How to connect Xiaomi Buds to a smartphone: instructions for all models (2026)

Xiaomi Buds wireless headphones have become one of the most popular smartphone accessories due to their combination of sound quality, convenience and affordable price. However, even with such simple devices, users often have questions about how to make the first connection, what to do if the headphones are not determined, or how to switch between devices. This article covers all the nuances from basic instructions to solving non-obvious problems.

We’ll cover the pairing process for all the current models, from the budget Redmi Buds 4 to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro, and also talk about the intricacies of working with different operating systems. We’ll focus on the typical errors that prevent successful connection, and give practical tips for optimizing connection. If you just unpacked new headphones or encountered problems after updating your firmware, here you will find clear algorithms for actions.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection

Before pairing with your phone, Xiaomi Buds headphones need to be switched to search mode, which is slightly different depending on the model, but the general logic remains: the main thing is to make sure that the headphones are charged (the indicator on the case of the charger should burn white or green), otherwise they simply will not turn on.

For most models, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Remove the headphones from the charging case - they will automatically turn on.
2. Press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 3-5 seconds (for Buds 4 Pro and later) or the button on the case (for Redmi Buds 3 Lite and the like).
3. Wait until the indicator on the case begins to flash white / red - this is a signal of readiness to pair.

On some models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) to activate the search mode, you need to press and hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 10 seconds until the voice confirmation sounds. If the indicator does not flash, try putting the headphones back in the case, close it for 10 seconds, and then repeat the process.

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If the headphones were previously connected to another device, they must be reset. To do this, hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator begins to flash red and white alternately (reset signal).

2. Step-by-step instruction for connecting to Android

The pairing with Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO devices) occurs through the standard Bluetooth menu. Important: for the full operation of some functions (for example, transparent mode or customization of gestures), you may need to install a proprietary application Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Earbuds (depending on the model).

Connection algorithm:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone and activate the adapter.
2. Make sure the headphones are in search mode (blinking indicator).
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 4 or Xiaomi Buds 5) and tap it.
4. Confirm pairing if you request (some models need to enter PIN 0000).
5. Wait for the message “Connected” – now the headphones are ready to use.

After the first connection, the headphones will automatically connect to the phone when removed from the case (if Bluetooth is on). For models with dual connection support (for example, Buds 4 Pro), you can connect them to two devices simultaneously - after the first pairing, press the touch panel for 2 seconds to activate multipoint mode.

Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices |Indicator on the case burns even white |The sound is played synchronously in both headphones |The Mi Earphones app displays the charge level

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3. Connection to iPhone (iOS) and features of the work

While Xiaomi Buds are optimized for Android, they work well with the iPhone, but there are nuances: some features (such as setting up an equalizer or updating a firmware) will not be available without an Android device, and iOS may not work with the indication of the level of charge in the status bar.

Instructions for iOS:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on iPhone.
• 🔍 Make sure the headphones are in search mode (blinking indicator).
• 🎧 In the list, find your model (for example, Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro) and tap to connect.
• ⚠️ If the connection does not occur, try to reset the headphones (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds) and repeat the process.

On iOS, headphones will work like a standard Bluetooth headset, but without advanced features. For example, touch gestures will work by default (pause / play double tap), but you will not be able to reassign them. AAC On some models, which slightly degrades the sound quality compared to Android.

Android|iOS|Windows (for PCs)|Other-->

4. Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones are not detected by the phone or are intermittent, the problem may be a software failure, firmware conflict or hardware malfunction, and below is a checklist for diagnosing and resolving typical errors.

Frequent problems and ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, check the headphone firmware version through the Mi Earphones app. For some models (for example, Buds 3 Pro) critical bugs were fixed in updates. It is also worth testing headphones with another smartphone - if the problem persists, a hardware defect is possible (for example, damage to the Bluetooth module in the case).

⚠️ Note: If the headphones previously connected to the device on MIUI 12.5 and below, you may need to manually reset to factory settings. To do this, hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red quickly - this is a complete reset signal.

5. Connection optimization and sound quality

Even after a successful connection, users sometimes experience delays, interference, or poor playback, most often due to Bluetooth codec settings or signal interference.

Advice for setting up:

• 🎵 In the Mi Earphones app, select the codec AAC (iOS or aptX Adaptive (for Android 10)+) For better sound, on budget models (Redmi Buds 3 Lite) only available SBC — In this case, the quality can be improved only with the help of the equalizer.
• 📶 If the headphones “brake” when watching video, activate the option Low Latency in Bluetooth settings. MIUI This function may be called the Game Mode.
• 🔋 Case battery discharged (<15%) It could cause a connection to break. 100% before long-term.
• 🚫 Avoid using headphones near interference sources: microwaves, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers, or other Bluetooth devices.

For models with active noise cancellation (ANC, for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), it is recommended to calibrate the function manually. For this, in the Mi Earphones app, go to ANC Settings → Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen, which will help improve the suppression of low-frequency noise (for example, the hum of transport).

6. Connect to other devices (PC, Mac, Smart TV)

Xiaomi Buds headphones can be used not only with smartphones, but also with laptops, tablets or smart TVs. The pairing process is similar to mobile devices, but there are nuances for different platforms.

Instructions for different devices:

• 💻 Windows 10/11: Open the settings. → Devices → Bluetooth, activate the adapter and select the headphones from the list. If the sound is only going to one earphone, update the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager.
• 🍎 MacOS: Go to System Settings → Bluetooth, click "Connect" next to Xiaomi Buds. ANC You may need to manually adjust the microphone in the sound settings.
• 📺 Smart TV (MI TV, Samsung, LG): On the menu. TV Find the settings → Sound. → Bluetooth devices. TV All Buds models are supported, on TV Other brands may have codec restrictions.

On Windows PCs, there is sometimes a problem where the headphones are defined as Headset instead of Stereo.

1. Open the control panel. → Sound.
2. Find Xiaomi Buds in the list of playback devices.
3. Right-click. → Properties → Additionally.
4. In the default format section, select 16 bits, 44100 Hz (CD quality).

⚠️ Note: On a MacBook with a chip M1/M2 You may experience a delay in audio when using Xiaomi Buds. This is due to the processing of Bluetooth audio in macOS. Solution: disable the function Improve the sound quality for video in the audio settings.

7. Update firmware and reset settings

Regular firmware updates fix bugs, improve connection stability, and add new features (e.g., support for LC3 codecs for Buds 5 Pro).You can only update your headphones through the official Mi Earphones app on Android.

How to update firmware:

1. Install the latest version of Mi Earphones from Google Play.
2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
3. Open the application and go to Settings → Firmware Update.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

If after the update, the headphones began to work incorrectly (for example, the sound is lost or gestures do not work), reset to the factory settings:

• Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
• Hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
• After resetting, reconnect the headphones as when you first use them.

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Updating your firmware through third-party apps (such as Buds Updater) can lead to loss of warranty and unstable work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Buds connectivity