How to turn on noise cancellation on Xiaomi headphones: detailed instructions for all models

Xiaomi wireless headphones have long since ceased to be just an accessory for listening to music — they have become full-fledged gadgets with advanced features. One of the most popular options among users is noise cancellation, which helps to focus on sound, blocking extraneous noise. But not all owners know how to activate and adjust this feature, especially if it is a budget or old models.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to turn on Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and Microphone Noise Cancel (ENC) on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco headphones. We’ll talk about the differences between models, the nuances of customization through the Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear app, and tips for fixing typical problems. If your headphones support this feature but it doesn’t work, chances are you just don’t know where to look.

Which Xiaomi models support noise reduction?

Not all Xiaomi headphones are equipped with noise cancellation, and the feature is available mainly in mid-range and premium models starting in 2020. Below is a table with popular models and types of supported noise reduction.

If your model is not listed in the table, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the instructions. Budget headphones (such as the Redmi AirDots 2 or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) are usually devoid of ANC, but may have ENC for the microphone - this is another technology that improves voice quality during calls.

Also, look at the headphone generation: for example, Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 (2020) does not support ANC, while AirDots 3 Pro (2021) already has this feature. If you are in doubt, check the settings of the Mi Home app - it displays all the available options for your model.

ANC vs ENC: What's the difference and which is better?

Before you turn on noise cancellation, it is important to understand what technologies are used in your headphones. Often users confuse ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) and ENC (Environmental Noise Cancelling), although they solve different tasks:

• 🔇 ANC (Active noise cancellation - blocks external noise (transport, conversations, air conditioning) with microphones and inverted sound waves.
• 🎤 ENC (Reduce microphone noise - improves voice quality during calls by removing background sounds; does not affect music playback.
• 🔄 Hybrid noise reduction – a combination ANC and ENC, It is used in flagship models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).

A critical nuance: ANC consumes extra energy and can reduce headphone time by 10-20%. If you hear a hiss or whistle when a function is activated, it's normal for budget models, but it indicates a low-quality implementation.

Which one is better? It depends on your tasks.

• 🚇 For trips by subway/airplane — ANC (thunder).
• 📞 For calls in a noisy place — ENC (your voice will be clearer).
• 🎧 For music in a quiet environment, noise cancellation can be turned off completely.

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If your headphones support multiple ANC modes (e.g., "Weak"/"Mediocre"/"Strong"), start at a minimum level. Too aggressive noise cancellation can distort sound and cause discomfort.

How to turn on noise reduction with the Mi Home/Xiaomi Wear app

The main way to control ANC/ENC on Xiaomi headphones is through a proprietary application. The interface may differ depending on the model, but the overall algorithm is the same.

1. Install the app: 📱 For Android: Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear. 🍎 For iOS: Mi Home only (functionality may be limited).

Put the headphones on.

Open the case cover, press and hold the button on the back (if any) or select headphones in the phone's Bluetooth device list.

Find the noise reduction settings

In the app, go to the Devices section → [Your headphones] → Sound settings. There should be options. ANC or noise reduction mode.

For example, in Xiaomi Buds 4, the path looks like this:

Mi Home → Devices → Xiaomi Buds 4 → Sign gear (Settings) → Noise suppression

Some models (such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro) have several ANC modes available:

• 🌿 Adaptive – automatically adjusts to the environment.
• 🚀 Maximum – the strongest suppression (suitable for aircraft).
• 🎵 Transparent mode – allows external sounds (useful on the street).

If the app doesn't have a noise-canceling tab, your model doesn't support it, so check if there's at least an ENC for the microphone, which is usually hidden in the call settings.

Activation of noise reduction without application (via touch control)

Not everyone wants to install Mi Home, especially iPhone owners. Fortunately, many Xiaomi models allow ANC to be enabled through touchpads on the headphones themselves.

The standard combination for most models:

1. Put on your headphones and make sure they are connected to the phone.
2. Touch and hold the touchpad on one of the headphones for 2-3 seconds.
3. You will hear a voice notification (such as “Noise Cancelation On”) or an audible signal.
4. Repeated retention will turn off the function or switch mode (ANC/Transparent/Off).

The specific gestures depend on the model:

If the gestures don't work, try resetting the headphone settings:

1. Put the headphones in the case.


2 Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the red indicator will light up).




3. Reconnect the headphones to the phone.

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Touch control of ANC works only on headphones with firmware not older than 2021, on older models (for example, AirDots Pro 2), this feature is missing.

Why Noise Canceling Doesn't Work: Typical Problems and Solutions

A common complaint from users is, "I turn on the ANC, but nothing changes," and there are a number of reasons, from the banal to the technical.

⚠️ Warning: If you hear a strong whistle or distortion when turned on ANC, This may indicate that the noise reduction microphones are malfunctioning, and if you do, you should contact the service center, because self-repair can lead to loss of warranty.

• 🔋 Low-charge headphones — ANC If the charge level is below 20%, the function can be turned off automatically.
• 📱 Outdated firmware - check for updates in Mi Home → About the device → Update of the PO.
• 🎧 A loose landing in the ears — ANC It works better when it's sealed. Try changing the earpieces.
• 🚫 Conflict with other functions – some models disable ANC When activating the Game mode (low delay).

Another possible reason is regional restrictions, where some features (like adaptive ANC) can be blocked for certain countries, and changing the region in the Mi Home settings will help:

Profile → Settings → Region → Select “China” or “Global”

If nothing helps, try resetting your headphones to factory (the instructions are in the section above) or contact Xiaomi support via the chat in the app.

How to improve the quality of noise reduction: life hacks and settings

Even if you have ANC in your headphones, you can improve its effectiveness with a few simple tricks, and this is what experts and experienced users recommend:

• 🔄 Calibration of microphones – in some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pro) has an automatic setup option ANC. Run it in a quiet room for better results.
• 🎛️ Equalizer settings – in the Mi Home app, try Bass or Balanced mode». ANC It works better with clear low frequencies.
• 👂 The right size of the earpieces -- typically 3-4 pairs of silicone nozzles.
• 📵 Bluetooth shutdown LE Audio – if your phone supports this protocol (Android 13)+), Try to switch to the classic. A2DP. Sometimes it reduces delays and improves ANC.

For models with adaptive ANC (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Pro), it is useful to manually specify the type of environment:

Mi Home → Headphones → Noise Reduction → Mode → Select “Transport”, “Office” or “Home”

If you use ANC on a plane or train, turn on Maximum Suppression mode in advance – it takes a few seconds for the system to adapt to the low-frequency hum.

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For better ANC effect, combine it with passive soundproofing: use headphones with foam earbuds (such as Comply Foam) or wear noise-retarding earplugs over them.

Comparison of noise reduction Xiaomi with competitors: is it worth overpaying?

Many users question how effective ANC is in Xiaomi headphones compared to Sony, Bose or Apple. Let’s get to the bottom of what to expect from the budget and mid-budget models of the brand.

As you can see from the table, Xiaomi loses to flagships in depth of noise reduction and autonomy, but wins in price. For most tasks (travel to work, office, home use), ANC in Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Pro will be enough. However, if you need a complete immersion in silence (for example, for sleeping in an airplane), it is better to consider models from Sony or Bose.

Xiaomi’s advantage is fast charging and good compatibility with Android devices. For example, AirDots 3 Pro supports Google’s Fast Pair, which speeds up connectivity to pure Android smartphones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about noise cancellation on Xiaomi headphones