How to Connect Xiaomi Wireless Headphones to Your Phone via Bluetooth: The Complete Guide 2026

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

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are among the most popular smartphone accessories, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and battery life. However, even with devices such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 3, users often face problems when connecting first. The main reasons for failure lie in the wrong sequence of actions, outdated phone or headphone firmware, and conflicts with other Bluetooth devices.

Statistics from service centers show that more than 60% of complaints about “defaulting” Xiaomi headphones are solved by simply resetting or updating the software. At the same time, 20% of problems are related to physical damage (for example, getting moisture into the charging case connector), and the remaining 20% are related to software bugs of specific smartphone models. In this article, we will analyze the universal connection algorithm that works for 99% of Xiaomi devices, and also consider the nuances for different operating systems and headphone models.

Preparing Xiaomi headphones for the first connection

Before you start pairing, make sure your headphones are fully charged and in working order. Most Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi AirDots 3 or Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) have charge indicators on the case: green or white means sufficient level, red or flashing orange means recharging. If the indicator does not burn at all, check the cable and USB-C connector for damage.

To activate the pairing mode, follow the following steps:

• 🔋 Remove the headphones from the charging case (they should automatically turn on).
• 🎧 Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 5-7 seconds until the lights start flashing alternately red and white (or blue – depending on the model).
• 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled (in the Quick Settings Panel or Settings). → Connections → Bluetooth).

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If the headphones don’t respond to touch, try resetting them to factory settings: place them in the case, then press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi headphones to Android phone

The algorithm for connecting to Android smartphones (including models of Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme and others) is almost identical, but there are nuances for devices with a MIUI shell.

1. Open Bluetooth settings: Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth (on MIUI: Settings → Bluetooth). Turn on the switch if it is disabled.
2. Activate Search Mode: Click Device Search or Add a new device. The phone will start scanning.
3. Select headphones in the list: In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Lite or Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2).
4. Confirm pairing: The connection request will appear on the screen — confirm it. On some Xiaomi models, you may need to enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).

Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices | Headphone indicators are white/blue | The sound is played through the headphones (check in the player) | The microphone is working (record voice notes)

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If the process is stuck at the "Connection" stage, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on the switch).
• 📵 Remove headphones from the list of devices and reconnect again.
• 🔋 Check the charge of the case (sometimes a discharged case blocks the pairing).

Redmi Buds 3/4/5|Xiaomi Buds 3/4/5|Mi True Wireless Earphones |FlipBuds Pro| Another model |I don't know

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Features of connecting to the iPhone (iOS)

While Xiaomi headphones are optimized for Android, they are compatible with iPhones, but with some limitations, such as iOS may not have automatic device switching (Mi Dual Connection feature), and there is no support for LDAC codec (AAC or SBC only available).

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (see the section "Preparation").
3. In the “Other Devices” list, select your model (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3T).
4. Confirm the connection. PIN-code is not required.

Once connected, it is recommended that:

• 🎵 B Settings → Bluetooth Click on the i icon next to the headphones and turn on the "Connect Automatically" option".
• 🔊 B Settings → Universal access → Disable the audiovisual content if the sound is played in only one headphone.

Solving common connection problems

If Xiaomi headphones are not connected or permanently disabled, use this table for diagnosis:

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If the headphones are connected but no sound, check the audio output settings: on Android go to Settings → Sound → Sound output and select your headphones.

For models with Mi Dual Connection support (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4):

⚠️ Note: if the headphones are connected to two devices at the same time (for example, to a phone and a laptop), there may be a delay of up to 0.5 seconds.

Sound setting and additional functions

After a successful connection, optimize the sound and activate useful functions:

• 🎶 Equator: In the Mi Music or Wavelet app (for Android), select the preset Bass Boost or Jazz to improve your sound.
• 🔇 Noise suppression: on models with ANC (For example, FlipBuds Pro, turn on the mode in the Mi Home app.
• 🎤 Microphone Quality: For calls, activate the Voice Improvement option in Bluetooth settings.
• 🔄 Autoconnect: In the device settings, enable the option "Connect automatically".

For owners of Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 14+, the “Quick Switch” function is available:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the gear icon next to the headphones.
3. Enable the option "Quick switch between devices".

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To reset the headphones to factory settings, place them in the case, then press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.

Update of the firmware headphones Xiaomi

Outdated firmware can cause connection problems, audio delays or poor microphone quality.

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open Mi Home, go to Profile → Headphones → Firmware Update.
4. If a new version is available, click "Update" and wait until it's finished (don't turn off the headphones!).

Example of current firmware versions for popular models (June 2026):

• Redmi Buds 4 Pro: V1.7.0.4 (Mic problem fixed)
• Xiaomi Buds 5: V2.1.0.8 (support added LC3-codec)
• Mi True Wireless Earphones 3: V1.4.1.9 (Enhanced stability)

⚠️ Warning: If your headphones turn off or run out during a firmware update, they may stop turning on. Charge them to 100% before the process begins.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions