Xiaomi’s modern wireless headphones have become the standard of quality in the budget and mid-range segment, offering users great sound and stable connection. However, as with any new technology, the initial setup can raise questions for inexperienced users. The activation process usually takes no more than a minute, but requires precise follow-up to successfully pair.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of connecting Xiaomi AirBuds to smartphones based on Android and iOS. You will learn about the nuances of working with the Xiaomi Earbuds application, how to reset settings for errors and methods of optimizing the device for maximum battery life.
Preparation of headphones and smartphone for the first launch
Before trying to find a device in the list of available Bluetooth gadgets, you need to make sure that both components are ready for work. Often users face problems precisely because of the discharged battery of the case or the power-saving modes on the phone that block the search for new devices.
First, remove the headphones from the charging case. The indicators on the cases should light up, signaling the transition to standby or active pair search. If the indicators do not respond, place them in the case and connect them to charging for 15-20 minutes using a cable from the delivery kit.
On your smartphone, open your settings and go to the Bluetooth section. Make sure the switch is activated and the list of available devices doesn't show the old connection with your model name. If there is one, click on the gear icon or "i" next to it and select "Forget the device" or "Disable."
⚠️ Note: Do not remove both earbuds from the case at the same time if the model supports mono-use mode. For primary pairing, it is better to remove both devices at once so that they are synchronized with each other.
It’s also worth checking your phone’s operating system version. For stable AAC and SBC codecs, as well as for proper charging display, it’s recommended to use Android version 6.0 and above or iOS 13 and above.
Step-by-step process of connecting to Android and iOS
The basic method of connectivity is universal for most operating systems and does not require the installation of additional software, although the application significantly expands the functionality.The standard Bluetooth protocol provides basic sound reproduction and microphone operation.
After preparing the devices, perform the following actions:
- 🎧 Open the charge case cover without removing the headphones (for some models) or remove them completely.
- 📱 On your phone in the Bluetooth menu, click “Search for New Devices” or just wait for a list to appear.
- 🔍 Find a device with a name that matches your model (e.g. Xiaomi AirBuds or Redmi Buds) in the list).
- ✅ Click on the device name to initiate the pairing process.
In some cases, the system may request a pairing confirmation via a pop-up on the smartphone screen. Press "Connect" or enter the 0000 confirmation code if required. Successful connection is usually accompanied by a voice message "Connected" or a characteristic beep in the headphones.
Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically connect in subsequent use if Bluetooth is on the phone, but additional configuration will be required through proprietary software to access the equalizer and customize gestures.
Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app for advanced settings
To unlock the full potential of Xiaomi AirBuds, it is strongly recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earbuds app.It is available in the Google Play Market and Apple App Store.Without this app, many features, such as switching noise reduction modes or updating firmware, may not be available.
Once you install the app and provide the necessary permissions (geolocation, Bluetooth, notifications), launch it. The app automatically detects the connected headphones and prompts you to add them to the list of devices.
- 🎛 Set up an equalizer and select sound profiles.
- 👆 Reassign the functions of touching and holding sensory areas.
- 🔋 Control the charge level of each headphone and case separately.
- 🌐 Update firmware to improve stability.
It’s important to note that for some models, such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Redmi Buds 4 Pro, the app may require you to register for a Mi Account.This is necessary to save your settings in the cloud and sync between devices.
What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
The interface is intuitive, but you should pay attention to the section “About headphones”, which displays the current version of the firmware. Regular software updates often fix bugs with desynchronization of sound or interruption of connection.
Matching with laptops, tablets and TVs
Connecting Xiaomi AirBuds to Windows or macOS computers is similar, but has its own features of pairing. Often computers do not see the headphones if they are already connected to the phone, as priority is given to the last active device.
To connect to the PC, follow the following steps:
- Turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone or turn off the headphones in its settings to break the active connection.
- Put the headphones in the case and leave the lid open.
