Connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xiaomi smartphones: from basic setup to error solving

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life, and Xiaomi smartphones are among the most popular devices for using them. However, even with modern technology, users often face difficulties when connecting for the first time: headphones are not on the list of available devices, sound is interrupted or no communication at all. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic pairing to fine-tuning the sound profile.

We’ll look at not only the standard connection procedure for Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13T models, but also rare cases: what to do if the headphones were already paired with another device, how to reset them to factory settings, and why MIUI 14 can block connection due to energy-saving features.

Important: the instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi smartphones based on Android 12-14 with a shell MIUI 13-15. If your device runs on an older version of the software, some menu items may differ - we will mention this too.

1. Preparation of headphones and smartphone for connection

Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to communicate.

• 🔋 Charging: Headphones should have a charge level of at least 30%. Most models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5) automatically turn off when the charge is low, which can interrupt the connection process.
• 📦 Pairing mode: Remove the headphones from the case (if it is) TWS-model, or hold the power button for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes blue-red (for most brands), or AirDots is a combination of holding the touchpads on both headphones.
• 🔄 Reset: If the headphones were previously connected to another device, reset. To do this, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times (for most models).

Now prepare your smartphone:

• 📱 Turn on Bluetooth: Swipe down the screen to open the Quick Settings Panel, and activate the Bluetooth icon. Alternatively: go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Visibility of the device: Make sure that Visibility for All mode is on (in the same Bluetooth settings.
• 🚫 Disconnect Other Devices: If other headphones, speakers, or fitness bracelets are already connected to the phone, temporarily turn them off to avoid conflicts.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ This can trigger the function "Automatic Bluetooth Shutdown to Save Charge." To turn it off, go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Energy conservation → Power saving settings and deactivate the option "Switch off Bluetooth in sleep mode".

2. Step-by-step connection instruction

When both devices are ready, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your smartphone and select Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if not already on). Wait 5-10 seconds until the smartphone completes scanning of available devices.
3. In the list, find the name of your headphones (such as Redmi Buds 5 or SoundPeats Air3). If the device doesn't show, click Update (circle arrow icon in the upper right corner).
4. Tap the headphone name on the list. If required, confirm pairing on both devices (sometimes you need to press a button on the headphones or case).
5. Wait for the "Connected" label next to the headphone name to appear. Some models (Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) will also have a notification about available features, such as ANC (active noise cancellation).

Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically connect to your smartphone when Bluetooth is turned on (if they are within range).To check the quality of the connection, play an audio file or make a test call.

⚠️ Note: If the sound is played late after you connect (especially noticeable in games or videos), try switching the Bluetooth codec. To do this, in Bluetooth settings, click on the gear icon next to the headphone name and select Sound Quality. → Codec → SBC (for a minimum delay) or AAC (better quality).

3. Solving common problems

Even after pairing correctly, there can be difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings on your smartphone. Go to Settings → System and Device → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This operation will delete all saved connections, including Wi-Fi passwords!

4. Sound optimization and additional settings

Once successfully connected, you can improve the sound quality and customize additional features, and Xiaomi smartphones have built-in tools for this:

• 🎧 Equator: Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality → Select a pre-profile (Bases, Rock, Pop) or create your own.
• 🔇 Noise reduction: For models with support ANC (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) activate the function in Bluetooth settings (cog icon next to the headphone name) → Noise suppression).
• 📱 Auto Connection: In the same settings, enable Auto Connection so that the headphones connect to the smartphone when you turn on.
• 🔊 Monosound: If one earphone is not working, turn on mono mode in Settings → Special facilities → Rumor → monosound.

Xiaomi’s official Mi Headphones app is also available for headphone models, which allows you to:

• Update the headphone firmware.
• Customize control gestures (e.g., double-touch for playback/pause).
• Check the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.

💡

If you use headphones with aptX Adaptive (like Sony WH-1000XM5) but this codec doesn't show up in the settings, update your smartphone firmware. In MIUI 14, aptX support has been extended to most Xiaomi and Redmi models.

5. headphone compatibility with different models Xiaomi

Not all wireless headphones work equally well with Xiaomi smartphones, depending on the Bluetooth version, supported codecs and firmware features.

If your smartphone model doesn’t support the right codec (like LDAC for high-quality audio), you can use third-party applications like Bluetooth Audio Codec (developer rights required), but this can lead to unstable work.

💡

For stable headphone connection with support for aptX or LDAC, it is recommended to use Xiaomi smartphones on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processors (for example, Xiaomi 12/13 series). Models on MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11) may have restrictions.

6. How to connect headphones to multiple devices

Many modern headphones (including Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and Sony WF-1000XM4) support multipoint — simultaneous connection to two devices.

1. First, connect the headphones to the first device (such as a smartphone) as described above.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually double pressing a button or touchpad).
3. On a second device (like a laptop or tablet), turn on Bluetooth and find the headphones in the list of available ones.
4. Connect to the second device. Now the headphones will automatically switch between them depending on the active sound source.

If the multipoint doesn't work:

• Check if your headphone model supports this function (information is available in the manual or on the manufacturer’s website).
• Update the firmware of headphones through the official application.
• On a Xiaomi smartphone, turn off the Connection Priority feature in Bluetooth settings (if any).

Note: when connected to two devices at the same time, the sound quality may decrease due to the distribution of Bluetooth bandwidth.

Energy conservation and autonomy

Wireless headphones consume battery power, especially if you use functions like ANC or transparent mode.

• 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth when the headphones are not in use. MIUI This can be automated through settings. → Battery and productivity → Energy saving schedule.
• 📵 Limit background activity: In Bluetooth settings, turn off the option to Find new devices in the background.
• 🔊 Use the codec. SBC: It is less energy-intensive than AAC or aptX, although inferior in sound quality.
• 🔄 Update the firmware: In new versions MIUI Optimized Bluetooth power consumption. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Xiaomi headphones also have a fast charging feature: 5 minutes in a case gives up to 2 hours of playback. To activate it, use the original cable and power adapter with a power of at least 10W.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones are running too fast (less than 2-3 hours of battery life), this may indicate a battery failure. Use the AccuBattery app (available on Google Play) for diagnostics. If the headphone battery capacity has fallen below 60% of the nominal, contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Bluetooth headphones