How to pair headphones Xiaomi Earbuds with your phone: all the ways + fixing

Xiaomi Earbuds wireless headphones (including Basic 2, Pro 3, Air 3 and more) have become a popular choice due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even with such devices, users often face problems when first connecting or re-pairing. This article will not only explain how to connect Xiaomi Earbuds headphones to a phone, but also reveal the nuances of working with different models, operating systems, and help eliminate typical errors.

We'll look at all the current ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth pairing to using the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app, and we'll focus on common problems: the headphones are not located, only connect one by one, permanently turn off or give an error "Device is not supported", and you'll learn how to reset the headphones to factory and what to do if they stopped being determined after updating the firmware.

Important: the instructions in this article are relevant for all modern Xiaomi Earbuds models (2020-2026), including budget and flagship versions. LC3 or LE Audios may be absent – this is normal and does not affect the basic connection.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi Earbuds headphones for the first connection

Before you can link Xiaomi Earbuds to your phone, you have to prepare them properly, and this is a stage that is often missed, which leads to pairing errors.

• 🔋 Charge the case and headphones. Even if the indicator on the case is on, make sure that the charge level is not lower than 30%.
• 📱 Update the firmware on the phone. Android/iOS It may not support Bluetooth protocols, which are used by modern Earbuds. LE Audio requires Android 13+.
• 🧲 Make sure there is no interference. Turn off nearby wireless devices (columns, other headphones, smartwatches) that can interfere at 2.4 GHz.
• 🔄 Reset previous connections. If the headphones were already paired with another device, remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices on that gadget.

Pay special attention to the indicators on the case. Most models of Xiaomi Earbuds have an LED that signals the state of the device:

• 🟢 Green flashing - headphones in pairing mode.
• 🔴 Red: Low charge (less than 10%).
• 🟡 Yellow/Orange – Connection error or reset settings.
• 🔵 Blue Permanent – Headphones are already connected to the device.

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on the case does not respond to the press of a button, try to clear the contacts of the headphones and the case with a dry cotton swab. Dust or oxidation can block charging and turning on.

For models with touch control (for example, Xiaomi Air 3 Pro), the activation of the pairing mode may be different.

1. Remove both earphones from the case.
2. Press the touch panel on both headphones for 5-7 seconds until the indicator blinks.
3. If the indicator does not flash, return the headphones to the case, close it and try again in 10 seconds.

2. Standard Bluetooth connection (Android/iOS)

The most versatile way to link Xiaomi Earbuds is to use a standard Bluetooth menu, which works on all smartphones, including non-Xiaomi devices.

For Android:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off.
3. Remove the headphones from the case and wait until they appear in the list of available devices (usually the name begins with Mi Earbuds... or Redmi Buds...).
4. Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure the Bluetooth slider is on.
3. Wait for Xiaomi Earbuds to appear in the list of “Other devices” and tap them.
4. Confirm the connection (some models may require input) PIN-code - usually 0000 or 1234).

Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically be identified as "Hear and audio device" (Android) or "Audio" (iOS). In some cases, the system may suggest selecting a usage profile - select Phone calls and media audio for full-time work.

⚠️ Note: On iPhones, some Xiaomi Earbuds models (like Basic 2) can connect without displaying charge levels.This is normal - Apple restricts access to this information for non-certified devices.

If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one of them, check:

• 🔊 Settings of sound balance in Settings → Special facilities → Audiovisual (Android) or Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual Content (iOS).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices and pair again.
• 🎧 Clean contacts on headphones and in the case - sometimes oxidation leads to improper operation of one of the headphones.

Headphones and case loaded.|Bluetooth is on on the phone|Headphones removed from the case|Previous connections removed|No interference from other devices-->

3. Connection via the Mi application Home/Xiaomi Wear

For full-fledged work Xiaomi Earbuds (especially Pro and Air models) is recommended to use proprietary applications.

• 🎛️ Set up equalizer and sound profiles.
• 🔋 Monitor the level of charge of each headphone and case.
• 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones.
• 🎧 Reassign gesture control.

Download one of the applications depending on the model:

• 📱 Mi Home – for most models (including Basic 2, Redmi Buds).
• 📱 Xiaomi Wear – for new models (Air 3 Pro, Buds 5).

Instructions for connecting via Mi Home:

1. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
3. Click Add Device (+) → select Headphones category.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm the flashing of the indicator on the case).

Important nuance: The Mi Home app may not recognize headphones if they are already connected via Bluetooth.

1. Remove the headphones from the phone’s Bluetooth device list.
2. Close and open the case cover again.
3. Repeat the search at Mi Home.

After successful connection in the application will be available additional functions:

• 🔊 Transparency mode (for models with support).
• 🎵 Adaptive noise reduction (ANC) — Air 3 Pro and Buds 5.
• 🔋 Fast charging – displaying time to full charge.
• 🔄 Updating the firmware – critical for stable operation.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process through the app! If the headphones turn off during the update, they may stop turning on. In this case, you will need to reset through factory repair (instruction in section 5).

4. Solving Connectivity Issues with Xiaomi Earbuds

Even after setting it up properly, Xiaomi headphones can be unstable, and let’s look at common mistakes and ways to fix them:

🔴 Problem: Headphones are not on the Bluetooth list

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Headphones/case discharged → Charge 10-15 minutes and try again.
• 📵 Headphones in sleep mode → Remove them from the case and wait for the indicator to blink.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices → Turn off Bluetooth on all gadgets except your phone.
• 📱 Outdated phone firmware → Update. Android/iOS last-minute.

