oxidation may disrupt the connection).

⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations, one earphone still does not work, this may indicate a hardware malfunction. In this case, contact the service center, especially if the warranty is still valid.

💡

If Xiaomi Mi headphones are connected but the sound is distorted, try turning off Absolute Volume in the developer settings on Android. Go to Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number (click 7 times), then to Developer Settings → Turn off Absolute Volume.

Update of the headphone firmware

Some Xiaomi Mi models (such as Mi AirDots Pro 2 or Mi Earbuds Basic 2) support firmware updates through the official Mi Home app, which can solve connectivity, sound or stability issues.

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone (they should be in the list of conjugated devices).
3. Open Mi Home, press + in the upper right corner and select Add Device.
4. Find your headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones) and follow the instructions.
5. If an update is available, the app will prompt you to install it. Don't turn off your headphones or close the app until the process is complete.

Updating the firmware can take 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, the headphones will automatically restart.

• 📱 Restart your phone and headphones.
• 🔄 Repeat the update attempt.
• 📴 Make sure the headphones are connected to only one device (disconnect them from other gadgets).

Check the headphones once they're updated, and sometimes newer firmware versions change touch controls or sound modes. Check out the changes in the Mi Home app.

💡

Updating your firmware can fix connection issues, but it doesn’t guarantee support for new features (like low latency for games).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)