- Find the pairing button on the case case case case case (usually on the back wall or inside between the sockets).
- Press this button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes white. This means visibility mode.
- On your computer, under Devices and Printers or Bluetooth, select Add Device and find your headphones.
☑️ Check before connecting to the PC
When used with Android TV or MI TV, the algorithm is the same, but it is worth considering that when watching video via Bluetooth, there may be a slight delay in sound. To minimize this effect in the settings of the TV, choose an A2DP profile with the AAC codec, if this option is available.
⚠️ Warning: When connecting to public computers or other devices, always delete your pairing history after use. In your headphone settings, select “Forget this device” on someone else’s gadget so that an automatic connection does not happen in the future.
Solving common problems when connecting
Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be technical failures, and the most common problem is that the headphones are visible on the list, but the connection does not occur, or the sound comes from only one channel, and this is often solved by resetting the settings to the factory.
To perform the reset (Hard Reset):
- 🔄 Place both headphones in the charging case.
- ⏳ Leave the lid open.
- 👆 Press and hold the function button on the case for 10-15 seconds.
- 💡 The indicator should blink several times and change color (usually orange or red), which signals a reset.
After this procedure, remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the phone (“Forget the device”) and pair again, as in the first purchase, which helps eliminate the caching errors of profiles.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on | Battery discharged or contacts oxidized | Charge the case, wipe the contacts with alcohol |
| Only one earpiece can be heard. | Loss of synchronization between channels | Reset the settings (Hard Reset) |
| Low volume. | Restriction on phone settings or dirty grid | Check the multimedia settings, clean the speakers |
| Frequent communication breakdowns | Interference from Wi-Fi router or microwave | Remove from the source of interference, update the firmware |
If neither method works, it may be a hardware malfunction of the battery or Bluetooth module, in which case it is recommended to contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.
Features of working with different codecs and Bluetooth versions
Sound quality and connection stability are directly dependent on the Bluetooth version and supported codecs. Modern Xiaomi AirBuds models often support Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3, which provides lower power consumption and better interference protection compared to older versions.
It is important for audiophiles to know which codec is used in the transfer. In the Android developer settings (System → Developers → Bluetooth Codec), you can force the codec to be selected if it is supported by both devices.
- 🎵 SBC — Basic codec, available everywhere, average quality.
- 🎼 AAC — standard for iOS, good quality and compression efficiency.
- 🎧 aptX/aptX Adaptive – Qualcomm’s high-resolution, low-latency technologies).
- 🔊 LDAC — Sony codec for high-resolution sound transmission (Hi-Res).
💡
For maximum sound quality on Android, activate the option “Scaling the sampling frequency” in the developer settings and select the value corresponding to your audio file, although by default the system itself chooses the best option.
It’s worth remembering that using high-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX HD can consume the battery of headphones and smartphones faster. For long conversations or listening to podcasts, it’s better to leave the standard AAC or SBC.
💡
Connection stability is more important than maximum bitrate. If you are often in places with large crowds and radio interference, switch to the SBC or AAC codec to avoid stuttering.
Proper operation and care of contacts
The durability of Xiaomi AirBuds depends not only on the software part, but also on the physical state of the charging contacts. Oxidation or contamination of the contacts is a common reason why headphones stop charging in the case and, accordingly, do not turn on for connection.
It is recommended to wipe the contacts on headphones and inside the case once a month with a dry soft cloth or cotton swab slightly soaked in isopropyl alcohol.Do not use water or harsh chemicals, as this can damage the protective coating.
Also avoid storing headphones in extreme temperatures. Lithium polymer batteries used in AirBuds are sensitive to overheating and severe hypothermia, which can lead to irreversible reduction in capacity and inability to hold a charge.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave your headphones completely discharged for long-term storage (more than a month). Deep discharge can cause the battery to fail and the device will cease to respond to charging.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow your headphones to serve long and delight with high-quality sound without interruptions.