Connecting wireless headphones to Xiaomi Mi A3 via Bluetooth: the full guide

Xiaomi Mi A3 is a popular smartphone with pure Android One, but even its owners sometimes face difficulties when connecting wireless headphones. Unlike models on MIUI, there are no branded chips like Dual Bluetooth, but the pairing process is as close as possible to standard Android. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic instructions, but also the nuances: why the Mi A3 “does not see” headphones, how to reset Bluetooth, and what to do if the sound is interrupted.

The Mi A3 is Android One-based firmware, which lacks many of Xiaomi’s “crutches.” On the one hand, it makes it easier to connect accessories (no unnecessary background processes), on the other, it requires precise algorithmic follow-up. For example, if you’re trying to plug in AirDots or Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, you may need to pre-reset them to factory-based. We tested the process on 5 different headphone models — from budget Redmi Buds to premium Bose QuietComfort — and found universal steps that work in 95% of cases.

Preparation of headphones and phone before connection

Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to communicate: the headphones should be charged (at least 30% of the battery), and the phone should have Bluetooth on and power saving modes turned off, which can block background processes.

For Xiaomi Mi A3, it is critical to check the firmware version: in older builds (below Android 10 QQ3A.200805.001) there were bugs with support for the A2DP protocol, which could cause the sound to be transmitted with a delay. Update the system through Settings → System → Update if a new version is available.

• 🔋 Charging headphones: Connect them to the charger for 10-15 minutes if the indicator shows low battery level, JBL Tune 510BT) automatically deactivated when the level is below 5%.
• 📱 Flight mode: Turn it off on your phone – it blocks all wireless modules, including Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Resetting headphones: If they have previously connected to another device, reset (usually by pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds before flashing the indicator).
• 🛠️ Cleaning up Bluetooth cache: On the Mi A3 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Show all applications → Bluetooth, then click “Clear the cache».

⚠️ Note: If you are using headphones with support for aptX or LDAC (Like Sony. WH-1000XM3), Make sure the phone has the appropriate codec enabled. To do this, install the Developer Options app (activated via 7 taps on the build number in Settings). → About the phone) and select Bluetooth Audio Codec.

Step-by-step: how to connect headphones to Xiaomi Mi A3

The pairing algorithm is the same for most wireless headphones, but there are nuances for specific models. Below is a universal scheme that works with AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Xiaomi Mi True Wireless and others.

1. Activate pairing on the headphones. Usually, you need to do this: 🎧 For TWS-headphones (e.g. Redmi AirDots): take them out of the case and press the touchpad on the 3 seconds. 🎧 For full sized (e.g. Sony) WH-CH710N): Hold the power button/Bluetooth before flashing the blue/red indicator.

On the Xiaomi Mi A3, open Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth (or swipe down from the top edge of the screen and hold the Bluetooth icon).

Turn on Bluetooth if it's turned off, and wait until your headphones appear on the "Available Devices" list. Click on them.

Confirm the pairing on the phone (if necessary) and wait for the message “Connected”.

Headphones are displayed in the list of "Connected devices»|The indicator on the headphones stopped blinking (burns evenly or went out)|The sound is played through headphones (check in the player)|In the status bar of the phone appeared the Bluetooth icon-->

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If the headphones don't connect the first time, try turning off and re-enable Bluetooth on your phone. Sometimes rebooting the Mi A3 (hold the power button for 10 seconds) helps.

Once connected successfully, the phone will remember the headphones, and next time they will connect automatically when turned on. However, if you use multi-point headphones (for example, the Jabra Elite 85t), you may need to manually select the Mi A3 as the main device in the settings of the headphones themselves.

Table: compatibility Xiaomi Mi A3 with popular headphones

Not all wireless headphones work equally well with the Mi A3. Below is data on compatibility and possible problems for top models (tested on Android 11 RKQ1.200826.002).

Important: Headphones with proprietary codecs (such as the aptX Adaptive in the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro) will only work on the Mi A3 via the base SBC, which degrades the sound quality.

Xiaomi/Redmi (AirDots, Buds and others.)|Apple AirPods|Sony (WH/WF-series)|JBL/Samsung/Huawei|Others-->

What to do if Xiaomi Mi A3 does not see headphones

If your headphones don't show up on the list of available devices, the problem can be in the phone and in the headphones themselves.

1. Check the visibility of the headphones: Make sure they are in pairing mode (the indicator should flash blue/white quickly). For AirPods, open the case cover and hold the button on the back.
2. Reboot the Bluetooth module on your phone: Settings → Apps → Show all apps → Bluetooth → Stop (forced) Then turn on Bluetooth again.
3. Reset your network settings: Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. Attention: this will delete all saved networks and devices!
4. Check codec compatibility: Install the Bluetooth Auto Connect app from Google Play and manually select the SBC codec (the most versatile).

If problems persist, try connecting the headphones to another phone, and if they work normally, the Mi A3 settings are a problem, and factory resets (remember to back up the data!) will help.

How to Disable or Remove Headphones from Your Phone Memory

If you no longer plan to use headphones with Xiaomi Mi A3, you can remove them from the list of conjugate devices, which is also useful if the headphones are starting to glitch and you need a clean connection.

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones in the list and tap on the icon ⚙️ (junction.
3. Select “Forget” or “Disable” (depending on the Android version).
4. Confirm the action. The headphones will be removed from the phone's memory.

If you just want to temporarily turn off the headphones, it is enough:

• Turn them off with a physical button.
• Or turn off Bluetooth on your phone (swipe down from the top edge of the screen → Bluetooth icon).

⚠️ Note: After removing the headphones from the memory of Mi A3 They'll have to be re-matched, like when you first connect, and some models, like Bose QuietComfort, may need to be reset before reconnecting.

Tips for improving the stability of Bluetooth communications

To minimize connection and sound quality issues, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware of the headphones (via the manufacturer's branded app, if any). for example, for Sony Headphones Connect or JBL Portable.
• 📵 Avoid “polluted” radio environments: In offices with a lot of Wi-Fi hotspots or microwaves, Bluetooth can work unstablely.
• 🔋 Watch the headphones: at a battery level below 10%, many models automatically reduce bitrate, worsening the sound quality.
• 🎧 Use headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 support+: They are better at handling interference and have a longer range.

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The Xiaomi Mi A3 doesn’t have Bluetooth 5.2 hardware support (only 5.0), so features like LE Audio or LC3 won’t work even if they’re supported by headphones.

If you listen to music in traffic often, consider buying active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones. However, note that the Mi A3 ANC may perform worse than flagship smartphones (due to the limitations of the Snapdragon 665) processor.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions