How to connect and configure Xiaomi headphones: from pairing to fine sound settings

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets of the brand due to the combination of price, sound quality and integration with the MIUI ecosystem. However, even experienced users have questions: how to properly sync Xiaomi Airdots with your phone, turn on the ANC noise maker in FlipBuds Pro, or why one earphone works quieter than another. In this article, we will analyze all the stages from the first connection to hidden functions that the manufacturer does not always advertise.

Many people mistakenly believe that it is enough to open the case lid and the headphones will automatically connect. In practice, manual adjustment is often required, especially if we are talking about models that support Bluetooth 5.2 or LE Audio. And there are nuances with firmware, compatibility with smartphones of other brands, and even the features of working with Windows or MacOS. We collected current data for 2026, including instructions for the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS.

Whether you’ve just unpacked the new Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro pair or pulled out the old Redmi Airdots 2 after a long downtime, this article will help you avoid typical mistakes and unlock the potential of your headphones by 100%.

1.First Connection: How to Sync Xiaomi Headphones with Your Phone

The pairing process depends on the headphone model and the firmware version of your smartphone. TWS-Xiaomi headphones algorithm is the same, but there are important exceptions – for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro require additional configuration ANC plug-in.

Step 1: Activation of the pairing mode

1. Take the headphones out of the case (they should automatically turn on).
2. Press the button on the case (or touch panel on headphones) for 5-10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red (models with Bluetooth 5.0+ – only white).
3. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and select your headphones from the list.

Step 2: Confirmation of Connection

If the headphones support Fast Pair (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro), the connection will happen automatically after the case cover is opened - just click "Connect" in the pop-up window.

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If the headphones are not determined, try resetting them to factory settings: press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.

Features for different models:

• 🔹 Xiaomi Airdots (1-3 generations): the pairing button is on the back of the case.
• 🔹 Redmi Buds 4/5: Support dual connection to two devices at the same time (set up in the Mi Earphones app).
• 🔹 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: Require firmware updates through Mi Home for proper operation ANC.

2. Sound setting: equalizer, ANC and transparency modes

By default, Xiaomi headphones use a neutral sound profile, but it can be changed through the company’s app or smartphone settings. Importantly, not all models support adaptive ANC (active noise cancellation) – this feature makes sense to configure only in FlipBuds Pro, Buds 3T Pro and later.

How to Enable ANC and Transparency Modes:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app (for older models) or Xiaomi Earbuds app (for newer ones).
2. Connect the headphones and go to the Noise Reduction section.
3. Choose one of the modes: 🎧 ANC — Active noise cancellation (suppresses low frequency noise). 🌿 Transparency – skips the surrounding sounds (good for the street). 🔇 Adaptive – automatically adjusts the noise reduction level (only in Buds 4 Pro and newer versions).

Equalizer setting:

In the same application (Mi Earphones) pre-installed profiles are available:

• 🎵 Bass.+ — Higher frequency (suitable for hip hop).
• 🎶 Bright – accentuates high frequencies (for vocals).
• 🎛 Custom – manual band setting (60Hz to 16kHz).

Table: Comparison of ANC capabilities in different models

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ANCs in budget models (such as Redmi Buds 3) often perform worse than flagships, due to fewer microphones and a simplified algorithm.

3 Connection problems: one earphone is not working, the sound is interrupted

The most common complaints of users are the disconnection of one earphone, delays in sound or constant breaks in connection, the reasons can be either software (obsolete firmware) or hardware (discharged battery in the case).

Typical failures and solutions:

• 🔋 One earphone won't turn on: Check if the contacts in the case are clean (wipe with alcohol). Try charging the earphone separately (put it in the case and close the lid for 10 minutes). Reset (clutch the touchpad on the earphone for 15 seconds).
• 🎵 Sound interrupts: Turn off Bluetooth accessories on other devices nearby (they may interfere). In your smartphone's Bluetooth settings, select Sound Quality Priority (in the Bluetooth settings). MIUI This is the audio quality option. Update your headphone firmware through Mi Home.
• 🔄 The only thing that connects to the headphones is: Reset both headphones (see the instructions above). Remove the device from the Bluetooth conjugate list and reconnect it. Check if the Mono mode is on (some models activate it with a triple touch).

Compatibility warning:

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones with Qualcomm chips QCC3040 (For example, Buds 3 Pro can conflict with smartphones on MediaTek (especially with firmware below Android 11.

4. Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Headphone firmware is not only responsible for connection stability, but also for sound quality, ANC performance and battery life. For example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro improved noise cancellation at low frequencies after upgrading to version 1.7.0.4, and Redmi Buds 4 fixed a bug with spontaneous microphone shutdown.

How to update firmware:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for older models) or Xiaomi Earbuds app (for newer ones).
2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone and open the app.
3. If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click Update and wait until it is completed (don't turn off the headphones!).

