Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life, freeing hands, removing wires and allowing freedom of movement. However, even with a simple task like connecting a headset to a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone, users sometimes face difficulties. In this article, we will examine all the nuances from basic pairing to solving the typical problems that can arise when working with Bluetooth devices.
Redmi's smartphone lineup, from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Redmi K60, has its own setup, and we'll take these differences into account and provide universal guidelines that will work for most devices, and if your model behaves outside the box, you'll find an FAQ at the end of the article that answers a lot of questions.
1.Preparation: What to Know Before Connecting
Before you start pairing, make sure your wireless headset is charged and in search mode. Most models (such as Xiaomi AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM4 or JBL Free X) automatically switch to this mode when first turned on or after reset. If the headset has already been connected to another device, it may need to be reset before factory settings.
Check out the Bluetooth version on your Redmi:
- 📱 Redmi 9/10/Note 11 — Bluetooth 5.0/5.1
- 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+/K50 — Bluetooth 5.2/5.3
- 📱 Redmi K60 Ultra – Bluetooth 5.3 with support LE Audio
The newer version, the more stable the connection and the higher the sound quality. If your headset supports aptX or LDAC, and your smartphone does not, the sound will be transmitted over standard SBC protocol, which can degrade its quality.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (especially those with custom firmware) may have Qualcomm's Bluetooth stack disabled, causing problems connecting headsets from Apple (AirPods) or Sony. Check this in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times).
2. Basic connection: step-by-step instruction
The pairing process is the same for most Redmi models, but may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version.
- Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone: Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth and turn on the switch. Alternatively, swipe down the notification bar and click on the Bluetooth icon.
- Put the headset in search mode: For most headphones, you need to press the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue-red (or just blue). Xiaomi AirDots requires you to remove both headphones from the case and hold the touch panel for each 10 seconds.
- Find the device in the list: In the Bluetooth menu on the smartphone, the name of your headset will appear (for example, WH-1000XM4 or Mi True Wireless Earphones).
- Confirm the pairing: If required, enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234) Some headsets (such as Bose QuietComfort) may require confirmation on the device itself.
Headset charged (indicator lights green)
Bluetooth on your smartphone is enabled
Headset in search mode (flashing indicator)
Power saving mode is disabled on the smartphone (can block Bluetooth)
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Once connected successfully, the device list will be marked "Connected" and some headsets (such as Sony or Sennheiser) may request access to contacts and call history to ensure that the microphone works properly during conversations.
3. Customization of sound and microphone after connection
Even after successful pairing, you can have problems with sound, like low volume, interruptions, or poor microphone quality.
- 🔊 Select Bluetooth profile: Go to Bluetooth settings, tap the connected headset, and select Sound settings. HD-sound (if maintained) or quality over stability.
- 🎙️ Microphone setting: If the person is not hearing you well, make sure that the right input device is selected in the call settings. To do this, tap the speaker icon during the call and select your headset.
- 🔋 Power saving shutdown: In Settings → Battery → Energy saving: Add Bluetooth to the exclusion list, which will prevent automatic connection breaks.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound is interrupted. | Weak Bluetooth signal or interference from other devices | Move closer to your smartphone, disable other Bluetooth devices |
| Low volume. | Volume Limitation in MIUI settings | Turn off Safe Volume in Settings → Sound |
| The microphone is not working. | Incorrectly selected source of sound | During the call, select the headset as the input device |
| The headset is plugged in, but there's no sound. | Bluetooth Profile Conflict | Remove the device and connect again |
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially global codecs may not support aptX codecs or LDAC, This will help install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) or use applications like Bluetooth Audio Codec Changer.
4. Solving typical connection problems
If the headset is not connected or is not behaving stable, try the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot devices: Turn off and re-enable Bluetooth on your smartphone, and reboot the headset itself (usually by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- 🗑️ Cleaning the Bluetooth cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Show system-based → Bluetooth, clear the cache and data.
- 📱 Resetting network settings: In Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset network settings select reset Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This will delete all stored devices and passwords!
- 🔧 Firmware Update: Check for updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → System Update: Sometimes Bluetooth bugs get fixed in newer versions.
Xiaomi (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds)
Apple (AirPods, Beats)
Sony (WH-1000XM, WF-1000X)
JBL, Samsung or other
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If the problem persists, try connecting the headset to another device (like a laptop or tablet) if it works there, the problem is most likely in the smartphone.
What if the headset is connected, but immediately disconnected?
5. Features of connecting AirPods and other "non-standard" headsets
Headsets from Apple (AirPods, Beats) or some models from Samsung can connect to the Xiaomi Redmi, but with restrictions.
- 🍎 AirPods: Connect like normal Bluetooth headphones, but won’t automatically switch between devices (like in the Apple ecosystem) and the wear sensor may not work (pause when you remove the headphone).
- 🤖 Samsung Galaxy Buds: To work properly (e.g., adjusting the equalizer) you will need to install the Galaxy Wearable app, but it doesn't officially support Xiaomi.
- 🎧 Bose/Sennheiser: They may require the installation of proprietary software to adjust the noise maker and equalizer.
Important nuance: Redmi smartphones with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi 9/10/Note 11) may have problems connecting AirPods Pro 2 or Beats Studio Pro due to the lack of support for Bluetooth LE Audio. In this case, only replacing the smartphone or using a Bluetooth 5.0 → 3.5 mm jack adapter (if there is a connector).
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If your AirPods are connected but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the option of Double Audio (if any) in the Bluetooth settings on Redmi, which sometimes conflicts with Apple's protocols.
6.Putting the connection for games and videos
When watching a video or playing via Bluetooth, you may experience latency, which is because Bluetooth is not optimized for synchronized audio and video. Here's how to reduce latency:
- 🎮 Use the aptX Low Latency codec: If your headset supports it (like Sony) WH-1000XM5 or 1More SonoFlow, turn this mode on in the Bluetooth settings. on Redmi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 It is more stable than on MediaTek.
- 📺 Set up sync in the player: In applications like VLC or MX Player can manually shift the soundtrack to ±200 ms for synchronization.
- 🔌 Use alternative methods of connection: For games, a wired headset through USB-C adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm Wireless headphones with 2.4 GHz USB-Dongle (for example, Razer Kaira Pro) give a delay of less than 20 ms.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) in activated game mode (Settings) → Special facilities → Bluetooth may not work smoothly. Turn off this mode if you notice a sound problem.
7. How to reset the settings of the headset and smartphone
If none of these things work, you might need to reset your settings completely.
- Headphone reset: Most models need: Put your headphones in a case (if it's a TWS); press the button on the case or the headphones themselves for 15 to 30 seconds until the indicator flashes red; AirPods: press the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the LED turns orange.
Reset Bluetooth on a smartphone:
Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Network Settings Reset and select Bluetooth Reset. This will remove all associated devices.
Resetting all settings (extreme case):
If the problem is system, make a full reset to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset. This will delete all data on the phone, including photos and apps!
After reset, reconnect the headset by following the instructions in Section 2.