Synchronization of headphones Xiaomi Mi: full instruction for all models

Xiaomi Mi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even with such devices, users face synchronization problems: one earphone does not connect, the sound is interrupted, or the gadget is not detected by the phone at all. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of synchronization for different models from Mi AirDots to Buds 4 Pro, including connecting to Android, iOS, Windows and even among themselves (for stereo mode).

Xiaomi’s headphones feature proprietary chips and protocols (such as Mi TrueWireless Stereo Plus) that sometimes conflict with standard Bluetooth. Not only will we show the basic steps, but we’ll also reveal hidden settings that the manufacturer doesn’t advertise, such as how to forcefully reset your headphones if they’re stuck in search mode, or how to turn on Low Latency Mode for games. If you’ve already tried to connect unsuccessfully, don’t rush the device into service: 90% of cases, the problem is solved software-based.

Preparation for synchronization: what to check before connecting

Before you try to sync your headphones, make sure that the basic conditions are met, and users often skip this step, spending hours looking for a solution where the problem lies in the little things.

1. Headphone and case charge level. If the indicator on the case flashes red or does not burn at all, synchronization is impossible. Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes - sometimes even 5% of the charge is enough to activate the pairing mode. For models Mi AirDots Pro 2 and later, the minimum charge threshold for activation is 10%.

2. Device compatibility. Xiaomi headphones work with most gadgets, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Android 6.0+: Full support for all functions including Mi AI Assistant (for models with Xiaomi Wear).
• 🍎 iOS 12+: Basic synchronization works, but some features (e.g. Game Mode) may not be available.
• 💻 Windows 10/11: Bluetooth required 4.2+. Old adapters may have problems with sound.
• 🎮 Game consoles: PS5 Xbox Series X supports Bluetooth 5.0 models (e.g. Buds 3 Pro).

Interference and distance: Wireless headphones are sensitive to electromagnetic interference. If you have a microwave, 5 GHz router or other Bluetooth devices nearby, try:

• 📶 Disable Wi-Fi on your phone (sometimes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth channels conflict).
• 🔌 Restart the router if it is closer than 1 meter to the headphones.
• 🚪 Remove from metal surfaces (they shield the signal).

⚠️ Note: If you have previously connected your headphones to another device (like a laptop), they may automatically try to connect to it. In this case, you either need to turn off Bluetooth on that device or reset the headphone settings (instructions in the next section).

Basic synchronization with the phone (Android/iOS)

The standard connection process is the same for most Xiaomi Mi models, but there are differences depending on the generation of headphones.

Step 1: Activation of the pairing mode:

1. Take both headphones out of the case – they should automatically turn on (indicators blink white/blue).
2. For AirDots models (1-3 generations): Press and hold the button on the case for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
3. For the Buds. 3/4 Pro and newer: touch the touch panel on the headphones 2 (Should be heard voice signal "Pairing").

Step 2. Search for the device on the phone:

• 📱 On Android: Go to Settings → Bluetooth and enable search. Headphones should appear on the list as Mi True Wireless Earphones (or similarly).
• 🍎 On iOS: Open Settings → Bluetooth and wait for the device to arrive. iPhone may require confirmation of connection.

Step 3: Confirmation of connection:

• On Android with MIUI A window will appear with a suggestion to install the Xiaomi Wear app – this is optional, but gives access to advanced settings (for example, the equalizer).
• On iOS, a notice of limited functionality can pop up – ignore it if you only want sound.

Headphones charged (indicator burns white)

Bluetooth on your phone is enabled and visible for all devices

Headphones in pairing mode (flashing red / white)

Distance between devices not more than 1 meter

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

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on).
• 📴 Remove headphones from the list of associated devices (if they were there before).
• 🔋 Completely discharge and charge the headphones (sometimes resets firmware errors).

Mi AirDots (1/2/3 generation)

Mi Buds (3/4 Pro or standard)

Redmi Buds (any model)

Another Xiaomi model

Not Xiaomi.-->

Synchronization with PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Connecting to a computer has its nuances, especially on Windows, where Bluetooth drivers often run unstable. Consider the step-by-step instructions for each OS.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Turn on Bluetooth in the taskbar (the icon in the lower right corner).
2. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Select the headphones from the list. If they don't exist, click Update.
4. After connecting, check that in the audio settings, the headphones are selected as the Output and Input device (for the microphone).

For macOS:

• Open System settings → Bluetooth.
• Click Connect next to Xiaomi headphones.
• If the sound is interrupted, turn it off. AAC In the Bluetooth device settings (use) SBC).