Checklist before update:

Headphone and case charge > 50% |Stable Wi-Fi connection |Closed all background apps | Headphones are next to the smartphone (within a radius of 1 m)

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What the firmware update does:

• 🔊 Improved sound quality (e.g. support) LC3 In Buds 4 Pro).
• 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption (10-15% longer battery life).
• 🎙 Mik bug fix (relevant to Redmi Buds 3 Lite).
• 🔄 Adding new features (e.g., automatically switching between devices in HyperOS).

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If after the update, the headphones began to work worse (for example, wheezing in the sound appeared), try rolling back the firmware through the service center or manually (instructions are available on the 4PDA forums).

5. Hidden functions: gestures, voice assistant and dual connection

Many users are unaware that Xiaomi headphones support control gestures, integration with Xiaomi Voice Assistant (or Google Assistant), and simultaneous connection to two devices.

Gesture control (on the example of Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro):

How to set up a voice assistant:

Dual Connection (for Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later):

This feature allows the headphones to be connected to the phone and laptop at the same time, so you can turn it on.

1. Connect the headphones to the first device.
2. Open Mi Earphones → “Connect to two devices” → “Enable”.
3. Connect the second device via Bluetooth (earphones must be determined automatically).

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If gestures don't work, check to see if random tap protection is enabled in the app settings, and make sure you're touching the touchpad, not the headphone case.

6.Autonomy and charging: how to extend the life of the battery

Xiaomi headphones range from 4 hours (Airdots 2) to 9 hours (Buds 4 Pro with ANC off).However, real autonomy depends on volume, noise reduction use and even ambient temperature.

How to maximize the battery life:

• 🔊 Reduce the volume to 60-70% (each one) +10 dB reduces working hours by 1-1.5 hours).
• 🔋 Turn it off. ANC, If not needed (saves up to 25% of the charge).
• 📵 Use Mono Mode (One Headphone) if you don’t need stereo sound.
• 🌡 Avoid overheating/supercooling (optimal temperature: +10°C. +35°S).

Table: Working time in different modes (on the example of Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro)

Charging warning:

⚠️ Note: Do not use fast chargers with higher power 5W For the case, it can shorten the battery life. 5V/1A or wireless charging (if supported).

7. Compatibility with PC, Mac and other devices

Xiaomi headphones work not only with smartphones, but also with computers, tablets and even Smart TV. However, there are nuances: for example, on Windows, ANC may not work, and on MacOS sometimes there are problems with the microphone.

Connection to Windows 10/11:

1. Turn on the pairing mode on the headphones (see section 1).
2. On PC, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select the headphones and click "Connect".
4. If the sound is only in one headphone, select the Stereo format (not Voice Communication) in the sound control panel.

MacOS connection:

• 🍎 Open System settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Headphones should be defined as LE-Audio Device (if not, upgrade macOS to Ventura 13.3).+).
• 🎤 To run a microphone in Zoom or Discord, select headphones as the input device in the application settings.

Connect to Smart TV (Android TV, Mi TV)

Most Xiaomi TVs (e.g. Mi) TV Q2) support the connection TWS-headphones via Bluetooth, but there may be a delay of up to 200 ms to reduce the delay:

• In TV settings, select Sound Settings → Audio Latency → Minimum.
• Use headphones with support for aptX Low Latency (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).

8. Repair and replacement of spare parts: what can be done on your own

If Xiaomi headphones stopped working after falling, getting moisture or just wore out over time, you don’t always need to carry them into the service. Some problems can be solved yourself, for example, replacing the earpieces, cleaning the contacts or re-gluing the fallen speaker.

What can be repaired at home:

• 🔧 Replacement of earpieces: Remove old tweezers (carefully so as not to damage the speaker's mesh). Apply a drop of BF glue-2 On a new slap and press on 10 minute.
• 🔋 Case Reconstruction: Wipe the contacts in the case and on the headphones with alcohol. If the contacts are oxidized, carefully clean them with a lasticle.
• 🎧 Repair antenna loop (if the headphone is not connected): Disassemble the headphone case (you need a plastic blade). Check the integrity of the thin wire that goes from the board to the antenna (at a cliff - solder).

When to contact the service:

⚠️ Attention: If after a fall in the headphone appeared crunch or the sound became muffled, most likely damaged speaker or membrane. Self-repair will not help here - you need a replacement speaker (cost: from 1500) ₽ in Xiaomi service centers).

Where to buy spare parts:

• 🛒 AliExpress (search by model, for example, "ambushures for Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro»).
• 🔋 Batteries: in shops like "Chip and Deep" (see the number, for example, BL-5B for Airdots 3).
• 🔧 Case Contacts: on Avito or in Electronics Repair Teams.

Cost of repair in the service (example prices for 2026):

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones