How to Manage Xiaomi Wireless Headphones: From Connection to Hidden Features

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of users, from budget Redmi Buds to flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro. But even the owners of these gadgets often use only a small part of their capabilities. Meanwhile, proper management of headphones allows not only to improve sound quality, but also to extend the battery life, customize gestures to your needs and even use hidden functions like transparent mode or automatic switching between devices.

In this article, we will look at all aspects of working with Xiaomi wireless headphones, from the first connection to fine-tuning through the Mi Earphones branded app. We will focus on the models of 2022-2026, but most of the instructions are universal for earlier versions. If you want to learn how to manage headphones at the pro level, read on.

1.The first connection of Xiaomi headphones to a smartphone

The process of pairing headphones with a phone seems simple, but many users face problems β€” especially if it is a model that supports dual connectivity (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).

First, make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator on the case should be white or green).

  • πŸ“± Open the case cover – the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (on most models, the white / blue indicator flashes).
  • πŸ” On your smartphone, go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth and find the device in the list of available. The name will contain the model (e.g. Redmi Buds 5).
  • πŸ”— Click on the headphone name and confirm the connection. Android may be asked to install the branded Mi Earphones app β€” agree, this will open access to advanced settings.
  • 🎧 After successful connection, close the case cover - the headphones will automatically turn off to save charge.

If the headphones are not defined, try resetting them to the factory settings.

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (or the touchpad on the headphones, if it is a FlipBuds Pro) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
  3. After resetting, repeat the connection process.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Buds models 3T Pro and later reset is performed through triple tap on the touchpad simultaneously on both headphones for 5 seconds.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi headphone model you use?
Redmi Buds (any model)
Xiaomi Buds (3/4/Pro)
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
Another model
Not yet.

2. Managing gestures and touch panels

All modern Xiaomi headphones are equipped with touch panels that allow you to control playback, answer calls and activate the voice assistant. However, the set of gestures and their purpose differs depending on the model.

Basic gestures (working on most models):

  • πŸ‘† One touch - playback/pause.
  • πŸ‘†πŸ‘† Double touch – next track (on the right earpiece) / previous track (on the left).
  • πŸ‘†πŸ‘†πŸ‘† Triple touch – call the voice assistant (Google Assistant or XiaoAI).
  • πŸ”‡ Holding 1-2 seconds - on / off noise reduction (ANC) Transparency mode (on models with support).

To reassign gestures:

  1. Open the Mi Earphones app (you can download it from Google Play or AppGallery).
  2. Select your headphone model at the top of the screen.
  3. Go to the Gesture Management section (or Touch Controls in English).
  4. Assign each gesture the desired action from the list (for example, you can replace triple touch by turning off the microphone during the call).

β˜‘οΈ Customization of gestures in Mi Earphones

Done: 0 / 5

On models Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and newer available function "Dynamic noise reduction", which automatically adjusts the level of the device. ANC It's activated in the same app in the same section. ANC-regimes.

3. Sound tuning: equalizer, ANC and transparent

One of the key advantages of Xiaomi headphones is flexible audio settings. In the proprietary application Mi Earphones available:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Preset equalizers (bass, vocals, classics, etc.).
  • πŸ”Š Custom equalizer with 10 frequency bands.
  • πŸ”‡ Noise reduction modes (ANC) β€” light to maximum.
  • 🌿 Transparent mode for communication without removing headphones.
  • 🎀 Customization of the microphone (echo suppression, voice enhancement).

Let us consider each item in more detail.

Equalizer: If you don't like factory settings, choose Customized mode and manually adjust frequencies. For bass, for example, increase the bands 60 Hz and 250 Hz, and for vocals, 1-4 kHz.

ANC Transparent mode: 3 levels are available on active noise cancellation models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) ANC:

  1. Weak – for the office or quiet rooms.
  2. The average is for the street or transport.
  3. The maximum is for planes or very noisy places.

Transparent mode is enabled by holding your finger on the touchpad (by default) or through the application.

Model headphonesSupport for ANCTransparent modeCustomizable equalizer
Redmi Buds 4❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes (3 presets)
Xiaomi Buds 3T Proβœ… Yes, 3 levels)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes. (10 stripes)
Xiaomi FlipBuds Proβœ… Yes (adaptive). ANC)βœ… Yes (with volume control of ambient sounds)βœ… Yes (user) + preset)
Redmi Buds 5 Proβœ… Yes (hybrid) ANC)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes (with profiles saved)

⚠️ Note: On models with hybrid ANC (For example, Redmi Buds 5 Pro is not recommended to use a maximum noise reduction level for more than 2-3 hours in a row - this can cause discomfort in the ears due to the creation of excessive pressure.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones appear hissing sound when turned on ANC, Try cleaning the microphone grilles with a soft brush – often the problem is caused by dust or earwax.

4. Automatic switching between devices

One of the most useful features of modern Xiaomi headphones is multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices), which allows you to listen to music from a laptop and automatically switch to a smartphone when you call, but this feature does not work on all models and requires the right setup.

What models support multipoint?

  • βœ… Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro (up to 2 devices).
  • βœ… Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro (up to 2 devices).
  • βœ… Redmi Buds 5 Pro (up to 2 devices).
  • ❌ Redmi Buds 4 and earlier models do not support.

How to set up automatic switching:

  1. Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
  2. Open Bluetooth Settings on the second device (laptop, tablet) and find the headphones in the list.
  3. Connect to the second device – the headphones should automatically switch between them depending on the activity (for example, when playing sound).
  4. In the Mi Earphones app, check that the Auto Connection option is enabled.

If the switching does not work:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on both devices.
  • πŸ“± Make sure that the smartphone has the option of Media Audio in the settings of the Bluetooth device.
  • πŸ”‹ Check headphone charge – at levels below 20%, the multipoint can be turned off to save energy.
Why don't the headphones switch to the bell?
If the headphones are connected to two devices but do not switch to a smartphone when you call, check: 1. Device Priority Settings in Mi Earphones β†’ Additionally. β†’ Connection Priority. 2. App Permissions Phone to Access Bluetooth. 3. Headphone firmware version (update through the app if available).

5. Update firmware and reset settings

Regular firmware updates add new features, improve sound and fix bugs. For example, in the latest versions for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, support has appeared LDAC (High-resolution codec and improved algorithm ANC. You can check and update the firmware through the Mi Earphones app.

How to update firmware:

  1. Open the app and connect the headphones.
  2. If an update is available, a notification will appear with the Update button.
  3. Make sure the headphones are at least 50% charged and confirm the update.
  4. Do not turn off the headphones and do not close the case cover until the process is completed (takes 3-5 minutes).

Signs that you need to reset settings:

  • πŸ”Š The headphones are not connected or permanently switched off.
  • 🎡 The sound is interrupted or distorted.
  • πŸ”‹ The battery is discharged quickly (for example, 2-3 hours work instead of the declared 8 hours).
  • πŸ”‡ No noise reduction or microphone is working.

If the reset did not help, check the physical condition of the headphones:

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Buds 3 Lite and similar models often fail the contact group in the case. If the headphones do not charge, try to clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Do not use metal objects - this can damage the coating!

πŸ’‘

Updating your firmware can solve connectivity, sound, and autonomy issues. Check for updates every 1-2 months.

Extension of battery life

The battery in wireless headphones is one of the most vulnerable places, and the average lifespan of lithium polymer batteries is 2-3 years, but if used properly, it can be extended.

How to charge headphones:

  • πŸ”‹ Use the original cable and power adapter (or Quick Charge 3.0 support).
  • πŸ”Œ Do not leave your headphones on charge for more than 2-3 hours after full charge.
  • 🌑️ Avoid charging at temperatures below 0Β°C or higher than 35Β°C.
  • πŸ”„ Every 1-2 months, perform a full discharge/charging cycle (0% to 100%) to calibrate the controller.

How to save charge:

  • 🎧 Turn off Bluetooth headphones if you don’t use them for more than 10 minutes.
  • πŸ”‡ Use it. ANC If necessary, this function consumes up to 20% of the additional energy.
  • πŸ“‰ Lower the volume to 60-70% – this will not only save charge, but also protect hearing.
  • πŸ›œ Turn off the automatic connection to the last device if you don’t need it.

If the headphones are quickly discharged, check:

  1. Battery status in the Mi Earphones app (Battery status section).
  2. The presence of background applications using Bluetooth (for example, fitness trackers).
  3. The ambient temperature - in the cold below -10Β°The battery capacity is temporarily reduced.

7. Solving common problems

Even the most reliable Xiaomi headphones can malfunction, and below are the list of problems and solutions.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones don't plug in.Bluetooth or firmware failureReset the headphones, restart the smartphone, update the firmware
The sound is interrupted.Interference from other devices or weak signalDisable other Bluetooth devices, bring the smartphone closer to the headphones
ANC is not working.Microphone contamination or software failureClean the microphones, update the firmware, reset the settings
One earpiece is quieter than the otherCharge difference or pollution dynamicsCharge both headphones to 100%, clean the speaker grid
Headphones are discharged quicklyBattery wear or background processesCheck the battery status in the application, disable unnecessary functions

If none of these methods worked, contact the service center. Xiaomi headphones are covered by a 12-month warranty (when purchased in official stores).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones

πŸ”Š How to turn on Low Latency on Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro?
Low latency is activated automatically when you start a game or video. To force it: Open Mi Earphones. Go to Sound Settings β†’ Sound mode. Select Game Mode. In this mode, the sound delay is reduced to 80-100 ms (versus 150-200 ms in standard mode).
πŸ“± Can you connect Xiaomi Buds to iPhone?
Xiaomi headphones are compatible with iPhone, but with limitations: βœ… Basic functions (playback, calls) work. ❌ Mi Earphones is not available in the App Store – you can not configure the equalizer or gestures. ❌ Not supported by codec AAC (only SBC), So, to connect, just activate the pairing mode on your headphones and find them in the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone.
πŸ”‹ How long does Xiaomi headphones charge?
Charging time depends on the model: Redmi Buds 4: 1 hour (case), 1.5 hours (earphones in case). Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: 40 minutes (fast charging up to 50% in 10 minutes). Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: 1 hour (full charge case and headphones). Use a charger with a power of at least 5W. Fast charging only works with adapters 18W+.
🎧 Can I use one headphone separately?
Yes, all Xiaomi models (except the most budget-friendly ones like the Redmi Buds 3 Lite) support mono mode. To use one headphone: Take both headphones out of the case and plug them into the phone. Put the unnecessary headphone back in the case, the second one will continue to work. To automatically connect one headphone, set priority in Mi Earphones (Settings) β†’ Mono mode: mono mode increases the operating time by about 30-50%.
πŸ”‡ How to turn off noise cancellation on Xiaomi Buds?
There are several ways: Gesture: Hold your finger on the touchpad of any headphone for 1-2 seconds.Application: Open Mi Earphones, go to ANC-Select modes and select "Switch off." Voice assistant: Say "Stop noise cancellation" (works with Google Assistant or XiaoAI). ANC (For example, FlipBuds Pro) noise cancellation can be activated automatically in noisy areas. To turn off this feature, go to Settings. β†’ Adaptive ANC.