How to connect two Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones to each other: full instructions with tips

Xiaomi’s True Wireless Stereo (TWS) wireless headphones allow you to use both independently or sync them for stereo sounding. However, many users have difficulty connecting the headphones together β€” especially if you’re looking at models with custom firmware or after resetting. In this article, we’ll look at all the synchronization methods, from the standard algorithm to hidden functions in the engineering menu.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support automatic headphone pairing. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4 do this out of the box, whereas Redmi Buds 3 Lite may require manual tuning. We’ll look at universal methods that work on 90% of the brand’s devices, and also dwell on the nuances for popular series.

What Xiaomi models support the connection of headphones with each other

TWS (True Wireless Stereo) technology means that both headphones can work independently but synchronize to play stereo sound. However, not all Xiaomi models support automatic pairing of headphones with each other β€” some require manual connection via a smartphone or special commands.

Here is a list of models with confirmed support for the function:

  • 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 (and newer versions)
  • 🎧 Redmi AirDots 3/3 Pro (including global versions)
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3/3T/4 (modifications)
  • 🎧 Redmi Buds 4 Active/Lite/Pro
  • 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro (with firmware not lower) V1.4.0)

Redmi AirDots (1st generation), Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic and some of the best models OEM-versions (for example, for the Indian market) may not support synchronization of headphones with each other without additional manipulation. If your model is not on the list, check its characteristics on the official website or in the Mi Home application.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphone model you use?
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro
Xiaomi Buds 4
Redmi Buds 4 Lite
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi.

Standard way of connection: through the button on headphones

Most modern Xiaomi headphones sync with each other automatically when you first connect to your smartphone. However, if the connection is lost (for example, after the discharge of one of the headphones or reset settings), use the manual method:

  1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
  2. Take both earphones out of the case. They should turn on automatically (indicators flash white/blue).
  3. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until you hear a beep (usually a double squeak).
  4. The headphones will flash alternately red and white, meaning they are looking for each other.
  5. Wait for a stable white or blue glow (usually 10-20 seconds).

If the lights keep flashing randomly or one of the headphones doesn't respond, try resetting (more on this in the next section). Also make sure the headphones are at least 30% charged - with a low charge, synchronization may not work.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for headphone synchronization

Done: 0 / 4

Resetting headphone settings before connecting

If the standard method didn’t work, the headphones probably forgot each other after previous connections, in which case a full reset will help.

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the back of the case (if any) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
  3. For models without a button on the case (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4): πŸ”„ Get both earphones out of the case. πŸ”„ Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 20 seconds. πŸ”„ The indicators will first light up red, then go out and flash white - this is a signal of a successful reset.

30 seconds

Warning: Once reset, the headphones will be removed from the memory of all previously connected devices, and they will have to be reconnected as a new device.

What to do if the reset button does not work?
If the button on the case does not respond, try to connect the case to the power source (charging) and repeat the retention. For some models (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro) you need to hold the button until the indicator flashes four times (about 25 seconds).

Sync with Mi Home/Xiaomi Earbuds app

For the new generation of Xiaomi headphones (starting with AirDots 3 Pro and Buds 4), the official customization app is available - Xiaomi Earbuds (previously a feature was in Mi Home), which allows you not only to synchronize the headphones, but also to update the firmware, which often solves connection problems.

Instructions for synchronization through the application:

  1. Install the Xiaomi Earbuds app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Open the app and allow access to Bluetooth and notifications.
  3. Place the headphones in search mode (take out of the case and hold the touch panels for 3 seconds until the white indicator blinks).
  4. In the application, click Add Device β†’ Headphones and select your model.
  5. After connecting, go to Settings β†’ Headphone Sync (or TWS Mode) and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the right earphone is connected separately and the left earphone is not, it means that the right earphone has switched to Mono mode to return the stereo:

  1. Disconnect both headphones from all devices (in the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone, click "Forget the device").
  2. Reset the headphones (see section above).
  3. Connect to the headphones again via your smartphone – they should sync automatically.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones don't sync after all the manipulations, check them on another smartphone or PC, and if the problem persists, it's a hardware defect that needs repair.

Advanced methods: engineering menu and AT-team

For power users, if standard methods didn’t work, you can try activating sync mode via the Bluetooth engineering menu, which works on most Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3) and requires activation of the developer mode.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Click on MIUI 7 times until the notification β€œYou’ve become a developer” appears.

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers

Bluetooth debugging

nRF Connect

Google Play

nRF Connect

AT+TWS=1

If the team doesn't work, try:

AT+RESET

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right AT-This method is recommended only if you are confident in your actions or follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

List of supported AT-commands for Xiaomi TWS
Most Xiaomi headphones support commands: - AT+TWS=1 - Forced Synchronization - AT+RESET - Setting Reset - AT+VERSION - Firmware Version Check - AT+NAME? - Device Name Check To send commands, use the terminal in nRF Connect or Bluetooth Terminal.

How to check if the headphones are successfully synchronized

After the instructions are followed, it is important to make sure that the headphones are actually working in TWS mode.

  • πŸ”Š Sound test: Play stereo audio (e.g., music with clear left/right channels) and hear full stereo sound on the headphones.
  • πŸ“± Check in Bluetooth settings: On Android: Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth, press the gear icon next to the headphones (A2DP). On iOS: in the Bluetooth menu next to the headphones should be an icon 🎧 (not 🎡, what does monomode mean).
  • πŸ”‹ Headphone Indicators: If synchronized successfully, both earbuds should flash white or blue at the same time (not chaoticly).
  • πŸ“Š Xiaomi Earbuds app: Device status should be specified in the Device Status section TWS Mode: Connected.

If there is no sound in one of the headphones or interference is heard, try:

  1. Turn off and reconnect the headphones.
  2. Check the sound balance in the smartphone settings (on Android: Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Balance stereo).
  3. Update the firmware of headphones through the Xiaomi Earbuds app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Xiaomi headphones

Can you sync Xiaomi headphones with headphones of another brand?
No, TWS technology works only between the headphones of the same model and brand. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro will not be able to sync with Samsung Galaxy Buds or even Xiaomi Buds 4 β€” only with the same Redmi AirDots 3 Pro.
Why did the headphones stop syncing after the firmware update?
Sometimes new firmware versions contain bugs. Try: Reset your headphone settings (see section above); roll back the firmware through the Xiaomi Earbuds app (if the previous version is available); Contact Xiaomi with the model and firmware version (you can find out in the app).
Can you use only one headphone from a pair?
Yes, most Xiaomi models support Mono (monophonic) mode. To do this: Take out only one earpiece (like the right one) from the case. Connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Play audio β€” sound will come from only one earpiece. To return to TWS mode, pull out the second earpiece from the case β€” they sync automatically.
How to reset headphones if the button on the case does not work?
If the mechanical reset button on the case is broken or missing, use the software reset: Connect your headphones to your smartphone. In the Xiaomi Earbuds app, go to Settings β†’ Reset. Confirm the action. The headphones will reboot and be ready for a new sync. If the application does not offer a reset option, try holding the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 30 seconds.
Why do the headphones sync, but the sound comes from only one?
This is a typical problem with: πŸ”Š The wrong sound balance in the smartphone settings. πŸ“± Bluetooth profile conflicts (e.g. headphones connected and how) A2DP for music, and how HFP call-in). πŸ”‹ Discharge one of the headphones (even if the indicator is on, the charge can be critically low).Solution: In the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone, "forget" the headphones and plug them back in. Check the sound balance (on Android: Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Charge the case to 100% and repeat the synchronization.