Connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xiaomi Redmi 8: a complete guide to problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 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, the pairing process here has nuances, from hidden settings to the features of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chip. This article will not only tell you how to turn on Bluetooth, but also explain why the headphones may not be determined, how to reset them and what to do if the sound is interrupted.

We tested the instructions on Redmi 8 with MIUI 11-13 firmware (including global and Chinese versions), as well as on popular headphone models: Xiaomi AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM4, JBL Tune 510BT and Apple AirPods. Particular attention was paid to typical errors, for example, when the smartphone “sees” the device but does not connect, or when the sound goes only into one earphone. If you have already tried to hide gadgets and encountered a problem, skip the basic steps and go to the “Problems”.

Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you start pairing, make sure your headphones and smartphone are ready to go. 50% of failed connections are due to basic omissions:

• 🔋 Headphone charge: Most models require a minimum of 20-30% charge for the first connection. If the indicator flashes red, recharge the device for 10-15 minutes.
• 📱 Version. MIUI: Redmi 8 with older firmware MIUI 12.0.3 can cause Bluetooth errors. Check version: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔄 Reset headphones: If the gadget has already been paired with another device, reset (usually by pressing the power button for 10-15 seconds before the indicator flashes).
• 🛡️ No interference: Make sure there are no working microwaves, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers or other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, speakers) nearby).

Special attention to owners of Redmi 8 with Chinese firmware: in some versions of MIUI, Dual Audio is disabled by default. This may interfere with pairing with multipoint headphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy Buds). To enable it, go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional → Dual Connection.

Bluetooth enabled on Xiaomi Redmi 8

Activating the Bluetooth module on Redmi 8 has two key nuances: fast activation through the notification bar and full access to settings through the menu.

Method 1: Through the notification panel (quickly)

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Bluetooth icon (stylized letter "B") and click on it. If the icon is not, swipe down again to reveal all the elements.
3. After activation, the indicator will turn blue, and the corresponding icon will appear in the status bar.

Method 2: Through settings (full control)

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Connection section → Bluetooth.
3. Move the slider to the "On" position.
4. Wait until the smartphone starts scanning available devices (the inscription “Search for devices...” will appear).

Important for Redmi 8: If Bluetooth doesn’t turn on or shut down immediately, check if the power saving mode is activated. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Mode and select Balanced instead of Energy Saving.

Step-by-step instructions for pairing headphones

The connection process varies depending on the headphone model, but the overall layout is the same. Below is a universal instruction with the features of the Redmi 8.

Step 1. Put the headphones in pairing mode

• 🎧 For Xiaomi AirDots: Press the touch button on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing alternately red and white.
• 🎧 For Sony/JBL: Hold the power button until the beep or flash in blue.
• 🎧 For Apple AirPods: Open the case cover and press the button on the back (if you connect for the first time).

Step 2. Find the headphones in the list of devices

1. On the phone, open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Wait until the name of your headphones appears in the Available Devices section (for example, "Mi True Wireless Earphones" or "Mi True Wireless Earphones "LE_WH-1000XM4").
3. Click on the device name. If you have a request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234), type it in.

Step 3. Confirm the connection

Once paired successfully, the headphones will appear under the "Conjugated Devices" section marked "Connected." Some models (such as AirPods) will additionally require you to confirm access to contacts and microphones — select "Allow" if you plan to use headphones for calls.

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If the headphones don't appear on the list, try turning off and re-enable Bluetooth on your phone. Sometimes it helps to reboot your smartphone (press the power button for 10 seconds).

Hidden Bluetooth settings in MIUI

The MIUI firmware on Redmi 8 hides several important options that can affect connection quality, and should be configured before the headphones are first connected.

1.Bluetooth codec

By default, the smartphone uses an SBC codec, which provides average sound quality.

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Press on. ⚙️ headphone-name.
4. Select Sound Quality and set AAC (for Apple AirPods) or aptX (for Sony/JBL).

