Connecting wireless headphones to Xiaomi Redmi 8T: instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Redmi 8T is still a popular budget smartphone, but many users face difficulties when connecting wireless headphones for the first time. Unlike modern models with MIUI 14, it uses MIUI 11 based on Android 9, which imposes features on the pairing process. In this article, we will analyze not only the standard procedure, but also the nuances for different types of headphones, from Xiaomi AirDots to devices of other brands.

The main problem is that the Redmi 8T does not always automatically detect headphones in search mode, and some models (for example, the Sony WH-1000XM3) require preliminary preparation. We will also consider what to do if the smartphone β€œcan’t see” the device, how to reset Bluetooth settings, and why there may be problems with sound after connecting.

1. Preparation of headphones for pairing

Before you connect your headphones to the Redmi 8T, you need to turn them into a pairing mode, and different models have different processes, where you just hold the on button, and somewhere you need a special combination. Below are the instructions for the most common brands.

  • 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots/Air2/Air2 Pro: Remove both headphones from the case, hold the touch panel on each 5 seconds until the indicators start flashing alternately red and white.
  • 🎧 Sony (WF-1000XM4, WH-CH710N): Press the power button for 7 seconds and the voice message "Bluetooth pairing" will sound".
  • 🎧 JBL (Tune 125, Live 300: Turn on your headphones, then hold the Bluetooth button (usually the middle button) for 3-4 seconds.
  • 🎧 Apple AirPods: Open the case cover, press and hold the button on the back until the indicator flashes white.

If your model is not listed, look for the instructions in the section "Bluetooth Pairing" or "Pairing". Please note: some headphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy Buds) may require the installation of a proprietary application for full operation, but with the Redmi 8T they will connect without it - only with limited functionality.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones have already been paired with another device, they must first be disconnected from it.Otherwise, Redmi 8T They may not be found in the list of available devices.

πŸ“Š What wireless headphones do you use?
Xiaomi AirDots
Sony
JBL
Apple AirPods
Another brand

2. Step-by-step instruction for connecting via Bluetooth

Now, to the interface process itself, the Redmi 8T is slightly different from the new Xiaomi models because of the MIUI version.

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to Connections and Sharing β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Activate the Bluetooth switch (if it is turned off).
  4. Click Device Search (or Add a new device in some firmware versions).
  5. In the list, find the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless EBs Basic 2 for AirDots) and tap them.
  6. Confirm pairing if a request appears on the screen (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code - usually 0000 or 1234).

Once you've successfully connected the headphones, it'll say "Connected," and then the phone's audio will automatically be transmitted to them, and to check whether they work, play any song or video.

Headphones are displayed in the list Bluetooth|Status "Connected" active |Sound played through headphones |Microphone working (check the call)

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3.Why Xiaomi Redmi 8T doesn't see headphones: reasons and solutions

If your smartphone doesn't detect your wireless headphones, the problem may be in your phone or the headphones themselves.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones are not displayed in the listSearch mode not activatedReset the headphones to factory settings (see model instruction)
Bluetooth is turned on but does not find devicesFailure of the Bluetooth moduleReboot your phone or reset your network settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Network Reset)
The connection is interrupted after a few seconds.Low level of headphone chargeCharge your headphones up to 50% and try again
The sound is interrupted or there is interference.Interference from other wireless devicesDisable other Bluetooth devices or move to another location

You should pay special attention to resetting Bluetooth settings on your phone.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Bluetooth in the list of system applications.
  3. Slip the Warehouse β†’ Clear the data and Clear the cache.
  4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: After resetting Bluetooth, all previously coupled devices will be removed. You will have to reconnect them, including smartwatches, fitness bracelets and automotive systems.

4. Adjust the sound after connection

Even after successful pairing, you can have problems with sound, such as low volume, no bass, or delays when watching videos.

  • πŸ”Š Low Volume: Go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Media volume and set the slider to maximum. Some headphone models (such as Sony) require the installation of a proprietary app to adjust the equalizer.
  • 🎡 No bass: Enable the "Bass Amplifier" or "Sound Effects" option in the sound settings".
  • ⏱️ Sound Latency: Activate Low Latency mode in Bluetooth settings (not available for all headphone models).

Xiaomi AirDots also has a useful way to install the official Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play).

  • Update the headphone firmware.
  • Set up sensor control.
  • Check the battery level.

πŸ’‘

If after connecting the headphones, the sound continues to go through the phone’s speaker, restart the music player or switch the audio output manually through the notification panel.

5. How to disable or remove headphones from the list of devices

If you no longer plan on using the Redmi 8T headphones, you can turn them off or completely remove them from the list of associated devices.

Temporary shutdown:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Find your headphones in the list and tap the gear icon next to the name.
  3. Choose Unplug.

Complete removal (forget device):

  1. In the same Bluetooth settings menu, tap on the headphones.
  2. Choose to Delete or Forget the device.
  3. Confirm the action.

Once removed, the headphones will disappear from the list, and you will have to re-enable the search mode to reconnect, which is useful if you plan to sell or transfer the headphones to another person so that their device can connect without problems.

What if you don’t remove the headphones before selling them?
If you don’t remove the headphones from the Redmi 8T’s paired device list, the new owner may have trouble connecting to their phone. Some models (like the AirPods) remember the latest device and automatically try to connect to it, causing conflicts. In addition, the headphones may retain personal data if they support synchronization (such as listening history in Sony Headphones Connect).

6.compatibility of Xiaomi Redmi 8T with different models of headphones

Redmi 8T supports all modern Bluetooth protocols (up to version 5.0), but some features may be limited.

Model headphonesSupport for AACSupport for aptXSound delayNotes
Xiaomi AirDots (all models)Yes.No.Low.Better compatibility, minimal delays
Sony WH-1000XM4Yes.Yes (requires an aptX-compatible phone)MediumRedmi 8T does not support aptX, will use AAC
JBL Tune 510BTYes.No.Tall.You may have problems with the microphone when making calls.
Apple AirPods (all generations)Yes.No.Low.The Automatic Switch function does not work.
Samsung Galaxy BudsYes.No.MediumRequires Galaxy Wearable app for full functionality

Important: Redmi 8T does not support aptX and LDAC codec, so headphones designed for these protocols (for example, Sony WH-1000XM5) will work in compatibility mode with lower sound quality. If audio quality is critical to you, consider using headphones that support AAC (for example, AirDots Pro 2 or Apple AirPods).

7. Frequent errors and their correction

Even after a successful connection, Redmi 8T users may encounter a variety of bugs.

  • πŸ”΄ Unconnected Error: usually caused by conflict with other Bluetooth devices. Solution: Turn off all other gadgets (smartwatches, fitness bracelets) and try again.
  • πŸ”΄ Headphones are connected, but there is no sound: check whether the "Silent Mode" mode on the phone is activated or if the sound on the headphones themselves is turned off (for example, on the headphones). JBL There is a separate volume control button).
  • πŸ”΄ Permanent communication interruptions: If the headphones go off every 5 to 10 minutes, the problem may be energy saving. β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications β†’ Bluetooth).
  • πŸ”΄ The microphone doesn't work during calls: some headphone models (such as Xiaomi AirDots) require you to choose the sound source for calls. During a conversation, tap the headphone icon in the top panel and select "Hearphones" instead of "Dynamics".

⚠️ Note: If after the update of the firmware Redmi 8T The headphones stopped connecting, try rolling back the version MIUI or reset the network settings. MIUI 12 for this phone were bugs with Bluetooth module.

πŸ’‘

Before buying new headphones, check their compatibility with Redmi 8T in the table above.The best choice is models with AAC codec support, as they provide the best sound quality on this smartphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you connect two Bluetooth devices to the Redmi 8T at the same time (e.g. headphones and smartwatches)?
Technically, Redmi 8T supports multipoint, but in practice, it doesn't work very well. For example, if you plug in a headphone and a fitness bracelet, the sound may be interrupted periodically. For stable operation, it's recommended to use only one Bluetooth device at a time.
Why does the volume control buttons on the phone not work after connecting the headphones?
This is a feature of some headphones (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots) that are either controlled by touch panels on the headphones themselves or through the manufacturer's app. Try installing official software for your model.
How to update the firmware of headphones through Redmi 8T?
For most models (except Xiaomi AirDots), it is impossible to update the firmware through Redmi 8T - you need a computer or a proprietary application on a smartphone with a newer version of Android. For example, for Sony WH-1000XM4, you need to install Sony Headphones Connect and follow the instructions in the application.
Can I use Redmi 8T as a Bluetooth transmitter for wired headphones?
No, the Redmi 8T doesn't support Bluetooth transmitter (unlike some Xiaomi flagships) and you can only connect wireless headphones to your phone, but not vice versa.
What if the headphones are connected, but the sound is delayed?
Sound delay (latency) is a common problem for the Redmi 8T due to an outdated Bluetooth module. Try: Disable all background apps. Activate Game Turbo mode in settings (Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ Game Turbo). Use Low Latency headphones (e.g., Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro). If nothing helps, consider using wired headphones via a USB-C β†’ 3.5mm adapter.