Xiaomi Buds 3 is a popular model with Bluetooth 5.2 support, active noise cancellation and up to 7 hours of work, but even such an advanced device can have difficulties connecting, especially if you use them for the first time or after a reset. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to pair with Android and iOS, and also solve typical problems: why the headphones are not located, disconnected or interfere with.
Buds 3 features support for Mi TrueWireless Stereo, which is optimized for Xiaomi devices based on MIUI. This means that on the brand’s smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13), the connection will be faster and with advanced settings. But even if you have an iPhone or a phone from another manufacturer, the headphones will work – just part of the features (for example, customization of gestures) may not be available.
Before you start, make sure your phone supports Bluetooth 4.2 or later, which is the minimum requirement for stable operation. Also check the headphone charge: if the indicator on the case flashes red, first connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes.
1. Preparation of headphones Xiaomi Buds 3 to connect
Before the first pairing or after a long period of downtime, the headphones may be in "sleep" mode. To "wake" them, follow the following steps:
- 🔋 Charge the case: Connect the case to the power source (USB-C Or wireless charging, and wait until the light turns white. Minimum charge level for connection is 20%.
- 🎧 Remove headphones from the case: They will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (indicators on the headphones will flash alternately white and orange).
- 📱 Activate Bluetooth on your phone: On Android – swipe down and tap on the icon, on iOS – Settings → Bluetooth.
- 🔄 Resetting (if necessary): If the headphones have previously been connected to another device, reset (instructions in Section 4).
If the headphones don't flash, try pressing and holding the touchpad on both earbuds for 10 seconds, and then they reboot and go to search mode. On MIUI, you can also use the Quick Connect function, which will automatically detect the headphones if they are nearby.
⚠️ Warning: Do not put the headphones back in the case during the connection process, this will interrupt the pairing. The case should be open, and the headphones should be no more than 1 meter from the phone.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Xiaomi Buds 3 to Android
On Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones, the connection process is simplified as much as possible thanks to built-in support for Mi Earphones.
- Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
- Get your headphones out of the case. The list of available devices will include Xiaomi Buds 3 (or Mi TrueWireless Earphones 2 Basic for some regions).
On phones from other manufacturers (such as Samsung or Realme), the interface may be different, but the principle remains the same: the main thing is to wait for the headphones to appear in the list of Available Devices, if this does not happen, update the phone’s firmware or restart it.
Case charge > 20%|Bluetooth is on on the phone|Headphones in pairing mode (flashing)|Distance to the phone < 1m|No interference (Wi-Fi, microwaves)-->
Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically connect to the phone when removed from the case (if Bluetooth is activated).To turn off autoconnection, go to Bluetooth settings, select Xiaomi Buds 3 and uncheck Auto Connection.
3. Connect Xiaomi Buds 3 to iPhone (iOS)
While Xiaomi Buds 3 is optimized for MIUI, it is fully compatible with the iPhone (starting with iOS 12).
- ❌ No customization of gestures through settings.
- ❌ The branded noise cancellation is not working. ANC (Basic passive insulation).
- ❌ No display of the case charge level in the battery widget.
- ✅ All the main functions work: music playback, call reception, low latency in games.
Instructions for iPhone:
- Open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Take your headphones out of the case and wait until Mi TrueWireless Earphones (or LE-Xiaomi Buds 3) appears on the list.
If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, try disabling other manufacturers’ Bluetooth accessories (like the Apple Watch or AirPods) as they can cause interference. It’s also recommended to upgrade iOS to the latest version – this solves compatibility issues with most Bluetooth devices.
⚠️ Note: On iOS, you may experience a delay in sound when watching YouTube or Netflix videos. To reduce lag, close the background apps and turn on Low Lag in your headphone settings (if available).
4.Reset Xiaomi Buds 3: when and how to do
Resetting headphones to factory settings is required in three cases:
- The headphones don’t connect to the phone, although they have worked before.
- One of the headphones does not play sound (for example, only the left one works).
- You want to connect your headphones to a new device, but they automatically connect to the old one.
Discharge procedure:
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Open the case cover and press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15-20 seconds. The indicator will flash red and white, and then go out.
- Close it and reopen the lid. Now the headphones are ready for a new pairing.
Once reset, all settings (including device binding) will be removed. If the problem persists, check the headphones on another phone to determine if the Buds 3 itself or your smartphone is malfunctioning.
What if the reset didn't help?
5. Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on the Bluetooth list | Headphones in sleep mode or discharged | Charge the case, take out the headphones and hold the touch panels for 10 seconds |
| The sound is interrupted or there is interference. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi | Disable other gadgets, restart the phone, update the firmware |
| Only one earpiece works. | Failure of synchronization between headphones | Reset the settings, then connect again |
| Low volume level | Limiting volume in phone settings | Turn off the Safe Volume Level in the Sound Settings |
| Headphones are discharged quickly | Background processes or ANC enabled | Turn off noise reduction, update the case firmware |
If the problem is not solved, check the firmware version of the headphones.
- Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play.
- Connect the headphones and open the application.
- Go to Settings → Update firmware. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
- 📺 Smart TV: Supported TVs with Bluetooth 4.0+ (for example, Xiaomi TV, Samsung QLED, LG OLED). On the menu. TV Select Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. Sound can be transmitted with a delay - for movies, it is better to use wired headphones.
- 🎮 Game consoles: PlayStation 5 Nintendo Switch does not support Buds 3 Directly (needs Bluetooth adapter) on Xbox Series X/S You can connect it through settings → Devices → Bluetooth, but the microphone won't work.
When connected to a PC or Mac, the headphones will be defined as a Stereo device (for music) and a Headset (for calls). To switch between modes, go to Control Panel → Sound (Windows) or System Settings → Sound (Mac).