How to turn on Xiaomi Redmi headphones: instructions for all models (2026)

Wireless and wired headphones Xiaomi Redmi have become an integral part of everyday life, from listening to music to calls. However, even with such simple devices sometimes there are difficulties: headphones do not turn on, do not connect to the phone or computer, or the sound is interrupted. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on the headphones Redmi — from classic Redmi AirDots to wired models with a 3.5 mm connector or USB-C.

We will pay special attention to typical user errors. For example, many forget that Redmi Buds 4 Pro require double-clicking on the touchpad to turn on, and Redmi Earbuds 3 Lite automatically go into pairing mode only after being removed from the case. Also consider what to do if the headphones are not determined by the system after updating the MIUI 14+ firmware - this is a pressing problem for owners of Xiaomi smartphones from 2023-2026.

1. How to turn on Xiaomi Redmi wireless headphones (AirDots, Buds, Earbuds)

Xiaomi Redmi wireless headphones fall into two categories by the way they are turned on:

• 🔋 With the case (automatic on-extract) - Redmi Buds 3/4 Pro, AirDots 3.
• 🖐️ Mechanical button: Redmi Earbuds 3 Lite, AirDots 2.

For most models, the algorithm is simple:

1. Get the headphones out of the case – they should automatically turn on (the indicator flashes white/blue).
2. If the indicator is not on, press and hold the touchpad (or button) on the right earphone for 3-5 seconds until you hear the beep.
3. On your smartphone, activate Bluetooth and find the device in the list (the name begins with "Redmi").

For models with a button (e.g. Earbuds 3 Lite):

1. Press the button on the headphone 1 time - a short signal will confirm the inclusion.


2. Press the button for 5 seconds - the headphones will go into pairing mode (blinking red / blue light).




3. Connect via Bluetooth on your phone.

Are the headphones removed from the case?| Is the case charged (front panel indicator)?| Is Bluetooth on the phone?| Headphones are within 1 meter radius of the device-->

If the Redmi headphones don't turn on after you've been removed from the case, check:

• 🔌 Case charge (plug in to charge - red/orange indicator should light up).
• 🧲 Contacts inside the case (clean them with a soft brush from dust).
• 🔄 Try resetting your headphones (press the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times).

2. Connecting wired headphones Redmi (3.5 mm, USB-C)

The Xiaomi Redmi wired headphones don’t require a switch on in the classic sense, they start working immediately after you connect to the device.

For headphones with a 3.5 mm connector:

1. Insert the plug into the smartphone/laptop audio jack before clicking.
2. On the Xiaomi phone, you may be asked to choose the type of connected device – select “Hearbursts”.
3. If there's no sound, check it out: 🔊 Loudness on the phone and in the player. 🔌 Clean connector (dust or contact oxidation block signal). 🎧 Integrity of the cable (curves at the plug are a common cause of a break).

For USB-C headphones:

• 📱 Connect to Xiaomi smartphone (models without) 3.5 mm - Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5).
• 💻 For PCs, an adapter may be needed. USB-C → 3.5 mm or driver (if headphones with digital sound).
• ⚠️ Not all. USB-C Headphones compatible with iPhone – requires an adapter with support CTIA/OMTP.

💡

If Redmi wired headphones make noise or crackle, try turning on the option “Disable audio processing” in your smartphone sound settings (located in Settings → Sound → Additional).

3.Why Xiaomi Redmi Headphones Don't Turn On: Diagnosing Problems

If the headphones don't respond to presses or don't charge, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Critical error: If after reset, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro headphones are no longer defined by the phone, this may be due to the MIUI firmware update, which resets the list of conjugated devices.

1. Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone.
2. Press the touchpad on both headphones for 10 seconds (until the red-blue flashes).
3. Connect again via Settings → Bluetooth.

Redmi AirDots 2/3|Redmi Buds 3/4 Pro|Redmi Earbuds 3 Lite| Another model |I don't know the model-->

4. How to update the firmware of Xiaomi Redmi headphones

Updating the firmware can solve problems with connection, sound or autonomy.

Method 1: Using the Mi Earphones app (official method)

1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app – if an update is available, a “New firmware” notification will appear.
4. Click "Update" and wait until it's finished (don't turn off the headphones!).

Method 2: Through MIUI (for Xiaomi smartphones)

On Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO phones with MIUI 12+, the headphone firmware update can come automatically via Settings → Bluetooth:

1. Put the headphones on.


2. Slip by device name in the Bluetooth list.




3. If an update is available, the "Update Software" button will appear.

After the firmware update:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones to all previously coupled devices.
• 🎧 Check the audio settings – some features (such as Transparent Mode) may reset.

5.Tune Xiaomi Redmi headphones for optimal sound

Even budget Redmi Earbuds can sound better with the right settings. Here's what you can optimize:

On the Mi Earphone app:

• 🎛️ Equator: Choose Preset Bass for Music or Voice for Podcasts.

On a Xiaomi smartphone:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound quality.
2. Enable "High Bluetooth Quality" (required) MIUI 13+).
3. Turn off Adaptive Sound if you hear distortion.

💡

For Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, the "LDAC" function is available, a lossless audio codec that is activated in the Bluetooth settings on your phone (Android 8+ is required).

Gamer Tip: In Mi Earphones, turn on Low Latency mode to sync audio with video in games or movies.

6.How to reset Xiaomi Redmi headphones to factory settings

Resetting helps if the headphones:

• 🔄 Not connected to devices.
• 🎧 Distorting sound or working intermittently.
• 🔋 They're discharged fast.

Instructions for most models:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicator should flash red 3 times - this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Take the headphones out of the case and plug them back in.

For Redmi AirDots 2/3:

1. Make sure the headphones are disconnected from all devices.


2. Press the button on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.




3. After reset, connect as a new device.

⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi Redmi headphones lose their history of pairings. If you used them with multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet), you will have to reconnect to each one.

7. Compatibility of Xiaomi Redmi headphones with other devices

Xiaomi Redmi headphones work not only with the brand’s smartphones, but also with other gadgets.

How to connect to the iPhone:

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (see section 1).
3. Select Redmi from the list of devices.
4. If the sound is interrupted, turn off "Sound Quality Improvement" in Bluetooth settings.

How to connect to Windows 10/11:

• 🖥️ Press Win. + I → Devices → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Select "Add device" → Bluetooth.
• 🎧 Confirm the connection (it may be necessary to enter the code "0000").

⚠️ Attention: Redmi headphones with USB-C They might not work on older PCs without an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm + charging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Redmi headphones