How to connect Xiaomi headphones to PC: all ways and solutions to problems

Connecting Xiaomi headphones to a computer seems like a simple task โ€” until you run into problems. Wired models with a 3.5 mm connector or USB-C usually work out of the box, but wireless ones (Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds, FlipBuds Pro) often have nuances: from no sound to permanent connection breaks. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth to the use of adapters and specialized software.

We'll focus on the common bugs: why your PC can't see your headphones, how to fix latency, and what to do if one earphone doesn't work, and we'll also look at alternatives for older computers without Bluetooth 5.0 and give you some advice on adapters. If you're using a Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 with LDAC, you'll learn how to turn on a high-quality codec on Windows.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Headphone Charge: Wireless models must be charged at least 30%, otherwise they may turn off during pairing.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Pairing mode: most Xiaomi headphones require holding the power button for 5-10 seconds until the indicator flashes white/blue.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Bluetooth Drivers: On Windows, update them through Device Manager or the motherboard manufacturerโ€™s website.
๐Ÿ“Š What Xiaomi headphones are you using?
Redmi AirDots (1/2/3/Pro)
Xiaomi Buds (3/4 Pro)
FlipBuds (Pro)
Other wireless
Wired

1. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones to a PC

Xiaomiโ€™s wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones or Redmi Wired Earbuds) connect to your computer via standard connectors, and the key is to choose the right port and use an adapter if necessary.

If your PC or laptop has a 3.5mm audio jack, just insert the headphone plug. The system must automatically identify the device. On Windows 10/11, check the output:

  1. Click on the speaker icon in tray โ†’ Open sound parameters.
  2. In the section Withdraw, select the connected headphones.

For headphones with USB-C (for example, Xiaomi Type-C Earphones) you will need:

  • ๐Ÿ’ป adapter USB-C โ†’ 3.5 mm if not on PC USB-C audio-port.
  • โšก USB-C A hub with audio output for laptops (for example, MacBook Pro).

Problem: The sound is only mono or no bass, often due to a faulty connector or a Realtek Audio driver, and manually update the driver through the motherboard manufacturer's website.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the microphone does not work after connecting the headphones, check the Control Panel โ†’ Sound โ†’ Record whether it is turned off by default.

2. Bluetooth connection: step-by-step instruction

Xiaomiโ€™s wireless headphones (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds) connect to your PC via Bluetooth. The pairing process is the same for most models, but there are nuances depending on the operating system.

Common algorithm:

  1. Turn the headphones in pairing mode (hold the power button until the indicator blinks).
  2. On a PC, activate Bluetooth and find the device in the list of available devices.
  3. Confirm the connection (if necessary, enter the PIN-code - usually 0000 or 1234).

On Windows 11:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ Open the settings. โ†’ Bluetooth and devices โ†’ Add the device โ†’ Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ” Select headphones from the list (the name will contain Mi, Redmi or Xiaomi).

On macOS:

  • ๐ŸŽ Go to System Settings โ†’ Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Click Connect next to the found headphones.

Important: Headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and newer support LDAC codec for high-quality sound, but on Windows it must be turned on manually through the Control Panel โ†’ Sound โ†’ Device Properties โ†’ Additional.

โ˜‘๏ธ Preparation for Bluetooth connection

Done: 0 / 5

3. Solving Bluetooth Connection Problems

If your PC doesnโ€™t see Xiaomi headphones or the connection is constantly breaking, check out the following points:

Problem 1: The device is not detected

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset the headphones: Put them in the case, close the lid, then remove and hold the 10 second button.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Check Compatibility: Older Bluetooth 4.0 adapters may not support AirDots 3 Pro (Bluetooth 5.0 required)+).
  • ๐Ÿ–ง Update the Bluetooth driver: download the latest version from the chipset manufacturerโ€™s website (such as Intel or Qualcomm).

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or stuttered

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Reduce the distance between headphones and PC (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Disable other Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboards) that may interfere.
  • ๐ŸŽต In the sound settings, select the codec SBC instead AAC or aptX โ€“ it is more stable on Windows.

