How to use Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S: Full Instructions

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S is an affordable solution for those who value comfort and sound quality without unnecessary bells and whistles. Despite the budget price category, the model is equipped with everything you need: a stable Bluetooth connection, a compact charging case and intuitive control. However, even such simple devices have nuances in operation that are not always obvious at first glance.

In this article, we will cover all aspects of using Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S, from the first connection to the subtleties of adjusting the sound and fixing typical problems. You will learn how to properly synchronize the headphones with the phone, control gestures, check the charge level and what to do if one of the headphones stopped working.

If you’ve just purchased these headphones or are planning to buy them, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and maximize the potential of the device, and even experienced users will find useful life hacks here – for example, how to reset to factory settings without losing functionality or how to extend the battery life.

Package and appearance: what goes into the box

Before you use it, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S comes in a minimalist white box with the brand logo.

  • 🎧 Two wireless headphones (left and right) marked L and R.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging case with battery level indicator (4 LEDs).
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C for case charging (length) ~20 cm).
  • πŸ“„ Short instructions in several languages (including Russian).
  • πŸ”„ Two spare sets of embushures (sizes S and L, M is installed by default).

Note the design of the headphones: they are designed in the classic Xiaomi minimalist style with a glossy front panel, which is located on the touch buttons. The case has a matte coating, which reduces the number of fingerprints, but makes it more slippery. The weight of one earphone is only 4.1 grams, and the case is 35 grams, which makes them convenient for daily wear.

The important point is that unlike the more expensive models, there is no support for ANC (active noise reduction) and aptX codecs, but for its price category, the headphones show a balanced sound with an emphasis on medium and high frequencies, which is good for vocals and podcasts.

πŸ“Š Why do you use wireless headphones most often?
Music.
Podcasts and audiobooks
Calls.
Sport and fitness
Games

First connection to the smartphone: step-by-step instructions

The process of pairing Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S with the phone takes no more than a minute, but there are a few nuances that will speed up the setup.

  1. Remove the headphones from the case. They will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicators will start flashing red and white alternately).
  2. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth (for MIUI: Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth).
  3. Select the device from the list. The headphones will show up as Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic. 2S or Mi Basic 2S_L (If only the left earpiece is connected).
  4. Confirm pairing. Some phones may need input. PIN-code - default is 0000.

Once successfully connected, the headphones will go out and the Bluetooth device list will be "Connected." Importantly, if you're using a Xiaomi smartphone with a MIUI 12+, the system may suggest installing the Mi Earphones branded app for advanced settings. However, for Basic 2S, this app doesn't support all the features, more about this in the audio settings section.

β˜‘οΈ Checking a successful connection

Done: 0 / 4

If the headphones don’t connect the first time, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (disable/enable module).
  • πŸ”‹ Put the headphones back in the case for 10 seconds, then remove again.
  • πŸ“± Remove the device from the list of conjugates and reconnect again.

⚠️ Warning: If you only have one earbud on after you've connected, check if Mono mode is activated. To do this, double tap the touchpad on the right earbud, which switches modes.

Gesture Management: What You Can Do Without a Phone

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S supports basic touch commands that allow you to control playback and calls directly from the headphones. All actions are performed by touching (not pressing!) the touch panel on the outside of the case. Here is the full list of supported gestures:

Action.Left earpieceRight earpiece
Reproduction/pauseOne touch.One touch.
Next trackβ€”Double touch.
Previous trackDouble touch.β€”
Accept/complete the callOne touch.One touch.
Reject the call.Holding 2 secondsHolding 2 seconds

Note that triple tap and other combinations are not supported in this model, and there is no option to reassign gestures through the app - this is a budget version limitation. If you need more control features, consider higher models, such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro.

An important caveat: Touch panels only respond to short, clear touches. If you accidentally hit your earphone when walking or running, this can lead to false positives. To avoid this, you can slightly reduce the force of pressing or turn off the sensor during training (see the section on setting).

πŸ’‘

If gestures don’t work, wipe the touchpad with a dry wipe – sometimes sweat or dust interferes with the correct operation of the sensors.

Checking of charge level and operating time

One of the most common questions users ask is how much charge is left in the headphones and case. Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S has several ways to track battery levels:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone Status Line: When connecting headphones, some phones (e.g. Xiaomi, Samsung, iPhone) show the charge level of each headphone and case separately in the notification panel.
  • πŸ”‹ Indicators on the case: Four LEDs on the front panel of the case display the charge level: 1 LED - 0-25% 2 LEDs - 25-50% 3 LEDs - 50-75% 4 LEDs - 75-100%
  • 🎧 Sound signals: At low charge (<10%) The headphones emit a sound signal every time 5 minute.

According to the manufacturer, the battery life is:

  • Headphones: up to 5 hours of continuous playback at 50% volume.
  • Case: up to 20 hours (4 full charge cycles).

In practice, these numbers can vary depending on volume, microphone use, and ambient temperature.

To maximize battery life, follow these guidelines:

  • πŸ”Œ Do not leave your headphones empty for a long time – charge them at least once every 2 weeks.
  • 🌑️ Avoid overheating (do not leave the case under direct sunlight or near heat sources).
  • πŸ”‹ Use the original cable USB Type-C or certified accessories.

⚠️ Warning: If the case stops charging the headphones, check the contacts inside the compartments for oxidation or contamination.

How do you speed up the case charge?
Use a Quick Charge 3.0 charger (such as the original unit from Xiaomi on 18W) to reduce the full charge time from 2 hours to 1 hour 20 minutes.

