Connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: full instructions with pictures and tips

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones due to its balanced performance and reliable performance. However, even with such a proven device, users sometimes face difficulties connecting wireless accessories, especially when you first pair Bluetooth headphones — whether it is AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM4 or budget models from JBL.

In this article, we will discuss not only the standard connection procedure, but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not say: how to reset the headphone settings if they are not determined, which versions of MIUI support AAC and aptX, and why sometimes the sound is interrupted after a firmware update.

Preparation of headphones and telephone before pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure both devices are ready to go. For the Redmi Note 8, it is critical to check the MIUI version - older builds (below MIUI 12.0.3) may not have AAC and LDAC profiles, which will affect sound quality. You can update the firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

As for the headphones:

• 🔋 Make sure they are charged (the indicator should flash or burn green).Most models refuse to turn on when the charge is below 10%.
• 📱 Check codec compatibility: Redmi Note 8 supports SBC, AAC, aptX (starting with MIUI 12.5) but does not work with LDAC without manual inclusion in the engineering menu.
• 🔄 If the headphones have previously been paired with another device, reset (usually the power button is held). 10-15 seconds before flashing the red/blue indicator).

Pay special attention to the power saving mode on the phone. In MIUI, it by default restricts Bluetooth in the background, which can lead to communication interruptions. Disable it through Settings → Battery and Performance → Power Saving Mode.

Step-by-step: how to connect headphones via Bluetooth

The standard pairing procedure takes no more than a minute, but requires precise steps to follow. Consider this with the example of Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2:

1. Activate the search mode on the headphones: This is usually holding the touch button or physical key for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes twice.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone: swipe down the screen to open the notification bar, and tap the Bluetooth icon (or go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth).
3. Start searching for devices by clicking on Device Search (some versions of MIUI have a button called Add New Device).
4. Select your headphones from the list: find the name of your model (for example, "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2") and tap it. If the device doesn't show up, update the list by pulling the screen down.
5. Confirm pairing: the phone will request connection — click "Plug" or "OK." Some headphones (for example, Sony) require additional confirmation on the accessory itself.

If you have a “Device Failed to Connect” error at the connection stage, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone and headphones.
• 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates (if it was already there) and repeat the procedure.
• 🔧 Enable the developer mode and activate the option "Bluetoothbusting" in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then return to "More").

Customize sound and codecs after connecting

By default, the Redmi Note 8 uses SBC (basic) or AAC (for Apple devices) codecs. To improve sound quality, especially with premium headphones, it is recommended to manually select a profile:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Put the pin on the gear icon next to the name of your headphones.
3. Select "Sound Quality" or "Audio Codec" (depending on the version of MIUI).
4. Try alternately aptX (for Android devices) or AAC (for balance of quality and stability).

Important: AptX and LDAC codecs may not be displayed if:

• 📱 Version. MIUI below 12.5.
• 🔊 Headphones do not support these profiles (check model specifications).
• 🔧 In the engineering menu, the option "Enable" is disabled HD Audio" (available only for firmware with unlocked bootloader).

Also, pay attention to the sound settings in MIUI:

• 🎧 Enable "Sound Amplifier" in Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound settings for louder playback.
• 🔊 Turn off "Absolute Volume" (in the developer settings) if volume control is not working properly.

Solving common connection problems

Even after successful pairing, Redmi Note 8 users are faced with typical errors, and consider their causes and ways to fix:

If Xiaomi headphones (such as AirDots) aren’t defined at all, try:

1. Reset them to factory settings (for most models, hold both buttons for 20 seconds).
2. Remove all previously saved devices from the memory of the headphones (the instruction is in the user manual).
3. Update the firmware of the headphones through the official Mi Home or Airoha app (for models on the Airoha chip).

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If your headphones stopped connecting after the MIUI update, try rolling back the Bluetooth stack version. To do this, install the Bluetooth Library Patcher module via Magisk (root rights required).

Additional features: dual connection and multi-point

The MIUI 13/14-based Redmi Note 8 supports simultaneous connection to two devices (like a phone and a laptop), but this feature doesn't work with all headphones.

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (such as a phone).
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually double tap on the touch panel).
3. Connect them to the second device (laptop) through the standard procedure.
4. In Bluetooth settings on your phone, enable the option "Cartoon" or "Dual Connection" (not available in all firmware).

List of headphones that support multi-dot with Redmi Note 8:

• 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro (only on the phone) MIUI 13+)
• 🎧 Sony WH-1000XM4/XM5
• 🎧 JBL Live 660NC newer
• 🎧 Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro (with limitations)

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Dual Connect can reduce connection stability, so if the sound starts to break, turn off the second device or use the headphones in monopolistic mode.

For models without official multipoint support (for example, AirDots 2), you can use a workaround:

1. Connect the headphones to the first device.
2. Turn on the pairing mode (without disconnecting from the first device).
3. Quickly connect to the second device within 30 seconds.

This method works unstable and may require re-pairing after rebooting the devices.

How to Reset Bluetooth Settings on Redmi Note 8

If none of these things worked, the last option is to completely reset your Bluetooth settings, which will remove all the paired devices and return the settings to factory settings.

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Slip on the three-point menu in the upper right corner and select "Clear Cache".
3. Go back to the basic phone settings and go to Settings → Apps → App Management.
4. Find the Bluetooth app (or Bluetooth Settings), open its page and click Storage → Clear Data.
5. Reboot the phone.

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After resetting Bluetooth, you may need to re-set the connection to a car radio, fitness bracelet, or other accessories.

If the reset did not help, the problem may lie in:

• 📱 Hardware malfunction of Bluetooth module (check if the connection with other devices works).
• 🔧 Damaged system files (help flashing through Fastboot).
• 🛠️ Conflict with installed Magisk or Xposed modules (turn them off temporarily).

Compatible with different versions of MIUI

Bluetooth functionality on the Redmi Note 8 depends on the firmware version, and below is a table of compatibility of key features:

To check the current version of MIUI, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If your firmware is outdated, update it through Settings → System Update or manually through Recovery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions