How to turn on two headphones on Xiaomi Redmi Note: 5 working ways + problem solving

Connecting two pairs of headphones to the same Xiaomi Redmi Note is a challenge faced by users who want to share music with friends, use different devices for games and calls, or create immersive sound. Unfortunately, the standard Android and MIUI settings do not always allow you to do this in one click. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to synchronize two headphones, from built-in functions to workarounds using adapters and third-party applications.

It’s important to understand that the features depend on the Redmi Note model (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ supports Dual Audio, and the Redmi Note 8 does not) and the version of MIUI. We tested the instructions on devices with MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-13, but most of the methods are universal. If your smartphone does not support the out-of-the-box function, do not worry – there are alternatives in the article with minimal costs.

1. Method: Built-in Dual Audio (MIUI 12 and later)

The easiest method is to use the built-in Dual Audio option that appeared in MIUI 12 and is available on most Redmi Note 10/11/12 models, which allows you to stream audio simultaneously to two Bluetooth devices, but with limitations:

  • πŸ”Ή It only works with Bluetooth 5.0 and newer (check the specifications of the model).
  • πŸ”Ή Both earphones should support profiles. A2DP (for music and (for calls).
  • πŸ”Ή Possible delay of up to 200-300 ms between devices.

To activate Dual Audio:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Connect both devices separately (they should appear in the list of "Connected devices").
  3. Click on the icon. βš™οΈ next to the first headphone and select Sound Settings.
  4. Activate the Double Audio Out slider (or Dual Audio in English firmware).
  5. Select the second headphone from the list of available devices.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before connection

Done: 0 / 4

πŸ’‘

If you don’t have a Dual Audio option, update it. MIUI through settings β†’ The phone. β†’ System Update. Some firmwares have hidden function - try resetting Bluetooth settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data).

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 9/9T Dual Audio models may not work as well due to limitations of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset 6xx/7xx. In this case, the sound will be interrupted or turned off on one of the devices via the 5–10 Solution: Use the following methods.

2. Method: Applications for sound duplication (SoundAssistant, AudioRelay)

If the built-in feature is missing or not working well, third-party software will help. We tested 5 applications and selected the two most reliable ones:

AnnexSupport for MIUISound delayFree version
SoundAssistant (Samsung)Yes (with limitations)100-150 ms.Yes.
AudioRelayYes.50-80 ms.Partially.
Bose ConnectOnly Bose.MinimumYes.

The most versatile version is AudioRelay, which transmits sound over a local network, which reduces latency.

  1. Install AudioRelay on your smartphone and second device (or use the web version on your PC).
  2. Connect both headphones to the Redmi Note over Bluetooth.
  3. In the application, select Transmitter (transmitter) on your smartphone and Receiver (receiver) on the second device.
  4. Press Start and select the sound source (e.g. Media Audio for music).

Critical detail: AudioRelay requires Wi-Fi on (even without a network connection) to create local transmission. If Wi-Fi is turned off, sound will be transmitted over the mobile Internet, which will cause lags.

How to reduce latency in AudioRelay
In the application settings (Settings β†’ Audio β†’ Latency), select Low Latency Mode and reduce the buffer to 100 ms. Also turn off audio processing in headphones (for example, ANC or equalizer) – this will reduce the latency by 30-50 ms.

3. Method: Bluetooth transmitter for wired headphones

If one of the headphones is wired (for example, Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD), and the other is Bluetooth, you will need a Bluetooth adapter with Dual Link support.

  • 🎧 Avantek APA-BT500 (Supports 2 devices, aptX Low Latency).
  • 🎧 1Mii B06 Plus (for audiophiles, 40ms delay).
  • 🎧 TaoTronics TT-BA09 (Budget option, but without aptX).

Connection diagram:

  1. Connect the wired headphones to the adapter via 3.5mm or USB-C (depending on the model).
  2. Turn on the adapter and put it in pairing mode (usually a long press on the power button).
  3. On the Redmi Note, connect Bluetooth headphones directly, and the adapter as a second device.
  4. In the smartphone sound settings, select Media Audio for the adapter.

⚠️ Note: Cheap adapters (up to 1000) β‚½) They often have trouble synchronizing sound between two devices. Check reviews before buying for complaints of "echo" or "dissynchronous" (for example, Baseus). WM01 Not suitable for Dual Link, despite claims by the manufacturer.

4. Method: Splitter for two wired headphones

If both headphones are wired, the easiest way is to use a 3.5mm Y splitter or USB-C. It is suitable for Redmi Note models with a headphone jack (such as the Note 10 Pro or Note 11S).

