Connecting two Bluetooth headphones to the same Xiaomi phone: the full guide

Xiaomi’s current MIUI-based smartphones allow two devices to be connected via Bluetooth at once β€” but that doesn’t always work with headphones. Many users find that when they try to sync a second headset, the first one automatically shuts down. The reason lies in the limitations of the A2DP profile, which is responsible for audio transfer. However, there are workarounds, both standard and third-party applications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to connect two Bluetooth headphones to a single Xiaomi phone, including models on MIUI 12-15 (from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 14), which headsets support this feature out of the box, how to configure dual audio through hidden settings, and what to do if sound is only going to one device, and we’ll analyze the unique limitations for Qualcomm and MediaTek chips that affect connection stability.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check:

  • πŸ”‹ Charge level of both headphones (minimum 30% for stable operation).
  • πŸ“± Version MIUI on your Xiaomi (relevant to the MIUI 12.5+).
  • 🎧 Headset compatibility: Not all models support simultaneous connection to a single source.
πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 12 or lower
MIUI 12.5
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
MIUI 15 (HyperOS)
I don't know.

Official method: Dual Audio in MIUI (for supported models)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added an experimental Dual Audio feature that allows you to stream audio to two Bluetooth devices at once.However, it doesn't work on all smartphones and has limitations on the A2DP profile.

To activate it:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Connect the first headset (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4).
  3. Click on the icon. βš™οΈ Next to the device name and select Audio Settings.
  4. Activate the dual audio switch.
  5. Connect the second headset – the sound should be duplicated on both devices.

⚠️

Note: On models with a MediaTek chip (for example, Redmi Note 11) the function may work unstable - the sound will be interrupted or go with a delay of up to 200 ms. on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Xiaomi 12T) the delay usually does not exceed 50 ms.

Xiaomi models that officially support Dual Audio:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 13/13 Pro (MIUI 14+)
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 12S Ultra
  • πŸ“± Redmi K50 Pro
  • πŸ“± POCO F5 Pro

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for Dual Audio

Done: 0 / 4

2.Use of the "Media Sharing" function

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support Dual Audio, try an alternative method through Shared Media, which works on most devices with MIUI 13+, but requires additional manipulation.

Instructions:

  1. Connect both headphones via Bluetooth (they should be displayed in the list of devices).
  2. Open any audio app (such as YouTube Music or Spotify).
  3. During playback, pull down the notification bar and hold the Bluetooth icon.
  4. In the menu that opens, select Shared Media.
  5. Check both headsets and the sound will start to be broadcast on both devices.

πŸ” Important: This method may not work with video (due to audio delay) and some streaming services (e.g. Netflix blocks dual audio).

Comparison of Dual Audio and Shared Media Methods:

CriteriaDual AudioMedia sharing
Supported modelsFlagships only (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+)Most devices on MIUI 13+
Sound delay50-100 ms.100-300 ms.
Video workYeah (synchronization)No (rassynchron)
Energy consumptionLow.High (due to two streams)

3. Third-party applications for dual Bluetooth

If the standard methods didn’t work, use specialized utilities.

1. SoundAssistant (Samsung)

  • 🎡 Supports dual audio even on incompatible devices.
  • πŸ”§ Requires permission to be enabled Overlay over other applications.
  • ⚠️ Nana MIUI 14 may be blocked by the security system.

Instructions:

  1. Download SoundAssistant from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and select Double Audio.
  3. Connect both headphones and activate synchronization.

2. Bluetooth Dual Audio (from AppList)

    ⚠️

    Attention: Dual Bluetooth applications may conflict with MIUI system services. If the headphones start to turn off after installation, clear the Settings app cache β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Bluetooth.

    πŸ’‘

    If the audio is only going to one device, try SoundAssistant to turn off the option of High Quality Audio (AAC/aptX).

    4. Features for Xiaomi headphones (Buds, FlipBuds, AirDots)

    Xiaomi headsets have unique connectivity protocols that can both help and interfere with dual audio. For example, the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro supports Dual Device mode, but it is designed to connect to two different sources at the same time (like a phone + laptop), rather than duplicate sound on two headphones.

    How to get around the restrictions:

    • πŸ”„ For Redmi Buds 3 Pro: Reset your headphone settings (press both buttons for 10 seconds) before connecting.
    • 🎧 For Xiaomi AirDots 3: Disable the Game Mode feature in the companion app.
    • πŸ“² For Xiaomi Buds S: Use only the left-hand device in Mono mode (the right will be the second channel).

    πŸ“Š Table compatibility of headphones Xiaomi with dual audio:

    Model headphonesDual Audio (MIUI)Media sharingSoundAssistant
    Xiaomi Buds 4 Proβœ… (delayed)βœ…βœ…
    Redmi Buds 4 ActiveβŒβœ…βœ…
    Xiaomi FlipBuds Proβœ… (only AAC)βŒβœ…
    Redmi AirDots 3βŒβœ… (scinchron)βœ…

    5 Problem Solving: The sound goes to only one headphone

    If the sound is played only through one headset after connecting, follow the following steps:

    1.Bluetooth profile check

    • Open Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth.
    • Click on the icon. βš™οΈ headphone-on.
    • Make sure that your A2DP Sink profile is active (not HFP or AVRCP).

    2. reset Bluetooth settings

    Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings

    This will remove all the stored devices, but often solves the problems with dual audio.

    3. Manual channel switching (for Xiaomi headphones)

    How to switch headphones to stereo/mono mode
    For Xiaomi AirDots and Redmi Buds, press the touchpad on both headphones for 3 seconds until you hear the beep.

    ⚠️

    Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) block dual audio due to the limitations of the MediaTek Helio G95 chip, in which case only firmware with Dual Audio Patch support (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) will help.

    Alternative methods: splitters and adapters

    If the software methods didn’t work, consider hardware solutions:

    1. Bluetooth transmitter with Dual Link support

    • πŸ”Œ Connects to the phone through USB-C 3.5 mm.
    • 🎡 Allows you to connect up to 2 headphones at the same time.
    • πŸ’° Cost: From 1500 β‚½ (for example, 1Mii B06 Plus).

    Split for 3.5 mm (if there is an audio output)

    • 🎧 Suitable for wired headphones with adapter USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm.
    • ⚠️ It doesn’t work with Xiaomi that has the audio chip removed (e.g. Xiaomi). 11T).

    πŸ” Tip: Before buying an adapter, check for support for aptX Low Latency codecs or AAC β€” This will reduce the latency of the sound when watching the video.

    7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

    Error 1: "The device does not support dual audio"

    πŸ”Ή Solution: Update MIUI Use the latest version or use the SoundAssistant.

    Mistake 2: The sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds

    πŸ”Ή Solution: Turn off the Adaptive Battery in the settings and add Bluetooth to the optimization exceptions.

    Mistake 3: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound

    πŸ”Ή Solution: Reboot your phone and reset your network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting settings).

    πŸ’‘

    On devices with MIUI 14+, dual audio works more stable if you turn off the Smart Connection function in Bluetooth settings.

    Can you connect two different headphones (like AirPods and Xiaomi Buds)?
    Technically yes, but there will be problems synchronizing sound due to different codec delays (AAC vs SBC). It is better to use headphones of the same model or with the same chips (Qualcomm). QCC3040 etc.).
    Why does Xiaomi 13 Pro have dual audio and Redmi Note 12 doesn’t?
    This is due to hardware limitations: Xiaomi 13 Pro is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip with Dual A2DP support, while Redmi Note 12 uses Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, where this feature is disabled at the firmware level.
    How to check if my Xiaomi supports dual audio?
    Open Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version. If version 12.5+ and model is supported, the feature should work. You can also use the Bluetooth Auto Connect app for the test.
    Will dual audio work in games?
    No, in most cases, audio will only go to one device due to the limitations of OpenSL ES (Audio-API for games), except for games that support AAudio (for example, PUBG Mobile on the latest versions).
    Can I connect more than two headphones?
    Technically, yes, but only through dedicated Bluetooth transmitters (e.g. Avantek APT-BT500), which support up to 4 devices. At the MIUI level, the maximum number is 2.