Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is a popular smartphone that is still widely used due to its reliability and functionality. However, owners of the device often face difficulties when connecting wireless headphones via Bluetooth. Unlike modern models, where the synchronization process is most automated, the Redmi 5 Plus (released in 2017) can have nuances due to an outdated version of the protocol or the software limitations of MIUI 9/10.
In this article, we will not only discuss the basic connection algorithm, but also consider common errors (for example, when the headphones are not located or are intermittently connected), compatibility with different models of headphones (AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM3, JBL Tune 500BT, etc.), as well as ways to optimize the sound after pairing.
1. Preparation of the smartphone and headphones for connection
Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to go. The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus should have the latest firmware installed to minimize the risk of crashes. Check out the MIUI version from the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.
It's important for headphones:
- 🔋 Make sure they are charged (the indicator should be lit or flashing).
- 📱 Transfer them to pairing mode (usually the power button is held for 3-5 seconds until the LED blinks).
- 📡 Disconnect them from other devices (if they were previously connected).
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If the headphones don't go into pairing mode, reset them to factory settings. For most models, this is done by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds before the indicator changes color.
On a smartphone, you need:
- 📴 Enable Bluetooth in the Quick Settings Panel or through Settings → Bluetooth.
- 🔍 Make sure there are no old connections in the list of available devices (remove them if necessary).
- 📶 Disable Flight Mode and Charge Savings – They Can Block Device Search.
2. Step-by-step connection instruction
The pairing algorithm is standard, but there are a couple of nuances on the Redmi 5 Plus.
- Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone: swipe down the notification bar and click on the Bluetooth icon (or go to Settings → Bluetooth).
- Start a device search: click Device Search (in some versions of MIUI, the button is called Add Device).
- Select headphones from the list: When they appear (usually with a model name, such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds), tap them.
- Confirm pairing: A request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234) may appear on the screen.
☑️ Checking a successful connection
If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try:
- 🔄 Reboot Redmi 5 Plus and re-search.
- 🔋 Remove and re-insert the headphones in the case (for the purpose of the TWS-model).
- 📱 Remove all old connections in the Bluetooth menu.
What if the headphones are connected but there is no sound?
3. Common mistakes and their solutions
On Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, users often face typical problems when connecting Bluetooth devices.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not in. | Outdated version of Bluetooth (4.2) or conflict with other devices | Update the firmware, remove old connections, reboot the smartphone |
| Connection interrupted | Weak signal or power saving mode activated | Turn off charge saving, keep devices closer together |
| The sound is distorted. | Low quality codec (SBC instead of AAC/aptX) | In Bluetooth settings, select Sound Quality Priority |
| The headphones are connected as a "phone device" | Bluetooth Profile Error | Remove the device and reconnect, reset the network settings |
The Redmi 5 Plus feature: Due to the limitations of Bluetooth 4.2, some modern headphones (such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 or AirPods Pro) may not work stable.
- 📱 Disable Dual Audio in Bluetooth settings.
- 🔧 Resetting network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings).
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If the headphones support multiple profiles (A2DP for music, HSP for calls), the Redmi 5 Plus can automatically select the wrong one. manually remove the device and reconnect it by selecting priority for music.
4. Sound optimization after connection
Even after successful pairing, sound can leave much to be desired. There are several ways to improve the quality of playback on the Redmi 5 Plus:
Bluetooth codec settings:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Find the connected headphones and tap the icon ⚙️ near.
- Select Sound Quality or Audio Codec (if optional).
- Install AAC (for Apple AirPods) or aptX (for Sony/JBL).
Settings of uniformity:
- 🎛️ Turn it on. MI Sound Enhancer in Settings → Sound. → Improvement of sound.
- 🔊 Adjust the equalizer in the player (for example, in the MIUI Music or Spotify).
- 🎧 For TWS-Activate the game sound mode (reduces latency).
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If you hear noises in your headphones when listening to music, try turning off Wi-Fi – on Redmi 5 Plus, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules can create interference at 2.4 GHz.
5. headphone compatibility with Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus
The Redmi 5 Plus supports most wireless headphones, but there are nuances with some models:
| Model headphones | Compatibility | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi AirDots (all generations) | ✅ Complete. | Automatic connection, displays the charge level |
| Sony WH-1000XM3/XM4 | ⚠️ Partial | May not be supported by LDAC, work through AAC/SBC |
| JBL Tune 500BT | ✅ Complete. | Stable connection, but possible sound delays in games |
| Apple AirPods (1-3 generation) | ✅ Complete. | Works through AAC, but no automatic switching feature |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds | ⚠️ Partial | There may be problems with the microphone when making calls. |
To check the compatibility of a particular model:
- Look at the headphone characteristics of supported Bluetooth profiles (for example, A2DP, AVRCP, HFP).
- Make sure they match the supported Redmi 5 Plus (the list is in the official documentation of Xiaomi).
How to check the Bluetooth version on Redmi 5 Plus?
6. Reset Bluetooth settings when troublesome
If the headphones are bugged or not detected at all, resetting the network settings can help, which will remove all the stored Bluetooth devices and return the settings to factory settings.
Instructions:
- Open Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Select Network Resetting.
- Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).
- After restarting, reconnect the headphones.
⚠️ Warning: Reset will remove not only Bluetooth devices, but also saved Wi-Fi networks, settings VPN And mobile network data. Write down your Wi-Fi passwords in advance.
Alternatively, reset only Bluetooth settings (without affecting Wi-Fi):
- Go to Settings → Applications → All applications.
- Find Bluetooth in the list of system applications.
- Slip the vault. → Clear the data.
7. Alternative ways to connect (if Bluetooth does not work)
If the Bluetooth module on Redmi 5 Plus is out of order or is not working stable, there are workarounds:
- 🎧 Bluetooth 5.0 Adapter: Connects via USB-C (You will need a micro-USB adapter → USB-C) It provides a more stable connection.
- 🔌 Wired headphones: through the Type-C adapter → 3.5 mm (if no headphone socket is available).
- 📶 Wi-Fi audio applications (such as SoundWire or AudioRelay).
For external Bluetooth adapter:
- Buy an adapter with USB OTG support (e.g. TP-Link UB400).
- Connect it to your smartphone via an adapter.
- Turn the headphones on in pairing mode and connect to the adapter as a new device.
⚠️ Not all Bluetooth adapters are compatible with Redmi 5 Plus due to limitations MIUI. Before buying, check reviews about working with Xiaomi.