How to choose a splitter:

  • πŸ”Œ For 3.5 mm: UGREEN 30338 (gold contacts, no loss of sound).
  • πŸ”Œ For USB-C: Baseus CAHUB-C06 (microphone-enabled).

Important nuances:

  • ⚑ High impedance headphones (>32 ohms) may sound quieter when connected in parallel.
  • ⚑ Some splitters do not support control buttons (play/pause) headphones.
  • ⚑ On the Redmi Note 12 and newer with USB-C without headphone jack, you will need an adapter USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm + splitter.
πŸ“Š What type of headphones do you use?
Only Bluetooth:0
Wired only:0
Bluetooth + Wired combination:0
Using columns:0

5. Method: Setup through Developer Options (for advanced)

If your Redmi Note runs on Android 11+, you can enable the experimental Multi-Bluetooth Audio feature through the developer menu.This method is informal and can cause crashes, but sometimes helps on devices without Dual Audio.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  3. Find the Enable Multi-Bluetooth Audio option (or Audio through multiple Bluetooth devices) and activate it.
  4. Reboot your smartphone.
  5. Connect both headphones and check the sound in the app (like YouTube or Spotify).

adb shell settings put global multi_bluetooth_audio_enabled 1

This command can be entered through ADB if the option is not on the menu.

  1. Install Platform Tools on your PC.
  2. Connect Redmi Note to USB with debugging enabled (Settings β†’ Developers β†’ USB debugging).
  3. Enter the command in the terminal (see above).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI This feature conflicts with Dual Apps. If the sound disappears after activation, disable the cloned messengers in Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Dual Apps.

πŸ’‘

The method through Developer Options does not work on all models of Redmi Note. on the Note 9 Pro and Note 10, it gives a stable result, and on the Note 8 Pro can cause overheating of the processor due to unoptimized Bluetooth codec.

6. Problem Solving: Why doesn't the sound on two headphones work?

If none of these methods worked, check out these points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The sound is only going to one device.Bluetooth Profile ConflictIn Bluetooth settings, turn off high-quality audio (AAC/aptX) for one of the headphones.
The sound is interrupted every 5 seconds.MIUI Energy ConservationAdd Bluetooth to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Application Energy β†’ Bluetooth β†’ No Limitations
Sound delay >500 msThe Old Bluetooth Codec (SBC)Install Bluetooth Codec Changer and select aptX LL

If the problem persists, reset your Bluetooth settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Bluetooth in the list and click Warehouse.
  3. Choose Clear Data and Clear Cache.
  4. Reboot your smartphone and reconnect the headphones.

Critical: On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and later, a Bluetooth reset can result in the loss of passwords from stored devices (such as smartwatches or speakers).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting two headphones

Can I connect two headphones to the Redmi Note 8?
On the Redmi Note 8, the built-in Dual Audio feature is missing due to the limitations of the Snapdragon 665 chipset.Use methods with a splitter (for wired headphones) or the AudioRelay app (for Bluetooth).The audio delay will be noticeable but tolerable for music.
Why is the sound on one headphone quieter than on the other?
This is a typical problem when using a Y-branch for wired headphones. The reason is different impedance (resistance) of the headphones. Solutions: Use headphones with the same impedance (for example, both 32 ohms). Connect an external amplifier (for example, FiiO A1). In the settings, evenly distribute the volume through the equalizer (Wavelet application).
How to connect AirPods and Xiaomi headphones at the same time?
AirPods (especially Pros) 2) They use Apple’s proprietary protocol. W1/W2, Which is in conflict with Xiaomi codecs (AAC/LC3). To connect both: On Redmi Note, turn off high-quality audio in Bluetooth settings for AirPods. Use AudioRelay in Low Latency mode. If the sound is interrupted, reset the network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth. ⚠️ On AirPods. 3 The microphone may not work with this connection.
Can I connect two headphones to a Redmi Note for calls?
Yes, but with limitations: πŸ“ž Dual Audio in the air MIUI Supports calls on only one device (the second will be disabled when called). πŸ“ž Apps like AudioRelay only transmit media sound, not voice. πŸ“ž For simultaneous calls to two devices, use a Bluetooth transmitter with support HFP (For example, Avantek APA-BT500).
How to check if my Redmi Note supports Dual Audio?
Check the model specifications on Xiaomi’s official website (look for Dual Bluetooth Audio or Bluetooth 5.2+). Check for options in Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Sound settings. Use the AIDA64 app (Bluetoothooth section): If Supported Profiles has A2DP Sink and HFP, the function should work.