The sound and microphone: what can be changed

Unlike the flagship models, the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S does not support advanced equalizer settings through the proprietary app, but there are several ways to improve the sound:

1. Settings at the smartphone level:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Equalizer: Most music apps (e.g. Spotify, YouTube Music, Poweramp) have a built-in equalizer. For bass, we recommend lifting sliders to 60Hz and 100Hz on the right. +3 dB.
  • πŸ”Š Sound Effects: On Android, go to Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Sound quality and enable "Audio Effects" (e.g., "Bas Boost" or "Bas Boost "3D-sound").

Optimization of the microphone:

The microphones in Basic 2S are located on the bottom of the headphones and use cVc 8.0 technology for noise cancellation.

  • 🎀 Speak clearly with your mouth 2-3 cm away from the microphone.
  • 🌬️ Avoid using it outdoors in high winds – it creates interference.
  • πŸ“ž In your phone settings, enable the β€œVoice Improvement” option (if available).

3. Alternative firmware (for advanced users):

Unofficial firmware for Basic 2S
There are modified firmware from enthusiasts that add support LC3-Codec and advanced equalizer settings, but they require unlocking the headphone loader and can lead to loss of warranty. 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

If the sound seems too quiet even at maximum volume, check:

  • πŸ”‡ Is Safe Volume Mode Activated in Phone Settings.
  • 🧻 Clean speakers – sometimes dust or earwax clogs the mesh.
  • 🎧 Density of fitting of earbuds - if the headphones are not tightly sitting in the ear, the bass will be weak.

πŸ’‘

For better sound, choose the size of the ear canal: they should fit tightly to the ear canal, but do not cause discomfort with prolonged wear.

Resetting and troubleshooting

If the headphones are not working properly (not synchronized, not connected, one of the headphones is silent), first of all try to reset them to the factory settings.

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the lid and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
  3. Remove the headphones from the case - they will automatically go into pairing mode.
  4. Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone and reconnect.

If the reset didn’t help, check for typical problems:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones are not onCase or headphones dischargedCharge the case for 30 minutes, then remove the headphones
The sound is interrupted.Weak Bluetooth signalKeep your phone close to your headphones, avoid interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves)
One earpiece is quieter than the otherContamination of the speaker or unbalanced soundClean the speaker grid; check the balance settings in the phone
Headphones are not synchronizedFirmware failurePerform reset (see instructions above)

If after all the manipulations the problem persists, contact the service center. Headphones have a guarantee of 12 months from the date of purchase (if there is a check). In case of failure due to the fault of the manufacturer (for example, a dump speaker or a battery malfunction), repair or replacement will be performed free of charge.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble your headphones or case on your own, it will lead to a loss of warranty. Inside, glue joints are used, and after disassembly, it is almost impossible to assemble the device back without damage.

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: is it worth overpaying

The Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2S is a budget model, and it has both pros and cons compared to the more expensive Xiaomi counterparts. Below is a comparative table of key characteristics:

ModelBasic 2SRedmi Buds 4Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro
Price (2026)~1 500 β‚½~2 500 β‚½~6 000 β‚½
ANC (noise reduction)❌ No.βœ… Aye)βœ… Aye (adaptive)
Time to work.5 h/20 h (with case)6 h/30 h/9 h/38 h/
Codecs.AAC, SBCAAC, SBC, LC3AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, LC3
Water protectionIPX4IP54IP54

Bottom Line: Basic 2S is for those looking for the most budget-friendly solution for calling and listening to music without claims to premium sound. If you want noise reduction or long-term autonomy, consider Redmi Buds 4. For music lovers and those who often travel, the best choice will be Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with support for LDAC and adaptive ANC.

The advantages of the Basic 2S over competitors in the same price range (for example, Realme Buds Q2 or Huawei FreeBuds 4i):

  • 🎡 More balanced sound (less bulging bass).
  • πŸ”‹ Fast Case Charging (1.5 Hours to 100%).
  • πŸ“¦ A compact case that fits easily in your pocket.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use Basic 2S with an iPhone?
Yes, the headphones are compatible with any device that supports Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, but the iPhone will not display the charge level of the case in the status bar, only the charge level of the headphones themselves. AAC In some versions of iOS, which slightly worsens the sound quality.
How to turn off voice prompts in Russian?
This model does not have the ability to turn off voice notifications (e.g., β€œConnected”, β€œCharging completed”). The only way is to lower the volume of the prompts via the Bluetooth settings on the phone (if available). On Android with MIUI, go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Device Settings β†’ Voice prompts.
Can I swim or shower with these headphones?
No. Despite IPX4 protection, which protects against splashes and sweat, headphones are not designed to be submerged in water, and even a brief exposure to a stream of water (such as a shower) can cause contacts to corrosion or speaker failure.
How to update the firmware to Basic 2S?
The manufacturer doesn't provide any official firmware updates for this model. All the improvements are done at the hardware level. If you see an offer to upgrade your headphones through third-party apps, that's a scam. Don't install unofficial software, it could cause the device to break.
What to do if the headphones are lost?
Unfortunately, Basic 2S doesn't have a Bluetooth search feature (unlike the AirTag or Galaxy SmartTag).If you lost one headphone, try: Call it from your phone (if it's in Bluetooth range). Check the latest use through the phone's geolocation history (if the feature is enabled). Contact Xiaomi Support - if you have a check, you can buy a replacement at a reduced price.