How to connect a headset to a Xiaomi phone: 5 ways + error solving

Connecting a headset to a Xiaomi smartphone seems like an easy task, but in practice users face nuances from the lack of sound to compatibility problems. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting – from the classic 3.5 mm jack to modern Bluetooth headphones with support for LDAC and AAC. Particular attention will be paid to models without an audio jack (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), where the only option is wireless communication or an adapter.

It’s important to consider that the connection algorithm may differ depending on the version of MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 changed the Bluetooth settings menu) and the type of headset. We tested the instructions on current firmware in 2026 and accounting errors, such as no sound in one earphone or constant communication breaks. If your smartphone model is older than 2020, check the section with solutions for outdated devices — there are separate recommendations.

1. Connecting a wired headset through a 3.5mm connector

Despite the trend towards abandoning the audio jack, many Xiaomi models (for example, the POCO X5 or Redmi 10C) are still equipped with the classic 3.5 mm. This method remains the most reliable – there are no audio delays, no headphone charging is required, and the quality of transmission depends only on the DAC chip in the smartphone.

To connect wired headphones:

• 🔌 Insert the headset plug into the connector before clicking (do not make excessive efforts - this can damage the contacts).
• 🎵 A notification of the connected audio device will automatically appear. If there is no sound, check the volume level (buttons on the case of the smartphone or in the notification curtain).
• 🔧 If necessary, adjust the sound balance in the Settings → Sound. → Stereo balance (relevant for models with stereo) MIUI 12+).

⚠️ Warning: If the microphone doesn't work in calls after you connect the headset, check the default settings. MIUI Sometimes the priority of the audio device is reset: go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Microphone and select the headset manually.

To improve the sound quality in wired headphones:

• 🎛️ Turn on the sound amplifier in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB → Headphone amplifier (developer mode activation required).
• 🔊 Use a uniform equalizer: Settings → Sound. → The equalizer (preset Rock or Jazz) is suitable for most genres).

2. USB-Type C connection (for models without 3.5 mm connector)

Xiaomi smartphones without audio jack (for example, Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50) require the use of a USB-C headset or adapter.

1. Native USB-C headset (e.g. Xiaomi Type-C Earphones) – connects directly, but may not support a microphone in some models.
2. The 3.5mm → USB-C adapter allows you to use conventional wired headphones, but requires additional settings.

Instructions for the adapter:

1. Connect the adapter to the USB-C port of the smartphone.
2. Insert the headset plug into the adapter, and the "Audio device connected" notification will appear on the screen.
3. If there is no sound, restart the phone – it will reset the audio system drivers.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 10) may not recognize third-party adapters.Use the original Xiaomi adapter or certified chip accessories CCC.

Check the integrity of the adapter cable|Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI|Turn off Bluetooth headphones|Reboot the smartphone after connecting-->

3. Connecting Bluetooth headset: step-by-step instructions

Wireless headphones (like Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds 4 or Sony WH-1000XM5) connect via Bluetooth.The process is standard, but MIUI has a few hidden tweaks to improve communication.

How to connect:

1. Turn on the pairing mode on the headset (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the search for devices.
3. Choose your headset from the list. PIN-Enter 0000 or 1234.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

For stable operation:

• 📶 Make sure that the distance between the smartphone and the headset does not exceed 10 meters (in the phone). MIUI There is a limit on the power of the Bluetooth module).
• 🔋 Charge headset should be at least 30% - at a low level, communication breaks are possible.
• 🔄 If the sound is interrupted, turn on low latency mode in the Bluetooth device settings (available for the MIUI 13+).

4. Solving problems with connecting the headset

Even after a successful connection, problems can arise, and we will consider scenarios and ways to fix them:

🔇 No sound in the headset.

• 📱 Check if the “In Phone” mode is activated in the notification curtain (click on the speaker icon).
• 🔊 Make sure the volume is not set to a minimum (adjusted separately for media and calls).
• 🛠️ Clear the Bluetooth app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Bluetooth.

🎧 The sound is only in one headphone (for the TWS)

• 🔄 Reboot both headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out).
• 📲 Remove the headset from the list of associated devices and connect again.
• 🔧 In Bluetooth settings, select a profile A2DP instead HFP (if available).

🔌 The headset is connected, but quickly disconnects

• 📴 Turn off power saving mode for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery. → Energy saving applications.
• 📡 Check for interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• 🔄 Update the firmware of the headset through a branded app (for example, Mi Earphones for Xiaomi headphones).

💡

If the headset is plugged in but the sound is distorted, try turning off hardware audio acceleration in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times to activate the developer mode, then find the option in Settings → Additional → For Developers).

5. Customize the sound for the headset in MIUI

Sound quality depends not only on the headset, but also on the settings of the smartphone. MIUI has hidden options for improving the audio:

Equalizer and effects:

• 🎛️ Go to Settings. → Sound. → Equalizer and select Preset or create your profile.
• 🔊 Activate Mi Sound Enhancer (available on Xiaomi flagships) 12/13 series) to improve bass and high frequencies.

Bluetooth codecs:

• 📡 For headphones with support for aptX or LDAC select the appropriate codec in the Bluetooth device settings (click on the gear icon next to the headset name).
• ⚠️ LDAC It gives better quality, but can cause delays – turn it off if the sound is not synced to the video.

Headset microphone:

• 🎤 B Settings → Annexes → Permits → Make sure the headset takes precedence over the built-in microphone.
• 🔇 If the interlocutor does not hear you, turn on noise cancellation in the call settings (available in the video). MIUI 14).

💡

For maximum audio quality in a Bluetooth headset, use the AAC codec (for iOS devices) or aptX Adaptive (for Android). In MIUI, these settings are hidden – they can only be changed through the developer menu or third-party applications like Developer Options.

6. Connecting the headset to older Xiaomi models (until 2020)

Devices based on MIUI 11 and older (such as Xiaomi Mi 9, Redmi Note 8 Pro) may have compatibility issues with modern headsets.

For Bluetooth headsets:

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest available version (even if the updates are officially discontinued, check the custom firmware on the latest available version). XDA Developers).
• 📱 Install Bluetooth Auto Connect for automatic reconnection.

For wired headsets:

• 🔌 If the 3.5mm connector is shattered, use an adapter with an external amplifier (e.g. FiiO). Q1).
• 🛠️ Clean the dust connector with a wooden toothpick (do not use metal objects!).

General advice:

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery if the headset shuts down at 20–30% charge (typical for older Redmi AirDots).
• 📴 Reset network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Network resets – this often solves Bluetooth issues.

7. How to connect a headset to Xiaomi via PC (for firmware or testing)

Sometimes you need to connect the headset to your smartphone via a computer, for example, to test a microphone or to test the firmware of headphones.

• 🖥️ PC with installed drivers ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Initiated debugging mode USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions for sound testing:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm access to debugging.
2. Open the command line and type in: adb shell am start -a android.media.action.DISPLAY_AUDIO_ROUTE This will open up the audio routing menu where you can manually select the headset.
3. To check the microphone, use the command: adb shell dumpsys media.audio_flinger In the conclusion, find the inputDevice line - it should be displayed there. ID your headset.

⚠️ Note: Do not use adb commands to change system files unless you are confident in your actions.This may result in loss of warranty or "brick" of the device (complete inoperability).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a headset to Xiaomi