Connecting wireless headphones to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro via Bluetooth: full instruction

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

Mediatek Helio G90T

wireless

Bluetooth 5.0

In this article you will find detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations, tips for eliminating typical errors, as well as hidden settings. MIUI, We're going to look at not only the standard connectivity, but also the nuances of working with different models of headphones, from the budget Redmi AirDots to premium Sony. WH-1000XM4. We will pay special attention to the problems specific to the Redmi Note. 8 Pro, for example, conflict with firmware on the basis MIUI 12/13 or limitations of the Mediatek chipset.

If you have already tried to connect the headphones, but encountered an error "Can not connect the device" or the sound is interrupted - do not rush to blame the headphones. 70% The problem is in the phone settings, and it can be solved by 2-3 You'll know how to do that.

1. Preparation of the phone and headphones for pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure both devices are ready to go, which will save you most of the pairing errors.

On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro phone, check out:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge – if the level is below 15%, Bluetooth may not work properly due to energy saving.
  • πŸ“± Version. MIUI β€” Update the firmware through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ System updates. Older versions (below) MIUI 12.0.3) have Bluetooth bugs.
  • 🚫 Flight mode – it disables all wireless modules, including Bluetooth.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot – If your phone hasn’t rebooted in a while, do so before connecting.

For headphones:

  • πŸ”‹ Pour charge (minimum 30%) – discharged headphones may not appear in the list of devices.
  • πŸ”„ Reset settings (if you have connected to other devices before) – this is usually done by holding the power button on the device. 10-15 seconds.
  • 🎧 Turn on pairing mode – for most models, you need to hold the on button until the indicator flashes (usually blue / white).

If you use Xiaomi headphones (such as Redmi Buds 3 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2), activate the pairing mode through the Mi Home app – this will speed up the process and open up additional features like uniform sound (EQ).

πŸ“Š What headphones do you connect to the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Xiaomi/Redmi (AirDots, Buds, etc.)
Sony (WH-1000XM, WF-1000X)
Apple AirPods
JBL, Samsung, other brands
Chinese no-name

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

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions carefully, because each step is important for successful pairing.

1️⃣ Activate Bluetooth on your phone:

Open the Settings. β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ Bluetooth and move the slider to the right. Alternatively, you can swipe down the notification panel and click on the Bluetooth icon.

2️⃣ Turn on the headphone search mode:

For most models, you need to hold the power button. 3-5 So AirPods just have to open the case lid next to the phone.

3️⃣ Find the headphones in the list of devices:

On your phone, click Device Search (or Add a new device). Your headphones should appear in the list. If they don't, update the list by clicking on the circular arrow in the upper right corner.

4️⃣ Confirm the conjugation:

Click on the headphone name in the list. If necessary, confirm the connection on both devices (sometimes you need to press the button on the headphones or type in the button on the headphones). PIN-code, such as 0000 or 1234).

5️⃣ Check the connection:

After successful pairing, the headphones will be labeled "Connected" next to the name, and play music or video to make sure the sound is coming through the headphones.

Bluetooth on your phone

Headphones in pairing mode (blinking indicator)

Phone and headphones are charged at least 30%

Headphones are not connected to other devices

Updated firmware MIUI-->

If the headphones are connected, but there is no sound, check:

  • πŸ”Š Loudness on phone and headphones (sometimes regulated separately).
  • 🎡 Sound source – in the notification panel, select headphones as the output device.
  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the headphones (turn off and reconnect).

3. Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the right connection, Redmi Note 8 Pro users often encounter errors, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Headphones are not on the list of devices

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and headphones.
  • πŸ“± Make sure that not only Bluetooth is turned on on on your phone, but Visibility for other devices (in Bluetooth settings).
  • 🚫 Check if the headphones are connected to another device (like a laptop or tablet.
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings on your phone: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

Problem 2: Connection is interrupted or sound is lost

This is typical for the Redmi Note 8 Pro due to the features of the Mediatek Helio chipset. G90T. Decisions:

  • πŸ“Ά Turn off Wi-Fi – sometimes it interferes with Bluetooth.
  • πŸ”‹ Enable Performance Mode in Settings β†’ Battery. β†’ Power regimen.
  • 🎧 Update the firmware of the headphones (if possible through the manufacturer’s application).
  • πŸ”§ In the developer settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Press 7 times to turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth.

Problem 3: Low sound quality or delay

To improve sound:

  • 🎡 Enable Bluetooth Codecs: Go to Bluetooth Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Audio codec and select aptX or AAC (if supported by headphones).
  • πŸ”Š Turn off Sound Improvement in headphone settings (sometimes it adds delays).
  • πŸ“± Close background applications, especially instant messengers and games – they can take up CPU resources.
Why does the Redmi Note 8 Pro not work well with Bluetooth AirPods?
Due to the limitations of the Mediatek Helio chipset G90T firmware MIUI There are problems with Apple codecs (AAC). Solution: Update MIUI until the latest version or use headphones in compatibility mode (turn off Auto Switch in AirPods settings on iPhone).

4. Additional Bluetooth settings in MIUI

Xiaomi hides some of the useful Bluetooth features in the depth of the settings. Here's what you can customize to make the headphones work better:

1. Connection priority

If you have multiple Bluetooth devices (e.g., headphones and a fitness bracelet), your phone may not connect to the right one.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Click on the icon. βš™οΈ headphone-name.
  3. Enable the Priority Connection option.

2. Automatic connection

So that the headphones are connected automatically when you turn on:

  • In the same device settings, enable Autoconnection.
  • Make sure the headphones are not connected to other devices at the same time.

3. Adjustment of the sound profile

V MIUI You can choose what the headphones are used for:

  • 🎡 Music and media are the best quality of sound.
  • πŸ“ž Phone calls – priority given to microphone.

Redmi Note 8 Pro

Setting upRecommended valueThe effect
Audio codecaptX AACBest sound quality (if supported by headphones)
Absolute volume of BluetoothOff.Removes problems with volume control
Priority connectionIncluded.The phone will connect to the headphones first.
AutoconnectionIncluded.The headphones are automatically connected when turned on

5. Reset Bluetooth settings: when and how to do

If none of these methods worked, try a full Bluetooth reset, which will remove all the stored devices and return the settings to factory settings.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting settings.
  2. Select Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter) PIN-code).
  4. Reboot the phone.

After resetting, you will have to reconnect all Bluetooth devices, but this often solves connection problems, especially if there were many previously saved devices.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones don't connect after reset, try connecting them to another phone or tablet, and if the problem persists, the headphones are broken.

When to do the reset:

  • πŸ”„ The headphones are connected, but immediately switch off.
  • πŸ”Š The sound is distorted or interrupted.
  • πŸ“± Phone "can't see" headphones, although they are in pairing mode.

What not to do:

  • ❌ Reset all phone settings (this will delete all data).
  • ❌ Update firmware through unofficial sources (risk of β€œbricking").
  • ❌ Disassembling headphones for β€œcleaning contacts” – this cancels the warranty.

6.Sound optimization for different types of headphones

Depending on the headphone model, the Redmi Note 8 Pro can customize the sound for better perception.

For Xiaomi Redmi AirDots/Buds:

    For Apple AirPods:

      For Sony. WH-1000XM3/XM4:

        For all headphone models, it is recommended:

        • πŸ”Š Use uniform sound (EQ) In applications like Poweramp or Spotify.

        πŸ’‘

        For headphones with support for aptX or LDAC On Redmi Note 8 Pro, be sure to choose these codecs in Bluetooth settings – this will significantly improve the sound quality.

        7 How to check the quality of the connection

        If the headphones are connected, but you doubt the stability of the connection, perform a simple diagnosis:

        Test 1: Checking the sound delay

        1. Run the video on YouTube.
        2. Compare the movement of the character’s lips to the sound.
        3. If the delay is more than 0.5 seconds, turn on Game Mode in the headphone settings (if any) or select the aptX Low Latency codec.

        Test 2: Checking the stability of the connection

        • Step away from the phone to 5-10 meters (with obstacles such as walls).
        • If the sound starts to interrupt, the problem is interference or a weak Bluetooth module.
        • Solution: Keep your phone and headphones at a distance of no more than 3 meters in line of sight.

        Test 3: Audio quality check

        • Include a track with a wide dynamic range (such as classical music or test recordings).
        • If the sound is distorted at high frequencies, try another codec or turn off the equalizer.

        For accurate diagnosis, use applications like Bluetooth Auto Connect or nRF Connect, which show signal strength and connection stability.

        FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting headphones to Redmi Note 8 Pro

        ❓ Why the headphones are connected, but there is no sound?
        Check it out: πŸ”Š Loudness on phone and headphones (sometimes they are adjusted separately). 🎡 Sound source – in the notification panel, select headphones as the output device. πŸ”„ Reconnect the headphones (turn off and reconnect). πŸ“± Restart your phone – sometimes the sound driver β€œhangs".
        ❓ Can you connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time (e.g. headphones and smartwatches)?
        Yes, the Redmi Note 8 Pro supports up to 7 devices at a time, but the sound will only go to one device. To switch between them: Open the notification bar. Click on the Bluetooth icon and select the right device to output the sound. Limit: When connected to two audio devices (for example, headphones and a speaker), the sound will only be duplicated in the audio format. MIUI 12.5+.
        ❓ How to Update Bluetooth Firmware to Redmi Note 8 Pro?
        You can't update the Bluetooth module separately, it updates with the phone's firmware. To get the latest fixes, go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ System Update. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available MIUI β€” Download it and install it. Use it for manual firmware (at your own risk). MIUI bootloader or official Xiaomi website.
        ❓ Why the headphones turn off during a conversation?
        This is a typical Redmi Note 8 Pro problem due to a conflict between Bluetooth and the communication module: πŸ“ž Enable Call Mode via Headphones in Bluetooth Settings. πŸ”§ Turn off Wi-Fi Calling in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. πŸ“± Update the firmware to MIUI 12.5 or later – this bug is not fixed in older versions.
        ❓ Can I use headphones as a headset for calls?
        Yes, but the quality of the microphone depends on the headphone model. To turn on this mode: Connect the headphones to the phone. When you call, click on the speaker icon in the call interface. Choose the headphones as the device for conversation. If the person is not listening to you: 🎀 Check if the microphone is closed on the headphones. πŸ“Ά Make sure you have a good signal from your cellular network. πŸ”Š In Bluetooth settings, select the phone call profile.

        πŸ’‘

        If after connecting the headphones, the phone began to discharge faster, turn off background activity for applications like Mi Music or Spotify in the battery settings.

        ⚠️ Please note: Do not use Chinese firmware (e.g. China) ROM) On the global version of the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this can cause Bluetooth and other modules to fail. MIUI.

        ⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI headphones stopped connecting, reset Bluetooth settings (see section 5). In rare cases, you may need to roll back to the previous version of the firmware via Fastboot.