How to pair Xiaomi headphones with a phone or laptop: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s wireless and wired headphones are popular because of their combination of affordable price, sound and usability. However, even with these devices, users often have questions about how to connect headphones to a smartphone, why they are not on the list of available devices or why the sound is interrupted. This article will help you understand all the nuances of pairing Xiaomi headphones with different gadgets, from Android smartphones to Windows computers.

We're going to look at not only standard Bluetooth connectivity or 3.5mm connectivity, but also rare cases -- for example, when headphones refuse to connect to other brands or require a reset. We're going to focus on Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds, Xiaomi FlipBuds and other popular series, because they all have their own characteristics. If you have a problem with headphones connecting to only one device or quickly discharge, here you'll find solutions.

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for the first connection

Before you start pairing, make sure your Xiaomi headphones are ready to go, which is especially important for wireless models, as they require pre-charging and activation of the search mode.

• 🔋 Charge your headphones: even if the indicator shows charge, connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes. Many models (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) do not turn on if the charge level is below 5%.
• 📱 Update the firmware of the smartphone: old versions MIUI Android may not support new Bluetooth protocols 5.2/5.3, This is why the headphones will not connect properly.
• 🔄 Reset previous connections: If the headphones were already paired with another device, remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices on that gadget.

For wired headphones Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi Hybrid Pro) HD) The preparation is all about checking the integrity of the cable and cleaning the 3.5 mm connector. Often, the sound problems are due to oxidation of the contacts or mechanical damage to the plug. If the headphones are connected but the sound is distorted, try moving the plug in the connector: If the problem disappears, then a cable replacement is required.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) have protection against connecting to non-original chargers. Use only proprietary cables and adapters, otherwise the headphones may not charge or work incorrectly.

2. Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones to a smartphone

The process of pairing Xiaomi wireless headphones with a phone depends on the model, but the overall scheme is the same for most devices. Consider the step-by-step instruction with the example of Redmi Buds 4 Active:

1. Activate Search Mode: Take the headphones out of the case, they should automatically turn on. Press the touchpad on both headphones for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes white and red (pair mode).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone: Go to Settings → Bluetooth. Activate the Bluetooth slider.

Select headphones in the list

• In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Active).
• Press it and confirm the pairing.

If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot the headphones: put them in the case, close the lid, then pull out and try again.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone: Sometimes it helps to reboot your device.
• 🔌 Check compatibility: check if your smartphone supports Bluetooth 5.0 and higher. for example, Xiaomi AirDots 3 will not work correctly with phones on Bluetooth 4.2.

Headphones are charged more than 10 times%|

Bluetooth on your smartphone enabled |

Headphones in pairing mode (flashing indicator)|

Previous connections removed (if any)|-->

For models with dual connectivity (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4), after the first pairing, you can connect the headphones to the second device.

1. Connect the headphones to the first device.
2. Press the touchpad for 2 seconds until the signal sounds.
3. Activate the search on the second device and select the headphones in the list.

3. Computer connection (Windows, macOS, Linux)

The interface between Xiaomi headphones and a computer or laptop has its own nuances, especially when it comes to Windows. Consider the process for each operating system.

Windows 10/11

1. Turn the headphones into pairing mode (see section above).
2. Press Win + I, select Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
3. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
4. Select your headphones from the list and wait for the connection to complete.

If the headphones are connected, but the sound is not played:

• 🔊 Check if they are selected as the output device: click on the speaker icon in the tray → Choose Xiaomi headphones.
• 🔄 Reinstall the Bluetooth driver: go to Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, right-click → Update the driver.

macOS

On a Mac, the process is simpler:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on.
3. Headphones should appear in the list - click Connect.

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, try:

• 📶 Disable Wi-Fi while listening (sometimes Mac conflicts with Bluetooth at 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Reset Bluetooth module: pinch the Shift + Option, click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu → Reset the Bluetooth module.

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If Xiaomi headphones don’t connect to Windows, try disabling Fast Pair in Bluetooth settings, a feature that sometimes prevents you from pairing with other brands’ devices.

Linux

On Linux (such as Ubuntu), use Bluetooth Manager:

1. Install blueman if you don't have one: sudo apt install blueman
2. Launch blueman-manager.
3. Click Search, select headphones and confirm pairing.

⚠️ Note: Some Linux distributions may require manual profile settings A2DP If you're connected to the headphones, they're defined as HSP/HFP (Low quality, manually switch the profile in the PulseAudio settings.

4. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones

Wired headphones Xiaomi (for example, Xiaomi Dual Driver or Xiaomi Piston) are connected through a standard connector 3.5 mm.

