How to sync headphones Xiaomi Earbuds Basic: full instruction from connection to error elimination

Xiaomi Earbuds Basic is an affordable and functional solution for wireless audio enthusiasts. However, even with such a simple device, users sometimes have difficulties with first connecting or re-synchronizing. Unlike flagship models like AirDots Pro, the "basic" version does not automatically turn on pairing mode when extracted from the case, which often confuses beginners.

In this article we will analyze not only the standard procedure for connecting to Android smartphones and iOS devices, but also the nuances of working with the Internet. Windows/macOS, And also ways to solve typical problems, from the "invisibility" of headphones in the Bluetooth list to the failure of sound after updating the firmware. Particular emphasis is placed on the unique feature of Earbuds Basic - a manual activator of the pairing mode through a long press on the touch panel, which many users do not even suspect.

Preparation of headphones for synchronization: charging and resetting

Before the first connection or after a long downtime, Xiaomi Earbuds Basic require minimal preparation. The main rule is that the case charge level should be at least 30% (the indicator is white or orange). If the indicator flashes red, connect the case to charging for 15-20 minutes. Note that the headphones will not turn on if their charge is below 5%, even if the case is fully charged.

If the headphones were previously paired with another device, reset the settings:

  • πŸ”„ Remove both headphones from the case and keep them close (within a radius of 10 cm).
  • πŸ“± Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10-12 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
  • πŸ”‹ Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid - this will confirm the reset.

πŸ’‘

If the headphone indicators don't respond to pressing, check the cleanliness of the contacts in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Oxidation or dirt can block the power supply.

After reset, the headphones automatically go into pairing mode the next time you pull from the case. If this does not happen, proceed to manual activation (described in the next section).

Standard connection to Android-smartphone

For owners of Xiaomi, Redmi or other Android devices, the synchronization process is simplified as much as possible thanks to built-in support for the A2DP and AVRCP profile.

  1. Activation of the pairing mode: 🎧 Get both earphones out of the case (they should automatically turn on - the indicators flash white). πŸ” If there is no blinking, touch the touch panel on any headphone once - the switching signal should sound. 🀝 To manually activate the pairing mode, hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 3-5 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
  2. Searching device: πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Bluetooth on your smartphone and turn on the adapter. πŸ” In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic (or Redmi AirDots in some firmware). πŸ“Œ Click on the name and the process of pairing will begin.

Confirmation of connection

  • βœ… The screen will display a notification β€œConnected to media audio".
  • 🎡 The headphones will stop flashing and will burn white (left) and blue (right).

Headphones are displayed in the Bluetooth list as "Connected" | Indicators are on with a smooth light (do not blink) | The sound is played synchronously in both headphones | In the Bluetooth settings, the charge level of the headphones is visible

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On some MIUI firmware (e.g. MIUI 14), a pop-up window may appear after connecting with a suggestion to install the Mi Earphones branded application. Its installation is optional, but is recommended for accessing uniform audio settings and firmware updates.

Synchronization with iPhone and other iOS devices

Although Xiaomi Earbuds Basic is not certified for iOS (unlike AirDots Pro 2), it works well with iPhone and iPad in basic mode.

  • 🍎 In the Bluetooth list, the device can be displayed as "Unknown Device" or "LE-Mi True Wireless" - that's OK.
  • πŸ”Š Double-press functions to control playback work, but Siri voice assistant through headphones can not be called.
  • πŸ“Š The charge level of the headphones in the status bar iOS will not be displayed (requires a third-party application like Battery Widget).

Step-by-step instructions for iOS:

  1. πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Bluetooth and turn on the adapter.
  2. 🎧 Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (hold the touch panel on the right earphone for 5 seconds).
  3. πŸ” In the list, find a device called Mi True Wireless... and tap on it.
  4. ⚠️ If the connection does not occur, reboot the headphones: put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then try again.
Why is there no headphone charge indicator on the iPhone?
The reason is the lack of support for the Battery Provider profile in the firmware Earbuds Basic. Xiaomi has not certified this model for iOS, so charge data is transmitted only to Android via MIUI or the Mi Earphones app.

Once connected, check the synchronization of the audio: on iOS, there is sometimes a delay of up to 200-300 ms when watching videos, this is solved by disabling the β€œLow Latency” function in Bluetooth settings (if available).

Connecting to a PC with Windows or macOS

Synchronizing Earbuds Basic with computers has its own peculiarities. On Windows 10/11 and macOS, headphones connect as a standard Bluetooth audio device, but there may be problems with codecs (for example, there is no support for aptX, only SBC or AAC is available).

Operating systemAction requiredTypical problems
Windows 10/11πŸ–₯️ Launch β†’ Parameters β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth. πŸ” Press "Add device" β†’ "Bluetooth". 🎧 Choose Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic.Sound is interrupted when the CPU is loaded high, so you can turn off Absolute Volume in the device's properties.
macOS (Ventura/Monterey)🍏 Open System settings β†’ Bluetooth. 🎧 Hold the button on the headphone to activate the pairing mode. πŸ”— Press "Connect".Low volume. Solution: In "Sound settings," select "High quality sound" profile.
Linux (Ubuntu/Fedora)🐧 Install the package pulseaudio-module-bluetooth. πŸ”„ Re-launch the service: systemctl restart bluetooth 🎧 Connect to Bluetooth Manager.No sound in one earphone. Solution: in pavucontrol, select the profile "A2DP Sink".

On Windows, after you connect, check that in Playback Devices (right-click on the speaker icon in the tray), Earbuds Basic is the default device. If the sound is distorted, try turning off Sound Improvements in the device properties.

πŸ“Š What OS do you use to connect Earbuds Basic?
Android
iOS
Windows
macOS
Linux
other

Solving synchronization problems

If the headphones are not defined by the device or only connect in mono mode, follow the diagnostic algorithm:

⚠️ Note: If the headphones flash red for more than 30 seconds, this indicates a hardware failure of the Bluetooth controller.

  • πŸ”Œ Problem: Headphones are not on. Check the charge of the case (the indicator should burn when connected to the device). USB). Clean the contacts in the case and on the headphones with a dry toothbrush. Try charging the case from another cable / adapter (power at least less than the same). 5W).
  • πŸ” Problem: The device is not visible on the Bluetooth list. Perform a headphone reset (described in section one). Disable Bluetooth on other devices within 10 meters. Try connecting from another smartphone - if the problem recurs, the Bluetooth headphone module is faulty.
  • 🎡 Problem: The sound is interrupted or distorted. Make sure the headphones are no more than 10 meters away from the source. Turn off Wi-Fi on your smartphone - interference from the router at 2.4 GHz can affect Bluetooth. In the Android developer settings, turn off "Bluetooth Volume Absolute".

πŸ’‘

If the headphones only connect one by one, check the synchronization between them: put both in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove. They should automatically connect to each other (the indicators will light up synchronously).

Update of firmware and additional settings

The Mi Earphones app (available for Android) allows you to update your headphone firmware, adjust gestures and check your charge level, but Earbuds Basic is limited to:

  • πŸ“² Installation of the app: Download Mi Earphones from Google Play. Connect your headphones to your smartphone. Open the app and follow the instructions on the screen.
  • πŸ”„ Firmware Update: In the main menu of the app, click "Firmware Update." Make sure the headphones are at least 50% charged. Don't interrupt the process! Turning off the headphones during the update will cause them to fail.
  • βš™οΈ Customization of gestures: Double touch: playback/pause or call voice assistant. Triple touch: move to the next track. Holding: turn off the microphone during the call.

On iOS and PC, firmware updates are not possible, requiring an Android device with Mi Earphones installed. The latest firmware version for Earbuds Basic (at 2026) is 1.7.0.3, which fixes problems with automatic connection after extraction from the case.

Tips for stable work and extended service life

To avoid synchronization problems and extend the life of headphones, follow the recommendations:

  • πŸ”‹ Charging: Use the original cable USB-C certified USB-A β†’ USB-C. Don’t leave your headphones in your case for more than 24 hours, which reduces battery life. Keep a case with a charge level of 40-60% if you don’t use headphones for longer than a week.
  • 🧼 Care: Clean the speaker grid with a soft brush once every 2 weeks. Avoid moisture - despite labeling IPX4, Long-term contact with water damages microphones. Use napkins with alcohol (no more than 70) to disinfect%).
  • 🎧 Use: Do not turn on the maximum volume for longer than 30 minutes - this leads to distortion of the sound. Use only the right earphone for calls - its microphone has better noise insulation. Turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone when the headphones are in the case to save charge.

⚠️ Attention: If after the fall of headphones appeared crunch in the speaker or the sound became quieter, do not try to disassemble them yourself. the case of Earbuds Basic glued with ultrasonic welding, and after opening the tightness can not be restored.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Earbuds Basic

❓ Why the headphones only connect one at a time?
This is a typical problem when synchronization between left and right headphones fails. Solution: Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds. Pull them out and wait for the automatic connection (the indicators should be on even light). If it doesn't work, reset (hold the touchpads for 10 seconds). If the problem repeats, check if the contacts in the case are not contaminated - this can block charging of one of the headphones.
❓ How to check the level of charge of headphones?
On Android (with MIUI): Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth. Click on the gear icon next to the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic. Case and headphone charge level will be displayed as a percentage. On iOS: Install the Battery Widget or AirBattery app from the App Store. Charge level will be displayed in the widget on the home screen.
❓ Can I use one headphone independently?
Yeah, but only right. To do this, just take the right earpiece out of the case, it automatically goes to Mono mode (blinds blue). Connect it to the device as usual. The left earpiece doesn't work in single mode, that's a firmware restriction.
❓ Why the headphones are discharged quickly?
Causes and solutions: πŸ”Š High volume: Lower the sound level to 70-80%. πŸ“Ά Weak Bluetooth signal: Keep your headphones closer to the source (within a radius of 1-2 meters). πŸ”„ Frequent connections/disconnections: Turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone when you are not using headphones. πŸ”‹ Battery wear: After 300-400 charging cycles, the capacity drops by 20-30.
❓ How to Reset Your Headphones If They Don’t React?
If standard reset (touch pad retention) doesn't work: Put your headphones in your case and plug the case into your charger. Hold the button on your case (if you have one) for 15 seconds. Pull out your headphones -- they should reset to factory settings (the indicators flash red and white). If that doesn't work, contact the service -- there's a possibility of a controller failure.