Xiaomi’s current wireless headphones, whether popular Redmi Buds or flagship Mi True Wireless Earbuds, have become the standard for sound quality at an affordable price. However, despite the simplicity of the technology, the process of first pairing or reconnecting to a new device can be difficult for users, especially if it comes to specific versions of firmware or operating systems.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for successful synchronization of Xiaomi accessories with your gadgets. We will consider not only the standard procedure, but also the nuances of working with the Mi Wear application, the features of connecting to the iPhone and methods for solving common connection errors.
Successful Bluetooth tuning is not just about pressing a button, it's about understanding the logic of the device. Proper pairing ensures stable signal, low latency in games, and proper operation of control sensors. Let's start with basic hardware training.
Preparation of Xiaomi headphones for the first pairing
Before you search for a device on a smartphone, you need to put the headphones themselves in detection mode. Unlike wired models, Xiaomi and Redmi wireless headsets often behave differently depending on whether they are first-time or previously used.
If you unpack a brand new device, it will usually automatically go into Pairing Mode immediately after being removed from the case when you first turn on.The indicator on the headphones or on the case itself will flash white or blue (depending on the model), signaling readiness to connect.
However, if the gadget has already been used, it may try to connect to the last known phone, in which case forced entry into search mode is mandatory. For most models of TWS (True Wireless Stereo), this is done by holding the touch zone on both headphones for a long time or a special button on the case.
⚠️ Note: Make sure that the headphones are charged at least on the 20-30%. At a critically low charge level, the device may not enter pairing mode or break the connection immediately after connection.
It is important to understand the difference between models with a physical button on the case (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro) and models without it (many versions of Redmi Buds 3 Lite).
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Before the first connection, remove protective films from the contact charging pads on the headphones to make sure they are properly charged in the case.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Android (MIUI and HyperOS)
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners are in the most advantageous position, as the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS have native optimization for the brand’s accessories.
To start, open the case with headphones next to the unlocked smartphone. Without removing them, just wait 2-3 seconds. The system window should pop up on the device screen with the animation of your headphones and the “Plug” button.
If the automatic window does not appear, manually connect through the settings:
- 📱 Open Settings and go to the Bluetooth section.
- 🔍 Make sure the Bluetooth slider is activated and click on “Device Search».
- 🎧 In the Available Devices list, find the name of your model (e.g. Redmi Buds 4).
- ✅ Click on the name to initiate the pairing.
After a successful connection, the status bar will have a headphone battery icon. For advanced functionality, such as changing the equalizer or reassigning gestures, the system may suggest installing or updating the headphone plugin.
☑️ Connection check
Note that the Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3 protocol used in the newer models provides faster recovery when reconnected. If the phone “sees” the headphones but says “failed to connect”, try removing the device from the list of forgotten and repeat the procedure again.
Connection with iPhone (iOS) and other smartphones
Although Apple’s ecosystem is closed, Xiaomi’s headphones work perfectly with iPhones and iPads using standard audio protocols, the only difference being that there is no branded pop-up when opening the case typical of AirPods devices.
To connect to an iOS device, you need to manually activate the pairing mode on your headphones, as described in the first section, and then go to Settings → Bluetooth on your iPhone. Find the device in the list of “Other devices” and click on it.
Owners of Android smartphones from other brands (Samsung, Realme, Honor) also connect using the standard algorithm, but a third-party application will be required to access the full functionality, including firmware updates and noise reduction adjustments.
| Platform | Automatic window | Required annex | Codecs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (MIUI 12+) | There is. | Built into the system | SBC, AAC, LDAC/LHDC |
| iOS (iPhone) | No. | Mi Wear (optional) | SBC, AAC |
| Other Androids | No. | Mi Wear / Xiaomi Earbuds | Depends on the model. |
Setup via Mi Wear and Xiaomi Earbuds app
To unlock the full potential of your wireless headphones, it is highly recommended to use proprietary software. Previously, different applications were used for different models, but now the main standard is Mi Wear (formerly Xiaomi Wear).
Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. Once installed, launch it and log in to your Mi Account. The app will automatically scan the environment and suggest adding new headphones.
Within the application, the following settings will be available to you:
- 🎚️ Equalizer: Choice (pop, rock, jazz) or manual frequency setting.
- 🖐️ Gesture control: setting up actions for double touch, long pressing or swiping.
- 🔋 Case charge: accurate display of the percentage of charge of the left and right earphone separately.
- 🔄 Software Update: A Critical Function to Correct Connection Bugs.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the process of updating the firmware of the headphones through the application. If the battery of the case sits down during the update, the device may stop working correctly.
Some older or specific models (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2) may require Xiaomi Earbuds.
Why can't the app see the headphones?
Connection problems and methods of their solution
Even the most reliable devices sometimes crash.If your Xiaomi Buds don't connect, the first thing to do is check if the device is occupied by another gadget. Bluetooth headphone module may try to reconnect to the latest phone.
A common problem is to desynchronize the left and right earphones, where the phone sees two devices with the same name or only one ear, requiring a full reset.
Reset algorithm for most models:
1. Put the headphones in the case.
2.Push and hold the touch zones on both headphones (or the button on the case) for 10-15 seconds.
3. wait until the indicator lights up in orange/red.
4. Remove the headphones and perform the pairing again.It’s also worth checking your energy saving settings. On some smartphones, aggressive battery settings can block the Bluetooth scanner from running in the background. Add the Bluetooth or Mi Wear app to the power saving exceptions.
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Full reset of headphone settings (Hard Reset) solves 90% of problems with channel desynchronization and refusal to pair.
High-resolution codecs and sound delay
The sound quality is directly dependent on the codec used. The standard SBC codec provides basic quality, AAC is optimized for Apple devices, and LDAC, LHDC or aptX Adaptive codecs (depending on the headphone model and phone) allow high-resolution audio transmission.
To activate a high-quality codec, make sure that both the smartphone and the headphones support the same standard. On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS, this often happens automatically, but you can check in the Settings menu → Bluetooth → Audio quality (the path may differ).
Latency is critical for gamers. The headphone control app often has a Game Mode that sacrifices connection stability for minimal audio delay. Only turn it on while playing, as it puts the battery down faster.