How to connect wireless headphones to the phone Xiaomi Mi: all ways and solutions to problems

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life – they allow you to listen to music, answer calls and watch videos without entangled wires. However, Xiaomi Mi users sometimes face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the device does not find the headphones, the connection is interrupted or the sound is distorted. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting – from standard pairing via Bluetooth to alternative methods for specific models of headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds or AirDots).

Xiaomi’s smartphone features are the MIUI shell, which can make adjustments to the connection process. We’ll take into account the nuances of different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and Android (10 to 14), and also look at unique features like “Fast Connection” for Xiaomi headphones, which speed up the process by 2-3 times. If you have already tried to connect headphones, but encountered an error, at the end of this article there is a section with solutions to the most common problems.

Preparation before connection: compatibility and charging check

Before you start pairing, make sure your headphones and phone are Bluetooth compatible.Most current Xiaomi Mi models (starting with the Mi 9 and later) support Bluetooth 5.0/5.2, but budget headphones can only work with Bluetooth 4.2. Check out the Bluetooth version on the phone from Settings → About Phone → Full Specification.

Also note:

• 🔋 Headphone charge: Headphones that are discharged will not show up on the list of available devices. Charge them to at least 30% (on most models, the charging indicator flashes red at a low level).
• 📱 Version MIUI: On older versions (below). MIUI 12) may not be supported AAC or aptX codecs that improve sound quality.
• 🔄 Pairing mode: Some headphones (such as Sony) WH-1000XM4 or JBL Live 660NC) require manual translation into search mode (holding the power button 5-7 seconds).

⚠️ Note: If you are connecting headphones Xiaomi/AirDots to the same ecosystem (e.g., Mi) 11 + Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), pre-update the headphone firmware through the Mi Earphones app.Old firmware can cause problems with the microphone or auto-connection.

2. Standard Bluetooth connection: step-by-step instructions

This is a versatile method that works for any wireless headphone, regardless of brand. The instruction is relevant for all Xiaomi Mi smartphones on MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings on your phone and go to the Bluetooth section (or Connections → Bluetooth on newer versions of MIUI).
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it's off), and the phone will start searching for available devices.
3. Put the headphones in pairing mode: For Xiaomi AirDots: hold the touchpad on both headphones for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes white/red. For Sony/JBL: hold the power button for 5-7 seconds (until the blue/red LED blinks). For Apple AirPods: open the case cover and hold the button on the back for 5 seconds.

In the list of available devices on the phone will appear the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones). 2 or LE_WH-1000XM4). Press them.

Confirm the pairing if a request appears (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code - default 0000 or 1234).

Once successfully connected, the headphones will be labeled Connected, and will automatically connect to the phone when turned on (if Bluetooth is activated).

3.Fast connection for Xiaomi headphones (Mi Earphones)

If you use Xiaomi headphones (like Buds 3/4 Pro, AirDots 3 or FlipBuds Pro), you have access to accelerated pairing via the branded Mi Earphones app.This method not only makes it easier to connect, but also allows you to customize gestures, equalizer and update firmware.

How it works:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play (or the App Store for iOS if you use Xiaomi on your iPhone).
2. Open the app and click Add the device.
3. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (as described in the previous section).
4. The app will automatically find the headphones and prompt you to connect: 🎧 Customize gestures (e.g., double touching for playback/pause). 🔊 Select sound profiles (bass, vocals, balance). 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones (critical for fixing bugs with microphone).

⚠️ Attention: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro and newer support multi-point connectivity (simultaneous connection to your phone and laptop).To activate this feature, update your firmware through Mi Earphones and enable the option in your headphone settings.

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If Xiaomi headphones are not determined through Mi Earphones, try resetting them to factory settings: hold the touch panels on both headphones for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.

Connection via NFC (for supported models)

Some flagship Xiaomi Mi smartphones (such as Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 12 Pro) and headphones (such as Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) support fast connection via NFC. This method eliminates the need to search for the device manually – just attach the headphones to the back of the phone.

How to do this:

1. Make sure that NFC is enabled on your phone: Settings → Connections → NFC.
2. Place the headphones in the case (if that's the case) TWS-model) or include them.
3. Put the back of the phone on the NFC-tag on the case or headphone case (usually marked with a logo) NFC).
4. A notification will appear on the phone screen asking you to connect. Press Connect.

6. Alternative ways of connecting: LDAC and Dual Audio

For music lovers and users who care about the maximum sound quality, additional features are available in Xiaomi Mi:

Enabling the LDAC codec (for Hi-Res sound)

The LDAC codec allows you to transmit up to 990 kbit/s (versus 320 kbit/s for a standard AAC) to activate:

1. Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → More → For developers → Bluetooth Audio Codec.
3. Select LDAC (if it’s not on the list, your headphones don’t support this codec).

Dual Audio (Simultaneous connection of two devices)

Dual Audio allows you to connect two audio devices (e.g. headphones and a speaker) to the Xiaomi Mi phone at once.

1. Connect the first device via Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
3. Select Dual Audio and connect the second device.

⚠️ Note: Dual Audio may cause latency of up to 200-300 ms. This is normal and due to the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol.

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For stable LDAC performance, make sure that the headphones support this codec (e.g. Sony WH-1000XM4, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro). Otherwise, the sound will be interrupted or distorted.

7.Tune gestures and equalizer after connecting

After successful pairing, it is recommended to optimize the settings for your needs. Depending on the headphone model, the following options are available:

7.1. Gesture settings (for Xiaomi Buds/AirDots)

Through the Mi Earphones app, you can reassign actions to:

• 👆 Double touch (playback/pause, next track, call voice assistant).
• 👇 Retention (switching noise reduction mode, switching off sound).
• 👈👉 Flicking (volume control).

Equalizer adjustment

Pre-set profiles are available in the same annex:

• 🎵 Bass – for electronic music and hip-hop.
• 🎤 Vocals - for podcasts and audiobooks.
• 🎻 Balance - Universal Profile.
• 🎧 Customized – manually adjusting the bands (60 Hz, 230 Hz, 910 Hz, etc.).

For headphones from other brands (such as Sony or JBL), use proprietary apps:

• Sony Headphones Connect is for the WH-1000XM4, WF-1000XM4 models.
• JBL Headphones – for Live 660NC, Tune 510BT.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)