Xiaomi wireless headphones have long become the standard of quality among budget TWS-However, even with popular models such as Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Xiaomi Buds 4, users often face the problem of how to put the headphones in pairing mode to connect them to a new smartphone, tablet or laptop. This is especially true after resetting the settings, discharging the battery or buying a used device.
In this article, you'll find step-by-step photo instructions for all of Xiaomi's popular models, learn why headphones might not be in search mode, and get exclusive troubleshooting tips. And if you've already tried to connect but the phone can't see the device, we have a table with error codes and ways to fix them.
Before you get to the instructions, make sure your headphones are at least 20% charged — when the battery is low, the pairing mode may not activate. Also check that Bluetooth is turned on on on on the device you are trying to connect to (smartphone, PC, Smart TV). If the headphones have been paired with another gadget, they may need to be reset to factory settings, which we will discuss in a separate section.
1. Standard way: how to enable pairing mode on most Xiaomi models
Most Xiaomi wireless headphones (including the Redmi AirDots series, Mi True Wireless and Xiaomi Buds) use a universal pairing activation algorithm.
Step 1: Take both earphones out of the charging case. They should automatically turn on (the indicator on the case will light up).
Step 2. Press the touchpad (or mechanical button) on the right earphone for 5-8 seconds until the light flashes white and red (or white only depending on the model). On some devices (Redmi AirDots 2, Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2), instead of blinking, you will hear a voice message: "Ready to pair" (Ready to pair).
Step 3. Open Settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone and find a device called Mi True Wireless..., Redmi AirDots... or Xiaomi Buds... Click on it to connect.
If the headphones don't appear on the list, try to put them back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then repeat the process. This will reset the current connection state.
Make sure that Bluetooth is on on your phone.
Headphone charge >20 per cent
Headphones removed from the case
The case is located next to the phone (no further than 1 meter)
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2. Features of activation of the pairing mode for popular models
Despite the general principle, some Xiaomi models have unique nuances of enabling search mode.
| Model headphones | Method of activating the coupling mode | Indication of successful activation |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1st generation) | Press the button on the right headphone for 5 seconds | The red light flashes fast. |
| Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 | Twice touch the sensor on any headphone | Voice message + white indicator |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 / Buds 4 Pro | Press the sensors on both headphones for 3 seconds | Orange indicator flashes 2 times |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Press the button on the case for 2 seconds (with the cover closed) | White indicator on case flashes |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Touch the sensor on the right headphone 1 time | Sound signal + voice message |
Note: Active Noise Canceling (ANC) models such as Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro or Redmi Buds 4 Active can only activate the pairing mode when the ANC is turned off. To turn off noise cancellation before connecting, press the sensor on the left earphone for 2 seconds (until the signal sounds).
Redmi AirDots (Any Generation)
Mi True Wireless Earphones
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro
Redmi Buds 3 Lite/Pro
FlipBuds or FlipBuds Pro
Another model.
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3.What to do if Xiaomi headphones are not in pairing mode?
If after repeated attempts the indicator on the headphones does not blink, and the device does not appear in the Bluetooth list, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔋 Battery is low - even if the indicator is on, a charge below 15% can block search mode. Charge the headphones for 10-15 minutes.
- 📱 Conflict with previous connection - headphones can "hang" on the old device. Solution: reset them (instructions in the next section).
- 🔄 Firmware failure is especially important after the update. Try rebooting the headphones: put them in the case, close the lid, then remove them.
- 🛠️ Mechanical breakdown – if the button/sensor is not responding, check the headphones on another device.
Headphones Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2 (model TWSEJ04LS) have a firmware bug, which may not activate the pairing mode at temperatures below +10 ° C. If you try to connect outside in winter - transfer the procedure to a warm room.
If the problem persists, try a forced reset (instructions in the next section) or check the headphones on another device (for example, on a Windows or Mac PC).
How to check if the phone is to blame, not the headphones?
4.Reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings
If standard methods don't work, you'll have to do a hard reset, which will remove all the paired devices and return the headphones to their original settings, and you'll have to reset the gestures and sound parameters after the reset (if supported by the model).
Instructions for most models:
- Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 10 seconds, then open the lid.
- Press the button on the case (or the sensor on the right earphone if the button is not) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (or a voice reset confirmation sounds).
- Close the case cover, wait 30 seconds, then try to pair again.
For models with a separate headphone reset (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro):
- Get the headphones out of the case.
- Press the sensors on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- Wait for the double beep and the orange light flashing.
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Once reset, the Redmi AirDots 3 Pro headphones can automatically go into pairing mode. If that doesn't happen, put them back in the case, then pull them out, and that will start the search process.
5. Solving specific connectivity problems
Sometimes Xiaomi headphones are unusual: they only connect to one device, they constantly turn off or they give out errors, and we have collected solutions for the most common cases:
- 🎧 Only one earphone plugs in: Check if the contacts in the case are dirty (wipe with alcohol). Reset your headphones and re-coat. On dual-mic models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4), try manually selecting the main earphone in Bluetooth settings.
- 🔌 Headphones connect, but no sound: In your phone's Bluetooth settings, select Device Settings → Sound and media → Use it for calls and media. Check if Monozvook is activated (on iPhone: Settings) → Universal access → Audiovisual → Monoaudio).
- 🔄 Permanent communication breaks: Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone - sometimes 2.4GHz channels conflict with Bluetooth. Reduce the distance between devices (optimally - up to 1 meter). Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones with Qualcomm chip QCC3040 (For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro can conflict with phones on MediaTek Helio G-processors. If you have this case, try connecting through Developer Mode (included in the phone settings).
6. How to update the headphone firmware for a stable connection
If your Xiaomi headphones often lose connection or don’t want to go into pairing mode, the reason may lie in outdated firmware.
For update:
- Install the official app: For Android: Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear. For iOS: Mi Home.
Connect the headphones to the phone (they should be in pairing mode).
Open the app, find your model in the list of devices.
Settings of the device → Updating the firmware
Update
After the update, the headphones will automatically restart. If there is an error in the process (for example, Update failed), follow the following steps:
- Close the application and restart it.
- Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi (update downloaded via the Internet).
- Repeat the attempt, having previously reset the headphones to the factory settings.
⚠️ Note: When connecting via nRF Connect, do not change settings MTU Or Connection Interval, which can cause headphones to be unstable. Use the app only for diagnostics!