How to connect a Bluetooth headset to a Xiaomi smartphone: instructions with pictures and tips

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life: they are convenient for calling, listening to music and even watching videos. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi sub-brands and other devices). POCO) Often face questions when you first connect a Bluetooth headset – especially if we are talking about models with proprietary chips (for example, Qualcomm aptX or other devices). LDAC). In this article, we will analyze not only the basic pairing process, but also the nuances of settings for different versions. MIUI, And also solving typical problems, from lack of sound to conflicts with other devices.

It is important to understand that the connection algorithm may slightly differ depending on the headset model and firmware version. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 have additional features like dual connectivity or low latency (for games) that require separate activation. WH-1000XM5 or JBL Live 660NC), Some of the settings may not be available – but the basic pairing works universally.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your headset is charged (the indicator should flash or burn steadily), and your smartphone is turned on Bluetooth and turned off Battery Saving mode - it can block the background activity of the module. Also check if the device is connected to another gadget (for example, a laptop or tablet) - this is a common reason why the smartphone "does not see" headphones.

1. Preparation of the smartphone and headset for connection

Before pairing, you need to follow a few preliminary steps to avoid typical errors. Let's start with your smartphone:

  • πŸ“± Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Update the system and install the latest patches. in older versions (below) MIUI 12) may not have profiles for modern headsets (e.g, LE Audio or AAC).
  • πŸ”‹ Check the charge: The battery level of the smartphone should be at least 20% – at low charge, the system can automatically turn off energy-intensive modules, including Bluetooth.
  • 🎧 Reset the headset settings: If the headphones have already been paired with another device, reset. For most Xiaomi models, this is done by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds until the red/white indicator flashes.

Pay special attention to the visibility mode of the headset. Some models (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) are hidden by default for new devices after the first connection.

  • πŸ”„ Remove headphones from the case and hold the touch panel for 3-5 seconds.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect the headset to charge for 10 seconds, then turn it off (for some Redmi models).
  • πŸ“Ά Use a special application from the manufacturer (for example, Mi Earphones for Xiaomi Buds).

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone previously connected to the headset via Fast Pair (Google's fast pairing technology), but now the device doesn't appear in the list, remove it from Bluetooth memory manually: Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ βš™οΈ β†’ Forget the device.

Headset charged (indicator flashes)

Bluetooth on your smartphone is enabled

Headset Visibility Mode Activated

Smartphone is not in "Battery Saving" mode"-->

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to connect a Bluetooth headset to Xiaomi

Consider the universal pairing algorithm that works for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO (by example MIUI 14):

  1. Open Settings on your smartphone and go to the Bluetooth section (or Connections and Sharing). β†’ Bluetooth on some firmware).
  2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it's turned off) and wait until the smartphone completes its search for available devices.
  3. Make sure the headset is in pairing mode (the indicator flashes white/blue).The model name should appear on the list (e.g. Redmi Buds). 4 Lite or LE_X12_PRO Chinese versions).
  4. Click on the headset name in the list. If necessary, confirm the connection on both devices (sometimes you need to press the button on the headphones or case).
  5. Wait for the sign to appear Connected or Ready to use. In some cases, the system will offer to install additional software (for example, for Xiaomi Buds). 3T Pro).

Multipoint headsets (simultaneously connecting to two devices) may require activation of this feature in the manufacturer’s app after pairing. For example, Mi Earphones needs to go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Bilateral connection.

Headset modelInterconnection modeWhether an application is requiredMultipoint support
Xiaomi Buds 4 ProHold the sensor for 5 seconds.Yeah (Mi Earphones)Yes.
Redmi Buds 5Open the case, hold the 3 sec button.No.No.
Xiaomi FlipBuds ProRemove the headphones, wait for the blinkingYes.Yes (for calls only)
POCO Pop BudsHold the button on the case for 7 seconds.No.No.

If the headset does not appear in the list of devices despite the fact that the indicator flashes, try to restart the Bluetooth module of the smartphone: turn it off and turn it on again, or execute a command to the device. ADB: adb shell service call bluetooth_manager 8 (Developer rights are required).

Xiaomi (Buds, FlipBuds, etc.)

