How to connect wireless headphones to Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of price and functionality. However, many owners face difficulties when connecting wireless headphones for the first time — especially if we are talking about models that support aptX or LDAC. In this article, we will not only explain how to connect devices over Bluetooth, but also reveal the nuances of the setting for maximum sound quality, and teach you to solve typical problems like “earphones connect, but no sound”.

It is important to understand that the Redmi Note 7 is based on the MIUI (Usually 10-12 versions, where the connection interface may be different from the "pure" Android. For example, there are hidden codec settings that are not visible in the standard menu, we will show you how to activate them, and also explain why sometimes the smartphone "does not see" the headphones, even though they are on and charged. If you are using AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM3 or TWS-Headphones - this instruction will do.

Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you try to pair your headphones with your smartphone, make sure both devices are ready to sync. Often problems arise from trivial things that users don't pay attention to. Here's a checklist of mandatory actions:

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone (swipe down → Bluetooth icon)

Charge your headphones to at least 30% (the indicator usually flashes red when charged low)

Turn off the headphones if they have been connected to another device before

Make sure the distance between the smartphone and the headphones does not exceed 1 meter (for the first connection)

Update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system)-->

Pay special attention to MIUI versions. Redmi Note 7 with firmware older than MIUI 11 may have problems connecting headphones that support high-resolution codecs (for example, LDAC or aptX HD). If your smartphone has not been updated for a long time, do this before you start setting up. Also check if the headphones are not enabled to pair with multiple devices (for example, Sony or JBL) - this can interfere with stable connection.

If you’re connecting your headphones for the first time, check out the instructions: some models (such as the Xiaomi AirDots Pro) require holding the power button for 5-10 seconds to go into pairing mode. others (like the Apple AirPods) have this mode activated automatically when you open the case. Don’t ignore these nuances – they save time!

Step-by-step: how to connect headphones via Bluetooth

Now, to the process itself, the Redmi Note 7 has two ways of connecting, through the notification bar and through the settings menu, and we'll look at both, and we'll also talk about how to choose the best audio codec for the best sound.

Method 1: via notification panel (fast method)

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Bluetooth icon (stylized letter “B”) and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds – this will open the Bluetooth settings menu.
3. Turn on Bluetooth if it is turned off (slider in the top corner).
4. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (usually signaled by a flashing blue/white indicator).
5. In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds) and tap it.
6. Confirm the connection if a pairing request appears (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code - default is 0000 or 1234).

Method 2: via the settings menu (extended method)

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Activate Bluetooth and wait until the smartphone finds the available devices.
4. Select your headphones from the list. If you don't have them, click Update or Device Search.
5. After connecting, tap the gear icon next to the headphone name to open additional settings (you can change the codec, turn on absolute volume, etc.).

Xiaomi AirDots (any model)

Apple AirPods

Sony WH-1000XM3/XM4

JBL or other brands

Others (write in the comments)-->

Important: Redmi Note 7 can default to SBC codec, which provides average sound quality. To activate aptX or AAC, go to Bluetooth settings after you connect, select your headphones → “More” → “Audio codec” and choose the best option.

How to Choose the Best Audio Codec for Best Sound

Many users are unaware that the sound quality of wireless headphones depends not only on the headphones themselves, but also on the codec that the smartphone uses to transmit audio. The following codes are available on the Redmi Note 7:

To change the codec:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Slip the gear icon next to the name of your headphones.
4. Select the Audio Codec (if not, your headphones do not support the alternative code).
5. Choose the best option (we recommend aptX for quality and latency balance or LDAC for Hi-Res audio).

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If there is no aptX or LDAC in the codec list, upgrade your MIUI firmware to the latest version. On older versions (MIUI 10 and below), these codes may be hidden.

Note that some headphones (like AirPods) automatically switch to AAC, even if the smartphone has aptX available. This is normal — Apple optimizes its devices for this codec. If you hear noise or sound breaks, try to return to SBC — it is more stable in the conditions of weak Bluetooth signal.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, users of Redmi Note 7 can face a number of problems: headphones connect, but there is no sound; the sound is interrupted; one ear does not work, etc. Let us analyze the most common cases and ways to eliminate them.

Problem 1: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound

• 🔊 Check the volume -- sometimes it resets to a minimum once connected. Press the volume buttons on your smartphone or on the headphones themselves.
• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth: Turn it off for 10 seconds, then turn it on again.
• 📱 Reset the headphone settings (usually this is done by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red/blue).
• 🔧 Check the sound settings: go to Settings → Sound. → Output sound and make sure you select the item "Bluetooth-earphones».

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or slowed down

• 📶 Make sure there are no sources of interference nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, other Bluetooth devices).
• 🔋 Headphone charge – at a level below 20%, communication breaks may occur.
• 🎵 Change the audio codec to SBC (It is less demanding of connection stability).
• 📱 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: Settings → Battery → Energy conservation → Settings → Turn off for Bluetooth.

Problem 3: One ear is not working TWS-headphone)

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: remove them from the list of devices and connect again.
• 🧹 Clean contacts in the case - sometimes dust interferes with the normal charging of one of the headphones.
• 🔋 Check the charge of each headphone separately (in some models, one headphone can discharge faster).
• 🔧 Reset your headphone settings (usually this is done by holding the touchpad on both headphones at the same time).

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings on your smartphone. Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Resetting your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This will delete all saved connections, but often solves the invisibility problems of devices.

How to Improve Sound Quality After Connecting

Even after successful connectivity, the sound in the headphones may seem dim or fuzzy, due to the equalizer settings, sound effects and codec, here are some tips on how to improve the audio:

1.Tune the equaliser

The Redmi Note 7 has a built-in equalizer, but it's hidden in the music player settings. If you're using the standard Mi Music app:

1. Open Mi Music and start playing any song.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner.
3. Choose the Equalizer and select the right preset (for example, Bass Boost for bass or Classical for pure sound).
4. If you need precise settings, choose Custom and manually adjust the sliders.

2. Turn off unnecessary sound effects

MIUI by default includes various audio "improvements" that can spoil the original audio.

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound quality and effects.
2. Turn off Mi Sound Enhancer and Adaptive Sound (they may add distortions).
3. Make sure that High Quality Mode is enabled (if available).

3.Use third-party players with Hi-Res support

The standard Mi Music doesn’t always work properly with high-quality audio, and we recommend installing one of these apps:

• 🎵 Poweramp supports all codes, including LDAC aptX HD, advanced equalizer.
• 🎵 Neutron Music Player – Optimized for audiophiles, works with files FLAC and DSD.
• 🎵 VLC — Free and supports most formats without additional codecs.

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For maximum sound quality, use headphones with support for LDAC or aptX HD, LDAC codec in Bluetooth settings and Poweramp player with disabled system effects.

If you are listening to music through streaming services (such as Spotify or Yandex Music), go to the app settings and turn on the option High Stream Quality. Spotify does this: Settings → Sound Quality → Very High (320 kbps).

How to connect headphones to Redmi Note 7 in developer mode

For power users who want to get maximum control over a Bluetooth connection, there are hidden settings in developer mode that allow you to change the type of audio codec, bitrate, and even the version of the Bluetooth protocol.

To activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap the MIUI version several times until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

You can now set the following parameters:

• 🔧 Bluetooth version A2DP — choose AVRCP 1.6 for better compatibility with headphones.
• 🎵 Bluetooth Codec – Forced to install aptX or LDAC, Even if they are not displayed in standard settings.
• 📡 Bluetooth Bitrate – Increase to 990 kbps for LDAC (The default can be 660 kbit / s).
• 🔋 Turn off background restriction for Bluetooth – this will prevent sound breaks when multitasking.

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Be careful with the developer mode settings! Incorrect settings (for example, too high bitrate at a weak signal) can lead to permanent communication interruptions.

If the headphones started to work worse after the changes, return all settings to default values or reset Bluetooth settings through Settings → System → Reset settings.

Frequent questions and answers

If your question isn’t covered in this section, check the official Xiaomi documentation for the Redmi Note 7 or contact the Mi Community app for support.Remember that some issues may be related to the hardware limitations of the smartphone (e.g., lack of support for LC3 or LE Audio).