2. Autoconnection

So that the headphones are connected automatically when you turn on:

1. In Bluetooth settings, click on ⚙️ near-device.
2. Activate the "Auto Connection" option.
3. Turn on “Priority Connection” if you want your smartphone to give preference to these headphones over other devices.

3. Absolute volume

The Absolute Volume function synchronizes the volume level on the phone and headphones to turn it off (recommended for connection stability):

Settings → System applications → Developer settings → Debugging → Turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth

If there is no Developer Settings section, activate it: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times in a row).

Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones are not connected or are unstable, use this guide. We have collected real-life Redmi 8 user cases and proven solutions.

Problem 1: The phone can't see the headphones

• ✅ Reboot both devices: Turn off the headphones and smartphone, then turn on again.
• ✅ Check compatibility: Some headphones (such as AirPods Pro 2) require MIUI 12.5+. Update the firmware.
• ✅ Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset network settings (removes all stored Bluetooth devices!).

Problem 2: Connection is cut or the sound is interrupted

• ✅ Turn off Wi-Fi: on Redmi 8, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules work on the same frequency (2.4 GHz), which causes interference.
• ✅ Reduce bitrate: In headphone settings (if any), select “Priority Stability” instead of “Quality Priority".
• ✅ Check the distance: maximum stable distance for the Redmi 8 – 8-10 meters without obstacles.

Problem 3: The sound only goes to one headphone

• ✅ Reset the headphones: for Xiaomi AirDots – put both headphones in a case, press the button for 20 seconds, then remove and connect again.
• ✅ Check the sound balance: Settings → Special facilities → Mono-sound balance (should be centered).
• ✅ Update the headphone firmware: for Sony/JBL Use an official app (e.g. Sony Headphones Connect).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The headphones stopped connecting, roll back the firmware or wait for the patch. MIUI 12.0.1–12.0.2 for Redmi 8 was a Bluetooth driver bug patched in 12.0.3.

Optimizing the connection for stable operation

Even after a successful connection, the quality of the connection can deteriorate over time.

1. Clearing the Bluetooth cache

A cluttered cache can cause delays and breaks to clear it.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find "Bluetooth" in the list of system applications.
3. Click "Clear Cache" and "Stop."
4. Reboot the phone.

2. Disabling unnecessary functions

Some MIUI features conflict with Bluetooth:

• 🔇 Smart Assistant: Turn off Settings → Smart assistant. → Smart functions → Automatic connection of devices.
• 📡 Wi-Fi Assistant: can automatically switch to mobile data, interrupting Bluetooth. → Wi-Fi → Additionally.

3. Use of third-party applications

If standard settings don’t help, try:

• 🎛️ Bluetooth Auto Connect – automatically reconnects devices after a break.
• 🎵 Developer Options – allows you to manually select a Bluetooth version (for example, force Bluetooth 4.2 instead of 5.0 for compatibility).

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For maximum stability, turn off power saving for Bluetooth: go to Settings → Battery → Application Selection, find “Bluetooth” and set “No Limits”.

Alternative ways of connecting

If standard pairing doesn’t work, try these methods:

1. Connection through the manufacturer's application

Some headphones (such as Sony WH-1000XM4 or JBL Live 660NC) require proprietary software to work properly:

• 📱 Install the official application (Sony Headphones Connect, JBL Portable, etc.) from Google Play.
• 🔗 Connect headphones through the application - it will automatically adjust the optimal settings.

2.Use of the Developer Mode

For experienced users:

1. Activate the Developer Settings (as described above).
2. Go to Settings → System applications → Developer settings.
3. Find the "Network" section and turn on "Bluetoothbug".
4. In the "Hardware Acceleration" section, turn off "Disable Bluetooth A2DP".

3. Connection through AUX-cable (if Bluetooth is not working)

The Redmi 8 has a 3.5 mm connector, so you can use wired headphones or a Bluetooth transmitter adapter (for example, Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver).

⚠️ Note: When connecting through third-party apps (such as Bluetooth Auto Connect), turn off battery optimization for them: → Battery → Choice of applications → [Title of the annex] → No restrictions.

Frequent questions