How to Connect Wireless Headphones to Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 via Bluetooth: The Complete Guide 2026

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life, but their first connection to a smartphone often raises questions — especially if we are talking about models with MIUI on board, like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. Despite the fact that this phone was released in 2017, its owners are still actively using the gadget, and the problem of pairing devices over Bluetooth remains relevant.

In this article, you will find not only step-by-step instructions for connecting, but also a breakdown of the typical errors that interfere with the stable operation of the headphones: from lack of sound to constant connection breaks. We took into account the features of MIUI 8/9/10 (relevant to Redmi Note 4), as well as the nuances of working with popular models of headphones – from AirDots to Sony WH-1000XM3. If you have tried to connect, but failed, pay attention to the section on resetting Bluetooth settings – this solves 70% of problems.

Preparation for connection: what to check before pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 and headphones are ready to go, and neglecting these steps often leads to errors like “Device not found” or “Disconnected.”

First, check the headphones. Most models don't show up on the list of available devices if the charge level is below 10-15%. For example, Xiaomi AirDots with a discharged battery can flash red, but do not go into pairing mode. Second, make sure that the phone is turned on Bluetooth - this can be done through the notification panel or in the settings.

• 🔋 Headphone charge: at least 20% (optimally - 50% and higher).
• 📱 Bluetooth on your phone: enabled and visible for other devices.
• 🔄 Pairing mode: Headphones should flash blue/white (AirDots) or emit an audible signal.
• 📦 Distance between devices: no more than 1 meter at the connection stage.

If you are using the first time, remove them from the headphones. TWS-models) or hold the power button 3-5 So, for example, some models, like this, they're just blinking, JBL Tune 500BT, To activate the pairing mode, you need to hold the Power and Volume buttons.+ simultaneously.

Step-by-step: how to connect headphones to Redmi Note 4

Now, let's get to the process. It's universal for all versions. MIUI, installed on Redmi Note 4 (from the MIUI 8 MIUI If you have custom firmware, some menu items may differ, but the logic remains the same.

Open the settings on your phone and go to the Bluetooth section. In the upper right corner, click three dots (⋮) and select Update so that your phone starts looking for available devices. Your headphones should appear in the list through 5-10 If that doesn't happen, go back to Prep and check the charge and pairing mode again.

1. Bluetooth Activation: Go to Settings → Bluetooth and move the slider to the right. Alternatively, swipe down the notification panel and tap the Bluetooth icon.
2. Device Search: Click Device Search or Update (Icon) 🔄). The headphones should show the model name (e.g., "Mi True Wireless EBs"). basic_R" right-hand side of AirDots).
3. Pair: Tap the headphones on the list. If necessary, confirm the connection on both devices (sometimes you need to press the button on the headphones).
4. Connection check: After you successfully connect, next to the headphone name, you'll see the message "Connected." Run music or video to make sure the sound is coming through the headphones.

Important. TWS-headphones (e.g. AirDots): you need to connect the right earphone (main) first, and the left earphone will connect automatically. If this does not happen, remove both earphones from the case, wait for double blinking and reconnect.

Problem Solving: Headphones are not connected or not working

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have a problem, and let's look at the most common problems and fixes on the Redmi Note 4.

1.The phone doesn't see the headphones

• 🔌 Reboot the headphones: Put them in the case for 10 seconds, then take out and activate the pairing mode again.
• 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices: Sometimes the phone forgets to scan new devices if something else is already connected (like a fitness bracelet).
• 🔄 Update the Device List: In the Bluetooth Menu, click Update 2-3 intervally 5 seconds.

2. Connection is interrupted or sound is lost

• 📶 Reduce distance: maximum stable distance for Redmi Note 4 — 5-7 footprint.
• 🔋 Check the charge: if the headphones are discharged below 20%, the connection may break.
• 🎵 Turn off energy saving: go to Settings → Battery → Power saving mode and turn it off. MIUI Sometimes limits the background work of Bluetooth.

3.The sound goes through the phone speaker, not the headphones

This problem often occurs after updating MIUI or resetting settings.

1. Open the notification panel and make sure that headphones are selected as the audio output device.
2. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound output device and manually select your headphones.
3. Reboot your phone if the problem persists.

Resetting Bluetooth settings on Redmi Note 4: when needed

If none of these things work, you'll have to reset your Bluetooth settings, which will delete all the stored devices and return the settings to factory settings, and it's safe and doesn't affect any other data on your phone.

Go to Settings. → Bluetooth, press three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Clear cache or Reset settings (depending on version) MIUI). After that, the phone will restart and you will have to reconnect the headphones as if for the first time.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones still don't connect after reset, the problem may be the firmware. MIUI 8 sometimes conflict with modern headphones (for example, AirPods Pro or Galaxy Buds). MIUI 10 (if available for your model).

Connection Optimization: How to Improve Sound Quality and Stability

Even after a successful connection, the sound quality can leave much to be desired: hissing, cliffs or low volume, due to the MIUI settings and the limitations of the Redmi Note 4 (the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chip does not support modern audio codecs like aptX HD).

First, turn off the absolute volume (if it's on), which synchronizes the volume of the phone and headphones, but often doesn't work correctly, to turn it off:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the item Turn off absolute volume and activate it.

Second, install an app like Bluetooth Auto Connect or SoundAssistant (available on Google Play).

• 🔊 Automatically connect headphones when Bluetooth is turned on.
• 🎧 Set up the equalizer separately for wireless devices.
• 🔄 Reconnect after the connection breaks.

💡

If you use AAC-enabled headphones (such as AirPods or Sony WH-1000XM4), install the Bluetooth Codec Changer app from the Play Market and manually select the AAC codec over the standard SBC. This will reduce audio latency and improve quality.

Connecting specific models: AirDots, AirPods, Sony and others

Some headphones require a special approach when connecting to the Redmi Note 4. Let’s consider the nuances for popular brands.

Xiaomi AirDots (all generations)

It's critical for AirDots to plug in the right earpiece first (which is the "master"), and if you plug in the left earpiece, the second earpiece might not work, to reset the settings:

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Take out your headphones and reconnect.

Apple AirPods (all generations)

Redmi Note 4 supports AirPods, but with reservations:

• 🍎 There is no automatic switching between devices (like in the Apple ecosystem).
• 🔊 The sound quality is lower than on iPhone (due to lack of support) AAC version MIUI).
• 🔋 Incorrect charge is displayed in the status bar.

To connect, hold the button on the back of the AirPods case until the white indicator flashes, then select them from the list of Bluetooth devices.

Sony WH-1000XM3/XM4

These headphones support AAC and LDAC, but the Redmi Note 4 only works with them via SBC or AAC.

1. Install the Sony Headphones Connect app.
2. In the headphone settings, select priority for AAC.
3. Turn off the DSEE Extreme function (it increases latency).

Frequent questions and answers