How to install and connect Xiaomi wireless headphones: full instructions

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are not only a stylish accessory, but also a powerful tool for listening to music, calls and podcasts comfortably. However, even the most popular models — AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds or SoundPEATS (released under the Xiaomi brand) — the connection process can be questionable, especially if you encounter Bluetooth devices for the first time.

In this article, we’ll look at not only the basic pairing steps, but also the nuances that the manufacturer often fails to address, such as how to properly reset headphones to factory settings if they’re not “seeable” by the phone, or why AirDots Pro 2 can connect to two devices at once (and how to set it up), and how to learn which Bluetooth codecs Xiaomi earphones support, and how this affects sound quality.

Preparing headphones for the first connection

Before you start pairing, make sure the headphones are charged and searchable. Most Xiaomi models have a charge indicator on the case case: if it burns white or red, the battery level is critically low, if green, you can start.

To activate the coupling mode:

• 🔋 Get both earphones out of the case (they should automatically turn on).
• 🔄 Press the button on the case (or touchpad on headphones) for 5-10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red alternately.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled (in the notification panel or in Settings). → Connections → Bluetooth).

If the light doesn't flash, try resetting your headphones to factory settings.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.
3. Get the headphones out – they should automatically go into pairing mode.

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If Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro headphones don’t respond to the reset button, try plugging the case into a 10 minute charge, then repeat the procedure.This often helps with the firmware hanging.

Connecting to a smartphone on Android or iOS

The process of pairing with Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO devices) and iPhone is almost identical, but there are nuances. Let's consider both options.

For Android (MIUI, Stock Android, Samsung One UI)

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module.

2.In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Redmi Buds 4).

3. Click on the name and the pairing process will begin. Some models (e.g. AirDots Pro 2) may require confirmation of the 0000 code.

4. After successful connection in the status of the device will appear the inscription "Connected".

For iPhone (iOS 15 and newer)

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.

2. Get the headphones out of the case - they should appear on the list as [Model Name] (Not paired).

3. Click on them and wait for the message "Connected".

4. iPhones may be notified of dual connectivity support (if the model allows it), which means that the headphones will be able to work with an iPhone and a laptop at the same time.

If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted or distorted, check:

• 🔊 Bluetooth Codec Settings (in Bluetooth Settings) → Sound settings on Android. Choose for better quality AAC or aptX (if supported).
• 📶 Distance to the device (optimally - no more than 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Possible interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).

Connection to a laptop or PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)

The pairing to a computer is not much different from a phone, but there are specific points. For example, on Windows 10/11, headphones can be defined as "Audio Device" and "Hands-Free Device" at the same time. For better sound quality, choose the first option.

For Windows.

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.

2. Click "Add device" → "Bluetooth".

3. Select the headphones from the list. If you have a request for input PIN-code, use 0000.

4. After connecting, go to Control Panel → Sound, select headphones and set them with the default device.

For macOS

1. Open System Settings → Bluetooth.

2. Click "Connect" next to the headphones name.

3. If the sound is late, open the sound settings and select the headphones as the output and input device (for the microphone).

On Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora), you may need to install additional packages to support A2DP (Profile for Sound Transmission). If the headphones are connected but there is no sound, do it in the terminal:

sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth


pactl load-module module-bluetooth-discover

Configure additional functions (double connection, gestures, equalizer)

Many Xiaomi models support advanced features that are not activated by default, such as:

• 🔀 Dual connection (to two devices at once) – available in AirDots Pro 2, FlipBuds Pro and new models.
• 🎧 Adaptive noise maker (ANC) — It is included in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earphone app.
• 👆 Gesture control (double touch, hold) – configured in the same app.

To activate these functions:

1. Install the official Xiaomi Earphones app (for Android) or Mi Home (for iOS/Android).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your model from the list of devices.
4. Go to the “Sound Settings” or “Management” section and set the settings.

For models with ANC (active noise reduction), 3 modes are available:

Solving Connection and Sound Problems

If Xiaomi headphones don’t connect or don’t work properly, try the following steps:

Problem 1: Headphones are not defined by the phone.

• ⚡ Check the charge of the case and headphones (the indicator should burn green).
• 🔄 Reset the headphones to factory settings (see Preparation section»).
• 📱 Reboot your phone and turn on Bluetooth again.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or distorted.

• 📶 Reduce the distance between the headphones and the device.
• 🔊 In Bluetooth settings, select the codec SBC (the most stable, but with the worst quality, or AAC.
• 🚫 Disable other wireless devices (mouse, keyboard) that may interfere.

Problem 3: Only one earpiece works.

• 🔋 Check if the second headphone is charged (get both out of the case and look at the indicators).
• 🔄 Reconnect your headphones: forget them in Bluetooth settings and pair them again.
• 🛠️ Clean contacts on headphones and in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

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If Xiaomi headphones are connected but immediately turned off, the problem may be a conflict of Bluetooth profiles, in which case resetting the network settings on the phone (Settings → System → Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth) will help.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are still not working after all the manipulations, check them on another device. If the problem persists, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, damage to the Bluetooth module in the headphones.

Update of the headphone firmware

The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates for headphones that fix bugs, improve sound and add new features.To update Xiaomi's headphones:

1. Install the official Xiaomi Earphones or Mi Home app.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and go to the “Firmware Update” section (usually found in the device menu).
4. If an update is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the headphones!).

The update time depends on the firmware version and model, but usually takes 2-5 minutes. Once completed, the headphones will automatically restart.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process, even if it is delayed. If the headphones stopped responding to buttons after a failed update, put them in the case, close the lid and wait 10 minutes - usually this helps restore the functionality.

List of the latest firmware versions for popular models:

Compatibility with other devices (Smart TV, game consoles)

Xiaomi headphones can be connected not only to a phone or PC, but also to smart TVs, consoles (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box) and even game consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch).

Connect to Smart TV (Android TV, Tizen, webOS)

1. Open your TV settings and find the Bluetooth section (on Xiaomi Mi TV, it’s Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).

2. Activate the search mode on the headphones (see the section "Preparation").

3. Select headphones in the list of available devices.

4. If the sound is late, try to turn on the Low Lag mode in the TV sound settings.

Connection to PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch

On PS5:

• Go to Settings → Sound → Output sound → Output on headphones.
• Select “All audio devices” and connect the headphones via Bluetooth.

On Nintendo Switch:

• Bluetooth is supported only on the Switch (OLED Model) and Switch Lite with a firmware update of 13.0.0+.
• Press the Home button → System settings → Bluetooth audio → Add the device.

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There is no built-in Bluetooth headphone support on PlayStation 4, but you can use a Bluetooth adapter (such as an Avantek or a Bluetooth adapter). 1Mii), plug-in USB-consoleport.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones