How to connect two headphones Xiaomi with each other: 3 proven methods

Did you buy a second Xiaomi headphone after losing the original one, or do you want to use two separate devices as a stereo pair? Synchronizing two wireless headphones from Xiaomi is a challenge that many users face. Unlike standard out-of-the-box connectivity, where the headphones are already paired, combining the two devices alone requires knowledge of the nuances of Bluetooth protocols and firmware features.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for connecting two Xiaomi headphones (including AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds and others), explain why headphones may not see each other, and give a checklist for diagnosing problems. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi AirDots 3 Pro model, where synchronization is possible only through the proprietary Mi Home application, a point that is often missed in general instructions.

Before you start, make sure that both headphones are charged (at least 30%), and their firmware is updated to the latest version. If one of the headphones was previously paired with the other device, reset the settings (instruction below).

Method: Standard Bluetooth synchronization (for most models)

This method is suitable for Xiaomi headphones that support Dual Mode technology (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, Redmi AirDots 2). The algorithm works at the Bluetooth 5.0+ protocol level, where one device acts as a master and the second as a slave.

Important: if headphones from different sets (for example, purchased separately), MAC-Addresses must be compatible. Some Xiaomi models remove this restriction after a firmware update.

• 📱 Step 1: Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and remove all previously paired Xiaomi devices.
• 🔄 Step. 2. Turn off both headphones, then turn them on at the same time, holding the power button 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
• 🤝 Step. 3. Place the headphones close by (at a distance) 1-2 cm) and wait until they emit a connection beep (usually double squeaking).
• 📲 Step 4: Connect to them via Bluetooth as a single device (the list will include a model name, such as Mi True Wireless Earphones).

Both headphones are displayed as one device in Bluetooth.|The sound is played synchronously in both headphones.|The lights are the same (e.g. blue)|The mobile application displays the status "Connected"-->

If the headphones are not synchronized, try to change their roles: turn off both, turn on the right first, then the left (or vice versa). In Xiaomi Air 2 SE models, the right earpiece is the leading by default.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones with Qualcomm chip QCC3040 (For example, Mi AirDots Pro 2 may require a pre-reset via a button combination. To do this, hold both touch panels for 15 seconds until the indicators go out and light up again.

Method: Synchronization via Mi Home (for new models)

Xiaomi’s post-2021 headphones (e.g., Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) often require the use of the proprietary Mi Home app for mating, due to the introduction of the proprietary Mi TrueWireless Stereo Plus protocol, which is not supported by standard Android/iOS tools.

Download Mi Home from the official store (do not use third-party APKs - this can cause firmware failure).

1. Open Mi Home and sign in with your Xiaomi account.
2. Go to the Devices section → Add the device → Headphones.
3. Select your headphone model from the list (if there is no model, update the app).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: You usually need to press and hold the button on both headphones until the beep.

After successful mating, a tab will appear in Mi Home with headphone settings, where you can:

• 🎧 Set up equalizer (preset profiles or customized profiles).
• 🔇 Activate ANC (active noise reduction or transparency.
• 📱 Update the firmware (critical for models with synchronization bugs).

Redmi AirDots 3/Pro|Xiaomi Buds 3/3T/3 Pro|Mi True Wireless Earphones 2|Redmi Buds 4/4 Pro|Another model-->

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Home headphones are displayed as two separate devices, and not as a stereopara – reset through the app: Device Settings → Reset to the factory. Repeat the mating procedure after that.

Method: Manual mating via engineering menu (for power users)

This method is suitable for models where standard methods have failed (for example, after a failed firmware update), and requires access to the engineering menu of headphones through ADB or specialized utilities like nRF Connect.

Warning: Incorrect actions can lead to loss of functionality of the headphones. Use this method only if:

• 🔧 Both headphones previously worked in a pair, but stopped synchronizing.
• 📱 You are confident in your skills to work with ADB or Bluetooth scanners.
• 🔄 You have a backup of the firmware (for models with the ability to flash flash it back).