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth


pactl load-module module-bluetooth-discover

After installing the packages, restart the Bluetooth service:

sudo systemctl restart bluetooth

⚠️ Note: On Windows, some Xiaomi models (such as Mi AirDots Pro 2) can be defined as Hands-Free instead of Stereo. To fix this, delete the device, turn off/on Bluetooth, and reconnect by selecting the "Use as an audio device" option".

Synchronization of headphones with each other (stereo mode)

If one of the headphones is not connected or is working separately, the problem may be a broken synchronization between the left and right modules. This is a common situation after resetting or prolonged inactivity.

For Mi AirDots models (1-3 generation):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
3. Get your headphones out – they should automatically sync (the indicators will light up white).

For Mi Buds. 3/4 Pro and newer:

• Touch the touch panel on both headphones 3 times (should sound the signal).
• Put the headphones back in the case for 5 seconds, then pull out.
• If synchronization does not occur, repeat the steps, holding the sensor for 5 seconds until the beep.

Checking for successful synchronization:

• 🔊 The sound must come from both headphones at the same time.
• 📊 Bluetooth settings show one device on the phone (not two separate devices).
• 🎵 When playing music, the indicators on the headphones flash synchronously.

Resetting headphone settings (Hard Reset)

If none of these things work, you'll have to reset completely, and that will remove all the conjugated devices and bring the headphones back to the factory settings. after reset, headphones Xiaomi Mi Buds 4 Pro and later may require firmware updates through the Xiaomi Wear app, otherwise part of the functions (for example, ANC) will not work.

The universal method of resetting (for most models):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to charging (this is mandatory for models with Type-C).
3. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator should flash red 3 times).
4. Close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then open and pull out the headphones - they're ready for a new connection.

For Mi Buds 3 Pro and newer (touch-controlled):

• Touch the touchpad on both headphones 5 times in a row.
• Put the headphones in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
• Take out the headphones - they will automatically reset (voice confirmation will sound).

What to do after the discharge:

• 🔄 Connect your headphones to your phone again (as in the first use).
• 📲 Install the latest firmware version via Xiaomi Wear (if available).
• 🔊 Check the sound in both headphones – if the difference in volume remains, calibrate in the app settings.

⚠️ Note: On Mi AirDots Youth Editions, a reset may result in the loss of Low Latency Mode. To restore it, go to Bluetooth Settings after connecting to your phone. → Additionally. → Low Delay Mode and Enable the Option.

Solving common synchronization problems

Even after a successful connection, users are faced with common bugs, and we've collected the most common ones and ways to fix them.

Problem: Headphones are not defined by the phone

• 📱 On Android: Clear the Bluetooth cache in the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Show system-based → Bluetooth).
• 🍎 On iOS: Reset your network settings (Settings) → Mainstream → Reset → Reset the network settings).
• 🔧 For all devices: Try connecting to headphones from another phone - if they work, the problem is your gadget.

Problem: The sound only goes to one headphone

• 🔄 Reboot the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out).
• 🎧 Check if the Mono mode is activated (in some firmware it is switched on accidentally).
• 🔧 Update the headphone firmware through Xiaomi Wear (if available).

💡

If Xiaomi headphones are permanently turned off during a conversation, turn off the Automatic Sound Switch feature in Bluetooth settings on your iPhone (this is a famous iOS 15 bug).+).

Additional settings through Xiaomi Wear

Xiaomi Wear (formerly Mi Fit) offers access to hidden headphone features that are not available through standard Bluetooth settings.

• 🎛 Set up the Equalizer (preset profiles or customized).
• 🔇 On/off ANC (Active noise reduction on supported models.
• 🎮 Activate Game Mode (reduces sound latency to 88 ms).
• 🔋 View the charge level of each headphone separately.
• 🔄 Update the firmware (critical for stable operation).

How to connect headphones to the application:

1. Install Xiaomi Wear from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and allow access to Bluetooth and Notifications.
4. Headphones should automatically appear in the list of devices. If not, click Add device → Headphones.

Hidden features (not available for all models):

• 🔊 Dual Device Connection: Connecting to two devices at the same time (e.g., a phone) + Available on Mi Buds 4 Pro.
• 🎵 LDAC: codec for high-quality sound (included in the application sound settings).
• 🛡 Find My Earbuds: Finding a lost earbud by the last connection location (only works if the earbud is on).

💡

Updating your firmware through Xiaomi Wear solves 70% of connectivity and sound issues. Check for updates every 1-2 months.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions