Why Access to Xiaomi Headphone Settings May Be Hidden
Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless gadgets on the market due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face the problem: how to go into the settings of these devices if the headphones themselves do not have a screen or a physical menu?
Unlike Sony or Samsung headphones, where settings are often duplicated in their own apps and via a Bluetooth menu, Xiaomiβs process may differ depending on the model. For example, for AirDots Pro 2 you will need Mi Fit, and for Buds 4 Pro β already Xiaomi Wear. In addition, some functions (such as firmware) can only be accessed through ADB-commands or hidden button combinations.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to enter the settings of Xiaomi headphones β from basic to advanced, including solutions for cases when the application does not see the device or the headphones do not connect to the phone.
Method 1: Settings through branded Xiaomi apps
The main and most reliable way to change the settings of headphones is to use official applications. Xiaomi is gradually moving all devices to a single ecosystem, but so far three applications are relevant:
- π± Mi Fit (for older models like AirDots or AirDots Pro)
- π©Ί Xiaomi Wear (for new headphones, for example, Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro)
- π Mi Home (rarely, but may be required for some smart features)
To go into the settings:
- Install one of the apps (links to Google Play or App Store).
- Connect the headphones to your phone via Bluetooth (if they are not already paired).
- Open the app and find the Device or Profile tab.
- Select your headphones from the list. You'll see the settings available here: equalizer, gesture control, firmware update, etc.
Important: If the headphones don't appear in the app, try:
- π Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on).
- π± Update the application to the latest version.
- π Make sure the headphones are charged (at low charge they may not connect).
Table: Which app is suitable for your model
| Model headphones | Recommended annex | Available settings |
|---|---|---|
| AirDots (1/2/3 generation) | Mi Fit | Equator, gesture control, firmware |
| Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro | Xiaomi Wear | ANC, transparent mode, button customization |
| AirDots Pro 2, Buds 3 | Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear | Depends on the firmware version. |
| Redmi Buds (all models) | Mi Fit | Basic sound and control settings |
βοΈ Preparation for setting up through the application
Method 2: Settings via Bluetooth menu on smartphone
If your app doesnβt work or you donβt want to install it, you can change some of the settings through your phoneβs Bluetooth menu, which is suitable for basic features like:
- π Volume control (on some models).
- π΅ Choice of codecs (AAC, SBC, AptX β if supported).
- π Optimization of energy consumption.
Instructions for Android:
- Open Settings β Bluetooth.
- Find your Xiaomi headphones in the list of connected devices and tap the icon βοΈ (gear).
- Depending on the model, there may be tabs Sound, Device or Additional.
For iPhone, the options are limited:
- π You can only rename the headphones or forget the device.
- π« No sound and control settings (required Xiaomi Wear).
π‘
On some Xiaomi smartphones (such as Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), there is a hidden option in the Bluetooth menu called βBluetooth Lab.β Enable it through search in settings β this will open up additional options for the headphones, such as connection priority or forced codec.
Method 3: Hidden button combinations on headphones
Some Xiaomi models support hardware combinations to reset, switch modes, or access hidden features, which can be useful if:
- π΅ Headphones don't connect to the phone.
- π We need to reset the settings to the factory.
- π§ The interface regime must be enforced.
Warning: Incorrect use of combinations may result in resetting all user settings (including audio profile and Mi Account binding).
Popular combinations for different models
| Model | Combination | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| AirDots (all generations) | Hold both touch panels for 10 seconds | Reset to factory settings |
| Buds 4 Pro | Triple touch of left earphone | Switching between ANC/transparent mode |
| FlipBuds Pro | Hold the button on the body for 5 seconds | Compulsory pairing regime |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Four-fold touch of the right earpiece | Game Mode on/off (low latency) |
What to do if the combination does not work?
β οΈ Attention: On models with ANC (Long-term retention of buttons can lead to overheating of microphones.Do not use combinations more than 1 time in 5 minutes.
Method 4: Adaptation through ADB (for advanced users)
If standard methods donβt work, and you need to force firmware updates or change hidden settings, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is only suitable for Android devices and requires:
- π₯οΈ Computers with installed ADB-driver.
- π± Included debugging by USB phone-on.
- π§ Knowledge of the basics of working with the command line.
Example of commands to work with Xiaomi headphones:
adb devices # Checking the connection of the device
adb shell dumpsys bluetooth # View information about Bluetooth devices
adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.bluetooth/.device.DeviceDetailActivity # Opening the hidden Bluetooth menuWarning: Wrong ADB-commands can disrupt your phone's Bluetooth stack, and use this method only if you are confident in your actions or follow proven instructions.
π‘
ADB allows you to access hidden headphone settings, but requires technical knowledge. For most users, branded applications or Bluetooth menus are enough.
Method 5: Update the firmware of headphones
Sometimes access to settings is blocked due to outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for its headphones, which:
- π΅ Improve sound quality.
- π Optimize battery consumption.
- π οΈ Fixing connection bugs.
To update the firmware:
- Open Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear.
- Go to the headphone section of your headphones.
- Find the Firmware Update (usually in the About Device or Settings menu).
- Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the headphones during the process!
If the update does not appear:
- π Check out the Mi Account region (some updates are coming out first in China).
- πΆ Connect to Wi-Fi (mobile Internet updates may be blocked).
- β³ Wait 1-2 days β sometimes Xiaomi servers download updates in portions.
β οΈ Note: If during the firmware update, the headphones become depleted or disconnected, they may stop turning on.
Solving problems with access to settings
If none of these methods worked, here are the typical causes and solutions:
Problem 1: Headphones are not displayed in the app
- π Solution: Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone, then plug in again.
- π± Solution: Reinstall the Mi app Fit/Xiaomi Wear.
- π Solution: Check if the firewall is blocking or VPN Access to Xiaomi servers.
Problem 2: Settings are grey (inactive)
- π Solution: Charge headphones to 100% β some features are blocked when low charge.
- π Solution: Check if the headphones are tied to your Mi Account (some models make it a must).
Problem 3: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound
- π§ Solution: From the Bluetooth menu on your phone, select Phone Calls and Media (not just Media) profile).
- π Solution: Check if the mode is activated ANC Transparent mode β they can drown out the sound.