How to sync Xiaomi wireless headphones: full instructions for all models

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are among the most popular accessories, thanks to a combination of sound quality, convenience and affordable price. However, even with such devices, users sometimes have difficulties with first connecting or re-synchronizing, especially for TrueWireless (TWS)-enabled models, where each headphone is connected separately and then synchronized with each other.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi wireless headphones can sync, from basic smartphone connectivity to non-standard issues like breaking the left-right headphone connection or conflicts with other Bluetooth devices, and learn how to reset, update firmware, and optimize headphones for different use cases.

The material will be useful for both beginners who have just purchased Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds or Mi True Wireless headphones, and for experienced users who have faced technical nuances. All instructions are tested on current models from 2023-2026 and are compatible with most Android, iOS and Windows devices.

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for synchronization

Before you first connect, make sure the headphones are charged and paired.Most Xiaomi models automatically go into this mode when you first turn on, but if you’ve used them before, you may need to manually reset.

To check the charge, pay attention to the indicators on the case case case case:

• 🔋 White/green light – charge more than 50%, you can connect.
• 🔋 Orange/red light – charge less than 30%, it is recommended to recharge.
• 🔋 Blinking red - discharged, connect the case to the charger.

If the headphones have already been connected to another device, you need to manually pair them.

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 5-10 seconds.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (usually located on the side or bottom) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red.
3. On some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) to reset you need to press the button 3 times in a row.

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If the indicator on the case does not respond to pressing, try connecting the case to charging for 1-2 minutes, and then try again.

2. Synchronization with Android-smartphone (Step-by-step)

Connecting to an Android phone is the most common scenario, taking less than a minute, but there are nuances for different OS versions and headphone models.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14 and stock Android:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module.
2. Get your headphones out of the case – they should automatically turn on and appear in the list of available devices called Mi True Wireless, Redmi AirDots or similar.
3. Click on the headphone name in the list. If you have a request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234), type it in.
4. Wait for the "Connected" message. In some cases, additional confirmation may be required to access contacts and media, which is necessary for the voice assistant functions to work properly.

If the headphones are not listed:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (Settings) → Bluetooth → Three points. → Reset).
• 📱 Make sure your phone has enabled visibility mode for other devices.
• 🔋 Check that the headphones are not discharged (the indicator on the case should flash white).

Headphones charged |Bluetooth enabled on phone | Headphones in pairing mode | Distance between devices < 1 meter | No active connections to other gadgets-->

For models with Mi AI Assistant support (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) after connecting, a notification will appear about the possibility of configuring gestures and equalizer through the Mi Earphones application.

3. Connect to iPhone and other Apple devices

While Xiaomi is a brand focused on the Android ecosystem, its wireless headphones are compatible with the iPhone/iPad, but some features (like fast switching between devices or customizing gestures) may not work properly.

Instructions for iOS 15-17:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait until they appear on the list as Mi True Wireless or similar.
3. Click on the headphone name. Code confirmation is not usually required.
4. After connecting, check the sound – if it is interrupted, open Settings → Bluetooth → The “i” icon next to the headphones and turn on the “Connect Automatically” option.

Features of working with the iPhone:

• 🎵 No codec support AAC/aptX — The sound may be worse than Android.
• 🔊 There is no equalizer in native settings (use third-party apps like Equalizer Fx).
• 📱 Control gestures (double touch, hold) can be triggered with a delay.

Android (MIUI)|Android (stock)|iPhone/iPad|Windows PC|Other-->

4. Synchronization with PC (Windows 10/11) and laptop

Connecting to a computer requires a little more action, especially if you use headphones for voice calls (such as in Zoom or Discord).The main problem is choosing the right sound profile (A2DP for music or HSP/HFP for microphone).

Step-by-step:

1. Press Win + I, select Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Press "Add device" → Bluetooth.
3. Take the headphones out of the case and wait for them to appear on the list. Click on them.
4. After connecting, open Control Panel → Sound, find the headphones in the list and set them as “Default Device”.

If the microphone is not working:

• 🎤 To the control panel. → Sound. → Record check that the headphones are selected as a communication device.
• 🔧 Update the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager (Bluetooth Radio Modules section").
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones, previously removing them from the list of devices.

5. Resetting settings and solving synchronization problems

If Xiaomi headphones don’t sync with each other (for example, only one headphone works) or permanently turn off, a complete reset may be required, which removes all stored connections and returns the device to factory settings.

How to drop headphones:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 20-30 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
3. For models without a button (such as Xiaomi Buds 4), use a touch combination: Tap the sensor on both headphones 5 times in a row for 3 seconds.
4. After resetting, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode.

Frequent problems and their solutions:

• 🔊 Only one earbud connects – take both headphones out of the case and wait until they synchronize with each other (indicators should flash synchronously).
• 🔋 Headphones discharge quickly - update the firmware through the Mi Earphones app.
• 📱 Unstable phone connection – disable Bluetooth on other devices nearby.

⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi headphones may temporarily lose touch with the Mi Earphones app. To restore functionality, remove the device from the app and add it again.

6. Sound optimization and additional settings

After successful synchronization, you can improve sound quality and usability, using the official Mi Earphones app (available for Android) or third-party utilities for iOS/Windows.

What can be customized:

• 🎛️ Equalizer – choose a preset profile (Bases, Vocals, Classics) or create your own.
• 👆 Control gestures – reassign actions for touches (e.g. double touch for the next track).
• 🔇 Noise suppression (ANC) — Turn it on or off depending on the environment.
• 🔋 Low power mode – will prolong the working time, but can worsen the quality of communication.

For iPhone and Windows, the official application is not available, but you can use:

• 🍎 On iOS: Equalizer Fx or Boom 3D tune.
• 🪟 On Windows: FxSound or built-in equalizer in Sound Settings.

If you use headphones for games or calls, it is recommended to:

• 🎮 In games, turn off noise reduction (ANC), to reduce the delay of sound.
• 📞 For calls, select a profile HFP instead A2DP Bluetooth.

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For models that support LDAC (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), turn this codec on your phone’s Bluetooth settings for better sound quality.

7. Update to Xiaomi headphone firmware

Regular firmware updates fix sync errors, improve sound quality and add new features.The update is only available through the official Mi Earphones app (for Android).

How to update firmware:

1. Connect your headphones to your phone and open the Mi Earphones app.
2. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click "Update" and wait for the process to be completed (the headphones should be in the case with the lid open).
4. Do not interrupt the update – this may cause the controller to fail.

Consequences of interrupted update:

• 🔄 The headphones may stop turning on.
• 🔊 The sound will be distorted or absent.
• 📱 You will have to contact the service for re-flashing through EDL-regime.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones start to work worse after the update (for example, there were interference), try rolling back the firmware through the same application or resetting the settings (see section 5).

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronizing headphones Xiaomi