How to connect a headset to a Xiaomi device: all ways and solutions to problems

Why the headset doesn’t connect to Xiaomi and how to fix it

Have you bought new headphones but can't connect them to a Xiaomi smartphone or TV? Or has the headset suddenly become undetectable? Accessory connectivity issues are one of the most common complaints users have, and 70% of the time they are due to improper Bluetooth settings, outdated firmware or hardware limitations of a particular model.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can connect your headset to Xiaomi devices, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi TV. You’ll learn how to pair wired and wireless headphones, what codecs are supported, and what to do if the device doesn’t see the headset. And also unique MIUI chips that will improve the sound of your headphones after you connect.

Whether you're using AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM5 or wired KZ ZSN Pro X, the instructions below cover 95% of the time, and let's start with the simplest.

Method 1: Connect a wired headset (3.5 mm or USB-C)

If your headphones are wired, the process is as simple as putting a plug in the appropriate connector, but there are nuances here, especially for modern Xiaomi smartphones, where the 3.5 mm jack is becoming less common.

Here's what you need to keep in mind:

• 🔌 For 3.5mm connectors, just insert the plug before clicking. On newer models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) The plug may not be available, an adapter will be required. USB-C → 3.5 mm.
• 🔗 For USB-C: Connect the headphones directly to the port. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) ANC Type-C) require drivers to be installed – the system will prompt you to download them automatically.
• ⚡ Recognition problems: if the smartphone does not detect the headset, try restarting the device or cleaning the connector from dust with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Important: When you first connect a wired headphone to a microphone, MIUI may ask permission to access the microphone, or it will only work to play back sound.

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If after connecting wired headphones, the sound comes simultaneously from the speakers and the headset, check the settings in Settings → Sound → Output and select Headset.

Xiaomi TV owners are similar to the process, but the headphone jack is usually located on the back. On some models (for example, Mi TV Q2 75), you may need to turn on the option Audio Drive → Analog output in the audio settings.

Method 2: Connecting a Bluetooth headset to a Xiaomi smartphone

Wireless headphones connect via Bluetooth, and here the algorithm depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the headset. Consider a universal method that works on 90% of devices.

Step instructions:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually you need to hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module.
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your headset (such as Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro or JBL Tune 510BT) and tap it.
4. Confirm the pairing if necessary.

After you connect, check the sound quality and delay. If the sound is interrupted or there is interference, try:

• 📶 Move closer to the smartphone (optimal distance – up to 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth module: disable and turn it back on in settings.
• 🔧 Change the Bluetooth codec in the headphone settings (for how to do this, read the next section).

Charge your headphones to 50% or higher |

Make sure the headset is not connected to another device|

Update your smartphone firmware to the latest version|

Turn off VPN or power saving modes |

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On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) after connecting, a notification will appear about LDAC or aptX support.

Method 3: Connect to Xiaomi TV or Mi Box

Connecting wireless headphones to a TV or Mi Box is a little more difficult than a smartphone, and the main problem is the audio delay, which can reach 200-300 ms.

Step-by-step instructions for Xiaomi TV:

1. Put the headphones in pairing mode.
2. On the TV remote, click Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Add the device.
3. Choose your headset from the list.
4. After connecting, go to Settings → Sound → Sound output and install Bluetooth audio.

To reduce delay:

• 🎵 Select the codec. AAC AptX Low Latency (if supported).
• 📺 Turn off post-processing of sound in settings TV (Settings → Sound. → Additionally. → Sound processing → Off.).
• 🔌 Connect. TV headphones to a single Wi-Fi network (some models synchronize sound over a local network).

On the Mi Box S or Mi Box 4K, the algorithm is similar, but the path to Bluetooth settings may be different: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.

Customize Bluetooth codecs for better sound

The choice of audio codec depends on the sound quality, delays and even battery life of the headset. Xiaomi supports several codecs, but not all of them are available by default.

Here is a comparative table of codecs and their features:

To change the codec on your smartphone:

1. Put the headset on.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Put the badge on. ⚙️ headphone-name.
4. Select the Audio Codec and specify the desired option.

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The LHDC codec offers minimal latency and better quality, but only works with a Xiaomi headset (like the AirDots 3 Pro or FlipBuds Pro).

If the desired codec is not in the list, update the firmware of the smartphone or check the compatibility of the headset with your Xiaomi model on the official website.

Solving problems with connecting the headset

If the headphones are not connected or are not working stable, here is a checklist for diagnosis:

⚠️ Note: If the headset has previously been paired with another device, it can automatically connect to it, ignoring your Xiaomi.

Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔴 Device not found: Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⋮ → Reset the network settings on your headphones (usually hold the power button for 10-15 seconds) and check if your smartphone is in Hide the device in the developer settings.
• 🔊 Sound interrupted: Turn off Wi-Fi (sometimes 2.4GHz channels interfere with Bluetooth) Reduce sound quality in codec settings (e.g., with LDAC 990 kbps at 660 kbps. Check if the smartphone is overheating (Bluetooth can shut down at high temperatures).
• 🎧 Microphone not working: In the call settings (Settings) → Calls. → Select the headset and check if the microphone on the headphones is silenced (for example, on AirDots you need to touch the sensor twice).

If the problem persists, try resetting your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone:

Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting Bluetooth settings →

On Xiaomi TV, a similar option is in Settings → System → Additional → Network Reset.

Additional chips for the headset on Xiaomi

Once the headphones are connected, you can activate hidden MIUI features that will improve the user experience:

1. Automatic sound switching

On smartphones with MIUI 13+, you can configure automatic switching of the audio output when connecting the headset:

Settings → Sound → Automatic output of sound → Enable

2.Gestural settings for AirDots

For headphones Xiaomi AirDots available customizable gestures:

Bluetooth → ⚙️ Settings near AirDots → Gesture Control

For example, you can assign a double tap to call a voice assistant or switch tracks.

3. Game Sound mode

To reduce delay in games, activate:

Settings → Special features → Sound → Low audio latency

4.Equalizer for headphones

MIUI has a built-in equalizer that works separately for the headset:

Settings → Sound → Equalizer → Select a profile (for example, “Bases” or “Voice”)

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If you are using Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, install the Xiaomi Earbuds app from Google Play – it gives access to advanced noise-maker, equalizer settings and headphone firmware updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a headset to Xiaomi