🎧 Problem: The sound is interrupted or lagged

This is a typical problem for cheap models (like Basic 2) when using codecs. SBC or AAC. Decisions:

• 📶 Reduce the distance between the phone and headphones (optimally, up to 1 meter).
• 🔊 Turn off noise cancellation (ANC), if it's on.
• 📱 Close background apps, especially instant messengers and games.
• 🔄 Switch the codec to AAC (Bluetooth → Sound settings).

🔊 Problem: The microphone is not working during calls

This is most often due to the wrong Bluetooth profile settings.

1. In Bluetooth settings, click on the icon ⚙️ near Xiaomi Earbuds.
2. Make sure you select both media audio and phone calls.
3. If there is no option, remove the device and reconnect.

For Air 3 Pro and newer models, also check the microphone settings in the Xiaomi Wear app:

• Open the app. → pick out the headphones → Microphone settings.
• Activate the Voice Improvement option (if available).

💡

If Xiaomi Earbuds headphones are permanently turned off when listening to music, try turning off Bluetooth battery optimization in your phone's settings. On Android, this is done in Settings section. → Annexes → Special access → Battery Optimization (Look for Bluetooth and Turn Off Optimization).

5.Reset Xiaomi Earbuds to factory settings

If the headphones are no longer connected, are unstable or "glutching", a complete reset will help, which removes all the stored connections and returns the device to its original state.

Instructions for most models:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the button on the case (usually on the back) for 10-15 seconds.
3. The indicator on the case will flash red and white (or yellow) – this is a signal about the reset.
4. Release the button and wait until the indicator flashes white/green (pairing mode).

For touch-controlled models (such as the Air 3 Pro):

1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Press the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the sound signal and the indicator flash.

⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi Earbuds headphones can be temporarily defined as LE-... Or FastPair on the Bluetooth list. That's OK -- just connect to them as a new device.

If the reset didn't work, it might be a problem with the headphone firmware. Try updating it with the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear (Update section). If the update isn't available, check:

• 📱 Phone compatibility (earphones may not be updated on older versions) Android/iOS).
• 🌐 Internet connection (update downloaded from Xiaomi servers).
• 🔄 Account Region (sometimes updates are only available for the China or Global version).

💡

Factory reset is a universal solution for 90% of Xiaomi Earbuds connectivity problems. If your headphones don’t work after reset, check them on another phone to rule out hardware malfunction.

6. Connect Xiaomi Earbuds to Multiple Devices

Many Xiaomi Earbuds models (starting with the Air 2 Pro) support multi-profile connectivity (Multipoint), which allows you to quickly switch between two devices (for example, a phone and a laptop).

How to connect to two devices:

1. First, connect the headphones to the first device (such as a smartphone).
2. Open Bluetooth settings on the second device (laptop, tablet).
3. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (remove them from the case and wait for the indicator to blink).
4. Connect to the second device.

How to switch between devices:

• 📱 Automatic: The headphones will switch to the device from which the sound is coming (for example, when playing music or calling).
• 🔄 Manual: Turn off Bluetooth on one device – headphones will connect to another.
• 🎧 In Xiaomi Wear, you can manually select an active device (not available for all models).

The limitations of Multipoint in Xiaomi Earbuds:

• ❌ Not all models support simultaneous connection to two devices, for example, Basic 2 can remember multiple devices but only work with one device.
• ❌ When an active call is made on one device, the other will be disabled.
• ❌ Sound quality can deteriorate with frequent switching.

For stable operation with several devices, it is recommended:

• 📱 Use devices on a single OS (e.g. Android) + Android).
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware of headphones.
• 🎧 Disable unnecessary devices from the list of conjugates (in Bluetooth settings).

7. Optimization of Xiaomi Earbuds: tips and life hacks

To make your headphones work longer and more stable, follow these recommendations:

🔋 How to extend the battery life:

• 📵 Turn off your Bluetooth headphones when you’re not using them (or put them in a case – they’ll automatically shut down).
• 🔊 Use the codec. AAC instead SBC (Lower energy consumption with the same quality).
• 🎵 Turn off noise cancellation (ANC), If you don’t need it, it reduces battery consumption by 15-20%.
• 🔄 Keep your headphones in your case – even when turned off, they slowly discharge.

🎧 How to improve sound quality:

• 🎛️ In the Xiaomi Wear app, select Preset Equalizer Bass Boost or Jazz (depending on your preferences).
• 🔊 In your Bluetooth phone settings, enable High-quality audio (if available).
• 🎵 Use music services with high bitrate support (e.g. Tidal, Apple Music Lossless).
• 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones – new versions often improve sound processing.

🛠️ Headphone care:

• 🧼 Wash your headphones and case with a dry microfiber 1-2 times a week.
• 🚫 Do not use alcohol or wet wipes – they can damage the coating.
• 🔋 Charge the case every 2-3 months, even if you do not use headphones (this prevents deep battery discharge).
• 🎧 Keep your headphones in a case – this protects them from dust and mechanical damage.

💡

If Xiaomi Earbuds headphones start to hold their charge worse, try battery calibration: completely discharge them (before turning them off), then charge them to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times. This can restore capacity by 10-15%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Earbuds