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

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have gained popularity due to a combination of affordable prices, high-quality sound and easy control. However, even with such simple devices, users sometimes have difficulties during the first connection stage, especially when it comes to models with non-standard pairing modes (for example, Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 or Redmi Buds 4 Active).

In this article, we will not only examine the basic process of turning on and connecting Xiaomi headphones to smartphones, but also the nuances of working with various devices, from laptops to TVs. You will also learn how to reset headphones if they are not “seen” by the system, and what hidden functions are activated when holding buttons on the body (for example, switching noisemaker modes or activating voice assistant).

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for the first connection

Before you start pairing, make sure your Xiaomi headphones are fully charged. Most models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro or Redmi Buds 5) have a charge indicator on the case: green or white light means sufficient level, red or flashing – the need to connect the case to charge.

Also check the compatibility of the devices:

• 📱 Smartphones: All models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO on MIUI 12+ Supports fast synchronization via Mi Pop-up (pop-up when you open the case). 10+ Other brands may need to manually connect in Bluetooth settings.
• 💻 Laptops/PC: Bluetooth is required 4.2+ (model AAC/aptX) or 5.0+ (for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro LC3-codec. On Windows. 10/11 Check the adapter drivers in Device Manager.
• 📺 Televisions: Bluetooth models only (e.g. Xiaomi) TV A Pro or Redmi Smart TV On older TVs without a module, an external Bluetooth transmitter will be required.

If the headphones have already been used with another device, you need to reset them to the factory settings.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or below) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case – the headphones should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on Xiaomi headphones

The process of turning on depends on the model. Here is the universal algorithm for most Xiaomi headphones:

If the headphones do not respond to pressing, check:

• 🔋 Case charge level (plug in charge for 10 minutes, then try again).
• 🧲 Presence of magnetic interference (remove metal objects or other wireless devices from the case).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-cable or power supply (some Xiaomi models are sensitive to unoriginal charging).

Charge the case to 100%|Make sure the headphones are clean (contacts on the legs)|Disable other Bluetooth devices within a 1m radius|Update the firmware of the smartphone (for MIUI Check in the settings → The phone)-->

3. Connection to Xiaomi Smartphone (MIUI)

On Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO devices with MIUI 12 and later, quick connection via a pop-up is available. Here's how it works:

1. Open the case cover with headphones (they should be inside).
2. On the screen of the smartphone will appear a notification “New headphones Xiaomi” – tap on it.
3. Confirm the pairing and wait for the message "Connected".

If the pop-up window does not appear:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Activate Bluetooth and click on “Search for Devices”.
3. In the list, find the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) and tap it.
4. When you request a code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234), enter it.

After successful connection:

• 🎧 Headphones will automatically connect the next time you remove from the case (if Bluetooth on the smartphone is turned on).
• 📊 In Bluetooth settings, a control panel with a charge level and a “Sound settings” button will appear (for models with support) MIUI Pop-up).
• 🔊 For models with ANC (active noise reduction, you can also turn on / off the mode.

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If the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the option “Absolute Volume” in Bluetooth settings (on some firmware it causes conflicts with codecs).

4. Connect to Android smartphones of other brands

On devices Samsung, Honor, Realme and other brands, the pairing process is almost no different, but there are nuances:

1. Activate Bluetooth in the notification curtain or through Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.

2. Open the case with headphones (they should be inside). Some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4) require holding the button on the case for 2-3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white.

3.In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (may appear as Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds or LE-...) and tap it.

If the headphones are not displayed:

• 🔄 Reboot the smartphone’s Bluetooth module (turn off/on Bluetooth or reboot your phone).
• 📱 Check if your smartphone supports codecs AAC/aptX (Xiaomi headphones may not connect to outdated Bluetooth devices 4.0).
• 🛠️ Update your smartphone firmware (some Samsung models require the latest version of One) UI work properly with LC3-codec).

5. Connect to a laptop or PC (Windows/macOS/Linux)

On computers, the pairing process is slightly more complicated than on smartphones, but the consequence of the instructions guarantees a stable connection.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click “Add Bluetooth or other device” → Bluetooth.
3. Remove the headphones from the case (or hold the button on the case if the model requires manual switching on).
4. In the list, find your headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2) and select them.
5. Wait for the message "Ready!"

For macOS:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on and click “Connect” next to the headphone name.
3. If you need a code, enter 0000 or 1234.

Common problems on PCs:

• 🔊 No sound after you connect? Check if the headphones are selected as the default playback device (Control Panel) → Sound).
• 🎵 Disable other Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboard) or switch the headphones to Priority Sound (if any in the settings) mode).
• 🔄 Headphones turn off after 5-10 minutes? In Device Manager, update the Bluetooth adapter driver.

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On Windows PCs, Xiaomi headphones can be defined as "Stereo" and "Hearset." For music, choose "Stereo" mode - it provides better sound quality.

6. Connection to TV or other devices

If your TV supports Bluetooth (e.g. Xiaomi TV A2 43" or Redmi Smart TV X55), it will take a couple of minutes to connect the headphones:

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the remote.
2. Activate device search.
3. Take the headphones out of the case (or turn them on manually).
4. Select the headphones in the list and confirm the pairing.

For non-Bluetooth TVs, you’ll need an external adapter (like the Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver) plug it into a 3.5mm port or RCA, then sync with the headphones as with a regular Bluetooth device.

Xiaomi headphones can also be connected to:

• 🎮 Game consoles: PlayStation 5 (via Settings) → Accessories → Bluetooth, Nintendo Switch (only in table mode with adapter).
• 🚗 Auto radios: if Bluetooth is supported, the process is similar to connecting to a smartphone. FM-transmitter.
• 💻 Tablets: on iPad or Android tablets, the instruction is the same as for smartphones.

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On PlayStation 5, Xiaomi headphones can only connect in Headset mode (without AAC/aptX support).

7. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, users are faced with typical problems. Here's how to fix them:

If Xiaomi headphones are connected, but immediately disconnect:

⚠️ Note: on some Samsung smartphones with One UI 4.0+ There is a bug that causes the devices to LC3-codec (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) lose connection. Solution: disable the option "Battery Optimization for Bluetooth" in the power saving settings.

For touch-controlled models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), check your gesture settings:

• 🎵 Double touch: playback/pause.
• 🔀 Triple touch: next track.
• 🔇 Retention: on/off ANC (if maintained).

8. Hidden functions and tips for use

Xiaomi headphones have several non-obvious features that are not written in the instructions:

• 🔊 Low Delay Mode: On Models with AptX LL (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, enable it in Bluetooth settings to synchronize audio with video (useful for games and movies).
• 🎤 Transparent mode: hold the touchpad for 1 second to hear ambient sounds without removing the headphones (works on Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and newer).
• 🔋 Fast charging: 5 minutes in a case give up to 2 hours of playback (on models with Quick Charge support).
• 📱 Automatic Shutdown: If the headphones are in the case for more than 5 minutes, they are turned off to save charge.

For owners of Xiaomi smartphones, additional settings are available in the Mi AI or Xiaomi Wear app:

• Setup equalizer (presets "Basy", "Voice", "Classic").
• Update of the headphone firmware (available for models 2022+).
• Search for headphones (if you lost the case – the application will show the last connection).

If you use headphones for calls, pay attention to:

⚠️ Note: on models without cVc 8.0 (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite) in noisy places, the interlocutor may not hear your voice well. Solution: speak closer to the microphone (it is located on the earpiece leg) or use Transparency mode for better sound transmission.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi headphones