How to connect Bluetooth headphones to Xiaomi smartphone: instructions for all models

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life — they allow you to listen to music, answer calls and watch videos without tangled wires. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi line) often face questions about the correct connection of Bluetooth devices, especially if they are doing it for the first time. Despite the apparent simplicity of the process, the nuances can vary depending on the version of MIUI, the model of the headphones and even the current phone settings.

In this article, we will not only examine the basic pairing algorithm, but also look at the typical errors that prevent successful connection, such as why the phone does not see the headphones, how to reset the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi, and what to do if the sound is interrupted or distorted.

If you've tried to connect your headphones before, but you haven't succeeded, check if the headphones themselves are searchable, if the phone's firmware is updated, and if there's any conflict with other connected devices, and these little things often cause problems.

Preparation for connection: what to do before pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure both devices are ready to interact.

• 🔋 Headphone Charging: Most models require at least 20-30% charge to be connected to a stable connection. If the light flashes red, plug the case into charging for 10-15 minutes.
• 🎧 Pair mode: Hold the power button on your headphones (or touchpad) until the indicator flashes blue and white (most models) or the voice message "Ready to pair" sounds.
• 📱 Bluetooth on your phone: activate it via the notification panel or in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.

Just as important is checking the smartphone's software. The outdated version of MIUI may not support the new Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 protocols, causing the headphones to intermittently connect.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click "Check Updates" and install the available patches.
3. Restart the device after the update.

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If your Xiaomi can’t see the headphones, try turning off the power saving mode in the battery settings – it can block scanning of new devices.

It is also worth removing information about previously connected headphones from the phone's memory (if any), which will help to avoid conflicts when pairing again.

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones on the list and tap the ⚙️ icon next to the name.
3. Select "Delete device" or "Forget".

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

When the preparation is complete, we move on to the connection process itself. The instructions are universal for most Xiaomi models, but there may be minor differences depending on the version of MIUI (for example, in MIUI 14 the menu looks different than in MIUI 12).

Follow this algorithm:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your phone: swipe from top to bottom to open the notification bar, and click on the Bluetooth icon (it will turn blue). Alternatively: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Enable.
2. Start a device search: in the same menu, click "Device Search" or "Add a new device." The phone will start scanning.
3. Select headphones from the list: When the name of your headphones appears on the list (for example, Redmi Buds 4 or Xiaomi AirDots Pro), tap it.
4. Confirm pairing: A request for code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234) may appear on the screen.
5. Wait for the connection: after successful pairing next to the headphone name will appear the inscription "Connected" or "Connected".

Headphones charged (indicator lights green or white)

Bluetooth is on on the phone

Headphones in pairing mode (blinking indicator)

Old connections removed (if any)

Updated firmware MIUI-->

If the headphones support dual connection (for example, to the phone and laptop at the same time), the device settings may appear the appropriate switch. Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and Redmi Buds 5 Pro this feature is activated automatically after the first pairing.

Once connected, check the sound quality: turn on music or video and move away from the phone by 2-3 meters. If the sound starts to interrupt, this may indicate interference from other devices or a weak Bluetooth signal.

Redmi Buds (any model)

Xiaomi AirDots / Air 2 / Air 3

FlipBuds Pro or Lite

Headphones of another brand (Sony, JBL, Apple, etc.)

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Problem Solving: The phone doesn't see headphones or doesn't connect

Even with the right actions, the connection may not work, so let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone, which will delete all the saved connections (including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), but often solves pairing problems.

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select "Reset Network Settings".
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Xiaomi owners with custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience) may need to additionally configure the Bluetooth module, in such cases it is recommended to check the developer forums or roll back to the official firmware.

Features of connection for popular Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when working with Bluetooth devices.

Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, 14 Series

The flagship models support Bluetooth 5.3 and codecs LC3, AAC, aptX Adaptive.

• 🎵 Go to Settings → Sound → Bluetooth Sound Quality.
• 🔊 Select the aptX Adaptive codec (if the headphones support it).
• 📶 Activate the option of "Dual Connection" to work with two devices at the same time.

Redmi Note 12/11 Series

These models may have a latency when watching video, to reduce the lag:

• 🎥 Enable Game Turbo mode in Settings → Special Features.
• 🔄 Switch the codec to SBC (lower quality, but with less latency).

POCO F5/X5 Series

POCO devices sometimes have Bluetooth settings that are disrupted after the updates, and if the headphones are no longer connected:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button → “Reboot Safe Mode”).
• 🔧 Try plugging your headphones in this mode. If you can, it's a problem in a third-party app.

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On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+, the “Fast Connection” function appeared – just open the case of headphones next to the phone, and a pop-up window will appear for pairing (like AirPods).

Customizing the sound after connecting: how to improve the quality

Successful connectivity is only half the battle, and to make the sound in the headphones clear and comfortable, you have to adjust a few parameters.

The first thing that people notice is the Bluetooth codec, which determines how the audio signal is transmitted, and it affects quality and latency, and Xiaomi has the following options:

• 🎧 SBC is versatile, but with mediocre quality. It's good for conversation.
• 🎵 AAC is better for music, supported by all of Apple and most of Xiaomi.
• 🎮 aptX/aptX HD is a high quality, but requires headphone support.
• 🆕 LC3 is a new standard for Bluetooth 5.2+, saving battery life.

To change the codec:

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Slap the icon. ⚙️ headphone-name.
4. Choose “Sound Quality” or “Audio Codec” and experiment with the options.

For fans of bass and surround sound, MIUI has a built-in equalizer:

1. Open the settings → Sound → Equator.
2. Select a preset (such as Bass or Rock) or adjust the sliders manually.
3. Activate the option "Adaptive sound" to automatically adjust to the genre of music.

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If you hear a hissing background in your headphones, try turning off HD Audio in your Bluetooth settings, a feature that sometimes degrades sound on budget models.

Don't forget about mono/stereo mode. Some headphones (like the Redmi Buds 3 Lite) can automatically switch to mono mode when the charge level is low.

1. Open the notification panel.
2. Make sure that next to the headphone icon there is a sign that says "Stereo".
3. If not, turn off and reconnect the headphones.

How to turn off and reconnect the headphones

If you don't use headphones temporarily, you can turn them off without removing them from your phone's memory, saving both devices' battery life.

Methods of shutdown:

• 🔌 Through the notification panel: swipe from top to bottom, find the headphone icon and tap it.
• 🔄 Through Bluetooth settings: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → tap on headphones → “Disable”.
• 🎧 Turn off the headphones manually (hold the power button until switched off).

To reconnect:

1. Turn on the headphones (it is enough to open the case at Redmi Buds or press the power button).
2. Activate Bluetooth on your phone if it is turned off.
3. Wait for the automatic connection (usually takes 2-5 seconds).

If the automatic connection does not work:

1. Remove the headphones from the list of devices.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Reconnect the headphones manually.

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO M5) may lose connection priority. If the headphones are connected but the sound is coming through the speaker, check:

• 🔊 Whether the "External speaker" mode is enabled in the audio settings.
• 🎵 Is Do Not Disturb or Quiet Mode activated?

Security and privacy when using Bluetooth

Bluetooth connectivity, like any wireless technology, has vulnerabilities, and while the risk of earphones being hacked is minimal, there are a few rules to follow:

• 🔒 Turn off Bluetooth when you are not using headphones, especially in public places.
• 🔄 Update your phone’s firmware regularly – newer versions MIUI are closing vulnerabilities.
• 🚫 Do not connect to unknown devices (for example, if your phone suddenly finds a headphone called "Free Music").

MIUI has Bluetooth Visibility, which limits your phone to other devices, to set it up:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Visibility".
3. Set a timer (for example, 2 minutes) or turn off visibility completely.

Also, look for app permissions. Some programs (e.g. fitness trackers or games) request Bluetooth access to collect data.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Bluetooth.
2. Disable access for unnecessary applications.

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MIUI 14 has a Secure Connection feature for Bluetooth devices that encrypts the data being transmitted, but can slightly increase the audio latency. Disables in Bluetooth settings → Additional.

If you connect headphones to a phone that multiple people use (such as a family gadget), it is recommended that you:

• 👥 Create a separate user profile in Settings → System → Users.
• 🔑 Set PIN-code or fingerprint to unlock Bluetooth settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions