How to connect Bluetooth to Xiaomi: from headphones to smart devices

Why Bluetooth on Xiaomi may not work – and how to fix it

Are you trying to connect Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones or Mi Portable Speaker speakers, but the smartphone persistently “can’t see” them? Or the connection constantly breaks after 5 minutes? Bluetooth problems on Xiaomi are one of the most common complaints of users, and the reasons can lie in both software failures and hardware limitations. For example, the budget models of the Redmi 9A or POCO M3 often suffer from a weak Bluetooth module that “loses” devices at a distance of more than 5 meters, even if the manufacturer promises to 10.

In this article, we’ll look at not only basic connectivity steps, but also the hidden MIUI settings that will help stabilize the connection. You’ll learn how to bypass firmware restrictions, why Xiaomi sometimes “forgets” paired devices after an update, and what to do if Bluetooth disappears from the settings menu. And a list of Xiaomi models with the most problematic Bluetooth modules (according to service centers 2023-2026).

Preparation of the smartphone: check compatibility and updates

Before you try to connect your headphones or speakers, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for this. Let's start with the obvious: the Bluetooth version on your smartphone and device must be compatible. For example, if your headphones only support Bluetooth 4.2 and your smartphone runs Bluetooth 5.0, there will be no problems. But if the opposite is true (a smartphone older than headphones), you may have problems with the codec or data transfer speed.

How to check the Bluetooth version on Xiaomi:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to About the Phone. → All characteristics.
3. Find the Bluetooth version bar (usually under Network or Wireless).

If the version is lower than 4.0, there is a high risk that modern devices (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) will simply not connect, in which case only a firmware update or a smartphone replacement will help.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Click on “Check Updates” and install the latest version. MIUI.
• 🔧 If there are no updates, but Bluetooth is unstable, try resetting your network settings (Settings) → Memory and network → Resetting the network).

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If Bluetooth stopped working after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot. Instructions are available on the XDA Developers forum (see your smartphone model).

Step-by-step: how to connect a Bluetooth device to Xiaomi

Now, the connection process itself. The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but there are nuances for devices with MIUI 14 and later (more on this below).

Step 1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone

• 📲 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔵 Find the Bluetooth icon and tap it. If it's not there, go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Make sure the switch is in the "On" position.».

Step 2: Put the device in pairing mode

Each Bluetooth device is activated differently:

• 🎧 Xiaomi headphones: Press the power button for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (for AirDots) or blue (for Buds).
• 🔊 Columns Mi/JBL: Hold the Bluetooth or Power button until you hear the beep.
• ⌚ Mi Band fitness bracelets: in the Mi Fitness app, select Add Device».

Step 3. Find the device and pair it.

1. On your smartphone, in the Bluetooth menu, click “Device Search” (or “Add New Device”).
2. In the list, find the name of your gadget (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) and tap it.
3. If necessary, confirm pairing on both devices (sometimes you need to enter). PIN-The default code is 0000 or 1234).

Step 4: Set connection priority (for MIUI 14+)

In the new firmware versions, Xiaomi has added the “Priority Device” feature, which automatically connects frequently used gadgets, to configure it:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Put the badge on. ⚙️ near the connected device.
3. Enable the “Priority Connection” option.

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If the headphones are connected, but the sound goes through the speaker of the smartphone – check the audio output settings in the notification panel (the icon “Dynamic” → select your device).

Table: Compatibility of Bluetooth devices with Xiaomi

Not all gadgets work equally well with Xiaomi, and below are the data on popular devices and typical connection issues:

If your device is not in the table, check its Bluetooth profile (A2DP, HFP, AVRCP). For example, headsets for calls require HFP support, and for music you need A2DP. You can find out profiles in the characteristics of the gadget or on the manufacturer's website.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, Bluetooth on Xiaomi can malfunction.

1.The smartphone does not see the device

Reasons:

• 🔋 Device discharged (earphones or speakers must be charged at least 20 times%).
• 📶 Interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi router, microwaves).
• 🔄 Outdated firmware Bluetooth module (relevant for Redmi Note) 8/9).

Decision:

1. Reboot both devices.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi on your smartphone (sometimes it helps).
3. Remove the device from the list of conjugates and try to connect again.

2. Permanent communication breakdowns

This is a problem for Xiaomi with Bluetooth 4.2 (like the Redmi 7A or Mi A2).The culprit is aggressive MIUI optimization, which disables the Bluetooth module in the background.

How to fix it:

• 🛠️ Turn off optimization for Bluetooth: Settings → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Bluetooth → Battery → No restrictions.
• 📵 Turn on Developer Mode and turn off Bluetooth Adaptive Lighting.
• 🔄 If the problem persists, try rolling back the firmware to an older version. MIUI.

3. Low sound quality or delay

If the music sounds like a bucket, or if the sound is behind the video in games, the problem is the Bluetooth codec. Xiaomi uses SBC, the most versatile codec, but not the best quality codec, by default, to improve the sound:

1. Install the Developer Options app (or turn on the developer mode by tapping the build number 7 times in Settings → About Phone).
2. In Settings → Additional → For developers, find the Bluetooth Codec.
3. Select AAC (for Apple AirPods) or aptX (for Sony or JBL headphones).

If you don’t have an option, your smartphone doesn’t support these codecs at the hardware level.

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For gamers: To reduce the latency of PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile, turn on Low Latency in Bluetooth settings.

Hidden MIUI settings for stable Bluetooth

Few people know, but MIUI has hidden options that can significantly improve Bluetooth, accessed through developer mode or special commands.

Modification of the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit)

If you lose your connection when you transfer files or stream music, try increasing your MTU:

1. Enable the Developer Mode (as described above).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers → Bluetooth settings.
3. Find the Bluetooth MTU setting and set the 512 (usually 256) default.

2. Disconnect AVRCP 1.6

This protocol is responsible for controlling playback (pause, next track), but sometimes conflicts with some devices.

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_avrcp_version 1.5

This command must be entered via ADB (the setup instructions are available on 4PDA).

3. Resetting the Bluetooth stack

If nothing helps, try resetting the Bluetooth module to factory:

adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth

⚠️ Warning: After this command, all the associated devices will be removed and they will have to be reconnected.

Xiaomi models with troubled Bluetooth: what to do for owners

According to service centers, some Xiaomi models suffer from hardware defects of the Bluetooth module, here is a list of “problem” devices and recommendations:

If your model is on this list and none of the tips helped, you may need to replace your Bluetooth module. In Xiaomi service centers, this service costs from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the model).

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Before visiting the service center, make a backup of the data! When replacing the module, you sometimes need a full reset (Hard Reset).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions