Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life, but their first connection to a smartphone sometimes raises questions - especially if we are talking about models with MIUI, where the Bluetooth interface has its own characteristics. Xiaomi Mi 8, despite its age (released in 2018), is still actively used, and its owners often face the nuances of synchronization with modern gadgets.
In this article, you will find not only step-by-step instructions for connecting the headphones to the Mi 8 via Bluetooth, but also a breakdown of typical errors (for example, when the device is not located or connects with interruptions), as well as tips for adjusting the sound for better quality. We took into account the specifics of MIUI 10-14, those firmware versions that are relevant for this model in 2026.
Preparation for connection: what to check before synchronization
Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to go. Headphones should be charged (charge indicator usually flashes or burns with constant light), and the smartphone should have a Bluetooth module turned on. On Xiaomi Mi 8, it is activated through the notification curtain or in settings.
Pay special attention to the firmware versions: on the Mi 8 with MIUI 12+, the connection algorithm may differ from older versions. For example, in new builds, the Quick Connect feature has appeared, which automatically searches for compatible devices nearby. To check the version of MIUI, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
- 🔋 Headphone charge: at least 30% (at low charge, communication breaks are possible).
- 📱 Bluetooth on your smartphone: enabled and visible for other devices (Detection mode").
- 🔄 Resetting headphone settings: If they were already paired with another device, reset (usually by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds).
- 📲 Software Updates: Check the relevance of firmware in Settings → Updating the system.
If your headphones support aptX or AAC codecs, make sure they are enabled in the Mi 8 audio settings. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Headphones → Sound quality and select the optimal mode. This is especially important for models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, which in the Mi 8 is responsible for audio processing.
Step-by-step: how to connect headphones to Xiaomi Mi 8
The pairing process takes no more than 1-2 minutes, if you follow the algorithm, below is a universal circuit suitable for most wireless headphones (including AirPods, Sony WH, Xiaomi AirDots, etc.).
- Activate pairing on the headphones. This usually requires holding the power button (or a special Bluetooth button) until the indicator flashes blue and red (the color may differ from model to model). For example, for Redmi Buds 3, this is holding the button for 3 seconds.
- Open Bluetooth settings on the Mi 8. You can do this in two ways: Through the notification curtain: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and hold the Bluetooth icon. Through the settings menu: Settings → Bluetooth.
Click on "Device Search." The smartphone will start scanning. The name of your headphones will appear in the list (e.g., "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2"). Click on them.
Confirm the pairing. If necessary, enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234, but for some models, such as Bose QuietComfort, the code may differ from one another).
Charge headphones up to 50%+
Turn Bluetooth on the Xiaomi Mi 8
Activate the pairing mode on the headphones
Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device
Update firmware MIUI (if available)-->
Important for Xiaomi Mi 8: if the headphones are not displayed in the list, try to turn off and re-enable Bluetooth on your smartphone, as well as reboot the headphones (turn off / on). In 10% of cases, the problem is solved by changing the firmware region to "Europe" in the developer settings.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even after a successful connection, Mi 8 users may face a range of problems, from communication interruptions to poor sound quality.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on the list of devices | Headphones in the mode of connecting to another gadget or discharged | Reset your headphones (hold the button 10-15 seconds), charge them |
| The connection is interrupted every 5-10 minutes | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices or outdated firmware | Disable other gadgets, update MIUI or reset network settings |
| The sound is distorted or stuttered | Low quality codec or interference from Wi-Fi | In Bluetooth settings, select the AAC or SBC codec, turn off Wi-Fi. |
| The headphone microphone is not working. | The headphones are connected only as an audio device | Disable and connect again, in the call settings select headphones as an input device |
If the headphones are connected, but mono sound instead of stereo, check if the Phone Call mode is activated in the Bluetooth settings.
- Go to Settings. → Connected devices.
- Click on your headphones.
- Make sure you select your Media Audio profile (not Calls).
Why Xiaomi Mi 8 doesn’t work well with headphones on a Realtek chip?
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Before version 14, the headphones stopped connecting, try rolling back the firmware or resetting the network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Network resetting. This problem is common for Qualcomm chip devices. WCN3990, fitted in Mi 8.
Optimizing Sound: Settings for Better Quality
By default, the Xiaomi Mi 8 uses SBC codec, which is the most versatile, but not the best. If your headphones support aptX, AAC or LDAC, you can activate them manually:
- Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
- Go to Settings → Connected devices → Headphones → Sound quality.
- Select the available codec (priority: aptX HD → LDAC → AAC → SBC).
After reset, the headphones will be available for a new connection, and on the Mi 8, it is also recommended to clear the list of conjugated devices:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Click on the icon. ⚙️ headphone-name.
- Select Forget the device.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Forget the device can be hidden, in which case delete the headphones through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the data.
Alternative ways to connect: if Bluetooth is not working
In rare cases, the Bluetooth module on the Xiaomi Mi 8 may fail (for example, after a drop or firmware update).If a standard connection is not possible, consider alternative options:
- Use of the OTG-Adapter, connect the wired headphones through the USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter (for example, the original from Xiaomi). For wireless models, there are Bluetooth transmitters with a connector. USB-C (for example, 1Mii B06 Plus).
- Connection through AUX-Some wireless headphones (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM4) They're wired through a 3.5 mm connector, and you'll need an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm.
- Sound management apps. If the software part is the problem, try apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect or SoundAssistant (available on Google Play), which let you manually prioritize your connection.
If Bluetooth on the Mi 8 has completely stopped working (it doesn’t turn on or immediately shut down), this may indicate a hardware malfunction.
- Check the integrity of the Bluetooth antenna (located next to the top of the board).
- Sweep your smartphone to a clean MIUI via Fastboot (instructions are available on the 4PDA forum).
- Contact the service center - repair of the Bluetooth module will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the region).
💡
If Bluetooth still doesn’t work after resetting or firmware, the problem is 90% hardware.The Xiaomi Mi 8 most often fails the WCN3990 chip responsible for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.