How to pair Xiaomi wireless headphones: instructions for all devices

Xiaomi wireless headphones are among the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users often face problems when first connecting or re-pairing. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from basic settings to solving unusual situations when the headphones refuse to connect to a smartphone, tablet or computer.

The specialty of Xiaomi headphones (such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4 or AirDots Pro 2S) is the use of proprietary chips and protocols, which sometimes require specific actions to work correctly. We will not limit ourselves to the standard instruction “turn on Bluetooth” – instead, you will get a detailed guide taking into account the nuances of different operating systems and firmware versions.

It's important to understand that pairing can vary depending on the headphone model and the device you connect them to. For example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro supports dual connection to two devices at once, and older models like Redmi AirDots require manual reset before reconnecting.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi headphones for pairing

Before you first connect, make sure the headphones are charged and paired. Most Xiaomi models automatically switch to this mode when you first turn on, but if you have used the headphones before, you will need a reset.

To check the charge, pay attention to the indicators on the headphones or case:

• 🔴 Red flashing – charge below 20%, recharging is required.
• 🟢 Green constant - charge above 80%, you can start pairing.
• 🔵 Blue flashing – headphones in search mode (ready to connect).

If the indicator is not lit or lit red, connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes. For models with wireless charging (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) you can use a Qi-compatible pad. Exception: headphones Redmi Buds 3 Lite do not support wireless charging, despite the marketing statements of some sellers.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones don't respond to button pressing or don't charge, check the contacts in the case for oxidation. Often the problem is solved by cleaning with an alcohol wipe.

2. Interface with Android-smartphone (MIUI and other firmware)

Connecting to Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is as simple as possible thanks to MIUI’s proprietary firmware. However, even here there are nuances, especially if you use custom firmware or an old version of Android.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
2. Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicator flashes blue / white).
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 4 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).
4. Click on the name and confirm the connection. Some models will require additional acceptance of a request for access to contacts or microphone.

If the headphones are not listed:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module of the smartphone (turn off / turn on in the settings).
• 📱 Make sure that the current version is installed on the smartphone. MIUI (To check, go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🎧 Reset the headphones (press the button on the case or headphones for 10-15 seconds before changing the color of the indicator).

On pure Android devices (like Google Pixel or Samsung), the process is similar, but you may need to install the Mi Earphones app for full functionality (gesture settings, equalizer, etc.).

Charge headphones up to 50%+

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

Remove headphones from the case (autoption)

Make sure there are no other connected devices

Update the MIUI firmware (if used)

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3. Connection to iPhone or iPad (iOS)

While Xiaomi is a brand with a strong focus on the Android ecosystem, its headphones are compatible with iOS, but there are limitations: some features (such as low latency in games or adaptive noise maker) may not work properly or at all.

Instructions for iPhone/iPad:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait for the appearance in the list of devices (can take up to 30 seconds).
3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.
4. Dual-connection-enabled models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) may require manual switching between devices in Bluetooth settings.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔊 No sound after connection – check if the headphones are selected as the output device at the Control Point (swipe down from the upper right corner).
• 🔄 Permanent Communication Breaks – Turn off Low Bluetooth Power Consumption in iOS Settings (if available).
• 📱 The microphone is not working – go to Settings → Bluetooth → (i) next to the headphones → Use it for calls.

⚠️ Note: On iOS, it is impossible to update the firmware of Xiaomi headphones - this can only be done through an Android device with the Mi Earphones app installed.

4. Connection to Windows or Mac

Connecting to computers or laptops requires a little more work, especially when it comes to Windows 10/11 with its Bluetooth stack features. On MacOS, the process is easier thanks to Apple’s unified approach to wireless devices.

For Windows:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Remove the headphones from the case and wait for them to appear in the list (may take up to a minute).
4. Select headphones and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted or absent:

• 🔊 Check if they are selected as the default output device (control panel) → Sound).
• 🔄 Update the Bluetooth driver via Device Manager (especially relevant for laptops with Qualcomm or Intel modules).
• 🎧 For models with aptX or AAC (For example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, set the appropriate codec in the sound settings.

For macOS:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on and wait for the headphones to appear on the list.
3. Press Connect and confirm the pairing.

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If Xiaomi headphones are connected to Windows but there is no sound, try removing them from the list of devices and re-entering them, often solving the problem with the “invisible” audio stream.

5. Solving Connection Problems

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, Xiaomi headphones may refuse to connect. Let’s look at common errors and how to fix them.

The headphones are not on or charged:

• 🔋 Check the cable and power supply (use the original cable) USB-C for Type-C models).
• 🔌 Try another power source (like smartphone charging).
• 🛠️ If the case does not respond to the pressing, perform a hard reset: press the button for 20-30 seconds (before turning off the indicator).

The headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted:

• 📶 Make sure there are no physical barriers between the headphones and the device (walls, metal objects).
• 🔄 Switch to another audio codec in Bluetooth settings (e.g., with a AAC on SBC).
• 📱 On Android, turn off charge saving for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery → Saving charge.

One earpiece is not working:

• 🎧 Return both earphones to the case, then re-extract them.
• 🔄 Reset your headphones (for most models: hold the button on the case for 10 seconds).
• 🛠️ Check if the contacts on the headphones or in the case are not contaminated (clean with a cotton swab).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are still not working after all the manipulations, check them on another device. If the problem persists, this may indicate a hardware defect, especially if the headphones fell or came into contact with moisture.

6.Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

Reset helps to eliminate most software failures, including problems with connecting, sounding or synchronizing headphones with each other.

For most models (Redmi Buds, Xiaomi Buds, AirDots):

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Release the button - the headphones will reset and automatically go into pairing mode.

For touch-controlled models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro):

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Touch and hold both touch fields on the headphones for 10 seconds until you hear the reset beep.
3. Return the headphones to the case and repeat the connection procedure.

For older models (e.g. Mi AirDots Basic):

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Three times quickly press the power button on each headphone (the interval between presses is no more than 2 seconds).
3. Wait for the double beep - this is a confirmation of the reset.

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Resetting the headphones erases all user settings, including device binding, and after the procedure, they will have to be paired again, as when you first connect.

7. Update to Xiaomi headphone firmware

Regular firmware updates fix bugs, improve connection stability, and add new features (e.g. support for new audio codecs), but you can only update your headphones through an Android device with the official Mi Earphones app installed.

Instructions for updating:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play (no iOS app available).
2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphone model in the list.
4. If an update is available, a notification will appear – follow the instructions on the screen.

What to do if the update is not installed:

• 📱 Make sure there is enough free space on your smartphone (required) ~50–100 MB).
• 🔋 The headphone charge should be at least 50%.
• 📶 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network (update downloaded via the Internet).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.

After a successful upgrade, the headphones will automatically restart. Do not remove them from the case or turn off Bluetooth during the process - this can lead to a blink (inoperability) of the device.

8 Additional functions and settings

Full use of the capabilities of Xiaomi headphones requires customization through a proprietary application. For example, Mi Earphones is available:

Substantive functions:

• 🎵 Equalizer – setting up the sound profile (bass, high frequencies).
• 🎧 Gesture management – assigning touch actions (playback, calling voice assistant).
• 🔇 Noise reduction - level adjustment ANC (Active noise reduction for models with support (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro).
• 🔋 Charge display – the percentage of battery of each headphone and case.

Hidden opportunities:

• 🎤 Transparency mode – allows you to hear surrounding sounds without removing headphones (relevant for Xiaomi Buds 4 and newer).
• 🔄 Auto-Switching – setting the time of inactivity before disconnection (default: 5 minutes).
• 📱 Dual connection – simultaneous work with two devices (for example, a smartphone) + laptop).

For models with game mode (low audio latency), activate it in the app settings, which is especially important for mobile games, where synchronization of sound and image is critical.

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If your headphone model is not displayed in the Mi Earphones app, check the region of your Mi Account. Some features may be blocked for devices purchased in China (CN region).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones