How to connect wireless headphones to Xiaomi Redmi 8: instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone, despite the release of newer models. One of the common tasks of users is to connect wireless headphones over Bluetooth. At first glance, the process seems simple, but many face problems: the phone does not see the device, the sound is interrupted or the headphones turn off after a few minutes. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connecting, including hidden MIUI settings, and give recommendations for eliminating typical errors.

The Redmi 8 features Bluetooth 5.0 support, which provides a stable connection with most modern headphones, from the budget Xiaomi AirDots to the premium Sony WH-1000XM4. However, even with this version of the protocol, nuances can arise, for example, when connecting devices with the aptX codec or LDAC. We tested the instruction on various models of headphones and identified key points that guarantee successful pairing.

1. Preparation of headphones and phone for connection

Before pairing, make sure both devices are ready to connect.

• 🔋 Charging: The headphones should have a minimum battery level of 30%. When charged low, they may shut down during connection or not be in pairing mode.
• 📱 Pairing mode: Usually activated by a long press (5-10 The AirDots needs to hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously.
• 🔄 Reset: If the headphones have already been connected to another device, reset (the instructions are usually in the user manual). JBL Tune 120TWS You need to press the power button 4 times in a row.

Now prepare your smartphone:

• 📶 Bluetooth: Enable it in the notification curtain or through Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. Make sure that Visibility for All mode is active (in MIUI It's called "Detectable").
• 🔄 Reboot: If you've had connection issues before, reboot your phone.This will reset the temporary Bluetooth module errors.
• 📱 Software Update: Check the relevance of firmware in Settings → The phone. → Update the system, in older versions. MIUI (below 12) may not be available AAC or aptX, which makes the sound worse.

⚠️ Note: If you connect headphones with aptX Adaptive support (e.g. Sony) WF-1000XM4), The Redmi 8 is only available in the settings. SBC, It's not a mistake. The smartphone automatically selects a compatible codec, but the sound can be worse.

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

Follow this algorithm so that the pairing goes without errors:

1. Activate pairing mode on the headphones (see section above). The indicator should flash blue and red (or white - depending on the model).
2. On Redmi 8, open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and turn on the switch.
3. Click on "Device Search." Your headphones will appear on the list (like "Mi True Wireless Earphones").
4. Confirm pairing on both devices. Some headphones (such as Samsung Galaxy Buds) will need to enter PIN-code - usually 0000 or 1234.
5. Wait for the message "Connected." The sound will now be transmitted through the headphones.

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

Turn off/on Bluetooth on your phone |

Reboot the headphones (remove from the case for 10 seconds) |

Remove all saved devices in Settings → Bluetooth|

Try connecting from another phone (to rule out a problem in the headphones)-->

Important for Xiaomi Redmi 8: if the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one headphone, check the settings of the mono/stereo mode. in MIUI this is adjusted in Settings → Sound → Bluetooth audio settings → Sound Mode (select "Stereo").

3. Customize sound and codecs for better quality

Once connected, it is recommended to optimize the sound parameters. Redmi 8 has hidden settings for this:

1. Open Settings → Sound → Bluetooth audio settings.
2. Select the connected headphones in the list of devices.
3. In the Codec section, try changing the value from SBC to AAC (if available) to improve sound quality, especially for music.
4. Activate the "Absolute Volume" option to synchronize the sound level on your phone and headphones.

For fans of bass and surround sound:

• 🎵 Turn on the e.QUALIZER In Settings → Sound. → For bass, choose the preset "Bas Boost" or manually raise the sliders to the top. 60-100 Hz.
• 🔊 Activate Mi Sound Enhancer (only for Xiaomi headphones) This improves spatial sound.
• 🎧 For Sony or Bose, install a proprietary app (such as Sony Headphones Connect) to unlock additional noise maker and equalizer settings.

⚠️ Note: If the sound starts to break after changing the codec, return to the codec. SBC. Some budget headphones (e.g. Baseus Encok) WM01) sluggishly AAC Redmi 8 due to hardware limitations of Snapdragon 439.

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To quickly switch between the headphones and the speaker, add Media Device tile to the notification curtain. To do this, swipe down twice, click Edit and drag the icon to the active area.

4. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after a successful connection, there may be failures.

🔌 The headphones are connected, but immediately switch off.

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Low charge headphones or phone. Charge both devices to 50%.
• 📶 Interference from other Bluetooth devices. Turn off smartwatches, fitness bracelets or speakers.
• 🔄 Reset network settings. Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.

🎵 The sound is interrupted or there is interference.

What to do:

• 📱 Reduce the sound quality in Bluetooth audio settings (change the codec to the audio). SBC).
• 🚫 Turn off Wi-Fi – on Redmi 8, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules can conflict.
• 🔇 Check the microphone: if it is on (for example, for calls), it can put a strain on the connection.

🎧 Only one earpiece works.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: remove them from the list of devices and pair again.
• 🧲 Check the magnetic contacts in the case (for the TWS-If they are contaminated, the headphones may not correctly detect stereo mode.
• 🔧 Update the firmware of the headphones through a branded app (for example, Xiaomi Earphones for AirDots).

5. How to connect headphones to Redmi 8 through the manufacturer's apps

Some headphones (especially Sony, Bose or JBL) require a proprietary app that not only makes it easier to connect, but also reveals additional features, such as:

• 🎛️ Equalizer setting (in standard) MIUI The equalizer works only for the built-in speaker).
• 🔇 Noise control (ANC) real-time.
• 🔋 Monitoring the battery charge of each headphone separately.

Instructions for connection via the application:

1. Download the official app for your headphones from Google Play: Sony Headphones Connect for Sony WH-1000XM3/XM4; JBL Headphones for JBL Live/Tune; Xiaomi Earphones for AirDots.

Launch the app and follow the instructions on the screen. You usually need to confirm the connection in the phone's Bluetooth settings.

After pairing, the app will have additional settings, for example, in Sony Headphones Connect you can enable DSEE Extreme for upscale sound.

⚠️ Note: Apps from headphone manufacturers may conflict with energy-saving features MIUI. To avoid automatic Bluetooth shutdown, add the app to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find the headphone app and select "No restrictions".

6. Alternative ways of connecting: AUX and adapters

If Bluetooth is unstable, you can use a wired connection via a 3.5 mm connector or a USB-C adapter.

• 🎧 Headphones without Bluetooth (for example, Sennheiser) HD 599).
• 🎵 Professional models with high impedance (require an amplifier).
• 📱 Situations where minimum battery consumption is required (Bluetooth consumes) ~5-10% charge per hour).

Instructions for connection in 3.5 mm:

1. Connect the headphones to the connector on the top edge of Redmi 8.
2. If there is no sound, check: Loudness on the phone and headphones; Clean connector (dust or contact oxidation can block the signal); Settings output to Settings → Sound → Sound Output (should be selected “Wired headphones”).

USB-C headphones (like Google Pixel Buds A) will require a USB-C → 3.5mm adapter. Note that Redmi 8 does not support digital audio over USB-C, so the adapter must have a built-in DAC (like Xiaomi Type-C to 3.5mm).

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Wired connectivity through the 3.5mm connector provides better sound quality than Bluetooth, because it eliminates audio compression, but it limits mobility and requires a connector that is not available in new Xiaomi models.

7. Battery optimization when using Bluetooth headphones

Wireless headphones and the Bluetooth module itself consume the Redmi 8 charge.

• 🔋 Enable energy saving mode in Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode. This will limit background activity, but it won't affect sound quality.
• 📴 Turn off Wi-Fi autosearch and mobile data in the background: Settings → Connections → Use of data → Background data transmission.
• 🔇 Use mono mode (if stereo is not important) and this reduces energy consumption by 20-30%.

Also check the optimization settings for headphone-related apps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a headphone app (such as Xiaomi Earphones) and select Battery.
3. Set "No Limits" for background activity.

Critical point: if the headphones are connected, but the phone discharges quickly (more 1% In a minute, check the process. bluetooth_share In Settings → Battery → Battery usage, high consumption, indicates a firmware failure, the solution is resetting the network or flashing the firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting headphones to Redmi 8