Connecting wireless headphones to Xiaomi Mi 8 via Bluetooth: full instruction with error solutions

Xiaomi Mi 8

junction

MIUI

Mi 8

The feature of this model is Bluetooth 5.0 support with improved communication stability, but only with the right configuration. If you use Redmi AirDots, AirPods or other brands (for example, Sony WH-1000XM3) headphones, the instruction will be tailored to the nuances, we will also touch on the hidden developer settings that will help optimize the connection, and explain why sometimes the headphones connect as a “phone headset” rather than a full-fledged audio device.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your headphones are charged (the indicator should flash or burn white/blue), and the Xiaomi Mi 8 has the current version of MIUI (at least MIUI 10 or later). If you upgraded to MIUI 12+, some menu items may differ - we will indicate alternative paths.

At the end of the article, you’ll find FAQs for common bugs (such as why one earbud doesn’t work or how to reset Bluetooth settings on the Mi 8 without losing other associated devices). If your problem isn’t described, check the section with alternative connectivity methods, including using third-party apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect.

1. Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing

The first step is to make sure both devices are ready to connect. Headphones should be in search mode (usually activated by long-term power button retention or automatically when first turned on). On the Xiaomi Mi 8, it is important to disable energy-saving features that can interrupt the Bluetooth connection.

To check the condition of the headphones:

• 🔋 Battery charge: Most models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Pro) require at least 20% charge to pair consistently.
• 🔄 Reset: If the headphones have already connected to another phone, reset (usually by pressing the button for 10-15 seconds before flashing red and white).
• 📱 Compatibility: Check if your headphones support A2DP (for streaming music; and AVRCP (For example, 1st generation AirPods may not work smoothly with MIUI codec-like.

On the Xiaomi Mi 8 smartphone, do the following:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it is gray, turn on Flight Mode for 5 seconds first, then turn it off).
3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional Settings.
4. Make sure that options are included: 🔍 Visibility of the device (for data exchange with headphones). 🎵 Audio via Bluetooth (for audio transmission).

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If “unknown” gadgets appear on the list of devices (e.g., LE-xxx), these can be smartwatch sensors or fitness bracelets. Remove them before connecting the headphones to avoid conflicts.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect headphones to Xiaomi Mi 8

Now, to pairing itself, the process may be slightly different depending on the headphone model, but the overall pattern is the same. We'll look at the universal method, and then we'll give you some nuances for popular brands.

Step 1: Activate the search mode on the headphones:

• 🎧 For Redmi. AirDots/Buds: Take the headphones out of the case and hold the touch panel on both headphones for a while. 3–5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red.
• 🍎 For AirPods: Open the case cover and hold the button on the back until white light flashes.
• 🎵 For Sony/JBL: It is usually enough to hold the power button until the beep or blue blink.

Step 2. Search and connect on Xiaomi Mi 8:

Headphones charged (>20%) | Search mode activated (blinking indicator) |Bluetooth on the phone turned on and see | Energy saving disabled in the settings-->

Step 3. Sound check:

After connecting, run any audio file (for example, a song in Mi Music or a YouTube video) if the sound is coming through the phone's speakers:

3. Customize sound and codecs for better quality

By default, the Xiaomi Mi 8 uses a standard SBC codec that provides average sound quality. If your headphones support AAC, aptX or LDAC, you can manually select the optimal profile for improving the sound.

How to change the Bluetooth codec:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones → Sound quality.
3. Select the available codec (quality priority: LDAC > aptX HD > AAC > SBC).
4. If the option is not available, turn on Developer Mode (see the next section).

Recommendations for codecs for popular models:

On the Xiaomi Mi 8 with MIUI 12.5+ firmware, the aptX and LDAC codecs may not appear in the settings even if the headphones support them, in which case manual activation through Developer Mode is required (instructions in the next section).

4 Developer Mode: Hidden Bluetooth Settings

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted), you should use hidden options.

How to turn on Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the item MIUI version (you will be notified you became a developer!).
3. Return to the main Settings menu and open a new section for Additional Settings → For Developers.

Useful options for Bluetooth:

• 🔧 Bluetooth debugging: turn on to diagnose problems.
• 🎛️ Bluetooth Codecs: Choose from LDAC or aptX manually (if available).
• 📡 Bluetooth bandwidth: Set maximum quality (can reduce battery life).
• 🔄 Resetting Bluetooth settings: useful if headphones have previously connected to other devices.

Redmi AirDots/Buds|AirPods (any generation)|Sony (WH/XM series)|JBL/Samsung/Huawei|Others-->

Attention! Changing codecs manually can lead to:

• ⚠️ Increased battery consumption (especially) LDAC).
• ⚠️ Sound delay when watching video (solved by enabling aptX Low Latency if supported).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, users of Xiaomi Mi 8 often encounter bugs. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them.

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

• 🔊 Check if Quiet Mode is activated or Do not disturb in the sound settings.
• 📱 In the notification panel, tap on the Media Audio icon and select the headphones manually.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: forget the device in the Bluetooth settings and pair again.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or interfered with

• 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (microwaves, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers).
• 🔋 Check the charge of the headphones – at a level below 15%, failures may occur.
• 🛠️ In Developer Mode, install Bluetooth Codecs → SBC (The most stable, though not the highest quality).

Problem 3: Headphones shut down in 5-10 seconds

⚠️ Attention, this is a problem that is characteristic of MIUI 11-12 due to aggressive battery optimization Solution: Open Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management.Look in the Bluetooth list and select No Limits. For headphones (if they are displayed as a standalone app) also install No Limits.

Problem 4: The microphone in the headphones is not working

• 🎤 Check that the headphones are connected in Headset mode (not just the headset). A2DP).
• 📞 During the call, tap the audio icon in the call interface and select headphones.
• 🔧 In Developer Mode, turn on Bluetooth Debugging and reconnect the device.

Alternative methods of connection

If standard pairing doesn't work, try one of these, and they're especially useful for older versions of MIUI or custom headphones (like Bose QuietComfort).

Method 1: Bluetooth Auto Connect application

• 📱 Install the app from Google Play.
• 🔍 Start the scan and select your headphones.
• 🔄 Press Connect – the application will bypass the restrictions MIUI And forcefully pair the devices.

Method 2: Resetting network settings

⚠️ Attention! This method will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices. Use it if other methods have not worked: Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings. Confirm the action and restart the phone. Reconnect the headphones.

Method 3: Manual addition of the device by MAC-address

If the headphones don’t appear on the list, but you know them MAC-address (usually indicated on the package or instructions), you can add them manually:

1. Install the Bluetooth MAC Address Changer (root rights required).
2. Enter. MAC-Headphone address and start search.
3. Confirm the connection.

7. Battery optimization and connection stability

To keep the headphones running longer and not switching off arbitrarily, adjust the power consumption on the Xiaomi Mi 8:

Step 1: Disabling Optimization for Bluetooth

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Find Bluetooth in the list and select No Limits.

Step 2: Set up automatic shutdown

• 🔋 In Bluetooth settings, turn off the option Automatic Shutdown at Low Charge (if any).
• ⏱️ Set a timeout of inactivity for at least 10 minutes (in some firmware) MIUI It's hidden in Developer Mode).

Step 3: Use of a Monopoly Regime

If the headphones are only used for music, disable background apps that can intercept the audio stream:

1. Close all applications through Recent (swipe up).
2. In Settings → Applications, suspend the work of instant messengers (for example, Telegram or WhatsApp), which can use the microphone.

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On the Xiaomi Mi 8 with MIUI 12+, Bluetooth stability improves after disabling the dual app function (if active).This option duplicates processes and can cause conflicts with the audio stream.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions