What to do if the headphones do not connect to the Xiaomi phone via Bluetooth: the full guide

Are you trying to connect wireless headphones to a Xiaomi smartphone, but the devices persistently do not see each other? Or pairing is successful, but the sound is interrupted and the connection is constantly broken? Bluetooth connection problems are one of the most common complaints of MIUI users, and the reasons can be hidden in both software failures and hardware limitations. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to return the performance of the headphones, from basic checks to deep system settings.

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) are characterized by aggressive power optimization that often interferes with Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) performance. For example, MIUI 13/14 firmware has a default battery saving mode for background processes, which can block automatic headphone connection. In addition, some budget models (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3) suffer from a weak Bluetooth module that does not catch signals well over 5 meters.

Before you take your phone to the service center, go through our checklist. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved without the intervention of specialists - just reset the cache, update the firmware or disable conflicting settings. And if you are a user of the Xiaomi 12/13/14 series with Snapdragon 8 Gen, pay attention to the section about Bluetooth codecs - incorrect settings can cause stuttering of sound even with a stable connection.

Basic diagnostics: check headphones and phone

Start with the basics: make sure that the problem is with your smartphone, not your headphones. Connect them to another device (a laptop, tablet, or a friend's phone). If the headphones work, it's Xiaomi's settings. If not, check:

• 🔋 Headphone charge: Many models (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots or Redmi Buds 3 Pro) are turned off when the charge level is below 5%, even if the indicator is on.
• 🔄 Pair mode: most headphones have an on/patch button (often you need to hold it for 5-10 seconds until the indicator flashes.
• 📱 Codec compatibility: if headphones support AAC Or aptX, and the phone is just a phone. SBC, You can have problems with sound, and that's what we're going to talk about in the codec section.

Also make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled (check the Quick Settings Panel or the Settings path → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth). If the icon is gray, tap it for activation. On some models (Xiaomi 11T Pro, POCO F4 GT), Bluetooth can shut down automatically in Super Battery Savings mode.

2.Reboot devices and reset Bluetooth module

The easiest but most effective way is to reboot both devices. On a Xiaomi phone, hold the power button until the menu appears, then select Reboot. For headphones:

• 🎧 Put them in the case (if that's it). TWS-model) and close the cover for 20 seconds.
• 🔄 Remove, hold the pairing button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing quickly (reset mode).

If the reboot didn’t help, reset the Bluetooth module settings on your phone:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find Bluetooth (or com.android.bluetooth), open its settings.
4. Click Warehouse → Clear the cache and Clear the data.

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Once the Bluetooth module is reset, all the associated devices will be removed. Write down or photograph the list of connected gadgets in advance so as not to reconfigure them.

On models with MIUI 14 and later, there is a hidden function called Network Reset, which also cleans Bluetooth connections to activate it:

Settings → About phone → All settings → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

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Resetting a Bluetooth module helps in 60% of cases when the headphones are “seeing”, but do not connect or permanently turn off.

3. Verification of energy saving and background activity settings

MIUI is known for its aggressive battery optimization, which often blocks Bluetooth background work, and if the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted or the connection is broken after a few minutes, the energy saving mode is to blame.

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Battery mode.
• 📵 Choose Unlimited or High Performance (on some models this item is called Performance).
• 🔄 Enable AutoRun for the headphone control app (such as Mi Bluetooth or HeyMelody for Xiaomi Buds).

For POCO and Redmi models with MIUI 12.5+, you also need to disable Background Activity Restriction:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find an app to manage headphones (or Bluetooth in system processes).
3. Choose the Battery. → No restrictions.
4. Activate Auto Start and Background Activity.

If you’re using Xiaomi 13 Pro or 14 Ultra with HyperOS, the path will be a little different.

Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Battery optimization → Find Bluetooth → Disable optimization

4. Update of firmware and Bluetooth drivers

If the headphones used to work and now they don't, check for system updates. MIUI often comes out with patches that fix Bluetooth stack errors.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS.
3. If the update is available, connect to Wi-Fi and wait for the installation to be completed.

For models POCO F5, Xiaomi 12T You should also update your Bluetooth drivers via Fastboot (if you are an experienced user). MIUI Downloads. Notice the Bluetooth chip version:

If the problem persists after the update, try to roll back on the previous version of MIUI. Some users of Xiaomi 11 Lite NE and POCO F3 complain that after upgrading to MIUI 14, the headphones with aptX stopped working.

• 📥 Download the archive with the firmware of the old version from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
• 🔧 Install via Fastboot or Recovery (instructions are available on the forum) 4PDA).

Download the correct version of MIUI for your model |

Check battery power (minimum 50%) |

Make a backup copy of the data |

Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->

5. Customize Bluetooth codecs and bitrate

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted or distorted, the problem may be codec incompatibility. MIUI defaults to SBC (the most versatile but low quality), whereas many headphones support AAC, aptX or LDAC.

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Slap the gear icon next to the headphones' name.
4. Select Sound Quality or Bluetooth Codec (the name of the item depends on the model).
5. Try alternately AAC, aptX, or LDAC (if supported).

On the Xiaomi 13/14 series with HyperOS, you can also configure bitrate:

• 🎵 For AAC: Select 320 kbit/s (maximum quality).
• 🔊 For LDAC: Try 660 kbps (but can cause stuttering).
• ⚡ For aptX Adaptive: Leave the Auto (most stable option).

Important: If your headphones support LE Audio (like the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) but the phone runs on MIUI 13 or older, the LC3 codec will not be available. upgrade to MIUI 14/HyperOS.

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To check which codec is currently in use, install the Bluetooth Codec Changer app from Google Play, which will show the current codec, bitrate and latency.

Network reset and interference check

If the headphones are connected but the connection is constantly broken, the problem may be radio interference or conflicts with other devices.

Settings → About phone → All settings → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

Also check:

• 📶 2.4 GHz channel congestion: If there are many Wi-Fi networks or other Bluetooth devices nearby (such as in an office or shopping mall), the signal may clog.
• 📱 Conflict with other connected devices: disable all unnecessary gadgets (fitness bracelets, smart watches, speakers).
• 🔌 Sources of interference: microwave ovens, wireless charging and even some LED-Lamps can interfere with Bluetooth connection.

On Xiaomi models with dual Bluetooth (such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Mix Fold 2), you should also disable the dual connection function (if it is enabled):

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth → Additional → Dual Connection (disable)

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If the headphones turn off when you lock the screen, check the Energy Saving settings for the music player app (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.).

7. Hardware problems and service center

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be in the hardware:

• 📡 Bluetooth module damaged: common after falls or moisture (even if the phone is intact) can only be diagnosed at a service center.
• 🔌 Faulty charging connector: on some models (Redmi 9, POCO M2) Bluetooth antenna passes near the USB-If the connector is loose, the signal may disappear.
• 🔋 Worn-out battery: at low voltage (below) 3.5V) The phone can turn off the radio modules. Check the battery status in Settings → Battery → Battery status.

If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, please contact the official service center, the list of addresses can be found on the Mi Service website.

1. Make a backup of the data (Settings → About Phone → Backup).
2. Write down the phone's IMEI (type *#06#).
3. Make sure that the phone has official firmware (castomy ROMs can be the reason for the warranty denial).

The cost of repairing a Bluetooth module in informal services is 1500-4000 rubles (depending on the model). On Xiaomi 13 Pro or Mix 4 replacement can cost more because of the complexity of disassembly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting headphones to Xiaomi

If after all the manipulations, the headphones never connected, check them on another device. If the problem recurs, most likely, the headphones themselves are defective, in which case, contact the service center of the headphone brand.