How to turn on and connect Xiaomi headphones over Bluetooth: full instructions with pictures

Why Xiaomi Headphones Cannot Be Connected – and How to Fix It

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market due to the price/quality ratio, but even they sometimes refuse to connect to a smartphone. If you turn on Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds or AirDots headphones for the first time, or you encounter a synchronization error, do not rush to carry them into the service. 90% of the time the problem is solved in 5 minutes on your own.

The main reasons why Xiaomi is not connected via Bluetooth: Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Mi True Wireless 3 is not determined by the phone?Maybe you missed the reset step or incorrectly activated pairing mode. Next, detailed instructions for all models, including the rare cases when the headphones "can't see" each other.

Step 1: Check the charge and turn on the headphones

Before you try to connect to your phone, make sure the headphones are charged and on. Even if the indicator on the case is green, it does not guarantee 100% battery life on the headphones themselves.

• 🔋 Case charge: open the lid - if the indicator does not light up, connect the case to the charging on the 10-15 minute.
• 🎧 Headphone charge: pull them out of the case, each should flash a white or red light bulb (depending on the model.
• 🔄 Reset connection: for Redmi Buds models 3/4 Mi True Wireless 2 press the button on the case 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.

If the headphones are zero, it can take up to 20 minutes for them to gain enough charge to turn on. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4) do not turn on when charged below 5% - this is deep discharge protection.

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on the case flashes red for more than 5 minutes after charging, this is a sign of a battery failure.

Step 2: Activate the pairing mode

To make Xiaomi headphones visible to the phone, you need to put them in pairing mode.

If the light doesn't flash white, the headphones aren't ready to plug in.

1. Put the headphones back in the case and get them back.
2. Press the reset button (if any) on the back of the case.
3. Connect the case to charging for 1 minute, then try again.

Case charge > 20%|Headphones removed from the case|The indicator flashes white|Coupling mode activated-->

Step 3: Connect to the phone (Android/iOS)

When the headphones are paired, switch to connectivity. Instructions are universal for Android (including MIUI, Realme UI, Samsung One UI) and iOS (iPhone/iPad):

For Android:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on Bluetooth (slider at the top).
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, "Redmi Buds 4" or "Mi True Wireless SE").
4. Click on the name and the pairing will begin.

For iOS (iPhone):

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on.
3. In the "Other devices" section, your model will appear - tap it.
4. Confirm the connection (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code 0000 or 1234).

If the headphones don’t appear in the list, update the device list (swipe down) or reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on).

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Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+ have a “Fast Connection” feature: open the notification curtain → press the Bluetooth icon → select “Add device”.

Step 4: Solving Connection Problems

If Xiaomi headphones don’t connect despite all the effort, check out these points:

• 📱 Reset Bluetooth settings on your phone: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset network settings (Android) or Settings → Mainstream → Reset → Reset network settings (iOS).
• 🔄 Update the firmware of the headphones: some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) require an update through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear.
• 🛠️ Check physical damage: inspect contacts in the case and on headphones for oxidation or dirt (wipe with alcohol).
• 📴 Disable other Bluetooth devices: sometimes smartwatches, fitness bracelets or speakers conflict.

For Redmi Buds 3 Pro and later, there is a hidden reset function: put the headphones in the case, close the lid, then press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator goes out and flashes red again. This will reset all the settings to the factory.

⚠️ Note: If one of the headphones doesn't work after you connect (for example, only the left one plays), it may be a synchronization problem between them.

Step 5: Customize sound and control

After successful connection, it is recommended to configure:

• 🎵 Equalizer: In the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app, select a preset (e.g., Bass or Clear Highs").
• 🎚️ Gesture control: set up double-touch to play/pause or call a voice assistant.
• 🔇 Noise reduction: for models with ANC (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) turn on the mode in the headphone settings.
• 📞 Microphone: Choose which headphone to use for calls (left/right/both).

For models with LDAC support (e.g. Mi True Wireless 3), enable the codec in your phone's Bluetooth settings: Settings → Bluetooth → Settings (cog) → Audio Quality → LDAC.

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Use the original Xiaomi app for headphones – it gives access to hidden settings, such as adjusting the sensitivity of the microphone or updating the firmware.

Step 6: Update the headphone firmware

If Xiaomi headphones are unstable (communication is broken, sound is distorted), check the relevance of the firmware.

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for MIUI) or Mi Home (for other Android/iOS applications).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app → find your headphones in the list of devices.
4. If an update is available, a notification will appear – follow the instructions on the screen.

The update process takes 2-5 minutes. Don't interrupt the connection or close the application, otherwise the headphones may stop turning on. For Redmi Buds 4 and later, the firmware update is only available when the case is charged > 50%.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Let’s look at the typical problems and specific actions to address them:

If neither of these methods worked, check the headphones on the other phone. If the problem persists, this is an excuse to contact the service center (especially if the device is warranty).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions