Synchronization of Xiaomi Earbuds: a complete guide from connection to error elimination

Xiaomi Earbuds wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life thanks to the convenience, quality sound and integration with the Mi Ecosystem ecosystem. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulties with initial setup or re-synchronization after reset. This article will help you understand everything from basic smartphone connection to fine-tuning on different platforms.

We will look not only at standard scenarios (connection to Android and iOS), but also at less obvious cases: synchronization with laptops on the Internet. Windows/macOS, Xiaomi TVs, as well as solving problems with one-way sound or constant communication breaks. 3/3 Pro, Buddy and FlipBuds, as their firmware has unique features.

If you have just unpacked your headphones or encountered a device not found error, do not rush to bring them to the service. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved independently in 5-10 minutes, following our recommendations. And for advanced users, we have prepared a section with hidden features that the manufacturer does not advertise (for example, activation of Low Latency mode for games).

1. Preparation of headphones for synchronization

Before you first connect, you need to make sure that the Xiaomi Earbuds headphones are in pairing mode, which varies depending on the model, but the general logic is maintained.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Charging headphones: Make sure the charge level of the case and the headphones themselves exceed 30%. When the charge is low, the indicator on the case will flash red, and synchronization may be interrupted. Connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes if the indicator is on orange.
  • ๐ŸŽง Remove the headphones: Take both headphones out of the case and wait for them to automatically turn on (white light will light up). Earbuds 3 Pro and FlipBuds models have an audible signal on them.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Pair mode activation: Press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the indicators start flashing white and blue alternately.

Important: Xiaomi Earbuds headphones support Dual Device Connection technology (only for models in 2022 and later), but the initial synchronization should be performed with one device.

If the indicators do not flash or burn red, reset the settings:

  1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
  3. Open the lid - the headphones will go into pairing mode automatically.
๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi Earbuds model do you use?
Earbuds 3/Earbuds 3 Pro
Buddy
FlipBuds
Air 2/Air 2 Pro
Another model

2. Synchronization with Android-smartphone

Connection to Android devices (especially Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones) is as fast as possible thanks to built-in support for the A2DP and AVRCP profile.

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Bluetooth on your smartphone and turn on the module.
  2. In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earbuds 3). If the device doesn't show up, update the list by clicking Update or Scan.
  3. Click on the headphone name and confirm pairing. Some models (e.g. Earbuds 3 Pro) will need to additionally confirm the connection on the headphones themselves โ€” tap the touchpad.

Once you have successfully connected, you should install the Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play) which allows you to:

  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Set up an equalizer (preset profiles: Basic, Vocal, Balanced).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Activate noise cancellation (ANC) Transparency mode (for Earbuds 3 Pro and FlipBuds).

Make sure Bluetooth is on on your smartphone |

Charge headphones to >30%|

Activate the pairing mode on the headphones |

Remove old connections (if the headphones were already paired before)|

Update the Mi Earphones app to the latest version-->

Attention! Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+ may conflict with Smart Connection (Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Bluetooth). If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted, turn off this option.

3. Connect to iPhone and other Apple devices

While Xiaomi Earbuds are optimized for Android, they are compatible with iPhone/iPad, but with some limitations. For example, ANC noise reduction will work, but equalizer settings via Mi Earphones are not available (the app is not supported on iOS).

Instructions for connection:

  1. Open the settings โ†’ Bluetooth on the iPhone.
  2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (see section 1).
  3. In the list of devices, select your Xiaomi Earbuds. Confirm the connection if you request it.
FunctionAndroid (with Mi Earphones)iOS
Noise suppression (ANC)โœ… (level-up)โœ… (fixed-level)
equalizerโœ… (5 presets)โŒ
Firmware updateโœ…โŒ
Charge mappingโœ… (widget)โœ… (status-line)
Low Latency (Low Latency)โœ… (play-off)โŒ

On iOS, there may also be a problem with automatically reconnecting after removing the headphones from the case.

  1. Forget the device in Bluetooth settings (Push on โ€œiโ€ โ†’ Forget this device).
  2. Turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone again.
  3. Repeat the pairing procedure.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the headphones connect to an iPhone but only sound in one of them, try manually selecting an A2DP profile in Bluetooth settings (click on the "i" next to the headphone name and select Use for calls and audio).

4. Synchronization with PC (Windows and macOS)

Connecting Xiaomi Earbuds to a computer or laptop requires a little more effort, especially if it is Windows. The main problem is the lack of support for aptX or LDAC codecs by default, which can worsen the sound quality. However, for most tasks (calls, listening to music), a standard A2DP profile is enough.

For Windows 10/11:

  1. Turn Bluetooth on in Settings โ†’ Devices โ†’ Bluetooth and other devices.
  2. Click Add Add the device โ†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select your headphones from the list. If the device is not found, update your Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager.

For macOS:

  1. Open System settings โ†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode, and wait for them to appear in the list.
  3. Click Connect. On macOS Ventura and later, you may need confirmation on your headphones (touch the touchpad).

Attention! On Windows, after you connect, check that in the audio settings (right click on speaker icon โ†’ Open audio settings), the headphones are selected as the default output device. Sometimes the system automatically switches to speakers.

How to improve the sound quality on PC?
For Windows: Install Realtek Audio or Bluetooth Audio Driver drivers from the laptop manufacturer's official website. This will add support for aptX and AAC codecs. For macOS: Enable the option to use as a device for calls and audio in Bluetooth settings (right-click on headphones).

5. Solving common problems

Even after successful synchronization, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š Only one earphone: Check if Mono mode is activated (some firmwares turn it on randomly). Reset your headphone settings (see section 1). โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Audio settings and disable Mono-audio.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Permanent communication breaks: Make sure the device is within 10 meters (no obstruction). Disable other Bluetooth devices that may interfere (fitness bracelets, keyboards). Update your headphone firmware via Mi Earphones.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Headphones are undetectable: Check they are in pairing mode (blinking blue/white indicator). Reboot the Bluetooth module on your smartphone/PC (turn it off and turn it on again). On Windows, remove all old Bluetooth drivers in Device Manager and reinstall them.

If the headphones Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro or FlipBuds after updating the firmware stopped connecting, perform a forced reset:

  1. Place the headphones in the case and connect it to the charger.
  2. Press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator goes out and again flashes red.
  3. Remove the headphones - they will go into pairing mode.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, check the headphones on another device. If they do not work and there is a hardware malfunction (contact the service center).

6. Hidden features and advanced settings

The manufacturer does not always advertise all the features of Xiaomi Earbuds. Here are a few โ€œchipsโ€ that will be useful to experienced users:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Low Latency: Activated by triple tapping the touchpad on the right earbud (Earbuds 3 Pro and FlipBuds only) and reduces the latency to 80ms, which is critical for gaming!
  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Disable touch gestures: In the Mi Earphones app, gestures can be deactivated to avoid accidental taps (e.g. while running). โ†’ Management โ†’ Turn off sensory gestures.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Connecting to two devices at once: Models 2022+ Dual Device Connection: Activate: Connect your headphones to the first device. Open the cover of the case and press the button for 3 seconds, and the headphones will go to search for the second device.

For Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro models, ANC configuration is available through the Mi Earphones app:

  • ๐ŸŒŠ Balance - Standard noise reduction.
  • ๐Ÿš† Transportation โ€“ optimized for travel (suppresses low frequencies).
  • ๐Ÿข Office โ€“ reduces the noise of air conditioners and keyboards.