Connecting Xiaomi headset to a smartphone via Bluetooth: instructions and problem solving

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular accessory for music lovers and active users, but even with them, sometimes there are difficulties when you first connect. If your new headset Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless or Xiaomi FlipBuds refuses to connect to a smartphone, do not rush to blame the manufacturer: 90% of the time the problem lies in the wrong sequence of actions or settings of the phone.

In this article, we will analyze not only the standard pairing procedure, but also the nuances for different models of headsets, the features of connecting to Android and iPhone, as well as ways to eliminate typical errors - from the lack of sound to constant communication interruptions. MIUI, which speed up connection and improve stability.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, here you’ll find answers to questions that aren’t covered in standard instructions, such as why Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro isn’t defined on the iPhone 13, how to reset your headphones to factory settings without a reset button, and what to do if your phone “sees” the headset but can’t connect to it. Let’s start with the basic guide.

1. Preparation of the headset and telephone for pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure both devices are ready to go, which will save you time and avoid unnecessary manipulation.

For the headset:

• 🔋 Charge the headphones to at least 30% (the indicator on the case should flash or burn white/green.
• 📦 Remove the headphones from the case (if it is) TWS-model – some headsets automatically go into search mode when first extracted.
• 🔄 Make sure the headset has not been paired with another device before. If so, reset (instructions in Section 5).

For the phone:

• 📱 Turn on Bluetooth in settings or through the Quick Access Panel. Xiaomi/Redmi This can be swiped down from the top of the screen.
• 🔍 Open the device search menu: Settings → Bluetooth → Device search (on iPhone: Settings) → Bluetooth).
• 🚫 Close all applications that use audio (music, video, calls) to avoid conflicts when connecting.

If you connect the headset to Xiaomi’s phone on MIUI 14+, activate the Quick Connection feature in Bluetooth settings – it speeds up the search for compatible Xiaomi and Redmi devices.

2. Standard procedure for Bluetooth connection

The pairing algorithm is the same for most models, but it may vary slightly depending on the type of headset.

1. Activate the search mode on the headset: 🎧 For TWS-Headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds 4): Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. 🎧 For overhead/full-size (e.g. Xiaomi Headphones 2): Hold the power button for 3-4 seconds until the blue LED flashes.

On your phone in the Bluetooth menu, click Device Search (on iPhone, search starts automatically).

In the list of found devices, select the name of your headset (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Mi True Wireless 2).

Confirm pairing if you see a request on the phone screen. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) require additional confirmation on the headphones themselves — briefly tap the touchpad.

After successful connection, the indicator on the headset will stop flashing and light up with a smooth light (usually blue or white).

Note for iPhone owners: if the headset is not determined, try turning off and back on Bluetooth on the iPhone – this resets the cache of the associated devices.

3. Connection Features for Popular Xiaomi Models

Some Xiaomi headsets have unique connectivity nuances, and we've put them together in a table:

For dual-connection models (such as Mi True Wireless 2), after the first pairing, you can connect the headset to the second device without resetting.

1. Connect the headphones to the first phone.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on the second phone and select the headset from the list.
3. Confirm the connection – the headphones will automatically switch between devices when playing the sound.

5. Resetting Xiaomi headset to factory settings

If the headset is unstable or does not connect despite all attempts, perform a complete reset. Attention: after this procedure, all the associated devices will be removed, and the headphones will return to the state "out of the box".

Instructions for TWS-Headphones (e.g. Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (usually located behind) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Close the case for 5 seconds, then remove the headphones - they are ready for a new pairing.

Instructions for overhead/full-size headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Headphones 2):

1. Hold the power button and the + button at the same time for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red.

For models without physical buttons (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro), the reset is done via the Mi Earphones mobile app:

1. Open the app and connect to the headset.
2. Go to the Device Settings → Reset.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the headphones to restart.

⚠️ Note: After a reset, some models (such as the Redmi Buds 3 Pro) may require a firmware update.Install the Mi Earphones app and check for updates in the firmware section.

6. Optimization of connection for stable operation

Even after a successful connection, the connection may not work perfectly.

On the phone:

• 📵 Turn off power saving mode for Bluetooth: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Bluetooth (disable).
• 🔄 Update your phone firmware: outdated versions MIUI/iOS It may contain compatibility errors.
• 🎛️ In the developer settings (how to enable: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) disable Bluetooth audio when you lose focus.

Headset:

• 🎧 Update your headphone firmware through the Mi Earphones app (available for most models).
• 🔋 Keep headphones above 20% charge – when low, they can automatically turn off.
• 🔇 Turn off the Automatic Shutdown function (if any in the application settings) so that the headphones do not break the connection when you pause playback.

To improve sound:

• 🎶 In Bluetooth phone settings, select the optimal audio codec: AAC — Better balance of quality and stability (recommended for iPhone). LDAC — Maximum quality (only for supported models, such as FlipBuds Pro). SBC — universal, but with the worst sound.
• 🎛️ Enable Adaptive Sound or Low-Frequency Amplification in the Mi Earphones app (if available).

💡

For maximum connection stability, disable the Auto Switch to Mobile (on iPhone) or Wi-Fi Assist (on Android) function on your phone – these features can interfere with Bluetooth.

7. Connection to non-standard devices (PC, TV, game console)

Xiaomi headset can be connected not only to the smartphone, but also to other gadgets. Let's consider the nuances for each case:

Connection to PC (Windows/macOS):

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your computer (via Settings → Windows Devices or System Settings → Bluetooth on Mac).
2. Put the headset in pairing mode (see section 2).
3. Select the device in the list and confirm the connection.
4. On Windows in Control Panel → Sound, install the headset as the Device by default.

Connection to TV (Android TV, MI TV):

• 📺 On the Xiaomi TV remote, click Settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Select the headset from the list. Some models (e.g. Mi) TV 4S) require input PIN-code - default is 0000.
• 🔊 In the TV sound settings, set Bluetooth audio as the main source.

Connection to game consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch):

• 🎮 PlayStation 4/5: Supports only a limited list of headsets. Use a Bluetooth adapter (e.g, 8BitDo) connect to Xiaomi.
• 🎮 Nintendo Switch: No Bluetooth audio support, but you can use the GuliKit Route Air adapter.
• 🎮 Xbox: Requires an Xbox Wireless Adapter or 3.5mm audio cable connection (if the headset supports wired mode).

For stable work with consoles, it is recommended to use low-latency headsets (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro in Game Mode mode, which is enabled by triple touching the touchpad).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headset