Xiaomi Headphones: Where to Start?
Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to their combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even these simple devices can have questions about the first turn on. Especially if you have just unpacked a new model or have not used headphones for a long time. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to include different lines from the budget Redmi Airdots to the flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro.
The main problem that users face is not understanding how to activate the headphones after removing them from the case. Many people mistakenly think that it is enough to open the lid, but in fact the process depends on the model and version of the firmware, and we will also consider what to do if the headphones do not turn on, sync with each other or connect to the phone.
It is important to keep in mind that Xiaomi has two main categories of headphones:
- 🔋 TWS-Headphones (True Wireless) – fully wireless, with a charging case (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4).
- 🎧 Overhead/wire inserts – for example, Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD or Mi Basic Earphones.
For each category, its own nuances of inclusion.
Standard incorporation TWS-Xiaomi headphones
Most modern Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Buds 5, Xiaomi Buds 4, FlipBuds Pro 2) are automatically turned on when extracted from the case.
- 📦 Take both earbuds out of the case at the same time. If you take out only one, the other one may not sync.
- 🔊 Wait for the beep. It's usually a short connection sound (some models have a voice assistant in Chinese/English).
- 📱 Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone. Headphones should appear on the list of available devices like Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds or similar name.
If the headphones don’t turn on automatically, try manually:
- Place both headphones back in the case.
- Close the lid for 5-10 seconds, then open again.
- Remove the headphones and hold the touchpad (or mechanical button) on each of them for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks.
Charge the case to 30% or higher|Check that the headphones are clean (no dirt in the contacts)|Make sure that Bluetooth is on on your phone.|Try restarting your smartphone if the headphones are not defined-->
Some models (such as the Xiaomi Air 2 SE) have a low latency mode that is activated by double-touching. If the headphones are on but the sound is intermittent, check if this mode is activated accidentally.
Features of inclusion for different models Xiaomi
Not all Xiaomi headphones work the same way, and the key differences for the popular lineups are:
| Model | Including | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Airdots (1-3 generation) | Automatically when extracted from the case | No touch controls, just mechanical buttons. To reset, hold the 15 sec button. |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 / Buds 4 Pro | Automatic + manual switching on (sensor retention 3 seconds) | Supports ANC (active noise cancellation), which is included in the Mi Earphones app. |
| FlipBuds Pro / FlipBuds Pro 2 | Automatically, but require the first connection via the app | They have advanced synchronization with Xiaomi devices (fast connection via MIUI). |
| Mi True Wireless 2 / 2S | Holding the 2 sec button for manual switching | Supporting. LC3-codecs for better sound, but may not work with older smartphones. |
If you have older models (like the Redmi Airdots Basic or Mi AirDots Youth), they may not support automatic powering.
- Put the headphones in the case.
- Connect the case to charge for 10 minutes (even if the indicator is on).
- Remove the headphones and hold the button on each until the red/white light flashes.
What if Xiaomi headphones don’t turn on after the firmware update?
How to turn on Xiaomi wired headphones
Wired models (e.g. Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD, Mi Basic Earphones) are easier to turn on – just connect them to the device through a 3.5 mm or USB-C connector.
- 🎵 For models with microphones and control buttons (such as the Xiaomi Piston Fresh) you may need to press the call response button to activate the microphone.
- 🔋 Headphones with USB-C (For example, Xiaomi Type-C Earphones require a compatible device, and on iPhone they will only work with an adapter.
- 🔊 Active noise cancellation (if any) is enabled by a separate button or through an application.
If there is no sound after connection:
- Check if the connector is not contaminated (especially relevant for 3.5 mm).
- Try connecting the headphones to another device.
- On Android, go to Settings → Sound → Sound Quality and select the optimal profile.
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If Xiaomi’s wired headphones are hissing or cracking, try turning off the “Absolute Volume” feature in the Android developer settings.This often solves the codec incompatibility problem.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even when switched on correctly, Xiaomi headphones may not work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
⚠️ Warning: If one of the headphones is not switched on or synced, do not try to disassemble it yourself - this will lead to loss of warranty).
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on | Case or headphones discharged | Charge the case for 1-2 hours, then re-energize |
| They are not synchronized with each other. | Failure of firmware or discharge of one headphone | Reset the settings (hold the 15 sec button) and connect again |
| They're plugging in, but there's no sound. | Incorrectly selected source of sound on the phone | In the notification panel, select headphones as the output device |
| The sound is interrupted. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices | Turn off unnecessary devices or reconnect headphones |
If Xiaomi headphones are connected but immediately switched off, check:
- 📱 Bluetooth version on your smartphone. For stable operation, you need at least version 4.2 (optimum - 5.0)+).
- 🔄 Power saving settings. Xiaomi/Redmi Smartphones disable background restriction for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
- 🛠️ Update it through the Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play and AppGallery).
Redmi Airdots / Buds|Xiaomi Buds 3/4|FlipBuds Pro|Another model |I don't know-->
Resetting the headphone settings Xiaomi
If the headphones are buggy or not on, a full reset often helps bring them back to life.
For TWS-Headphones (Airdots, Buds, FlipBuds):
- Put both earbuds in the case.
- Hold the button on the case (if any) or touchpad on both headphones for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- Get the headphones out - they should reset to factory settings.
For wired models with buttons:
- Turn off the headphones from the device.
- Hold the call response button and volume button at the same time for 10 seconds.
- Reconnect and the settings will be reset.
⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and Buds 4 Pro headphones may require reconfiguration ANC And the sound level through the app, without it, the sound quality will be worse.
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Resetting is a last resort, before you do that, try simply rebooting your headphones (putting them in your case for 30 seconds) or updating your firmware.
Additional functions and settings
Turning on Xiaomi headphones is just the first step, and to unlock their potential, you need to configure additional features:
- 🎛️ Control Customization: In the Mi Earphones app, you can assign double/triple touch actions (e.g., calling a voice assistant or switching tracks).
- 🔇 ANC In noise-canceling models (e.g. FlipBuds Pro 2), you can adjust the level of the noise level. ANC Or turn on the "Transparency" mode for conversations.
- 🔋 Battery savings. Turn off Automatic Shutdown when Removing if the headphones often lose connection.
For models with Xiaomi FastConnect support (e.g. Buds 4 Pro):
- Headphones automatically connect to the last device when opening the case.
- You can quickly switch between devices (e.g., from phone to laptop) via the Bluetooth menu.
- Spatial sound is supported for video and games.
Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and later support the Dynamic Noise Reduction feature, which automatically adjusts the ANC level depending on ambient noise (for example, in the subway or in an airplane), which is enabled in the application and requires the latest firmware version.