How to connect wireless headphones to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: 3 proven ways + fixing

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is still one of the most popular smartphones among users who value price-performance balance, but even such a proven device can have nuances when connecting accessories — especially when it comes to wireless headphones. Unlike wired counterparts, there is no universal connector: it depends on the Bluetooth protocol, the firmware version and even the headphone model.

In this article, you will find not only basic pairing instructions, but also solutions to typical problems, from lack of sound to constant communication interruptions. MIUI 14 (Android 12) and took into account the features of working with headphones of different brands: Xiaomi AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM4, Apple AirPods and others. If your headphones don't connect, here's the answer to why it happens and how to fix it.

1.Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you try to pair your headphones with your smartphone, make sure both sides are ready to pair, and often problems arise from trivial things like a dead battery, an airplane mode is on, or outdated firmware.

Start with wireless headphones:

• 🔋 Check the charge level – most models require at least one 20-30% If the light flashes red, charge the device.
• 🔄 Make sure the headphones are off (if they have already been paired with another device). 10-15 seconds.
• 📦 Get your headphones out of the case (for models with auto-disconnection) - some TWS-Headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds 4) do not activate while in the case.

Check out the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 📶 In the plane in the notification curtain – it blocks all wireless connections, including Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → System updates. Outdated versions MIUI You may not support new protocols (e.g., Bluetooth 5.2).
• 🧲 If you have previously connected other headphones, remove them from the list of devices: → Bluetooth → [Name of device] → Forget it.

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If your headphones support multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices), before pairing with the Redmi Note 8 Pro, disconnect them from other gadgets.

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

It’s a versatile method that works for all wireless headphone models, from budget Redmi AirDots to premium Bose QuietComfort.

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones: 🎧 For TWS-headphones (for example, Xiaomi Air) 2S): Take them out of the case and hold the touchpad on both headphones. 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and blue. 🎧 For full-size headphones (such as Sony) WH-CH710N): Hold the power button until you hear a voice message “Pairing mode” or see a flashing blue light.
2. Turn Bluetooth on on the Redmi Note 8 Pro: 📱 Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth. 📱 Or swipe down the notification curtain and hold the Bluetooth icon for a quick jump to the menu.
3. Find the headphones in the list: 🔍 Enable new device search (Search or Update button). 🔍 The name of your headphones will appear in the list (for example, Redmi). AirDots_S or LE_Bose QC45). Put it on him.
4. Confirm the conjugation: 🔐 If required PIN-code, enter standard 0000 or 1234 (indicated in the instructions for headphones). ✅ Wait for the message “Connected” and the headphone icon in the notification curtain.

Headphones charged (>20%)|Bluetooth is turned on on on your smartphone|Airplane mode is off.|Previous devices removed from list|Headphones in pairing mode (blinking indicator)-->

If the headphones don't appear on the list, try rebooting both the smartphone and the accessory. Sometimes resetting the network settings on the phone helps: Settings → System and device → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Xiaomi AirDots/Redmi Buds|Apple AirPods/Beats|Sony/Samsung|JBL/Huawei|Others-->

3. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method didn't work, try one of these options, which are especially useful for custom devices or headphones with proprietary protocols (like Apple). W1/H1 for AirPods).

Method 1: Connection through the manufacturer's application

Some brands require the installation of proprietary software to work properly, such as:

• 📱 For Xiaomi/SoundPEATS: Download Mi Bluetooth Audio from Google Play.
• 📱 For Sony: Use Sony | Headphones Connect.
• 📱 For JBL: set up JBL Portable.

Apps not only simplify pairing, but also open access to additional functions: equalizer, noise maker or touch gesture settings.

Method 2: Manual addition of the device by MAC-address

This method will come in handy if the headphones are defined by the system but not connected.

1. Find out. MAC-Headphone address (usually indicated on the box or in the instructions).
2. Enable Developer Mode on Redmi Note 8 Pro: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times)
3. Go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Turn on Bluetooth HCI Sniffer.
4. Enter. MAC-Manual address via terminal (required) ADB).

⚠️ Note: This method requires technical knowledge and can disrupt the stability of Bluetooth.

Method 3: Connect via Fast Pair (for compatible devices)

Google's Fast Pair technology allows you to connect headphones to one tap if they support this protocol, like Google Pixel Buds or Sony. WF-1000XM4. To activate:

1. Make sure that the Redmi Note 8 Pro includes Google Play Services.
2. Unlock the screen and bring the headphones closer to the phone (at a distance). 10-15 centimeter).
3. Wait for the pop-up notification “New headphones discovered” and tap Connect.

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If your headphones support Fast Pair but no notification appears, check Google Play Services settings and permissions for the Settings app.

4. Compatibility table: which headphones work with the Redmi Note 8 Pro

Not all wireless headphones work equally well with the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Below are the data on popular models based on user tests and our expertise:

If your model is not in the table, look for the Bluetooth version:

• 🔵 Redmi Note 8 Pro supports Bluetooth support 5.0, But backward compatibility is with 4.2/4.1.
• 🔊 For high-quality sound, look for headphones with an aptX codec or LDAC (Xiaomi does not support AptX. HD).
• 🎮 Low latency is important for games – choose models with Game Mode (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Pro).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after successful pairing, there can be failures, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound

Causes and solutions:

• 🔇 The sound goes through the phone speaker: check the output of the sound in the notification curtain (stick on the headphone icon and select them manually).
• 🎵 Incorrect Bluetooth profile: Go to Settings → Annexes → All applications → Bluetooth, clear the cache and restart pairing.
• 🔧 Failure in MIUI: Turn off Absolute Sound in the Developer Settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers).

Problem 2: Constant communication breakdowns

If the sound is interrupted every time 5-10 Just try it for a second:

• 📶 Reduce the distance between your phone and headphones (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Turn off Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz may be jammed. Switch to 5 GHz router or temporarily shut down network.
• 🔋 Check the headphone battery: at a charge level below 15%, the connection becomes unstable.

Problem 3: Headphones are not defined by the system

If the device does not appear in the list of available:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Turn off/Enable
• 📱 Reset your network settings (see Section 2).
• 🔧 Update the Bluetooth stack through MIUI or third-party firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The headphones stopped working, try to roll back to the previous firmware version, MIUI 12.5.3) were bugs with Bluetooth 5.0.

6.Sound optimization after connection

Successful pairing is only half the battle, so to get the best sound quality, adjust the following parameters:

Setting up Bluetooth codecs

Redmi Note 8 Pro supports several audio codecs:

• 🎵 SBC — It works always, but with a loss of quality.
• 🎵 AAC — Best for music (used in AirPods).
• 🎵 AptX – High quality, but requires headphone support.
• 🎵 LDAC — Best for Hi-Res Audio, but can cause delays.

To select the codec:

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Open the Settings. → Connections → Bluetooth → Settings (cog next to the headphone name).
3. Choose Sound Quality and experiment with options.

Equator and effects

MIUI has a built-in equalizer:

1. Go to Settings. → Sound. → Sound quality → equalizer.
2. Choose a preset (Bas, Rock, Jazz) or set up the sliders manually.
3. Activate Mi Sound Enhancer to improve vocals.

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For listening to music in high resolution (FLAC, WAV) Use Hi-Res Audio-enabled players, such as Poweramp or Neutron Music Player.

Reducing sound delay

If the sound in the video or games is behind the picture:

• 🎮 Enable Game Mode in the headphone settings (if supported).
• 📺 In players (e.g, VLC or MX Player) increase the audio delay on 100-200 miss.
• 🔧 Turn off energy saving for applications that work with sound.

7. How to turn off or remove headphones

If you are temporarily not using headphones or want to connect them to another device, properly disabling will help avoid problems in the future.

Temporary shutdown

Just:

• 📱 Swipe down the notification curtain and tap the Bluetooth icon (disables all devices).
• 🎧 Or turn off the headphones themselves (usually with a long press of the power button).

Complete removal (forgetting the device)

If you plan to connect your headphones to another phone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Put the gear next to the headphones.
3. Choose Forget or Disable.
4. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Warning: After that, the headphones will return to pairing mode and will be available for other devices.

Resetting headphones to factory settings

If the headphones are glitching (do not connect, give out errors), reset:

• 🔄 For Xiaomi AirDots: Put both headphones in the case, then hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
• 🔄 For Sony. WH-1000XM4: Hold the power button and Custom at the same time for 7 seconds.
• 🔄 For JBL: Hold the power button and Volume + 10 seconds.

FAQ: Frequent questions