Instructions for nRF Connect (Android app):

1. Install nRF Connect from Google Play.
2. Turn the headphones on in search mode (blinking white indicator).
3. In nRF Connect, click SCAN Find both headphones (they will show up as Unknown Device with the device). MAC-address).
4. Connect to one earbud, then go to the UART tab.
5. Send a team: AT+BIND=MAC_second headphone (replace) MAC_The second headphone to the real address, for example, AT+BIND=F4:12:FA:87:3D:1C).
6. Reboot both headphones (hold the power button for 10 seconds).

For models on a BES2300 chip (such as Redmi AirDots S), use the BES BT Tool utility instead of nRF Connect.

bes bind [MAC_address


bes reset

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Before using the engineering commands, take a screenshot of the current headphone settings in the Mi Home (if they connect) to help restore the configuration after reset.

4. Why Xiaomi headphones do not connect with each other: top-5 cause

If neither method worked, the problem could be hardware or software constraints, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🔋 Headphones under 15% won't be able to complete the mating procedure. Charge them to 100% and try again.
• 📱 Check the software version in Mi Home. For Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro models, the current firmware is 1.4.0.6 or higher.
• 🔄 Conflict MAC-If the headphones are different, their addresses may not be compatible. XDA Developers).
• 🎧 A damaged Bluetooth chip. If one of the headphones is not detected by any device, it's a hardware malfunction. Diagnostics: connect the headphone to the PC via a Bluetooth adapter and check the logs in Device Manager.
• 🔇 Mono mode activated. Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite) have a hidden mono mode function. To disable: tap the touchpad three times on one of the headphones.

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If the headphones previously worked in a pair, but after updating the firmware ceased to sync - roll back to the previous version of the software. To do this, use the Mi Flash Tool utility and the official firmware from the Xiaomi website.

5. How to check that Xiaomi headphones are successfully connected

Even if the headphones are connected to the phone as a single device, it does not guarantee the correct synchronization between them.

1. Sound test. Play a track with a clear channel separation (e.g., "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Freddie Mercury's voice starts with the left channel and the right channel) If the sound is only in one earpiece, the pairing fails.
2. Checking indicators. A successful pair of indicators should flash in sync. For example, Xiaomi Air 2 when connected, both headphones flash blue, then one goes out, and the second remains on.
3. Diagnostics in Mi Home. The app should show the status "Connected" and the charge level of both headphones. If you see only one, repeat the pairing.
4. Call someone and check if the microphone is working on both headphones (relevant for models with ENC).

For advanced diagnostics, use the Bluetooth Auto Connect app (available on Google Play).

• 📊 Signal level (RSSI) earpiece.
• 🔄 Protocol of connection, for example, A2DP music-- HFP call-in).
• 🎵 Codec used (SBC, AAC, aptX).

⚠️ Note: If Bluetooth Auto Connect displays two separate devices with the same name (e.g. Mi True Wireless) Earphones_1 Mi True Wireless Earphones_2) — This is a sign of a failed mating, and in this case, only a complete reset of both headphones will help.

6. Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If all of the above methods have failed, consider the following options:

• 🔧 Fastboot flashing. Relevant for models on a Qualcomm chip (e.g. Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro). USB-C and the QFlash Tool. Instructions in the spoiler below.
• 📦 If the headphone is detected by the system, but does not pair, the module may malfunction. BCM43015 (typical for Redmi AirDots: 800-1500 ₽.
• 🔄 Used as a mono headphone. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2) support independent connection of each earphone.
• 🛒 If the headphones are old (released before 2019), their chips may not support modern synchronization protocols, in which case it is cheaper to buy a new pair.

If you decide to give headphones for repair, check with the master whether his equipment supports the work with the chips:

• Qualcomm QCC30xx (most Xiaomi models)
• BES2300/BES2500 (Budget Series Redmi)
• Realtek RTL8763 (older models, for example, Mi AirDots Youth)

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Before visiting the service center, check if the warranty period has expired. For Xiaomi headphones, it is 12 months from the date of purchase (if you have a check).

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing Xiaomi headphones