• 🎧 Check connector compatibility: some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Mi 11) are 3.5mm short and require an adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm.
• 🔊 Customize the sound: after connecting, check the volume level and turn on the headphone amplifier in Settings → Sound. → Sound quality.
• 🔄 Clean the connector: If the sound is distorted, gently clean the 3.5mm connector on your smartphone and headphone plug using a toothpick or compressed air.

If the headphones are connected but no sound:

• Check if the "Silent Sound" mode is activated in the settings MIUI (sound-section → Additional settings).
• Make sure the headphones are plugged in to the end - sometimes the plug doesn't reach the contacts.
• Try connecting the headphones to another device to rule out their malfunction.

For models with a microphone (such as the Xiaomi Hybrid Pro), check if the input device is correctly defined. On Android, go to Settings → Sound. → Input devices and select headphones as the source for the microphone.

5. Solving Connection Problems

If Xiaomi headphones are not connected or are not working stable, use this table for diagnosis:

If none of these things worked, try resetting your headphones to factory settings.

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Take out the headphones and try to reconnect.

6 Connect to multiple devices at the same time

Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 3T The Pro or Redmi Buds 4 Pro support multi-connection, which allows for simultaneous pairing with two devices:

• 📱 Only one device can produce sound at a given moment.
• 🔄 Auto-switching doesn’t work on all models (e.g. AirDots 3 requires manual switching).
• 🎧 Sound quality can be impaired when connected to two sources at the same time.

How to set up multi-connection:

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
2. Activate the pairing mode (clutch the touchpad for 2 seconds).
3. On a second device (like a laptop), find the headphones in the Bluetooth list and connect.
4. To switch between devices, use touch control on headphones or turn off Bluetooth on one of the gadgets.

If the multi-connection is not working:

• Update the firmware of headphones through the official Xiaomi Earphones app.
• Make sure both devices support Bluetooth 5.0 and higher.
• Reset the headphones to the factory settings and repeat the pairing.

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Multi-connection is not available on all Xiaomi models. Please check the feature in the specifications or on the manufacturer’s website before buying.

7. Sound tuning and additional functions

Once you have the Xiaomi headphones connected, you can customize the sound to your preferences.

• 🎛️ Use the equalizer: in the smartphone sound settings (Settings) → Sound. → Equalizer: Select a pre-profile or adjust frequencies manually.
• 🔇 Activate noise cancellation (ANC): If your model supports you ANC (For example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, turn it on in the Xiaomi Earphone app.
• 🎵 Set up touch control: In the same application, you can reassign touch actions (for example, double touch to skip the track).

For models with transparent mode (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro), you can quickly switch between noise cancellation and passing ambient sounds.

1. Press the touch panel on one of the headphones for 1-2 seconds.
2. Wait for the audible signal to confirm the switch.

If you use headphones with Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone, it is recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earphones app.

• Update the headphone firmware.
• View the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.
• Customize gestures and sound effects.

⚠️ Attention: Some functions (e.g, ANC Or customization of gestures) may not be available when connecting to devices other than Xiaomi. For example, on iPhone or Mac, the headphones will work in basic mode without additional settings.

8. Compatibility with other brands (iPhone, Samsung, etc.)

Xiaomi’s headphones are compatible not only with its brand’s smartphones, but also with devices from other manufacturers.

Connection to iPhone or iPad

The process of pairing with iOS is standard:

1. Activate the search mode on the headphones.
2. On the iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Select the headphones from the list.

Limitations:

• 📱 No support. ANC Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite).
• 🔋 Headphone charge level is not displayed in the status bar iOS.
• 🎛️ The equalizer is only configured through third-party applications (e.g. Equalizer Fx).

Connect to Samsung, Huawei, etc. devices

On Android devices of other brands, Xiaomi headphones connect without problems, but there may be nuances:

• 🔊 Sound codecs: Some smartphones (such as Samsung) use codec by default SBC, Which degrades the sound quality. In Bluetooth settings, select AAC or aptX (if supported).
• 🔄 Auto Connection: Huawei may need to manually confirm the connection each time.
• 📱 Corporate functions: noise reduction and gestures may not work properly.

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is distorted, try:

• Disable Bluetooth on other devices nearby.
• Reboot the headphones and smartphone.
• In Bluetooth settings, turn off Absolute Volume (if there is such a setting).

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On Samsung devices, before connecting Xiaomi headphones, turn off the dual audio feature in Bluetooth settings. It can cause pairing conflicts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones