Xiaomi headsets are some of the most popular wireless headphones on the market due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users sometimes have difficulties: the headphones do not turn on, do not sync with each other or do not connect to the phone. If you encounter a similar problem, this article will help you figure out how to correctly turn on the Xiaomi headset, regardless of the model β whether it is AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds or other options.
Weβll look at not only the basic steps to activate the device, but also the nuances that are often overlooked, from resetting settings to connecting to different types of devices (Android, iOS, PC), focusing on the typical errors that may cause the headset to fail, and providing practical recommendations for their elimination. If you just bought headphones or encountered a problem after updating the firmware, here you will find the answers.
1. How to turn on the Xiaomi headset: basic instructions
Most Xiaomi headsets are included the same way, but there are slight differences depending on the generation and type of device.
- π Charge before first switching on. Make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator on the case should burn red or white when connected to the charger). New headsets are often discharged - this is one of the reasons why they do not respond to buttons.
- π§ Case extraction. Take both earbuds out of the charger case. Most models (AirDots Pro 2, Buds 3 Pro) turn on automatically when removed.
- π Manually turn on (if it didnβt work automatically) Press the touchpad or mechanical button on one of the headphones for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes (usually white or blue).
- π Synchronize the headphones with each other. After turning on, wait until both earbuds emit an audible signal (usually a double squeak) - which means that they are paired with each other.
If the headphones don't burn or flash red, it could indicate battery drain or firmware failure, in which case, try putting the headset in the case for 10-15 minutes, and then try again.
2. Connecting the Xiaomi headset to a smartphone (Android/iOS)
Once the headphones are successfully turned on, they need to be connected to the sound source, a process that is slightly different for Android and iOS devices, but generally remains intuitive.
For Android:
- Open the settings β Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- Make sure that Bluetooth is on (slider in the "On" position).
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your headset (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Redmi Buds 3).
- Click on the name to start pairing. Confirm the connection if needed.
For iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- Go to Settings β Bluetooth.
- Wait until your headset appears in the "Other Devices" section.
- Tap the headphone name. If you request a code confirmation, type 0000 or 1234 (standard). PIN-codes for most Xiaomi devices).
If the headset doesnβt appear in the list of devices, try:
- π Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off and on again).
- π± Make sure the headphones are in search mode (the indicator flashes white/blue).
- π Check the charge of the case and headphones (at low charge, they may not broadcast the signal).
Charge the case and headphones to 100%|Remove both earphones from the case|Make sure the indicators flash white/blue|Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone|Remove old connections (if the headset was already paired with another device)-->
3. Features of inclusion of different models Xiaomi
While the way most Xiaomi headsets work is similar, some models have unique nuances.
| Headset model | Including | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi AirDots (1st generation) | Press the button on both headphones for 5 seconds. | There's no automatic retrieval switching. It requires manual synchronization. |
| Redmi Buds 3 / Buds 3 Pro | Automatically when extracted from the case | Supports fast connection to Mi Band and Xiaomi smartphones via Mi AI. |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds / FlipBuds Pro | Open the case - headphones will turn on automatically | They have physical buttons instead of touch panels, double taps to control playback. |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 / Buds 4 Pro | Automatically when opening the case cover | Supports LDAC (high sound quality) and adaptive ANC. |
Important for owners of Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: these headphones require a firmware update through the Mi Earphones app for proper ANC function and spatial sound. Without the update, some modes may not be activated.
If you have an active noise cancelling (ANC) model, such as a Buds 3 Pro or FlipBuds Pro, make sure the feature is enabled in the Mi Earphones app settings. Otherwise, the headphones will work in standard mode without noise cancellation.
What if the headphones are connected only one at a time?
4.Resetting the settings of the Xiaomi headset
If the headset doesn't turn on, sync, or malfunction, a complete reset may be required, a procedure that will return the headphones to factory settings and often resolve connection issues.
Resetting instructions:
- Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Open the case cover, but don't remove the headphones.
- Press the touch panels (or buttons) on both headphones simultaneously for 20-30 seconds.
- The indicators on the headphones will start flashing red and white alternately, and then go out β this is a signal of a successful reset.
- Close the case cover for 10 seconds, then remove the headphones - they should automatically turn on in pairing mode.
Once reset, Xiaomi headphones will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices as new. You will need to reconnect them to your smartphone.
β οΈ Warning: Resetting removes all information about previous connections. If the headset was paired with multiple devices (such as a smartphone and laptop), after reset, it will have to be reconnected to each of them.
5. Solving common problems
Even when switched on correctly, Xiaomiβs headset may not work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Headphones are not turned on
- π Check the charge of the case and headphones (the indicator on the case should burn when connecting to the device). USB).
- π Try another cable or charger (sometimes the problem is a faulty one) USB-port).
- π οΈ If the indicators don't respond at all, there may be a controller failure, and then only a reset or a call to a service center will help.
Problem 2: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound
- π΅ Make sure the sound is not muffled on your smartphone or in the player app.
- π Check if the correct sound source is selected in Bluetooth settings (sometimes the smartphone continues to transmit sound to the speaker).
- π Reconnect the headset: Turn it off in Bluetooth settings, then find and plug it back in again.
Problem 3: Headphones are quickly discharged
- π Update the firmware of the headset through the Mi Earphones app (outdated versions of the software can cause increased battery consumption).
- π§ Turn off functions. ANC or transparent if not used (they significantly reduce the operating time).
- π± Check if the headphones are connected to Bluetooth in the background (for example, if you forgot to disconnect them from the PC).
π‘
If Xiaomi started to hold the charge worse after updating the firmware, try rolling it back to the previous version. To do this, in the Mi Earphones app, go to Settings β Software Update β Return to the previous version (if the option is available).
6. Additional settings via the Mi Earphones app
For full management of the headset Xiaomi is recommended to install the official application Mi Earphones (available for Android and iOS).
- ποΈ Set up touch control (for example, assign a double touch to call a voice assistant).
- π Regulate the noise reduction level (ANC) or include a transparent regime.
- π² Update the firmware of headphones (critical for bug fixing and sound enhancement).
- π§ Check the charge level of each headphone and case separately.
- π Find headphones at the last known location (if supported).
To connect the headset to the application:
- Install Mi Earphones from Google Play or the App Store.
- Open the app and allow access to Bluetooth.
- Click "Add device" and select your model from the list.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the pairing.
In some models (for example, Buds 4 Pro) through the application you can activate spatial sound or adjust the equalizer for different genres of music.
β οΈ Note: Mi Earphones may not display some headsets if they were purchased from other stores (e.g., AliExpress without localization.
7. Connecting Xiaomi headset to a PC or laptop
Xiaomiβs wireless headphones can be used not only with smartphones, but also with computers running Windows, macOS or even Linux.
For Windows 10/11:
- Open Settings β Devices β Bluetooth and other devices.
- Turn on Bluetooth and click "Add Device".
- Select βBluetoothβ and wait until your headset appears on the list.
- Click on the headphone name and follow the instructions on the screen.
For macOS:
- Open System settings β Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is on and wait for the headphones to appear on the list.
- Press "Connect." If necessary, confirm the pairing.
If the headset is connected, but the sound is only through one earpiece:
- π In Windows audio settings, select not βHeadsetβ as your playback device, but βStereoβ or "A2DP".
- π Reconnect the headphones, previously removing them from the list of devices.
- π§ Check if the PC is activated mode "Phone call" (it can force to switch the sound to mono mode).
π‘
For stable operation of the headset Xiaomi with PC recommended to use Bluetooth adapter version 5.0 or later. Built-in modules in older laptops (Bluetooth 4.0) can cause stuttering or communication interruptions.