Have you bought new Xiaomi headphones but they don’t want to pair with existing ones? Or are you trying to combine AirDots 3 with Buds 4 Pro to play audio at the same time? The problem of connecting different models of Xiaomi headphones is one of the most common among users of the brand. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of synchronization, including official and alternative methods, and explain why some combinations are simply incompatible for technical reasons.
It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi headphones support dual connectivity (the simultaneous use of two pairs). For example, budget models like Redmi AirDots can’t physically sync with Xiaomi Buds 5 flagships due to different chips and communication protocols. But there are workarounds, from the use of special applications to hardware adapters. We tested all methods on current firmware in 2026 and selected only working solutions.
Why Xiaomi limits the connection of different headphones
The main reason is different versions of Bluetooth chips and proprietary synchronization protocols.
- 🔹 AirDots (1-2 Generations use the Realtek chip RTL8763B Bluetooth-only 5.0 and reduced functionality.
- 🔹 Buds 3/4 Pro equipped with Qualcomm QCC3040/QCC5151 Bluetooth 5.2+ Dual Device Connection Technology.
- 🔹 FlipBuds Pro is working on BES2300 supportive LC3-codecs that are incompatible with older models.
Xiaomi intentionally blocks cross-model connections for several reasons:
- Stability: Different chips can interfere with synchronous playback.
- Energy consumption: Unoptimized pairs discharge the battery 2-3 times faster.
- Marketing: Users are offered to buy headphones from one line (for example, Buds 4 + Buds 4 Pro).
There are exceptions, however: some models support Dual Audio mode via a smartphone (but not direct synchronization between headphones).
Method 1: Using Dual Audio Mode on Xiaomi Smartphone
It is the only officially supported method for connecting two different pairs of headphones, but with important limitations:
- 📱 It only works on smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO s MIUI 12+.
- 🎧 Both pairs of headphones should support Bluetooth 5.0+.
- 🔊 There will be a slight delay of sound (up to 100 ms) between the headphones.
Step-by-step:
- Connect the first pair of headphones to the phone in the standard way (via Settings → Bluetooth).
- Activate the search mode on the second pair (usually by holding the button on the case).
- Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Dual Audio.
- Click Add Device and select the second pair from the list.
☑️ Checking before connection
If you don't have Dual Audio on the menu, your phone or headphone model doesn't support the function, so move on to the following.
⚠️ Note: Dual Audio audio will be mono, not stereo. Full stereo requires direct connection between the headphones (see Method 3).
Method 2: SoundAssistant (Bluetooth Auto Connect)
If your smartphone doesn't support Dual Audio, you can use third-party apps, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most stable ones:
| Annex | Xiaomi support | Sound delay | Root is required. |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoundAssistant | Yeah (all models) | 50-80 ms. | No. |
| Bluetooth Auto Connect | Yes (MIUI 11+) | 30-60 ms. | No. |
| Dual Music | Partially (bugs) | 100+ ms. | No. |
Instructions for SoundAssistant:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Connect both pairs of headphones to the phone.
- Open SoundAssistant → Multisound.
- Select both pairs of headphones and activate the mode.
For Bluetooth Auto Connect:
1. Connect the first pair of headphones.
2. In the app, select "Dual Audio Mode".
3. Connect the second pair via standard Bluetooth.
4. Enable the option "Force Dual Audio" in the application settings.⚠️ Note: Apps may conflict with Xiaomi system services. If the sound starts to interrupt, turn off battery optimization for the app in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
Method 3: Direct connection via Bluetooth transmitter
If you need to combine headphones without a smartphone (for example, to connect to a TV or PC), use a Bluetooth transmitter with Dual Link support.
- 🎧 1Mii B06 Plus (supports 2 devices at the same time, aptX) LL).
- 🎧 Avantree Oasis Plus (low latency, compatible with Xiaomi).
- 🎧 Creative BT-W5 (For PC, it supports up to 4 devices).
How to connect:
- Connect the transmitter to the sound source (TV, PC) via 3.5 mm jack or USB.
- Activate the pairing mode on the transmitter (usually with the Pair button).
- Connect the first pair of Xiaomi headphones.
- Hold the button on the transmitter for 3 seconds to add a second device.
- Put the second pair of headphones on.
How do you reduce the latency of sound?
The disadvantage of the method is the additional cost of the transmitter (from 2 000) ₽). But this is the only way to get a true stereo without being tied to a smartphone.
Method 4: Headphone firmware (for advanced users)
Some enthusiasts are modifying Xiaomi’s headphone firmware to unlock hidden features, such as the AirDots 3 Pro, which has a patch that allows you to connect to Buds 4 in master fame mode, but this method is risky:
- ⚠️ May cause headphones to break (chip locking).
- ⚠️ Cancels the guarantee.
- ⚠️ Requires skills to work with ADB and Fastboot.
If you are willing to take a risk, follow the instructions:
1. Download Flashtool for your model (e.g. for AirDots: https://github.com/edgarbonet/airdots).
2. Connect the headphones to the PC in firmware mode (usually by pressing the buttons for 10 seconds).
3. execute the command:
fastboot flash config config.bin
4. Reset the headphones.⚠️ Warning: After firmware, the headphones may lose compatibility with the Mi Earphones app!
💡
Before you run the firmware, back up the original firmware with the command fastboot backup config backup.bin. This will help restore the headphones in the event of a failure.
Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing works)
If all of the above methods have not worked, consider these options:
| Decision | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Use the headphones separately | No risks, just | There's no simultaneous sound. |
| Buy a Bluetooth adapter → 3.5 mm | Cheap (from 500) ₽) | Wires, limited mobility |
| Exchange for one model | 100% compatibility | Additional expenditure |
For owners of Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, there is good news: these headphones support simultaneous connection to two devices (like a phone and a laptop).
Compatibility table headphones Xiaomi
To save you time, we have compiled a table of compatibility of popular models:
| Model 1 | Model 2 | Connection method | Sound quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots 3 | Buds 4 | Dual Audio (via phone) | Mono, delay 80ms. |
| FlipBuds Pro | Buds 3 Pro | Bluetooth transmitter | Stereo, delay 40ms |
| Redmi AirDots 2 | Haylou GT2 | SoundAsistant application | Mono, delay 100ms. |
| Buds 5 Pro | Buds 5 Pro | Direct connection | Stereo, no delay. |
Note that even if the connection is possible, the sound quality will be worse than the original pair.
- 🔊 Audio compression in dual transmission.
- 🔊 Different codecs (e.g, AAC vs aptX).
- 🔊 Asynchrony between headphones.
💡
The only way to get the perfect sound quality is to use headphones from the same line (like two Buds 4 Pros).
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
When trying to connect different Xiaomi headphones, users face typical problems.
⚠️ Note: If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one pair, check the balance settings in Settings → Sound. → Stereo balance. Sometimes resetting to the phone's factory settings helps bring sound back into both pairs.
Problem 1: The headphones are plugged in, but immediately switched off.
- 🔋 Check the battery charge (should be) >30%).
- 📱 Update the firmware of the phone and headphones.
- 🔄 Reset the headphone settings (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds).
Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or interrupted.
- 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
- 🔊 Switch to codec. SBC (Bluetooth).
- 📱 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery → Optimization.
Problem 3: The second pair of headphones does not appear in the list of devices.
- 🔄 Restart your phone and headphones.
- 📱 Remove all your Bluetooth devices and try to connect again.
- 🔧 Enable Developer Mode and Activate Debugging over Bluetooth.