Redmi (Buds, AirDots, etc.)

POCO (Pop Buds and others.)

Third-party brand (Sony, JBL, Apple and others.)

Other-->

3. Customize sound and codecs after connecting

After successful pairing, it is recommended to optimize the sound parameters for better quality. MIUI It's done through:

  • 🎡 Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Bluetooth sound quality. You can select a codec here (e.g, AAC, aptX, LDAC or SBC). For music, preferable. LDAC (High quality, but high latency, for games – aptX Low Latency.
  • πŸ”Š Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Separate media and call management, allowing you to direct the sound of calls to the phone speaker and the music to the headset.
  • 🎧 Bluetooth settings β†’ βš™οΈ headset-name β†’ Audio profile. Choose phone calls and media if you want to use headphones for everything.

For Xiaomi headsets with support ANC (Active noise reduction and transparent mode additional settings are available in the proprietary application Mi Earphones:

  • πŸ”‡ Noise reduction level (from weak to maximum).
  • 🎢 Equalizer (Presets Basa, Vocals, User-generated).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery optimization (disconnection) ANC low-charge).

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is interrupted or interference is heard after connecting, try changing the codec to SBC (Also check if another connected device is blocking the sound (e.g., a Mi Band smartwatch or a speaker).

πŸ’‘

For headsets with aptX Adaptive (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) in MIUI 13+ Quality/latency priority settings are available. Go to Bluetooth Settings β†’ Sound quality β†’ Adaptive Mode and select Quality for Music or Low Latency for Games.

4. Problem Solving: The headset is not connected or working

Even after pairing correctly, failures can occur. Consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

4.1 The smartphone does not see the headset

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth: Turn off the module for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.
  • πŸ“± Clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Systemic β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth (save network data will be erased!).

4.2 Connection is happening, but no sound.

  • πŸ”Š Check if Quiet Sound is activated or Do Not Disturb in Settings β†’ Sound.
  • 🎡 Make sure the headset is selected as the output device: swipe down the notification bar and click on the media device icon.
  • πŸ”‹ Reconnect the headset: sometimes it helps to disconnect and re-pair.

The sound is interrupted or interference is heard.

  • πŸ“Ά Check for interference from other devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves) and try to move closer to your smartphone.
  • πŸ”„ Change the codec to SBC (see section 3).
  • πŸ“± Turn off battery savings for a sound-producing app (such as Spotify or YouTube).

If the problem persists, try connecting the headset to another device (like a laptop), if it works normally, the problem is in the smartphone (possibly a faulty Bluetooth module), otherwise the headset itself will malfunction.

What if the headset is connected, but immediately disconnected?
This problem is often related to a Bluetooth profile conflict. try this: 1. Remove the device from the smartphone memory (Settings) β†’ Bluetooth β†’ βš™οΈ β†’ Forget it. 2. Turn off Auto Connection in Bluetooth settings. 3. Reconnect the headset and manually select a Sound Only profile (if available). If it doesn't help, reset the network settings (Settings) β†’ Memory and backup β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings).

5 Additional features: dual connection, game mode and ANC

Modern Xiaomi headsets support advanced features that require separate setup:

Bilateral connection (multipoint)

It allows you to connect your headphones to your smartphone and your laptop at the same time.

  1. Connect the headset to the first device (smartphone).
  2. Activate the pairing mode on the headset (see Section 1).
  3. Connect to the second device. The headphones must automatically switch between the sound sources.

In Mi Earphones, you can configure the priority of devices: Settings β†’ Bilateral connection β†’ Priority device.

5.2. Game mode (low delay)

To reduce the latency of sound in games:

  • Enable mode in the headset app (e.g. Mi Earphones) β†’ Game mode).
  • Choose the aptX Low Latency codec or LC3 (for LE Audio) in Bluetooth settings.
  • Turn it off. ANC β€” It increases the delay.

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

To set up ANC at Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro:

  • Open Mi Earphones and go to Noise Reduction.
  • Choose a level (Weak, Balanced, Strong).
  • Activate Adaptive. ANC adjustable.

⚠️ Attention: Use ANC For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro in maximum noise reduction discharge in 3-4 hours instead of 6-8.

πŸ’‘

For headsets with LE Audio (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 5) is available for codec LC3, It's a low bitrate device that only works on Android 13 smartphones.+ and MIUI 14+.

6. How to disable or remove the headset

If you no longer plan to use headphones or want to connect them to another device, follow the following steps:

Temporary shutdown

Just:

  1. Open the notification bar and click on the Bluetooth icon.
  2. Find the headset name and click Disable.

The device will remain in the memory of the smartphone, and the next time Bluetooth is turned on, an automatic connection will occur.

Complete removal (forget device)

To completely remove the headset from memory:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Press on. βš™οΈ headphone-name.
  3. Select Forget the Device (or Remove in older versions of MIUI).

After that, you will have to re-interface.

Resetting the headset settings

If the headphones are unstable, a factory reset can help. For most Xiaomi models, this is how:

  • Put both earbuds in the case.
  • Hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
  • Remove the headphones - they will be ready for a new pairing.

7. Compatibility with different versions MIUI Android

Bluetooth functionality may vary depending on the firmware version, and the following are key features for different versions:

MIUI versionAndroid versionSupport for LE AudioAvailable codekiNotes
MIUI 14Android 13Yes.AAC, aptX, LDAC, LC3, SBCSupport for dual connectivity for most headsets.
MIUI 12.5–13Android 11–12No.AAC, aptX, LDAC, SBCLC3 and LE Audio is not supported.
MIUI 11–12Android 10–11No.AAC, aptX, SBCLDAC may work unstablely.
MIUI 10 and belowAndroid 9 and belowNo.AAC, SBCThere is no support for AptX and LDAC.

If your smartphone is running on outdated firmware, consider upgrading. MIUI 14 added Bluetooth 5.3 support, which improves connection stability and reduces power consumption. β†’ The phone. β†’ Update system or manually via Mi Flash Tool (for power users).

For custom firmware owners (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) some features (like branded settings) ANC) In this case, it is recommended to use universal applications for managing the headset, for example, Bluetooth Auto Connect or SoundAssistant.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Bluetooth headset to Xiaomi

Can I connect the Xiaomi headset to the iPhone?
Yes, but with limitations.The headset will connect like a normal Bluetooth device, however: No proprietary features (like settings) will be available. ANC via Mi Earphones. iPhone does not support aptX codec or LDAC β€” will be used AAC. Dual connectivity can be unstable. For full work, it is better to use an Apple headset (for example, AirPods) or universal models with support AAC.
Why does the headset connect to only one earpiece?
This problem is typical of TWS-True Wireless and can be caused by: A discharged battery in one of the headphones (put both in the case for charging); a synchronization failure between the headphones; Solution: reset the headset (see section 6.3) and reconnect. Damage to one of the headphones (check if it works when connected to another device).If the problem persists, try updating the firmware of the headphones through the manufacturer's app.
How to turn on voice notifications about battery charge?
Voice alerts about the charge level of the headset are included in: Mi Earphones: Settings β†’ Voice prompts β†’ Charge level. Bluetooth smartphone settings: Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ βš™οΈ near-headset β†’ Voice alerts (not available on all models) If the option is not available, voice notifications can be disabled at the firmware level of the headset.
Can I use the Xiaomi headset to make calls to the Discord/Zoom?
Yes, but you need to configure the audio output device in the app itself: Open Discord or Zoom. Go to the sound settings (usually the microphone icon or gear icon) Select your headset as the output device and the microphone. If the sound is only going through the smartphone speaker, check if the application is blocked in the battery settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start).
Why does the headset discharge quickly when connected to Xiaomi?
Main reasons: Active use ANC or transparent mode (increases consumption by 30 to 50 percent) LDAC or aptX (they are more energy-consuming) SBC or AAC). Background activity of applications (e.g. Google Assistant or Mi Earphones) Battery wear (typical for headsets older than 2-3 years) Solutions: Turn off ANC, If you don't need it, switch to codec. AAC or SBC. Close background apps that use a microphone or sound. Check battery health in Mi Earphones (Device Status section).