Problem 3: The microphone is not working

  • ๐ŸŽค In Sound Settings, check that the headphones are selected as the default input device.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro may need to enable Hands-Free Services in Bluetooth settings.
How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings?
For most models: put your headphones in your case, hold the button on your case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red. For FlipBuds Pro: tap the touchpad of each headphone three times.

4. Connection via USB Bluetooth adapter

If the built-in Bluetooth module on your PC is outdated or missing, use an external adapter. For headphones Xiaomi recommend models with Bluetooth support 5.0+ codecs aptX/LDAC.

Top.-3 Adapter for Xiaomi Buds:

ModelBluetooth versionSupport for codecsPrice (โ‰ˆ)
TP-Link UB5005.0SBC, AAC800 โ‚ฝ
Asus USB-BT5005.0SBC, AAC, aptX1 200 โ‚ฝ
1Mii B06 Plus5.0SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC2 500 โ‚ฝ

How to connect:

  1. Insert the adapter in USB-port.
  2. Install drivers (if required).
  3. Transfer the headphones to pairing mode and connect through the standard Bluetooth menu.

โš ๏ธ Note: Cheap adapters without support aptX/LDAC They can have a noticeable sound delay (up to the 200 For games and movies, choose low latency models.

5. Use of specialized software for Xiaomi

For the full operation of some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro) on the PC may require a proprietary application.

Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio (unofficial)

    Mi Fit (for basic functions)

      โš ๏ธ Warning: Unofficial software may contain malicious code. Before installing, check the hash of the file on VirusTotal and create a system restore point.

      6. Linux Connection: Features and Solutions

      On Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch), connecting Xiaomi headphones can be accompanied by problems with drivers or codecs.

      Step 1: Install the required packages

      sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth pavucontrol

      Step 2: Switch the sound profile

      • ๐ŸŽง Open pavucontrol (graphic mixer).
      • ๐Ÿ”„ In the Configuration tab, select a profile A2DP Sink (for music) or HSP/HFP (call-in).

      Step 3: Solving PipeWire Problems

      If you are using PipeWire (instead of PulseAudio), update the configuration:

      sudo nano /etc/pipewire/pipewire.conf

      Add a line:

      bluealsa = { auto-switch = true }

      โš ๏ธ Note: Some distributions (e.g. Fedora 38)+) BlueZ may need to roll back to 5.62 due to codec support regressions AAC.

      ๐Ÿ’ก

      On Linux, Xiaomi headphones often require manually switching audio profiles between A2DP (music) and HSP/HFP (calls) to work smoothly.

      7. Alternative ways of connecting

      If Bluetooth is not working or requires minimal sound latency, consider alternative methods:

      1. Connection via Xiaomi Mi AIoT Router

        2.Using USB-C โ†’ AUX adapter for wireless headphones

          3. Connect via Google Fast Pair (for ChromeOS)

            FAQ: Frequent questions

            Can you connect Xiaomi AirDots to a PC without Bluetooth?
            No, AirDots only work on Bluetooth. If you don't have a module on your PC, use an external adapter (see section 4). Alternatively, buy a 3.5mm or USB-C wired Xiaomi headphone.
            Why do Windows headphones connect like a Phone (HSP) and not a Stereo (A2DP)?
            This is a typical problem with Bluetooth drivers: Update them through Device Manager or manually download from the manufacturerโ€™s website (such as Intel for embedded modules).
            How to reduce the latency of sound in games?
            To minimize latency: ๐ŸŽฎ Use the codec. SBC instead AAC/aptX. ๐Ÿ”Œ Connect the Bluetooth adapter to the port USB 3.0 (blue-jack). ๐Ÿ“ถ Close background applications that use the network (for example, torrents).
            Can I use Xiaomi Buds microphone for a discord?
            Yes, but the quality will be worse than that of specialized headsets. In Discord settings, select headphones as the input device, and in Windows settings, turn on Hands-Free Telephony for the Bluetooth device.
            Why did Windows updates stop connecting?
            Updates often reset Bluetooth settings. Try: Remove device to Settings โ†’ Bluetooth. Roll back Bluetooth driver in Device Manager. Enable Bluetooth Audio Support in Services.msc.