How to pair Xiaomi headphones with a phone: instructions for all models (2026)

Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Connect and How to Fix It

Mating Xiaomi headphones with a phone usually takes less than a minute, but sometimes the process turns into a real puzzle: users face situations when the device is not detected in the list of available, the connection is constantly broken or the sound is transmitted to only one earphone. The reasons can be due to software failures and hardware features of a particular model – from Redmi AirDots to flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.

In this article, we'll look at all the mating options you can use, including manual mode, headphone resets, and smartphone problem diagnosis. We'll focus on the hidden MIUI features that speed up connectivity and stabilize connection. If you've tried standard methods, don't give up, 90% of the time, the problem is solved without going to the service center.

Before you start the instructions, make sure your headphones are charged (the indicator should flash white or blue), and the phone is turned on Bluetooth. For models with a case (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T), check that both headphones are in it - otherwise the pairing may not start.

Standard mating: step-by-step instructions for beginners

If you’re first to connect Xiaomi headphones, use this algorithm. It’s suitable for most models, including Redmi AirDots 3, Xiaomi Buds 4 and older. Importantly, the process may be slightly different for devices with an on button (such as AirDots Basic) and touch controls (Buds Pro 2).

How to pair headphones:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone and activate device search.
• 🎧 Take the headphones out of the case (if any) or press the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red (mating mode).
• 🔍 In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) and tap it.
• ✅ Confirm the connection. Some phones will need to enter PIN-code - default is 0000 or 1234.

Once successfully connected, the headphone indicator will turn blue (or go out), and the Bluetooth list will appear marked "Connected". If the headphones support Mi AI Assistant, the system may suggest installing additional software for advanced functions (for example, gesture customization).

Headphone charge > 30% |Bluetooth on phone enabled | Headphones in mating mode (blinking indicator) | Distance between devices < 1 meter-->

Mating mode for different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi headphones activate search mode the same way. For example, Redmi AirDots 2 requires a long press on the touchpad, and Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro goes into pairing mode automatically when first extracted from the case. In the table below, the exact combinations for popular models.

If your model isn't in the table, try the universal method: put the headphones in the case, close it for 10 seconds, then remove it. Many Xiaomi models reset the current connection and automatically go into mating mode.

Redmi AirDots|Xiaomi Air 2/Air 2S|Xiaomi Buds 3/3T/4|Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro|Another model-->

What to do if the headphones are not detected

If the phone doesn't see Xiaomi headphones on the list of available devices, the problem could be on both the gadget side and the smartphone side.

1. 🔋 Check the charge: if the indicator doesn't burn at all, the headphones are discharged. Put them in the case for 15-20 minutes.
2. 🔄 Reset: For most models, this is pressing the button/sensor for 10-15 seconds before a red flash (means resetting).
3. 📴 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone: Turn off and turn on the module again in the settings.
4. 📱 Update your headphone firmware (if supported). Use the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app for this.

If the problem persists, try connecting the headphones to another device (tablet, laptop) to help determine the root of the problem:

• 🟢 The headphones connected to another device → phone problem (possibly conflict with other Bluetooth devices or crash) MIUI).
• 🔴 Not connected to any device. → headphone malfunction (battery discharged, Bluetooth module damaged).

Mating with iPhone and other non-Xiaomi devices

Xiaomi headphones are compatible not only with smartphones on MIUI, but also with iPhone, MacBook, and devices on Windows or Android of other brands.

On the iPhone:

• 🍎 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and activate search.
• 🎧 Transfer the headphones to mating mode (see the table above).
• 🔍 Find the device in the list (can be displayed as LE-... or Mi...).
• ⚠️ The iPhone will not work proprietary features (for example, gestures for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or low sound latency).

On Windows/PC:

• 🖥️ Go to the settings. → Devices → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Click "Add Device" and select Bluetooth.
• 🎵 For stable connection, disable other audio devices in the sound manager.

⚠️ Note: On a MacBook with chips M1/M2 There may be microphone problems in Xiaomi headphones. To fix this, select the headphones as the default input device in the audio settings.

Problems after mating: sound in one earphone, communication breaks

Even if the headphones are successfully connected, typical problems can occur:

The sound is only in one headphone:

• 🔄 Reboot both headphones: Put them in the case, close for 10 seconds, then pull out.
• 🎛️ In Bluetooth phone settings, forget the device and connect again.
• 🔊 Check the sound balance in the phone settings (Settings) → Sound. → Stereo balance).

Permanent communication interruptions:

• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and the headphones (walls, metal objects).
• 🔋 If the headphones are charged < 20%, they can automatically turn off to save energy.
• 📱 Turn off the power saving mode on your phone – it limits the Bluetooth operation.
• 🔄 Update the headphone firmware (see spoiler above).

The microphone is down:

• 🎤 In the call settings, select the headphones as the input device.
• 🔇 Check if the microphone is physically silenced (e.g. in Xiaomi Buds) 3T There is a wind protection that can block sound).

💡

If Xiaomi headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted when watching the video, turn on the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times) option to Turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth. This will eliminate audio delays.

Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings

If no method works, do a complete reset, which will remove all the stored connections and return the headphones to the "out of the box" state.

For Redmi AirDots/Air 2/Air 2S:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close it.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
3. Get the headphones out – they will automatically go into mating mode.

For Xiaomi Buds 3/3T/4 Pro:

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Press the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds until the red light flashes.
3. Put the headphones back in the case, then pull out - they're ready for a new connection.

For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro:

1. Open the case and press the button on its back for 10 seconds.
2. The indicator should flash red, then white.
3. Close and open the case again - the headphones will drop.

⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi headphones may lose touch with the Mi app Home/Xiaomi To restore functionality (for example, firmware or gesture settings), you will have to connect them again through the application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about pairing Xiaomi headphones