How to connect two headphones Xiaomi Mi to one smartphone: all ways + problem solving

Connecting two pairs of Xiaomi wireless headphones to a single smartphone is a challenge faced by users who want to share sound with a friend or use both devices at the same time. Although the manufacturer does not always advertise this feature, most Mi AirDots, Redmi Buds and Xiaomi Buds models support this feature through standard Bluetooth 5.0+ protocols or branded chips like Dual Audio.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to sync two headphones, from standard MIUI settings to workarounds for older models, which Xiaomi models exactly support this feature, how to get around system limitations, and what to do if the sound is interrupted or one of the headphones is turned off, and a unique method for headphones with different firmware, which is not described in the official documentation.

Which Xiaomi models support two headphones?

Not all Xiaomi wireless headphones can work in tandem with another device, depending on the Bluetooth version, firmware and support for the Dual Audio protocol (or Audio Sharing in newer versions of MIUI).

• 🎧 Xiaomi Mi AirDots Pro 2/Pro 2s — Supports Dual Mode through proprietary software
• 🎧 Redmi Buds 3/3 Pro/4 — work MIUI 12+ through settings → Bluetooth
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3/3T Pro – compatible with Bluetooth 5.2 Audio Sharing function
• 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earphones 2/2S — Requires manual adjustment through the Developer
• ❌ Xiaomi Mi AirDots (1st generation) – do not support the connection of two pairs

If your model is not on the list, it doesn't mean that you can't connect. For example, headphones on a Qualcomm QCC3040 chip (like in Redmi Buds 3 Lite) can be made to work in pairs through third-party applications.

Method 1: Dual Audio Staff Mode in MIUI (for new smartphones)

The easiest method is to use the built-in Dual Audio feature available on Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12.5+ and Bluetooth 5.0+. It allows you to stream audio to two devices simultaneously without loss of quality.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and connect the first headphones.
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Dual Audio (or General Sound in New Versions).
3. Turn on the function and connect the second headphones through the standard device search menu.
4. Select a sound source (such as Music or Video) and adjust the volume balance.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI Dual Audio may not be available even if your smartphone supports it. In this case, update the software or use the method. №3.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Charge both earphones to 50%+

Disable other Bluetooth devices

Reboot your smartphone before setting up-->

Method 2: Manual connection through developer mode

If your smartphone doesn’t support Dual Audio but runs on Android 10+, you can activate the hidden Bluetooth Dual Audio feature through the developer menu.This method works for most Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 10/11 and POCO X3/X4.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Press 7 times on the MIUI version before notification appears.

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Turn on Bluetooth Dual Audio

Audio through two devices

Bluetooth

⚠️ Note: Once this mode is activated, there will be problems with the sound synchronization (delay up to 200 ms).To fix this, turn off Hardware Audio Acceleration in the same developer settings.

Method 3: Sound separation applications (for any model)

If the standard methods don’t work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, emulating the Dual Audio feature at the software level, allowing you to connect two headphones even on older smartphones with Bluetooth 4.2.

Top.-3 tested applications:

• 📱 SoundAssistant (Samsung) – works on Xiaomi via ADB. Allows you to set a separate volume for each device.
• 📱 Bluetooth Dual Audio is a simple interface, but requires Android 9+.
• 📱 Bose Connect – suitable for headphones with Qualcomm chips (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro).

Instructions for SoundAssistant:

1.Install APK with APKCombo.


2. Open the application and grant access rights.




3. Go to Additional → Dual Audio.




4. Connect both headphones and select the sound source.

⚠️ Attention: When using third-party applications, the sound quality may deteriorate due to additional processing.

💡

If the app doesn’t see the second headphones, try connecting them first in the standard Bluetooth menu and then opening SoundAssistant.

Method 4: Connect via Bluetooth adapter (for older models)

If your headphones don’t support Dual Audio and your smartphone runs on Bluetooth 4.0, you can use an external Bluetooth transmitter with support for two channels. This method is suitable for Xiaomi Mi AirDots (1st generation) and other outdated models.

Equipment required:

• 🔌 Bluetooth transmitter (e.g., Bluetooth transmitter, 1Mii B06 Plus or Avantek. APT-X).
• 🔋 Power supply (Power Bank or Power Bank) USB-port).
• 🎵 3.5mm audio connector (if you connect to a phone without Bluetooth 5.0).

How to connect:

1. Connect the transmitter to the smartphone via 3.5mm or USB-C (depending on the model).
2. Activate Dual Link mode on the transmitter (see device instruction).
3. Connect the first headphones to the phone, the second to the transmitter.
4. Set up sound synchronization via the transmitter app (if any).

🔹 Pros: Works with even the oldest headphones.

🔸 Cons: additional costs (from 1500) ₽ for transmitter) and possible interference.

Method 5: A workaround for headphones with different firmware

This method only works for headphones on a Qualcomm chip (like the Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) and requires manual editing of configuration files. It allows you to connect two devices with different versions of firmware that usually conflict with each other.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC and connect your smartphone via USB (with USB debugging enabled).
2. Run the command to reset the Bluetooth cache: adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth
3. Reboot your phone and connect the first headphones.
4. Open Settings → Applications → All apps → Bluetooth and click Erase Data.
5. Connect the second headphones through Search Mode (hold the button on the case 10 seconds).

⚠️ Warning: This method resets all stored Bluetooth devices, and after the procedure, you will have to reconnect your smartwatches, fitness bracelets and other gadgets.

💡

If the headphones emit intermittent sound after connecting, try turning off the aptX codec in Bluetooth settings (switch to SBC).

Compatibility table of Xiaomi models

To simplify the choice of method, we have collected data on the compatibility of popular models of headphones and smartphones Xiaomi:

Frequent problems and their solutions

When connecting two headphones, users often encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

• 🔇 The sound goes to only one headphone: Check the volume balance in Settings → Special opportunities → Audio balance. Reconnect both devices in Forget device mode.
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or lags: Turn off Wi-Fi or go to 2.4GHz (5GHz networks are jamming). Reduce the sound quality in Bluetooth settings (switch from aptX to aptX SBC).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off Constant device search in Bluetooth settings. Use Power Saving mode in MIUI.

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

→ Data Transfer and SIM- Card → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings

FAQ: Answers to popular questions