How to connect Xiaomi headphones to Samsung smartphone: 5 proven ways

Modern Xiaomi wireless headphones (such as Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 5 or AirDots 3) are often the choice of users due to a combination of price and quality. A54, S23, Z Flip5 Many people have problems: devices can't find each other, connections are constantly broken or sound is interrupted, because of differences in Bluetooth protocols, branded chips. MIUI one UI, and also in the energy saving settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to connect, from standard pairing to using adapters for wired models, and focus on common bugs (such as why Samsung might not see headphones) and hidden settings that will help stabilize the connection. If you’ve tried to connect but failed, check our troubleshooting checklist.

First, determine what your headphone and phone model is, and the nuances of the connection depend on it:

• 🎧 Wireless. TWS (Redmi Buds, Xiaomi Air 2 SE) — Connect via Bluetooth, but may require a special pairing mode.
• 🎧 Connector wires. USB-C/3.5 Xiaomi Hybrid Pro – need an adapter for Samsung without audio jack.
• 📱 Samsung without 3.5mm jack (Galaxy) S22, Z Fold4) — need USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter or wireless connection.

1. Standard Bluetooth connection: step-by-step instructions

Most Xiaomi models (such as Redmi Buds 4 Active or Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) support the universal Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 protocol, which is compatible with Samsung. However, due to optimizations in One UI, the pairing process may differ from usual.

Step 1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones:

• 🔄 For TWS-Headphones: remove them from the case and press the button on the case (usually 3-5 seconds) until the indicator starts flashing red and white (Redmi Buds 3 Lite) or white (Xiaomi Buds 4).
• 🎵 For wired Bluetooth (e.g. Xiaomi Neckband): Hold the power button until the beep.

Step 2. On a Samsung smartphone, open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and turn on the feature. tap the Add New Device (or Scan) button.

Step 3. In the list, find the name of your headphones (e.g., Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Mi True Wireless).

• 🔍 Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (the indicator flashes).
• 📱 Reboot Bluetooth module on Samsung: disable and turn it back on in settings.
• 🚫 Check if the headphones are connected to another device (for example, a laptop).

Step 4: Once paired successfully, you may be asked to access contacts and call history — this is normal for hands-free functions.

⚠️ Warning: If the audio is interrupted or interference is heard after you connect, open Samsung Settings on the Settings path. → Sound and vibration → Sound quality and effects and disable the option "Adaptive sound" - it conflicts with the codec AAC, Which is used by Xiaomi headphones.

2 Why Samsung doesn’t see Xiaomi headphones: 7 reasons and solutions

If your Redmi Buds or Xiaomi AirDots aren’t listed on the available devices, the problem may be one of the following:

Critical feature: Xiaomi headphones with a Qualcomm chip QCC3040 (For example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pros may conflict with Samsung Exynos processors (in Galaxy models) S22 In this case, only the forced use of codecs will help. SBC/AAC (instruction).

If none of these methods worked, try connecting via the Mi Home app (yes, it works with headphones too!):

• 📱 Install Mi Home from Google Play.
• 🔍 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and start searching for devices in the app.
• 🔄 If you find headphones, pair through Mi Home, and then they will appear in standard Samsung settings.

3. Sound optimization: how to eliminate stuttering and improve quality

Even after a successful connection, users often face problems with sound:

• 🔊 Interruptions and stuttering – especially when listening to music on Spotify or YouTube.
• 🎵 Low quality of sound (wheezing, lack of bass).
• 📞 Poor hearing when calling (interviewer complains of echoes).

Decisions depend on the cause:

1. Change the Bluetooth codec: Open the Settings → Connections → - Bluetooth, hit the badge. ⚙️ Select "Sound Quality" next to the headphones connected. AAC (for the balance of quality; or SBC (stability).

Turn off Dual Audio:

Samsung

Reset the network settings:

Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network settings

💡

If the sound in Xiaomi headphones is too quiet on Samsung, open Settings → Sound → Volume and turn on the option “Amprove the sound in the headphones.” Also check if the Safe Sound mode in One UI is activated – it limits the maximum volume.

For Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, the proprietary LDHC (high bit rate codec) feature is available, but it only works with Xiaomi devices. On Samsung, forcefully select AAC is the best option for compatibility.

4. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones to Samsung (3.5 mm/USB-C)

If you have Xiaomi wired headphones (such as the Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD or Piston Fresh) and Samsung doesn’t have an audio jack (like the Galaxy S21 or Z Flip3), you’ll need an adapter.

Option 1: Headphones with a 3.5 mm connector

• 🔌 Buy it. USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter (original from Samsung or certified, for example, UGREEN). Cheap Chinese adapters may not support microphone.
• 🎧 Connect the headphones to the adapter and the adapter to the port USB-C In some models (Galaxy) A52) You will need to confirm the permission to access audio.

Option 2: Headphones with USB-C (e.g. Xiaomi Type-C Earphones)

• 🔄 Connect directly to the port USB-C If there's no sound, check if your smartphone supports it. USB Audio Class 2.0 (Most 2020 models)+ year-year-old).
• ⚠️ On some of the One firmware UI You may notice “Device not supported” – ignore it, the sound should work.

Important: When using an adapter, the microphone will not work in most cases (except for the original Samsung adapters with support). CTIA-It is better to use wireless connection for calls.

5. Alternative ways of connecting: what to do if nothing works

If the standard methods didn’t work, try these non-obvious solutions:

Method 1. Connect via Galaxy Wearable

Yes, this app is designed for the Galaxy Watch, but sometimes it helps with headphones:

• 📱 Install Galaxy Wearable.
• 🔍 Run a device search in the app (not in Bluetooth settings!).
• 🔄 If you have earphones, do the pairing through it.

Method 2: Using the Developer Mode

For experienced users:

1. Activate the developer mode (7 taps by build number in Settings → About phone).
2. Go back to Settings → Developer Mode and find options: Turn off Bluetooth absolute volume — turn on. Bluetooth codec — select AAC. Bluetooth sampling rate — set 48000 Hz.

Reconnect the headphones.

Method 3: Network reset

If the headphones are connected but the sound is distorted or the connection is unstable:

1. Open Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network settings.
2. Confirm the action (this will remove all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices).
3. Reboot the smartphone and repeat the pairing.

Error 2: Connecting to headphones separately

V TWS-Xiaomi headphones (like AirDots 3 Pro) have the headphone on the right. If you're trying to plug the left one separately, it won't work. Always start with the right one!

Error 3: Using the “Fast Connection” in Samsung

The Quick Connection feature in One UI (in the notification panel) can conflict with Xiaomi headphones. Always connect via the full Bluetooth menu in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If you update the One UI Headphones stopped connecting, check if the settings have reset MAC-In this case, only a complete network reset will help (see section 5).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions