Connecting Sony headphones to Xiaomi phone: full instruction with error solutions

Why do Sony and Xiaomi headphones sometimes "don't see" each other?

Sony’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market for sound quality and noise insulation, but connecting them to Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 13 models) sometimes causes difficulties. Problems arise due to differences in Bluetooth protocols, MIUI versions or specific headphone models (for example, the WH-1000XM5 require updated firmware for stable operation with Android 13+).

In this article, we’ll look at not only the basic pairing, but also the nuances of how to turn on AAC/LDAC codecs for better sound, what to do if the headphones connect but the sound is interrupted, and why Xiaomi can “forget” the device after a reboot, and you’ll find a table of compatibility of popular Sony models with MIUI versions and instructions for rare occasions – for example, when the headphones were already paired with another device.

If you’ve tried to connect your headphones before and you’ve encountered an error like “Device failed to hide” or “Bluetooth audio is not available,” don’t rush to reset your phone’s settings. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by setting up the protocol or updating the software — and we’ll show you how to do it without risking data loss.

Preparation before connection: 5 mandatory steps

Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to connect. Skipping these steps is the main cause of failure, especially if you're connecting Sony headphones to Xiaomi for the first time.

• 🔋 Charging headphones: Battery level should be at least 30%. If the indicator flashes red, connect the headphones to charge for 10-15 minutes. WF-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4 may not be included in the coupling mode at low charge.
• 📱 Update MIUI: Check the relevance of the phone firmware in Settings → The phone. → System updates. MIUI Below 12.5, you may not support Bluetooth 5.2+, What is critical for Sony headphones with LDAC.
• 🎧 Reset headphones: If the headphones were previously connected to another device (such as an iPhone or laptop), reset. To do this, hold the power button and the volume down button (for example, for the device). WH-series or touchpad for 7 seconds (for) WF-series).
• 🔄 Phone reboot: Close all background apps and restart Xiaomi.This will clear the Bluetooth module's cache, which often solves device detection problems.
• 📡 Remove old devices: In the Settings menu → Connections → Bluetooth remove all previously saved Sony headphones, even if they appear as “unconnected».

Charging headphones ≥30%|Updated firmware MIUI|Headphone reset performed|Phone rebooted|Older devices removed from Bluetooth-->

Special attention is paid to the codecs item. Sony headphones support AAC (standard for Apple), SBC (basic), and LDAC (for high-quality sound). By default, Xiaomi can choose SBC, which makes the sound worse. Later we will show how to force LDAC to turn on.

Step-by-step: how to connect Sony headphones to Xiaomi

The pairing process takes no more than 2-3 minutes if you have completed the preparation, below is a universal guide for all Sony models (from WF-C500 to WH-1000XM5) and Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12-14.

1. Activation of the pairing mode on headphones: For overhead/full-size models (WH-Series: Hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes blue and red (pairing mode (WF-Series: Hold the touchpad on both headphones for 2 seconds until you hear a voice message "Bluetooth pairing».
2. Turn Bluetooth on Xiaomi: Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and activate the switch. Make sure that Visibility for All mode is on (in some versions of MIUI it is called Detection).
3. Search and Connect: In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, «WH-1000XM5» or «WF-1000XM4»). Click on them and confirm pairing. PIN-Use the code "0000" (standard code for Sony).
4. Connection Check: Once you pair successfully, the headphone light will stop flashing and turn blue. The phone will show "Connected" next to the headphone name. Run any audio file to make sure it's working.

If the headphones are connected but the sound is missing or interrupted, go to the "Problem Solutions" section below, and check if the "Mic Only" mode is activated in the Bluetooth settings - this limits sound playback.

WH-1000XM3/WH-1000XM4/WH-1000XM5|WF-1000XM3/WF-1000XM4|WF-C500/WF-XB700|Another model-->

Sound Customization: How to Turn on LDAC and Improve Quality

By default, Xiaomi uses the SBC codec, which provides a stable, but not the best connection. For full sound Sony headphones, it is recommended to include LDAC (for models that support this codec) or AAC (for compatibility with Apple devices).

To change the codec:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the name of your headphones.
4. Select “Sound Quality” or “Bluetoothooth Codec” (the name of the item depends on the version of MIUI).
5. In the list of available codecs, select LDAC (Priority) or AAC.

Important: LDAC codec consumes 15-20% more power than SBC. If autonomy is critical (for example, when traveling), use AAC.

To fine-tune the sound, install Sony | Headphones Connect from Google Play.

• 🎛️ Set up an equalizer (including presets for music genres).
• 🔇 Activate adaptive noise reduction (for models with a ANC).
• 📱 Update the firmware of headphones (critical for compatibility with the MIUI 14).

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If the LDAC sound starts to break after you turn on, try reducing the bitrate in the codec settings (select Quality instead of Stability Priority).

Problem Solving: Headphones don't connect or the sound is interrupted

Even when paired properly, there can be failures, and the following are common bugs and ways to fix them that are relevant for Xiaomi and Sony in 2026.

Problem 1: The phone can't find the headphones

• ⚡ Reboot Bluetooth: Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, then turn on the plane mode for 10 seconds and activate Bluetooth again.
• 🔄 Network reset: In Settings → Connections → Additionally. → Network reset select "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings." Attention: this will delete all saved networks!
• 📱 Headphone firmware update: Install Sony | Headphones Connect and check for updates.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or delayed

• 🎵 Change the codec: Switch from LDAC on AAC Bluetooth.
• 📵 Interference Removal: Turn off Wi-Fi or switch to 5GHz (2.4GHz can interfere with Bluetooth).
• 🔋 Battery check: If headphones are under 15%, there may be a failure. Connect them to charge for 5-10 minutes.

Problem 3: Headphones connect, but only sound goes to one

This is a typical problem for a WF series (e.g., WF-1000XM4).

1. Place both headphones in the case, close it for 10 seconds, then pull out and reconnect.
2. In the Sony | Headphones Connect app, select “Reset headphone settings.”
3. Check if the Monosound mode is activated in the settings of the special features of the phone (Settings → Special. capabilities → Sound → Monoaudio).

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Bluetooth problems may be due to incorrect drivers. MIUI Or install firmware with Bluetooth 5.2 support+.

Additional features: noise cancellation, voice assistants and multipoint

Sony’s headphones offer advanced features that can be customized on Xiaomi:

Adaptive noise cancellation (ANC)

For models with ANC (WH-1000XM5, WF-1000XM4):

• 🎧 In the Sony appendix | Headphones Connect select Noise Reduction and activate Adaptive or Maximum Mode».
• 📱 On Xiaomi, open Settings → Sound. → Sound effects and disable all post-processing (e.g., "Mi Sound Enhancer") to avoid conflicts with the user. ANC.

2. Voice assistants (Google Assistant or XiaoAI)

To activate the assistant with a double touch:

1. In the Sony | Headphones Connect app, go to Touch Control.
2. Set the voice assistant action to double touch.
3. On your phone in Settings → Applications → By default → Assistant and voice input, select Google or XiaoAI.

3. Multipoint (connection to two devices)

The function is available for WH-1000XM4/XM5 and WF-1000XM4:

• 📱 Connect your headphones to the first device (e.g. Xiaomi).
• 💻 Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (hold the Bluetooth button for 2 seconds) and connect to the second device (laptop, tablet).
• 🔄 To switch between devices, touch the touchpad twice on your headphones.

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Multipoint can cause audio delays when connected to two devices at the same time. For stable operation, turn off the second device or use the Sound Priority mode in Sony settings.

Model compatibility: which Sony headphones work better with Xiaomi

Not all Sony models interact equally well with Xiaomi, and below are recommendations for choosing headphones depending on the MIUI version and usage goals.

Xiaomi owners with Bluetooth 5.0 (for example, Redmi Note 9) are recommended models WF-XB700 or WH-CH520 — they work steadily even on outdated versions of the protocol. If you have a flagship (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5), you can safely take WH-1000XM5 for maximum sound quality.

When choosing, also consider that Sony headphones with ANC (active noise cancellation) consume more power. If autonomy is critical (for example, for travel), look for models with the function “Quick Charge” – 10 minutes of charging give up to 5 hours of work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Sony's connection to Xiaomi