Xiaomiβs wireless headphones are among the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and usability, but even experienced users sometimes have difficulty connecting or re-synchronizing after a reset. In this article, we will discuss all ways of connecting. TWS-Xiaomi headphones (including Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless, Xiaomi Buds and others) and how to solve typical problems, such as when one headphone is not connected or the device is not detected by the phone.
Itβs important to understand that the connection process can vary slightly depending on the model and firmware of the device. Weβll look at the universal methods that work for most versions, and also point out the key differences for specific lines. If you just bought headphones or encountered an error after the upgrade, this guide will help bring them back to life without going to the service center.
Before you start, make sure your headphones are charged (the indicator on the case should burn white or green), and your smartphone is enabled Bluetooth. Models with Mi AI Assistant support (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) may require the installation of a proprietary application β we will also discuss this below.
1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for the first connection
Before you sync your headphones to your phone, you need to remove them from the case properly and put them into pairing mode, a step that is often overlooked, leaving the device undetected in the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Here's what we need to do:
- π Charge the case and headphones. Connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows a charge. For Redmi Buds 3 Pro and newer models, the minimum charge level for activation is 20%.
- π¦ Remove both earbuds from the case. They should automatically turn on (the indicator on the case will light up). If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad on each earbud for 3-5 seconds.
- π Activate pairing mode. For most models, it is enough to hold the button on the case (if any) or touchpad on one of the headphones for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white (or only white for new models).
Some headphones (such as Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2) require you to press the button on the case 5 times in a row to reset the settings. If the indicator does not blink, try putting the headphones back in the case, close it for 10 seconds, and then repeat the procedure.
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If the headphones were previously connected to another device, remove them from the list of conjugated gadgets in the Bluetooth settings of that device, which will speed up the process of new connection.
2. Connect to Android smartphone (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)
Synchronization with Android devices is usually the easiest, especially if you have a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone. MIUI automatically recognizes the headphones and offers additional settings through the proprietary application.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings β Bluetooth on your phone and turn on the module.
- Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator flashes white/red).
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 4 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S) and tap it.
- Confirm the pairing. Some models will need to enter PIN-code - usually 0000 or 1234.
- Wait for the βConnectedβ message and check the sound.
For models with Mi AI Assistant support (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) after connecting, a notification will appear about the possibility of installing a proprietary application. Download it from Google Play (the name is Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Wear depending on the model).
- ποΈ Set up the equalizer and noise reduction modes.
- π View the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.
- π Update the firmware (if available for your model).
Charge the case and headphones|Turn on Bluetooth on your phone|Remove the headphones from the case|Hold the pairing button 10 seconds|Remove old connections (if you have been)-->
3. Connect to iPhone (iOS) and other devices
While Xiaomi is an Android-based brand, their wireless headphones are compatible with iPhones, but there are nuances: some features (like customizing gestures) may not be available without a proprietary app that isnβt supported on iOS.
How to connect to the iPhone:
- Open Settings β Bluetooth and turn on the module.
- Put the headphones in pairing mode (see section 1).
- In the Other Devices list, look for the model name (may appear as LE-xxx for older versions).
- Tap the name and wait for the connection. PIN-code is not required.
For connecting to a laptop (Windows/macOS) or Smart TV, the algorithm is similar:
- π» Windows: Start β Parameters β Devices β Bluetooth, then "Add the deviceΒ».
- π₯οΈ macOS: βSystem settings β Bluetooth and select headphones from the list.
- πΊ Smart TV: In the settings menu, find the Bluetooth section (there may be a separate button on the remote).
What to do if the headphones are not determined on the iPhone?
4. Problem Solving: One earphone is not working or connected
A common problem is when only one earbud plugs in and the other one is silent or undetectable, and the causes can range from battery failure to software failure.
Reason 1: Battery discharge
- π Check the indicator on the case: if it burns red, charge the device.
- π Try putting the silent earphone in the case for 10 seconds, then remove it again.
Reason 2: Failure of synchronization between headphones
- π Turn off both headphones (hold the touchpad for 5 seconds) and put them in the case.
- π Close the case, wait 15 seconds, then remove the headphones - they should sync automatically.
- π If it doesnβt work, reset the settings (see Section 5).
Reason 3: Bluetooth problems on your phone
- π± Reboot your smartphone.
- π± Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices and connect again.
- π± Check if the headphones are connected to another gadget (for example, a laptop).
One earphone is not connected.|Headphones are discharged quickly|Poor sound quality|Not determined by the phone.|Other-->
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Indication of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3/3 Pro | Hold the button on the case for 15 seconds | Red β white flashing |
| Xiaomi AirDots (1β3 gen) | Press the sensor on the headphone three times | Double flashing red |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | Hold the sensor on both headphones for 10 seconds | Voice message "Reset" |
| Mi True Wireless 2S | Put it in the case, hold the 20 sec button. | The indicator on the case flashes red |
5. How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory
If the headphones are glitchy, not connected, or unstable, a complete reset often helps bring them back to life.Warning: Once reset, all the paired devices will be removed and the headphones will return to factory settings.
The universal method (works for most models):
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Open the lid and hold the button on the case (if any) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- For models without a button on the case (such as Xiaomi Buds 3), hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- After resetting, the indicator should flash white β this means that the headphones are ready for a new connection.
Some models (e.g. Redmi Buds 4 Active) require a specific sequence:
1. Remove the headphones from the case.
2. Press 5 times on the touch panel of the left earphone.
3. Wait 5 seconds - the indicator should flash red.
4. Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.π‘
After resetting, the headphones may require a firmware update. Check for updates in the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Earphones branded app.
6. Update firmware: why you need and how to do
The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates for wireless headphones that fix bugs, improve sound and add new features (such as support for new LC3 or AAC codecs).
How to update firmware:
- Install the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Earphones (for older models).
- Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
- Open the app and go to the βMy Devicesβ section β select your headphones.
- If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click Update and wait until the process is complete (don't turn off the headphones!).
What the update does:
- π§ Improved sound and microphone quality.
- π Optimizing battery consumption.
- π Correction of connection errors.
- ποΈ Adding new control gestures.
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Before upgrading your firmware, charge your case up to 50% and make sure the headphones are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network (some updates are downloaded over the Internet).
7. Operational tips: how to extend the life of headphones
To make Xiaomi wireless headphones last longer, follow these recommendations:
Charging and storage:
- π Donβt leave your headphones on charge for more than 24 hours β this shortens battery life.
- π‘οΈ Avoid overheating (do not keep the case under direct sunlight or near heat sources).
- π§ If your headphones are not waterproof (like the Redmi Buds 3 Lite), donβt use them in the rain or in the bathroom.
Cleaning and care:
- π§Ό Clean the speaker grid with a soft brush or cotton swab (do not use alcohol!).
- π Regularly check sealing liners for dirt - it worsens sound insulation.
Program settings:
- π± Turn off Bluetooth on your phone when youβre not using headphones β this saves both devices power.
- π Periodically (every 2-3 months) reset your headphones to avoid the accumulation of errors.