How to connect wireless headphones to a Xiaomi smartphone via Bluetooth: full instruction 2026

Why wireless headphones don’t connect to Xiaomi: the main reasons

TWS (True Wireless Stereo) wireless headphones have become an integral part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, but connecting them to the brand’s smartphones sometimes causes difficulties, even with branded models such as Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless 2 or Xiaomi Buds 4.

— Active power saving mode, which limits the operation of the Bluetooth module. MIUI This feature can block the search for new devices if the battery is below 15%.

If the headphones have already been paired with another device (for example, a laptop or tablet), they can “forget” the Xiaomi profile and require a reset.

— Outdated firmware on headphones or smartphones, such as Redmi AirDots 3 Pro require MIUI 12.5+ work-in LC3-codec (low energy standard for sound transmission).

In this article, we'll look at step-by-step connectivity with MIUI features in mind, as well as solving common errors, from no sound to permanent disconnects. If your headphones aren't determined by the system despite being on and charged, the problem is likely to be the Bluetooth stack settings on your smartphone.

Preparing headphones for pairing: what to do before connecting

Before you search for headphones in the Bluetooth menu on Xiaomi, make sure they are ready to pair. The preparation process differs depending on the model:

• 🔋 Charging: The battery level of the headphones should be at least 30%. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro at a discharge below 20% automatically go into savings mode and may not broadcast the sound.
• 🔄 Reset: If the headphones have already been connected to another device, reset. For Redmi AirDots, press the button on the charge case case case case for 10 seconds before the red/white indicator flashes.
• 🎧 Pair mode: Pull the headphones out of the case - they must automatically go into search mode (the indicator flashes white/blue). Mi True Wireless 2 may require triple touch touchpad.

Pay attention to the indicators of the state:

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones don't go into pairing mode after being removed from the case, check charging contacts. Oxidation or contamination may block activation. Wipe the contacts with an alcohol wipe and try again.

Step-by-step: how to connect headphones to Xiaomi via Bluetooth

The connection algorithm is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI.

1. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone: Swipe down the screen to open the Quick Settings Panel, and tap the Bluetooth icon. Or go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Enable Search Mode: Click Add Device (in MIUI 14, the button is called Device Search).
3. Select the headphones in the list: Find the name of your model (like Redmi AirDots 3) and tap it. If the device doesn't show up, update the list by pulling the screen down.
4. Confirm pairing: The screen will prompt you to connect — press OK or Connect. Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4) require additional confirmation on the headphones themselves (touch the touchpad).

Once you've successfully connected, you'll see the Connected status in the device list, and the status bar will have the headphone icon. If the sound doesn't play, check:

• 🔊 Volume level (it may have reset after connecting).
• 🎵 Sound profile: in MIUI Sometimes you automatically select Phone Mode (low quality). Switch to Music in Bluetooth settings.

Headphones charged (>30%)|Bluetooth on your smartphone is enabled|Headphones in pairing mode (flashing white)|Previous connections removed (if any)-->

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ Automatic Device Switching may be triggered. If the headphones suddenly turn off when you call, turn off this option in Settings. → Connections → Bluetooth → Additionally.

Problem Solving: Headphones are not connected or permanently switched off

If Xiaomi doesn’t see the headphones or the connection breaks, use these methods:

1. Reset Bluetooth settings on a smartphone

Sometimes the cache of the Bluetooth module conflicts with the profiles of the devices.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System Processes.
3. Find Bluetooth in the list, open it and click Storage → Clear cache.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

2. Update to the headphone firmware

Xiaomi’s branded headphones (such as Mi True Wireless 2 or Buds 3T Pro) receive updates through the Mi Earphones app. If it’s not installed, download it from Google Play:

• 📱 Open the app and connect the headphones.
• 🔄 Go to the Update tab and check for new versions.
• ⚡ Connect your smartphone to charging – do not interrupt the update!

For models without application support (for example, Redmi AirDots), the firmware update is possible only through OTA (over the air) when connecting to a Xiaomi smartphone. If the update is hanging, reset the headphones (see section above).

💡

If Xiaomi headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted, try turning off HD-audio in Bluetooth settings.This codec requires a stable connection and can cause lags on budget smartphone models.

3. Problems with multithreading (dual connection)

Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) support connection to two devices at the same time, if the headphones randomly switch between the smartphone and the laptop:

1. Open Bluetooth Settings on Xiaomi.
2. Find your headphones in the list and tap on the icon ⚙️.
3. Turn off the option of connecting to two devices.

Optimizing Sound: Settings for Better Quality

After successful connection, you can improve the sound through the built-in MIUI tools:

1.Selection of Bluetooth codec

Xiaomi smartphones support multiple audio codecs to change it:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Bluetooth sound quality.
2. Choose one of the options: SBC is universal but compressed sound. AAC is better for music (recommended for Apple Music or Spotify). aptX is high quality, but requires support with headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro). LDAC is maximum quality (up to 990 kbit / s), but can cause delays.

2. Equalizer adjustment

MIUI has a built-in equalizer that works for Bluetooth headphones:

1. Open the settings → Sound → Equator.
2. Choose a preset (Bas, Rock, Classic) or create your profile.
3. Activate the option to Apply to Bluetooth.

For models with support for ANC (active noise cancellation, for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) in the Mi Earphones application, you can configure the noise reduction level and transparent mode.

Features of connecting to different Xiaomi models

The pairing algorithm may vary depending on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone.

On smartphones with MIUI 14, the “Fast Connection” function appeared – if Xiaomi headphones have already been paired before, they connect automatically when the case cover is opened.

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ headphone-name.
3. Turn off the Autoconnection option.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T) You may have a conflict with headphones on a Broadcom chip (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2). → The phone. → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).

How to Disable or Remove Headphones from the Device List

If the headphones are no longer needed or need to be reconnected, remove them from the list of paired devices:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones in the list and tap on the icon ⚙️ (or hold the name of the device).
3. Choose Disable (Temporary Disconnection) or Delete (Full Deletion of Profile).

Solution: Reboot your smartphone, reset your headphones and try again.