What is the headphone jack Xiaomi: a full guide to the models of 2020-2026

Choosing headphones for a smartphone or Xiaomi headset, many are faced with confusion: what connector is needed - a classic 3.5 mm, modern USB-C Or wireless Bluetooth? The company is actively abandoning the traditional audio jack in new models, but older devices still support it:

— What connectors are used in Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi for the last 5 years;

- how to determine the type of connector of your model by external signs;

What adapters will be needed to connect wired headphones to new devices;

— connection TWS-Headphones (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots or Buds 4 Pro).

You will also find a table of compatibility of popular models and tips for choosing headphones for a specific connector. If you are not sure which type is suitable for your gadget, this article will help you avoid mistakes when buying.

1. The evolution of connectors in Xiaomi smartphones: from 3.5 mm to USB-C

Until 2019, most Xiaomi smartphones were equipped with a standard 3.5 mm audio jack, a universal solution for connecting wired headphones, but with the transition to frameless designs and the desire to reduce the thickness of the cases, the company began to abandon it. The first victims were the flagship models of the Mi series, and then the trend spread to Redmi and other models. POCO.

Today, in the line of Xiaomi there are three types of connectors:

• 🎧 3.5 mm in budget and some mid-budget models (for example, Redmi) 12C or POCO M6 Pro).
• 🔌 USB Type-C – in most modern smartphones (starting with Mi 10, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ newer).
• 📶 Bluetooth for wireless headphones (all models support, but require a separate purchase) TWS-headset).

It is important to understand that USB-C Xiaomi smartphones can work in two modes:

1. Digital audio output (via protocol) USB Audio Class 2.0/3.0) — Supports high-quality sound, but requires headphones with built-in DAC or adapter.
2. Analog output (via built-in DAC in the smartphone) - compatible with conventional headphones through the adapter, but the sound quality may be inferior to the 3.5 mm connector.

🔹 Why Xiaomi is removing the 3.5mm connector:

• ⚡ Increased battery capacity due to freed space.
• 💧 Protection from moisture (no hole improves leakage).
• 🎵 Popularization of wireless headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 or FlipBuds Pro).

2. How to determine the headphone jack in your Xiaomi model

If you are not sure what connector in your smartphone, use one of the ways:

Method 1: External inspection

Look at the bottom of the device:

• 🔍 Round hole with diameter ~3.5 mm is a classic audio jack.
• 🔌 Oval connector (USB-C) — Universal port for charging and audio (needs an adapter for wired headphones).
• ❌ Absence of openings (except for USB-C) — So, only wireless headphones or adapters.

Method 2: Testing by model

Use the table below or find the specifications of your model on the official Xiaomi website in the Technical Specifications section. → Interfaces.

Method 3: Software Diagnostics

Install the app CPU-Z or AIDA64 Google Play:

1. Open the System section → Hardware.
2. Find the Audio line or the Headphone jack.
3. If so, 3.5mm — There's a connector if USB-C audio - only digital output.

💡

In smartphones with USB-C (for example, Xiaomi 13T) You can set up the settings. → Sound. → Audio quality USB Improved sound through an adapter.

3. Compatibility table: headphone jacks in Xiaomi models (2020–2026)

Here are some of the most popular smartphone models and headphone jacks, and if your model isn't on the list, check the official specifications.

Important: In models with USB-C (For example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, you need an adapter to connect the 3.5mm headphones, which is NOT always included. Before buying, check whether you have it or buy it separately (the original Xiaomi Type-C to adapter). 3.5mm worth ~500-800 rubles).

4. Headphone adapters: which ones are needed and how to choose

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn't have a 3.5mm jack, but you want to use wired headphones, you'll need an adapter. Let's figure out what they are and how to choose them.

Adapter types

• 🔌 USB-C → 3.5 mm is the most common option:
• ⚡ USB-C → Lightning – for Apple headphones (rare, but sometimes required).
• 📱 Bluetooth wireless transmission – for connecting wired headphones over the air (for example, Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver).

How to choose an adapter: checklist

🔹 Note: Cheap adapters (for example, 200-300 rubles) often give out noise or distortion. For audiophiles, we recommend models with built-in DAC, such as:

• Xiaomi USB-C to 3.5mm Digital Adapter (~1 200 rub. 24-bit/96kHz.
• UGREEN USB-C DAC (~1,500 rubles. - Compatible with LDAC aptX.

5. Xiaomi Wireless Headphones: What You Need to Know

If you're considering TWS-Headphones (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots or Buds 4 Pro), take a few key points into account:

The Benefits of Wireless Headphones

• 🎧 No wires - convenience when playing sports.
• 🔋 Long operating time (up to 30 hours in the case of Buds 4 Pro).
• 🎵 Support for codecs (AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC — model-wise).

Disadvantages and nuances

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models work equally well with wireless headphones:

• 📱 Redmi Note 11 does not support aptX – the sound will be worse than on flagships.
• 🔄 In the budget TWS (For example, Redmi Buds 3 Lite can be delayed sound while watching video.
• 🔋 Cheap models are discharged in 3-4 hours of active use.

🔹 Tip: Before buying, check the compatibility of the headphones with your smartphone on the Xiaomi website or in reviews. e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pros are fully unlocked with flagships only (Xiaomi) 13/14), because they require support LDAC.

How to connect TWS-headphones for Xiaomi

1. Open the case cover (the headphones should be inside).
2. On your smartphone, turn Bluetooth on in the Quick Settings Panel.
3. In the list of available devices, select your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones).
4. Confirm the pairing.

💡

For a stable connection, update your headphone firmware through the Xiaomi Earphones app (available on Google Play).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi users often have difficulty connecting headphones. Let's look at typical situations and how to solve them.

Problem 1: The smartphone can’t see the 3.5mm headphones

🔹 Possible causes:

• 🔌 Contamination of the connector – clean it gently with a toothpick (not metal objects!).
• 💻 Software failure – restart the device or reset the sound settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the sound settings).
• 🔊 Damaged connector – if the headphones are not detected in other devices, contact the service.

Problem 2: The microphone on the headphones does not work USB-C

⚠️ Attention: Many adapters USB-C → 3.5 mm don't support the microphone:

• Use a support adapter CTIA/OMTP (For example, the original from Xiaomi).
• Check the microphone settings in Settings → Sound. → Audio quality USB.
• Update the firmware of the smartphone – in new versions MIUI Improved support for audio accessories.

Problem 3: Wireless headphones are turned off or braked

🔹 Decisions:

• 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• 🔋 Charge headphones and case to 100% – at low charge, the connection becomes unstable.
• 🔄 Reset the headphone settings (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Update. MIUI and headphone firmware through Xiaomi Earphones.

💡

If Xiaomi headphones don’t connect to a smartphone, try resetting them through the AiPin app (available for some models).

7 Which connector is better: 3.5 mm, USB-C Bluetooth?

The choice of connector depends on your needs. Let's compare the pros and cons of each option:

🔹 Conclusion:

• 🎧 3.5mm is the best choice for budget smartphones and those who value simplicity.
• 🔌 USB-C — Optimal for flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14) when using a high-quality adapter.
• 📶 Bluetooth is ideal for sports and active lifestyle, but requires investment in good quality. TWS-headphones.

8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions