How to connect wireless headphones to the smartphone Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life – they allow you to listen to music, answer calls and watch videos without getting tangled wires. However, Xiaomi users, especially beginners, often have questions: how to connect headphones to a smartphone, why they are not or are not switched off, and what settings optimize sound. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic pairing to solving rare problems.

We will look not only at the standard Bluetooth connection procedure, but also at the features of working with different types of headphones: TWS (for example, Xiaomi AirDots or Redmi Buds), overhead and full-size models from other brands. We will pay special attention to the setting of codecs (AAC, aptX, LDAC), which affect the sound quality, and analyze typical errors that cause headphones to work unstablely.

If you’re faced with a smartphone that can’t see the headphones, the sound is interrupted, or one of the headphones is not working, in this article you will find proven solutions. And for Xiaomi owners with MIUI 12/13/14, we have prepared up-to-date screenshots and step-by-step instructions based on the latest firmware updates.

1. Preparation of headphones and smartphone for connection

Before pairing, make sure both devices are ready to go. Headphones should be charged - most TWS models (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5) require at least 20-30% charge for stable connection. If the indicator on the case flashes red or does not burn at all, recharge the headphones for 10-15 minutes.

On a Xiaomi smartphone, check out:

📱 Version. MIUI: Go to Settings. → About the phone. Up-to-date firmware (e.g, MIUI 14 based on Android 13 support all modern audio codecs.
🔄 Bluetooth is on: swipe down from the top of the screen and make sure the Bluetooth icon is illuminated in blue. If not, tap it.
🚫 No active connections: Disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, speakers) to avoid conflicts.

For headphone models with an on button (such as Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) hold it 3-5 So the second that the light starts flashing white/blue, which means that the headphones have gone into pairing mode. TWS-Headphones usually just open the case – they automatically activate the search.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones were previously connected to another device (for example, a laptop), reset their settings. To do this, hold the button on the case or headphones. 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (the procedure differs depending on the model).

📊 What wireless headphones do you use?

Xiaomi AirDots/Redmi Buds

Other TWS (Sony, Samsung, etc.)

Full-size or full-size (JBL, Marshall)

I haven't bought it yet.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to connect headphones to Xiaomi

The pairing process takes no more than a minute, if you follow the algorithm. Consider the universal method that works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5, etc.).

Step 1. Open Settings and select Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.

Step. 2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it's off) and wait for the smartphone to start searching for devices. The headphones should appear in a list under their name (e.g., "Redmi Buds." 5" or "LE_BT_XXX" for unbranded models).

Step 3: Tape the headphones, confirm pairing on both devices if required (sometimes you need to press a button on the headphones or case).

Step 4: Wait for the "Connected" message called the headphones, and they're ready to go.

Headphones charged (indicator lights green/white)

Bluetooth on your smartphone is enabled

Headphones in pairing mode (blinking indicator)

No active connections to other devices-->

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra or Xiaomi 12S) will have a pop-up after connecting with a suggestion to install a branded headphone app (such as Xiaomi Earbuds).

🎛️ Equalizer setting (bass, high frequencies).
🔊 Transparency mode (for conversations without removing headphones).
🎧 Update of the headphone firmware.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only coming through the speaker of the smartphone, check the audio output settings. Go to Settings → Sound. → Out audio and select your headphones manually.

3. Customize sound and codecs for better quality

Xiaomi uses the AAC codec by default, which provides balanced sound quality and connection stability. However, if your headphones support aptX, aptX HD or LDAC, you can manually choose a more advanced codec to improve the sound.

To change the codec:

Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
Slap the icon. ⚙️ near the name of his headphones.
Select Sound Quality or Audio Codec (the name of the item depends on the version of MIUI).
Choose the best one from the available options: LDAC is the maximum quality (up to 990 kbit / s), but can cause delays. aptX Adaptive is the balance between quality and stability. AAC is a universal option for most headphones.

To check the current codec:

Turn on the music playback.
Open the settings → About the phone → version of MIUI.
Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the developer menu appears.
Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and find Bluetooth Audio Codec.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon processors 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A or POCO C31) There may be problems with stability. LDAC. In this case, use aptX or AAC.

What to do if one earphone is not working?

1. Check if the speaker is dirty (clean it carefully with a cotton swab). 2. Make sure the earphone is charged (try putting it in the case for 10 minutes). 3. Reset the headphone settings (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds). 4. If the problem remains, try connecting the headphone to another device. If it does not work there, contact the service center (factory defect is possible).

5. Features of connecting Xiaomi headphones to other devices

Xiaomi headphones (such as AirDots 3 Pro or Buds 4) can be connected not only to the brand’s smartphones, but also to other gadgets: laptops, tablets, TVs.

5.1 Connection to Windows/Pc

The algorithm is similar to connecting to a smartphone:

Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
Turn on Bluetooth and press Add Device → Bluetooth.
Select your headphones from the list and wait for the pairing to complete.

If the sound is late (relevant to the video), try:

🎮 Enable Low Lag mode in Bluetooth settings (if supported).
🔊 Use it. AAC instead SBC (in the properties of the device in the Control Panel → Sound).

5.2 Connection to MacBook or iPhone

On macOS and iOS headphones Xiaomi work without problems, but:

🍎 On the iPhone, only codec is available. AAC (others not supported).
🖥️ MacBook may require manual codec switching to System settings → Bluetooth → Headphones → Parameters.

Connection to the television

Many modern TVs (such as Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV) support Bluetooth.

Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
Activate your search and select your headphones.
Confirm the pairing.

If the TV does not support Bluetooth, use a Bluetooth transmitter (connects to a 3.5mm or optical port).

💡

Xiaomi headphones with support for aptX Low Latency (for example, FlipBuds Pro) are ideal for watching videos on Android devices, as they minimize the latency of sound.

6.How to update the firmware of Xiaomi headphones

Xiaomi’s branded headphones (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds) periodically receive firmware updates that improve stability, add new features or fix bugs.

Step 1. Install the official annex:

For AirDots/Buds: Xiaomi Earbuds (available on Google Play).
For FlipBuds Pro: Xiaomi Audio.

Step 2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone and open the app.

Step 3: If an update is available, a notification will appear. Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the headphones or close the app during the process!

Step 4: Once updated, the headphones will automatically restart.

Example of the update interface in the Xiaomi Earbuds app:

[Hearphone icon] Redmi Buds 5




Firmware version: V1.4.0.8 → V1.5.0.3




Size: 2.1 MB




[Button] Update

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones are turned off or discharged during the upgrade, they may stop working. Always make sure that the case and headphones are over 50% and your smartphone is connected to the charger.

7. Xiaomi headphone comparison: which is better to choose

If you have not yet decided on the model, compare the popular Xiaomi headphones on key parameters:

Model	Type	Time to work.	Support for codecs	Price (2026)	Features
Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro	TWS	9 h (27 h with case)	LDAC, AAC, SBC	~7 000 ₽	Active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.3 support
Redmi Buds 5	TWS	10 h (30 h with case)	AAC, SBC	~3 500 ₽	Lightweight, IP54 water protection
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro	TWS (inlays)	7:00 (20:00 with case)	aptX Adaptive, AAC	~6 000 ₽	Hybrid noise reduction, Bluetooth 5.2 support
Xiaomi Air 2 SE	TWS	5:00 (20:00 with case)	AAC, SBC	~2 500 ₽	Budget model, basic functions

For most users, the Redmi Buds 5 offers a good balance of price, sound quality and battery life. If noise reduction and premium sound are important, look for the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro.

When buying, check:

🔋 Case battery capacity (from 400 m.h. and above will provide 3-4 headphone-load).
🌧️ Degree of protection against moisture (IP54 higher for sport).
🎵 Support for codecs (for music lovers, aptX or LDAC).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting headphones to Xiaomi

Can I connect AirPods to Xiaomi?

Yes, AirPods (including Pro and 3rd generation models) are compatible with Xiaomi via Bluetooth.However, some features (such as automatic switching between devices or "Hey Siri") will not work. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the indicator flashes white. On a Xiaomi smartphone, turn on Bluetooth and select AirPods from the list. AAC.

Why do the headphones plug in but shut off immediately?

This is a typical problem that arises from: 🔋 Low-charge headphones or smartphones – charge both devices. 📱 Conflict with other Bluetooth devices – disable them in settings. 🔄 Headphone firmware failures – update them through the official app (see Section 6). 🚫 Other gadgets are disturbing, move away from routers, microwaves. If the problem persists, reset your headphone settings (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds) and reconnect.

How to reset the settings of Xiaomi headphones to factory?

The procedure for resetting depends on the model: TWS-Headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds): Put both earphones in the case. Hold the button on the case. 15-20 For overhead headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Headphones): Turn off the headphones. Hold the power button. 10 So, after you reset, the earbuds disappear from the list of conjugated devices on all the gadgets, and they need to be reconnected.

Can I use Xiaomi headphones for calls?

Yeah, all the models. TWS And most of Xiaomi's overhead headphones support hands-free for calls: 🎤 Use a headphone with a microphone (usually right-handed). 📶 Make sure the network signal level is sufficient (2-3 antenna-division). 🔇 In noisy areas, turn on noise reduction mode (if supported). ENC-Technology (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 4 Pro) voice quality will be improved by suppressing background noise.

How to check the charge level of headphones on Xiaomi?

There are several ways: Open the case lid next to your smartphone, and a pop-up with a percentage of charge will appear. → Bluetooth, tap the icon. ⚙️ Use a proprietary app (e.g. Xiaomi Earbuds) that displays the charge of each earbud and case. If the indicator doesn't show charge, reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone or reconnect your headphones.