How to connect a headset to a Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Connecting the headset to Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge that every user faces, whether it’s wired headphones for listening to music or wireless headphones. TWS-Headphones for calls, the process of pairing can cause questions, especially for beginners. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of connection, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13, etc., and solve typical problems such as lack of sound or constant communication interruptions.

It’s important to consider that the connection algorithm may vary depending on the type of headset (wired, Bluetooth, USB-C) and the version of the MIUI operating system. For example, MIUI 14 has changed the location of some menu items, and smartphones without a 3.5 mm jack require an adapter. We have gathered up-to-date information for 2026 so you can quickly and error-free set up your headset.

1. Connecting a wired headset (3.5 mm or USB-C)

Wired headphones remain popular due to their stable connection and lack of sound delays. However, modern Xiaomi smartphones often lack the classic audio jack, so users have to use adapters.

If your phone is equipped with a 3.5 mm connector (for example, Redmi). 10C or POCO M5), Just insert the headphone plug before you click. The system automatically detects the headset and switches the sound. 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) You'll need an adapter. USB-C → Note: Not all adapters support a microphone – check this before buying.

• 🔌 For phones with 3.5mm jacks, plug the headphones directly. The sound should come automatically.
• 🔄 For phones from USB-C: Use the original Xiaomi adapter or certified equivalent. Cheap adapters may not transmit sound or cause noise.
• 🎤 Mik problems? Check if your adapter supports voice transmission. For example, the adapter from the Xiaomi Mi 11 kit works with a microphone, and many budget ones do not.

⚠️ Note: If after connecting wired headphones sound is simultaneously from the phone’s speakers, go to Settings → Sound. → Output and select the Headset. MIUI This parameter is reset after rebooting.

2. Connect Bluetooth headset (TWS and conventional)

Wireless headphones are the most popular smartphone accessory for Xiaomi. The process of connecting them is standard, but there are nuances for different models of headsets. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro supports fast synchronization with the brand’s phones, and universal headphones (for example, Sony WH-1000XM5) require standard pairing.

To connect a Bluetooth headset, follow the following steps:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
2. On the phone, open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module.
3. In the list of available devices, select the name of your headset (e.g. Redmi Buds 5).
4. Confirm the pairing if necessary.

For Xiaomi headphones (Buds series, AirDots), a quick connection feature is available: open the case cover next to the phone - a pop-up with a suggestion to connect will appear. This only works on smartphones with MIUI 12 and later.

Charge your headphones to 50% or more |

Make sure the headset is in pairing mode (blinking indicator)|

Disable previously connected devices if they interfere with the connection |

Update your phone to the latest version (relevant to the MIUI 14+)-->

3. Connecting a gaming headset with a microphone

Gaming headsets (such as Xiaomi Black Shark LucidOptic or HyperX Cloud II Wireless) often require additional settings to properly operate the microphone. If you connect them over a wire via USB-C or 3.5 mm connector, check the following settings:

• 🎮 For USB-C Headset: Some models (like Razer Kraken) need drivers installed. On Xiaomi, this is done through Settings → Additionally. → USB-periphery.
• 🔊 For 3.5mm headsets: If the microphone is not working, check if your adapter supports voice transmission (needs a 4-pin connector). CTIA).
• 📱 Call settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Call settings and select Headset as your primary audio device.

On Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), there may be a conflict between the game mode and the microphone. Turn off the Game Acceleration function in Settings → Special features → Game settings if the microphone does not transmit voice.

⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-C headsets in games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile audio may be late. To reduce latency, activate Low Latency mode in Bluetooth settings (available for aptX-enabled headphones) LL).

4. Connect the headset via NFC (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi headsets (e.g., Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) support fast NFC connectivity, which only works on smartphones with NFC module (e.g., Xiaomi 12T Pro, Redmi K50).

1. Activate NFC on your phone: Settings → Connect and share → NFC.
2. Open the headphone case cover and bring it to the back of the phone (where it is located). NFC-chip).
3. Confirm the connection in the pop-up window.

The advantage of this method is instant pairing without having to look for a device in the Bluetooth list. NFC-Connection is only available for Xiaomi headsets with support for this feature.

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If your phone doesn’t recognize the headset through NFC, try clearing the cache of the NFC module in Settings → Apps → Application Management → NFC → Storage → Clear the cache.

5. troubleshooting when connecting the headset

Even after a successful connection, there can be problems, such as no sound, intermittent connection or poor microphone quality, and consider common errors and their solutions.

5.1 Headset is connected, but no sound

• 🔇 Check the volume regulator on your phone and headphones.
• 🔄 Switch the output of sound: Settings → Sound. → Sound output → Headset.
• 📱 Reboot your phone – sometimes it helps with audio driver crashes.
• 🔌 For wired headphones: try another adapter or connector.

5.2. Bluetooth headset is permanently turned off

• 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• 🔄 Update the firmware of the headphones through the official app (for example, Xiaomi Earbuds).
• 📱 Reset Bluetooth settings on your phone: Settings → Bluetooth → ⋮ → Reset the settings.

5.3 The microphone is not working.

• 🎤 Check permissions for apps (such as WhatsApp or Discord) in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Microphone.
• 🔌 For wired headsets: Use a microphone-enabled adapter (4-pin).
• 📱 In call settings, select the headset as the main input device.

6. Sound optimization for the headset on Xiaomi

To get the best sound, use the built-in settings MIUI. For example, in MIUI 14 came uniform EQ-equalizer that allows you to customize the sound to your preferences.

How to improve sound:

1. Open the settings → Sound → Sound quality.
2. Select a profile (e.g. Bass, Clarity or User).
3. For Bluetooth headsets, activate the option to Improve sound quality (available for aptX and LDAC codecs).
4. Turn on Adaptive Sound so that the phone automatically adjusts the volume to the surrounding environment.

For gaming headsets, it is recommended to disable all sound effects in Settings → Sound → Sound effects, as they can add latency.

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For the best sound, use a headset and phone that supports aptX Adaptive or LDAC codecs. These formats provide minimal quality loss when transmitting audio over Bluetooth.

7.Compatibility of headsets with different Xiaomi models

Not all headsets work equally well with Xiaomi phones. Apple AirPods, for example, can connect without supporting additional features (such as automatic switching between devices).

If you are planning to buy a new headset, look for supported audio codecs. For example, for high-quality music (Hi-Res Audio), choose headphones with LDAC or aptX HD.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a headset to Xiaomi