Connecting wireless headphones to Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: a complete guide with expert advice

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life β€” they free you from wires, allow you to listen to music on the go and answer calls without taking your phone out of your pocket. However, owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (released in 2018) sometimes face difficulties when connecting the headset for the first time: the smartphone does not see the device, the connection is interrupted or the sound is distorted. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from basic synchronization to solving rare errors specific to this model.

The Redmi 5 Plus features Bluetooth 4.2, which supports most modern headphones but can conflict with the protocols of new devices (e.g. Bluetooth 5.0).+). Besides, MIUI-Xiaomi’s shell sometimes adds its β€œchips” to the pairing process. We tested the instructions on 5 different headphone models – from the budget Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds to premium Sony WH-1000XM4, β€” to ensure the universality of the Council.

1. Preparing the phone and headphones for connection

Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to connect. The Redmi 5 Plus must have basic settings, and the headphones charged and switched to search mode.

For the phone:

  • πŸ“± Turn on Bluetooth: Swipe your finger from top to bottom across the screen to open the Quick Settings panel, and tap the Bluetooth icon (it should turn blue).
  • πŸ”„ Update: Go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ System update. Outdated version MIUI It may cause failures in connection.
  • 🧹 Clear the Bluetooth cache: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Three dots (menu) β†’ Show system-based β†’ Bluetooth, then click β€œClear the cacheΒ».

For headphones:

  • πŸ”‹ Charging: Most models require at least 20% charge to pair consistently. Connect the headphones to the charger for 5-10 minutes if the indicator flashes red.
  • πŸ” Search Mode: usually activated by long press (3-5 seconds) on the power button until the indicator flashes in blue/white. For AirPods, open the case cover.
  • πŸ“„ Resetting: If the headphones have already been connected to another device, reset them to factory settings (the instruction is in the user manual).
πŸ“Š What wireless headphones do you use?
Xiaomi/Mi
Apple AirPods
Sony
JBL
Samsung
Others

⚠️ Note: If your headphones support multipoint (simultaneously connecting to two devices), disconnect them from other gadgets before pairing with the Redmi 5 Plus. Otherwise, the phone may not see the device or connect with errors.

2. Step-by-step connection instruction

Now, to the mating process itself, follow the instructions strictly in steps, and this minimizes the risk of error.

Step 1: Activate Bluetooth on your phone

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Select the Bluetooth partition.
  3. Transfer the slider to the "On" position (if it is gray).

Step 2. Find the headphones.

  1. Wait until the phone starts scanning (the inscription β€œSearch for devices...”).
  2. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator flashes quickly).
  3. The list of available devices will show the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 or Earbuds Basic). WH-1000XM3). Put it on him.

Step 3: Confirmation of connection

  1. A request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234) may appear on the phone screen.
  2. Wait for the words "Connected" next to the headphones name.
  3. Some models (such as Sony) will need to confirm the connection on the headphones themselves – press the power button 1 time.

Make sure the headphones are charged

Turn on Bluetooth on your phone

Put the headphones in pairing mode

Remove old connections (if any)

Check the distance between devices (no more than 1 meter)-->

On Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 10 and below may not have the option "Autoconnect" - in this case, after the first pairing, the headphones will be manually connected each time. MIUI 11+ Or use third-party apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect.

3. Customization of sound and microphone after connection

Successful pairing is only half the battle, and in order for the headphones to work properly, you have to adjust the sound parameters and make sure that the microphone is transmitting voice without interference.

Sound quality check:

  • 🎡 Balance stereo: Go to Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Balance stereo and make sure the slider is in the middle.
  • πŸ”Š Equator: In Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Equator Choose Preset Bass or Rock for a More Severe Sound.
  • 🎧 Bluetooth Codecs: For Better Quality, Enable Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Additionally. β†’ Codecs. β†’ AAC (or aptX, if supported).

Microphone setting:

  • 🎀 Microphone test: Call another phone or record a voice message to check the quality of the transmission.
  • πŸ”‡ Noise suppression: c Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Voice Improvement Enable the Noise Suppression option (not available on all firmware).
  • πŸ“ž Priority of microphone: if during the call sound goes through the speaker of the phone, in the settings of the call, select β€œHearphones” as the main input device.
Problem.Possible causeDecision
The sound is interrupted.Weak Bluetooth signalReduce the distance to the phone, remove interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves)
The microphone is not working.The headphones are connected only as an audio deviceDisable and reconnect by selecting the β€œHeadset” profileΒ» (HSP/HFP)
The sound is distorted.Poor codec quality (SBC)Enable AAC or aptX in Bluetooth settings
The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.Audio routing errorReboot your phone or reset your Bluetooth settings

πŸ’‘

If you only have one earbud after you connect, check the stereo balance in your audio settings, and try clearing the Bluetooth app cache in your application settings.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right connection, Redmi 5 Plus users may face typical problems, including the most common and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Phone can't see headphones

  • πŸ”„ Reboot: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your phone, then reboot the headphones.
  • πŸ“± Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
  • πŸ› οΈ Update of the firmware: outdated version MIUI It may not support new Bluetooth protocols.

Mistake 2: Permanent communication breakdowns

  • πŸ“Ά Interference: Turn off Wi-Fi or move away from sources of interference (routers, microwave ovens).
  • πŸ”‹ Low-charge headphones: charge them up to 50% or more.
  • πŸ”„ Change the codec: in Bluetooth settings, select the codecs SBC or AAC instead of aptX (the latter may be unstable on older chips).

Mistake 3: Headphones connect as a β€œmusic listening device” rather than a headset

  • πŸ“ž Manual profile selection: in Bluetooth settings, tap the gear icon next to the headphone name and select Use for callsΒ».
  • πŸ”„ Reconnect: Remove the device from the list of conjugates and connect again.
  • πŸ› οΈ Resetting headphones: perform reset to factory settings (instruction in the user manual).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are still not connected after all the manipulations, check their compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2. Some models (for example, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro) require Bluetooth 5.0 for full operation. In this case, it remains only to replace the headphones or use a Bluetooth adapter.

5. Optimize the work of wireless headphones on the Redmi 5 Plus

To extend the headphones’ life and improve sound quality, follow these tips:

Saving charge:

  • πŸ”‹ Turn off your headphones when not in use: even in standby mode, they consume charge.
  • πŸ“΄ Turn off voice notifications (like Google Assistant) if they are activated through headphones.
  • πŸ”Š Turn down the volume: At maximum volume, headphones discharge 30-40% faster.

Improved connection stability:

  • πŸ“± Limit background apps: Close unnecessary programs that can put a load on a Bluetooth module.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware of the headphones (if available): some models (such as Sony or Sony) JBL) Get updates through branded applications.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use a case without metal elements: metal can shield the Bluetooth signal.
How to check the Bluetooth version on Redmi 5 Plus?
Open the app. AIDA64 (available in the Play Market, go to the System section β†’ Bluetooth. There will be a version of the module (for example, Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, AVRCP, HFP).

For owners of Redmi 5 Plus with root rights, additional Tweets are available:

  • Installation of a custom core with Bluetooth 5.0 support (e.g., FrancoKernel).
  • Using the Magisk module to force the aptX codec to be enabled HD.
  • Set up Bluetooth connection priority via Build.prop Editor.

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If a standard Bluetooth connection is unstable, consider alternatives:

1.Using a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter

Connect to the phone an external Bluetooth adapter through OTG-That'll allow:

  • πŸ”— Connect headphones with Bluetooth 5.0/5.1.
  • 🎡 Improve sound quality through support LDAC or aptX Adaptive.
  • πŸ”‹ Reduce the load on the built-in module of the phone, which will extend the battery life.

Example of adapters: 1Mii B06 Plus, Avantek DONGLE-50.

2. Connect via 3.5mm audio jack (if any)

Some wireless headphone models (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM3) They're wired to do that:

  1. Connect your headphones to your phone through 3.5mm β†’ USB-C adapter (if no connector is available).
  2. In the audio settings, select β€œWired Headphones” as the output device.

3. Applications for improving communication

Utilities like Bluetooth Auto Connect or Bass Booster help:

  • πŸ”„ Automatically reconnect headphones when communication breaks.
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Set up an equalizer for a specific headphone model.
  • πŸ“Š Monitor Bluetooth signal strength in real time.

πŸ’‘

If your headphones support multipoint (connecting to two devices at once), disable this feature in their settings – this will increase the stability of the connection with the Redmi 5 Plus.

Not all wireless headphones work equally well with the Redmi 5 Plus, and we tested several models and made a compatibility table:

Model headphonesCompatibilitySound qualityStability of communicationsNotes
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2βœ… Complete.🎡 4/5πŸ“Ά 5/5Optimized for MIUI, plug-in
Apple AirPods (2-gen)βœ… Partial🎡 3/5πŸ“Ά 4/5No auto connection, mono sound when calling
Sony WH-1000XM4βœ… Complete.🎡 5/5πŸ“Ά 3/5Requires manual selection of AAC codec
JBL Tune 510BTβœ… Complete.🎡 4/5πŸ“Ά 5/5Best Price/Quality Rate for Redmi 5 Plus
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro❌ Partial🎡 2/5πŸ“Ά 2/5Requires Bluetooth 5.0, frequent breaks

For maximum compatibility, choose headphones with Bluetooth support 4.2 codecs AAC/SBC. Avoid models with proprietary technologies (such as Samsung Scalable Codec or Apple) W1), They are optimized for their ecosystems.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My Redmi 5 Plus doesn't see the headphones, even though they're in pairing mode.
1.Reboot both devices. 2. Remove all previously paired devices in Bluetooth settings. 3. Check if Invisible mode is enabled in the headphone settings (if any). 4. Update your phone firmware to the latest version MIUI. 5. If nothing helps, reset your network settings (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
How to make headphones automatically connect when turned on?
On Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 10 and below, the autoconnection may not work. Solutions: - Update the firmware to MIUI 11 or later. β€” Install the Bluetooth Auto Connect app from the Play Market. β€” Enable the Auto Connect option in Bluetooth settings (if available).
Why is the sound in the headphones interrupted, even though they are near the phone?
Possible causes: – Interference from other devices: turn off Wi-Fi or move to another place. – Low charge headphones: charge them up to 50% or more. – Non-optimal codec: in Bluetooth settings, select SBC Bluetooth module overload: Close background applications that use Bluetooth (e.g. fitness trackers).
Can I connect to Redmi 5 Plus headphones with Bluetooth 5.0?
Yes, but with limitations: – The connection will work at Bluetooth 4.2 speed (maximum 1 Mbps instead of 2 Mbps for 5.0). – Some features (e.g., some features, LC3 or LE Audio) will not be available. β€” There may be frequent communication interruptions if the headphones are optimized for newer Bluetooth versions. OTG full-time.
How to reset Bluetooth settings on Redmi 5 Plus?
1. Open Settings. β†’ System system β†’ Reset settings. 2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. 3. Confirm the action and wait for the phone to restart. 4. After reset, all the associated devices will be removed and they will have to be reconnected.