How to pair Xiaomi wireless headphones with your phone: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market, thanks to their combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users often have questions about how to connect them correctly, why the phone can’t see the headphones, or how to reset if something goes wrong. This article will help you understand all the nuances of pairing Xiaomi wireless headphones with different devices from Android smartphones to iPhones and even laptops.

We'll look at not only the standard Bluetooth connection procedure, but also the rare cases where headphones refuse to work. For example, you'll learn what to do if one headphone doesn't connect, how to update firmware for stable operation, and why Mi True Wireless Earphones can suddenly shut down. Instructions will suit all current models, from the budget Redmi Buds 4 to the flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro.

Importantly, if you're first to encounter wireless headphones, don't skip the pairing section, which will save you time and nerves, and for power users, we've prepared unique tips for optimizing connectivity that you won't find in standard instructions.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi headphones for pairing

Before you plug in your headphones, make sure they're ready to go, and many of the problems are caused by a basic omission: a dead battery, a power saving mode on, or mechanical damage.

• 🔋 Headphone and case charge: even if the light is green, try charging the devices for 10-15 minutes. Sometimes a discharge below 20% blocks pairing mode.
• 🔄 Resetting previous connections: If the headphones have already been connected to another device, they can automatically try to connect to it. To avoid this, remove them from the list of conjugated devices on the old gadget.
• 🎧 Physical check: Check the contacts in the case and on the headphones for oxidation or contamination.
• 📱 Phone Software Update: An Older Android or iOS Version May Not Support New Bluetooth Protocols 5.2/5.3, They use modern models of Xiaomi.

Pay special attention to the case: in models Redmi AirDots and Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 often there is a problem when the headphones do not go out of sleep mode if the case is discharged. Try to connect the case to charging and only then remove the headphones - this sometimes helps to "wake" them.

💡

If Xiaomi headphones don’t respond to button presses, try putting them in a case for 30 seconds, then remove and hold the touchpad (or mechanical button) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes.

2. Standard pairing with an Android smartphone

Connection to Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO or other Android devices is via the standard Bluetooth menu.

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone and turn it on.
2. Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator will flash white / red).
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 4 or Mi Earphones Basic 2) and tap it.
4. Confirm pairing if you request it. Some models (such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) may require additional confirmation on the headphones themselves — hold the touchpad until the beep.

If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn it off and turn it on again).
• 📵 Temporarily disable Wi-Fi – sometimes it interferes with device search.
• 🔋 Remove the headphones from the case and put them back, then remove them again (this resets their mode of operation).

Headphones are charged at more than 30%|Bluetooth on your phone is on and visible to everyone|Headphones removed from the case and flashing the indicator|The distance between the phone and headphones is not more than 1 meter-->

Xiaomi phones with MIUI 12+ may have a notification after connecting about the availability of branded features such as spatial sound or gesture settings. Don't ignore it - these options greatly improve the user experience.

3. Interface with iPhone and other iOS devices

While Xiaomi is an Android brand, their wireless headphones work well with the iPhone.

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
2. Make sure the headphones are paired (blinking indicator). For models with a button (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2), hold it for 5 seconds.
3. In the list of devices, select your model. If the name appears as "LE-" or "Unknown Device", it's okay to confirm the connection.
4. Wait for the status of "Connected".

Important: on iOS, some features may be limited, such as:

• ❌ No support for aptX codec – sound will be transmitted through the AAC or SBC, which may slightly degrade the quality.
• ❌ No access to the proprietary application Mi Earphones – gesture settings and equalizer will have to configure manually through the standard iOS menu.
• ✅ Automatic switching between devices works (if the headphones support Bluetooth Multipoint).

If the audio is interrupted or there is interference after you connect, try manually selecting the AAC codec in the iOS settings (path: Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to the headphones → Audio codec).

4. Solving Connection Problems

Even with the right actions, Xiaomi headphones can refuse to connect. Consider the typical errors and ways to fix them:

If none of these things work, try a forced reset of your headphones.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (if any) or touchpads on both headphones for 20 seconds.
3. The indicator should flash red - this is a signal of a successful reset.

5. Resetting Xiaomi headphones to factory

A complete reset is required if the headphones are unstable: they spontaneously turn off, do not sync with each other or "forget" connected devices, the procedure differs depending on the model:

For models with a mechanical button (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2):

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until double blinking red.
3. Remove the headphones - they will be in pairing mode.

For touch-controlled models (Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro):

1. Make sure the headphones are over 50% charged.
2. Hold the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the sound signal and the indicator blinking with purple (in some models - white).

Once reset, all previous pairings will be removed and the headphones will return to factory settings, which can also help if you purchased a used device and want to clear it of old connections.

💡

Resetting is a last resort. Before you try updating your firmware through the Mi Earphones app (available for Android).

6. Optimization of connection for stable operation

Even after a successful connection, users face delays in sound, communication interruptions, or rapid discharge.

• 📶 Minimize interference: Keep your phone and headphones at a distance of no more than 10 meters without obstacles (walls, furniture weaken the signal).
• 🔄 Update your firmware: in the Mi Earphones app (available on Android), check the relevance of the software. New versions fix bugs and improve compatibility.
• 🎛️ Set up the codec: for Android, choose aptX or AAC (Depending on phone support, iOS is available only AAC.
• 🔋 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: on Android go to Settings → Battery → Energy saving and add Bluetooth to exceptions.

For models with Bluetooth Multipoint support (such as Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), you can connect your headphones to your phone and laptop at the same time.

1. First, pair the headphones with the first device.
2. Open the pairing mode on the headphones (hold the touch panel for 3 seconds).
3. Connect the second device via its Bluetooth menu.

💡

If Xiaomi headphones are quickly discharged, turn off the automatic device search function in their settings (via the Mi Earphones app).

7. Connection to a laptop or PC

Xiaomi wireless headphones can be used with computers on Windows or macOS. The pairing process is similar to mobile devices, but there are features:

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click "Add device" and select Bluetooth.
3. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (see section 2).
4. Select the headphones in the list and wait for the connection to complete.

For macOS:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode.
3. Click "Connect" next to the model name.

On Windows, after you connect, you may need to manually select headphones as a playback device:

1. Click on the sound icon in the tray with the right button.
2. Select "Open sound parameters".
3. In the "Output" section, select your headphones.

8. Frequent questions and answers