Connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xiaomi: full instructions from A to Z

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life, and Xiaomi smartphones are among the most popular devices for using them. However, even with modern Bluetooth 5.2/5.3, users face problems: the headphones are not located, they are delayed or disconnected while listening to music. This article will help you understand everything from basic settings to solving rare bugs.

We will look not only at the standard pairing procedure, but also at the hidden features of MIUI for improving the sound via Bluetooth, the features of working with different versions of firmware and headphone models (including Redmi Buds, Xiaomi Earbuds and third-party brands).

1. Preparation of the smartphone and headphones for pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure both devices are ready to go. Let's start with your smartphone.

• 📱 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version: Go to Settings → The phone. → System updates. Old firmware versions (below) MIUI 12 may not support modern codecs (aptX, LDAC).
• 🔋 Headphone charging: most models require a minimum of 20% charge for a stable connection.Redmi AirDots, for example, refuse to mate at levels below 15%.
• 🔄 Resetting previous connections: If the headphones have already been paired with another device, they need to “forget” on it or reset to factory settings (usually by holding the power button). 10-15 seconds).

Now on the headphones: most Xiaomi models automatically go into pairing mode when they first turn on. If they have been used before, activate this mode manually:

• 🎧 Redmi Buds 3/4 Pro: Hold the touchpad on both headphones 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white/blue.
• 🎧 Xiaomi Earbuds S: press the button on the case for 5 seconds (the indicator flashes orange and white).
• 🎧 Third-party headphones (such as Sony) WH-1000XM4): See manufacturer's instructions - some models have a separate button to pair.

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If the headphone light flashes red, it means low charge. 10-15 minutes before re-attempting to pair.

2. Step-by-step connection instruction

Now, let's get to the process. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone in one of the ways:

• 📲 Through the notification bar: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen and click on the Bluetooth icon.
• ⚙️ Through Settings: Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth.

Follow the algorithm further:

1. Activate device search by clicking on "Device Search" or "Add New Device." Headphones should appear in the list of available (usually with the model name, for example, "Redmi Buds 4 Pro").
2. Select the headphones: tap their name. If you have a request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234), type it in.
3. Wait for pairing: the process takes 5-15 seconds, a successful connection will confirm the sound signal in the headphones and the status of "Connected" on the screen.

Headphones are displayed in the list "My devices" | The indicator on the headphones is blue / white (does not blink) | The sound is played through the headphones (check in the player) | Headphone charge level is displayed in the notification panel-->

If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth module: turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on your smartphone.
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone: sometimes helps with module failures.
• 🎧 Reset headphones: return them to factory settings (see the method in the instructions for the model).

3. Customize sound and codecs for better quality

By default, MIUI uses the standard SBC codec, which provides average sound quality. To improve playback, go to advanced Bluetooth settings:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ near the connected headphones.
3. Select "Sound Quality" or "Audio Codec" (depending on the version of MIUI).
4. Try the following codecs in order: 🎵 aptX Adaptive (best balance of quality and delay, supported by Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro). 🎵 LDAC (High quality, but high latency, suitable for music, not video). 🎵 AAC (Good for video, supported by most headphones).

Note that not all codecs are supported by your headphones, and if the sound starts to break after you change the codec, go back to SBC or AAC.

For customization enthusiasts, MIUI 13+ has a dual-channel audio feature that allows you to use both headphones independently (e.g., one for music, one for calls), but this feature can increase battery consumption by 10-15%.

4. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

🔊 The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.

• 📱 Check your media profile: sometimes your headphones only connect to calls. Go to Bluetooth settings, tap your headphones, and select Media Audio".
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: remove them from the list of devices and pair again.
• 🔇 Check the volume control: on some Xiaomi models, media volume and volume of calls are regulated separately.

🎵 The sound is interrupted or there is interference.

• 📶 Reduce the distance to the smartphone: optimally - no more than 5 meters without obstacles.
• 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices: they can cause interference (fitness bracelets, smart watches).
• 🔋 Check the charge of headphones: at a level below 10%, the quality of communication deteriorates.
• 📡 Change the codecs: try it. AAC or SBC instead aptX/LDAC.

🔋 Fast discharge of the headphone battery

• 🔕 Turn off Device Search in Bluetooth settings if you are not using it.
• 🎧 Update the firmware of headphones: for Redmi Buds and Xiaomi Earbuds updates come through the Mi Home app.
• 📴 Turn off voice notifications (if any): This feature consumes extra power.

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If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try resetting the network settings on your smartphone: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This will delete all the saved networks and devices, but often solves system bugs.

5. Special features for Xiaomi headphones

Xiaomi and Redmi headphones support unique features that are not available for third-party models.

1. Install the Mi Home app: download it from Google Play or AppGallery. The app is needed to update the headphone firmware and access advanced settings.

For models with ANC (active noise cancellation), such as the Xiaomi Earbuds 3 Pro, you can adjust the noise suppression level (light / medium / maximum) in the Mi Home. However, remember: the ANC on-board reduces the operating time by 20-30%.

6. Compatible with different versions of MIUI and Android

Bluetooth functionality depends not only on the headphone model, but also on the firmware version.

If your smartphone runs Android 10 or lower, some features (like LDAC) may not be available even after the MIUI update, in which case only firmware on a newer version of Android (if it is officially supported by your model) will help.

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To check the current version of the Bluetooth module of the smartphone, use the AIDA64 application (section "Network → Bluetooth"). This will help you to understand whether your device supports Bluetooth 5.0+.

7.Security and privacy when using Bluetooth

Bluetooth communication, while convenient, can be a vulnerability to your privacy, and the following steps will help protect your data:

• 🔒 Turn off Bluetooth when not using headphones. This will prevent unauthorized connection of devices.
• 📱 Set up visibility: in Settings → Bluetooth → In addition, set "Device visibility" as "Hidden" or "Contact only".
• 🔄 Clean the list of paired devices regularly: remove old connections you no longer use.
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks (Bluetooth may also be vulnerable to such networks).

MIUI 13+ has a Safe Connection feature that requests confirmation when you first pair with a new device, and enable it in Bluetooth settings to avoid automatically connecting to unknown gadgets.

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Never connect headphones to public Bluetooth points (such as in cafes or airports) and attackers can use them to intercept data or install malware.

8. Alternative ways of connecting (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work, alternatives can be tried, and these methods require additional knowledge and can affect the stability of the system.

🔧 Connection through ADB (resetting)

If the headphones are permanently turned off, try resetting the Bluetooth module via ADB:

adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth


adb reboot

This command clears the cache and the Bluetooth data, returning it to the factory settings. Attention: once executed, you have to reconnect all the devices.

📦 Use of third-party applications

Some applications can improve Bluetooth performance:

• 🎧 Bluetooth Auto Connect: automatically reconnects headphones when Bluetooth is turned on.
• 🎵 SoundAssistant: allows you to fine-tune the balance of sound and codec.
• 📊 Bluetooth Repair: Corrects pairing errors (requires root rights).

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Before using ADB or root-access applications, back up your data. Incorrect commands can cause the system to crash.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth headphones on Xiaomi