How to turn on and connect Xiaomi wireless headphones: instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories, thanks to their combination of price, sound quality and usability. However, new users often have questions about how to turn on their headphones, how to sync them with a phone or laptop, and what to do if the device is not identified. This article will help you understand all the nuances of working with Xiaomi wireless headphones, including the Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless, Xiaomi Buds and others.

We will take a closer look at the on-boarding process, how to connect to different devices (Android, iOS, PC), and typical problems and solutions. We will focus on automatic on-case activation, a feature that is not available in all models, but makes it much easier to use. If you just purchased headphones or encountered difficulties in setting them up, this is the guide for you.

1. How to turn on Xiaomi wireless headphones: basic ways

Most Xiaomi models are enabled via a physical button or touchpad on the headphone case, but the algorithm may vary depending on the series.

For button models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic):

• 🔘 Press and hold the button on one of the headphones for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes white/blue.
• 🎧 If the headphones have already been paired with the case, they will automatically turn on when removed from it (in some models).
• 🔋 Make sure the headphones are charged – with a discharged battery, the indicator will not respond to presses.

For touch-controlled models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Pro):

• 👆 Touch and hold the touchpad on any of the headphones for 2-3 seconds.
• 🔄 Double-touching can turn on/off headphones in some firmware (check in the user manual).
• 📱 If the headphones have previously connected to the phone, they can turn on automatically when the case is opened (Auto Ear Detection function).

Important: Some budget models (such as the Redmi Buds 2 Lite) do not have a separate on button - they are activated only when removed from the case. If the headphones do not respond to presses, check their charge and the purity of the contacts in the case.

2. Connection to a smartphone: Android and iOS

Once you turn on the headphones, you need to sync them with your phone, and the process of connecting to Android and iOS is a little different, but it's generally intuitive. Let's look at both.

For Android (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO smartphones):

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
2. Make sure the headphones are in search mode (flashing indicator).
3. In the list of available devices, select the name of your model (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Pro).
4. Confirm the pairing if necessary.

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Wait until the name of the headphones appears in the list (it can take up to 30 seconds).
3. Tap the name of the device for connection.
4. The first connection may require a firmware download (for some models).

⚠️ Attention: If the headphones don't appear in the list of devices, try resetting them. To do this, hold the on button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red/purple (depending on the model.

3. Features of inclusion for popular models

Some Xiaomi models have unique on-and-connect features, and we’ve collected key differences for the most popular headphones:

For models that support auto-enabled devices (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Pro), open the case and the headphones automatically activate and connect to the last paired device, which only works when a sufficient charge level (usually > 20%).

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Pro headphones don’t turn on when opening the case, check out the phone:

• 🔋 Charge level of the cover (the indicator should be green/white).
• 📱 Active Bluetooth connection with your phone.
• 🔄 Ability to reset settings via sensor retention for 15 seconds.

4. Computer connection (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones can be used not only with smartphones but also with computers, and the process of connecting to a PC is slightly different from mobile devices, especially if it’s Windows 10/11 or macOS.

For Windows:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Select headphones from the list (the name should match the model).
4. Confirm pairing. The first connection may require the installation of drivers.

For macOS:

1. Go to System Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure the headphones are in search mode (flashing indicator).
3. Select the device in the list and click Connect.
4. If necessary, confirm the pairing on the headphones (double press of the button / sensor).

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If the headphones connect to a PC but only sound comes to one headphone, check the sound settings in the control panel. In Windows, select Stereo in device properties, and on macOS, use as stereo headphones.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) may not have microphone support when connecting to a PC. HFP (Hands-Free Profile: Try connecting via microphone A2DP (in the Windows sound settings).

5. Inclusion problems and solutions

Even Xiaomi models that have been tested sometimes have problems, and we've collected some of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Headphones are not switched on:

• 🔋 Check the charge of the case and headphones (the indicator should burn when connected to charging).
• 🧹 Clean the contacts on headphones and in a dust cover (use a dry cotton swab).
• 🔄 Reset the settings with a hold button/sensor for 10-15 seconds.

The headphones do not connect to the phone:

• 📱 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on the module).
• 🔍 Make sure the headphones are in search mode (blinking indicator).
• 📦 Remove the device from the list of conjugates and reconnect.

The sound is interrupted or one earphone is not working:

• 📶 Check the distance to the source of the signal (no more than 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones to the phone.
• 🎛️ Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Earphones app (for supported models).

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If the Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Pro headphones aren’t detected after reset, try connecting them to another device (like a tablet) to help rule out a phone problem.

6. Additional functions and settings

Modern wireless headphones Xiaomi support a number of useful functions that can be configured through a proprietary application or standard OS. Consider the most popular options:

Mi Earphones app (for Android):

• 🎵 Equalizer settings (preset profiles or custom settings).
• 🔇 Noise reduction management (ANC) and transparency regime.
• 🔋 View the level of charge of the case and headphones.
• 🔄 Firmware update (not available for all models).

Touch control (for supported models):

• 👆 Double touch: playback/pause or acceptance of a call.
• 👇 Triple touch: moving to the next track.
• 👈 Retention: Activation of voice assistant or noise cancellation.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite) do not have touch controls – all actions are done through a physical button.

7. Operation and care advice

To make Xiaomi wireless headphones last longer, follow simple recommendations:

Charging and storage:

• 🔌 Use the original cable or certified chargers.
• 🔋 Do not leave your headphones empty for a long time – this reduces the battery life.
• 🧺 Keep it in a case to avoid loss or mechanical damage.

Cleaning and care:

• 🧼 Wash the body and embushures with a soft napkin (do not use alcohol!).
• 🎧 Regularly clean the speaker grid of earwax (use a special brush or cotton swab).
• 💧 Avoid getting moisture, even if the model has protection. IPX4.

Firmware update:

• 📲 Check for updates in the Mi Earphones app (for supported models).
• 🔄 Update the firmware only when full charge headphones.
• 📡 Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network during the upgrade.

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Regularly cleaning the contacts in the case and on the headphones prevents charging and connection problems. Use a dry cotton swab or compressed air.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)