Lag in Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones: how to remove lags in sound once and for all

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market due to their combination of price and quality. However, even in top-end models like the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi AirDots 3, users face an annoying problem: lag when watching videos, games or conversations. Sound can be 0.5-2 seconds behind the picture, making it uncomfortable to use the device.

The reasons for the delay lie in the hardware limitations of the Bluetooth codec (for example, SBC vs AAC), and in the software settings of the smartphone or headphones. In this article, we will discuss unique methods of eliminating lags that work specifically for Xiaomi devices, including hidden MIUI functions and branded headphone chips. You will learn how to reduce latency to a minimum of 50-100 ms – this is enough for comfortable watching movies and streaming.

Why there is a delay in Bluetooth headphones Xiaomi

Before you fix a problem, it's important to understand the root of the problem, because wireless headphones are the result of compression and transmission of audio data over Bluetooth. Unlike wired headphones, where the signal is transmitted instantly, wireless communication takes time to:

• 🔹 Sound encoding (converting to a digital stream using a codec, for example, SBC or).
• 🔹 Transfer of packets over radio (depending on Bluetooth version and interference).
• 🔹 Decoding in headphones and output to speakers.

Xiaomi devices have several specific causes of lag:

• 📱 Optimization MIUI: the company shell sometimes artificially delays the sound for the "smoothness" of the system.
• 🎧 Budget codecs: most Xiaomi models (except flagship) use SBC — high-latency codec (~200 ms).
• 🔋 Energy Saving: Battery Mode May Limit Bluetooth Module Performance.
• 📶 Interference: Xiaomi headphones sensitive to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (especially in apartment buildings).

Interestingly, even in one model (for example, Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2), the latency can vary depending on the firmware of the smartphone. So, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 13 lags less than on the Poco X3 with a MIUI 12.5.

Method 1: Switch to a low latency codec

The most effective measure is to change the audio codec to one that supports low latency. Xiaomi devices usually work with the following codecs (worst to best in latency):

To change the codec on the Xiaomi smartphone:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones in the list and tap the gear (⚙️) near-name.
3. Select Audio Codec (if there is no option, then the smartphone does not support alternative codecs).
4. Try in order: aptX → AAC → LC3 (if available).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The codec menu is hidden. To unlock it, you need to turn on Developer Mode and activate the Bluetooth Debug option in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times).

Method 2: Optimize Bluetooth settings in MIUI

The MIUI's proprietary shell has hidden settings that can affect the latency of sound. Here's what you can do:

• 📵 Disable Dual Audio: If you connected your headphones to two devices at the same time (like your phone and laptop), it increases the lags. disable the feature in Bluetooth Settings → Additionally. → Dual Audio.
• 🔄 Reset Bluetooth Settings: Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings (this will remove all paired devices, but often solves the problem).
• 📶 Change Bluetooth Mode: In Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Select Sound Quality instead of Connection Stability.
• 🔋 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: in Settings → Battery → Select applications find Bluetooth and install Without restrictions.

It's particularly useful to turn off adaptive bitrate adjustment, which automatically reduces sound quality when the signal is weak.

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described above).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Developer settings.
3. Find the option to turn off the adaptive bitrate of Bluetooth and turn it on.

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If the sound is intermittent after changing the codec, go back to SBC and try to reduce the stream quality in your music settings (e.g., Spotify or YouTube Music).

Method 3: Update the firmware of headphones and smartphones

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for Xiaomi headphones that optimize the operation of the Bluetooth module. For example, in the firmware v1.7.0.4 for Xiaomi Buds 3T, the delay was reduced by 30% by optimizing the AAC codec.

To update the headphones:

1. Install the Mi Home app (available on Google Play or App Store).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone and open the application.
3. Go to the Profile section → My devices and choose your headphones.
4. If an update is available, a firmware update notification will appear.

Also check for updates for the smartphone:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download and install the latest version of MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the process of updating your headphones! If the headphone battery runs out during firmware, they may fail. Charge them to 100% before starting.

Method 4: Use of specialized applications

If standard methods do not help, you can use third-party utilities to reduce latency.

• 🎵 SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but works on the same platform) MIUI): It allows you to manually adjust the sound delay for Bluetooth devices. APK APKCombo.
• 🎧 Bluetooth Auto Connect: automatically reconnects headphones with optimal settings. Available on Google Play.
• 🎮 Game Turbo (built-in to the game) MIUI): If the lags are in games, activate this mode in the notification curtain. It prioritizes the sound and reduces latency.

To watch videos (YouTube, Netflix) will help the MX Player app with a synchronization setting:

1. Open the video in MX Player.
2. Slip on the screen and select an icon. ⚙️ (setting).
3. Go to Audio. → Synchronization of sound.
4. Increase latency by +50ms or -50ms until the sound matches the video.

For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, there is a proprietary application Xiaomi Earbuds, where you can turn on Low Latency mode (low latency) in the sound settings.

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Applications like SoundAssistant can conflict with MIUI. If audio artifacts appear after installation, clear the Bluetooth cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Bluetooth → Storage → Clear the cache.

Method 5: Hardware methods for reducing delay

If the software didn't work, the problem could be hardware constraints.

• 🔌 Use a Bluetooth transmitter: connect an external adapter to your phone (for example, 1Mii B06 Plus with aptX support LL. This bypasses the limitations of the built-in smartphone module.
• 📵 Reduce distance: Keep your smartphone and headphones at a distance of no more than 1 meter.Walls and furniture degrade the signal.
• 🔋 Charge headphones: at a charge level below 20%, the device automatically reduces Bluetooth performance.
• 📶 Change Wi-Fi frequency: If the router is running at 2.4 GHz, switch it to 5 GHz (or turn off Wi-Fi altogether when watching video).

For Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and later, there is a hidden feature: Game Sound mode.

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Mi Home and go to the headphone settings.
3. Tap 5 times according to the firmware version (for example, 1.4.5.2).
4. There will be a hidden menu where you can turn on Game Mode.

This mode reduces sound buffering, but can reduce audio quality.

Method 6: Alternative Connection Methods

If Bluetooth is not working, consider alternatives:

• 🎵 3.5mm audio cable: if your Xiaomi smartphone supports wired headphones (or has an adapter) USB-C → 3.5 mm), this will give zero latency.
• 📱 USB-C Headphones: Models like Xiaomi Type-C Earphones connect directly to the port and have no lags.
• 🖥️ Analog TV output: if you watch videos on TV, connect headphones through AUX or RCA-adapter.

For gamers on Xiaomi Black Shark has a unique feature - Bluetooth Direct Mode. It allows you to connect headphones directly to the game processor, bypassing system delays. Activated in Shark Space → Sound settings.

If you use headphones with Xiaomi TV, try connecting them via Mi TV Audio (in the TV sound settings).

Method 7: Resetting headphones to factory settings

If nothing works, do a full headphone reset, which will delete all the saved settings and return the device to the "out of the box" state.

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
3. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically reboot.
4. Connect them again via Bluetooth.

For Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 and Buds 3, the process is a bit different:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Hold the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds.
3. Indicators flash orange - reset is done.

⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi headphones may lose communication with the Mi Home app. To restore access to branded features (for example, equalizer), you will have to re-add them to the application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the delay in Xiaomi headphones