How to connect Xiaomi headphones to your phone: instructions for all models

Connecting Xiaomi headphones to the brand’s smartphone seems like a simple task – until you face problems like a lack of sound, constant communication breaks or incorrect gestures. This is especially true for owners of wireless models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5), where the pairing process may differ from standard Bluetooth connection. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting, from classic wired Mi Earphones to flagship ones. TWS-headphones LC3-codec.

It’s important to consider that the connectivity algorithm may depend not only on the type of headphones (wired/wireless), but also on the version of the MIUI firmware on your phone. For example, MIUI 14 introduced the “Fast Connection” feature for Xiaomi devices, which automatically recognizes headphones when you first turn on. And in older versions (before MIUI 12) you may need to manually configure codecs in the developer menu. We’ll look at the universal methods that work on all smartphones of the brand, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

If you've tried to connect your headphones before, but you've encountered errors like "Device not found" or "It's impossible to hide," there's a section at the end of this article that addresses typical problems, and we've also put together the latest data on compatibility between Xiaomi headphones and phones in a table to help you avoid conflict when choosing your devices.

1. Connection of wired headphones Xiaomi (Type-C/3.5 mm)

Xiaomi’s wired headphones (such as Mi Hybrid Pro HD or Redmi Sonics) connect to the phone via a Type-C or 3.5mm connector (if it’s in the model), although it seems simple, there are nuances:

• 🔌 For Type-C: Modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 10) often don’t have a 3.5mm jack. USB-C Adapter to Xiaomi Type-C 3.5mm (articular MDY-11-ED).
• 🎧 For 3.5 mm: if the phone supports a connector (e.g, POCO X3 Pro, just insert the plug before clicking. The system will automatically switch the audio output.
• 🔊 Sound problems? Check settings → Sound. → Sound quality. For wired headphones, it is recommended to disable the option "Adaptive sound".

Xiaomi’s wired headphones feature a built-in DAC (Digital Analog Converter) in Type-C models. This means that the sound is processed directly in the headphones, not in the phone. For example, Mi In-Ear Ear Pro 2 supports resolutions up to 32 bits/384 kHz, but you need to select the appropriate profile in the phone settings:

⚠️ Note: If after connecting wired headphones Xiaomi sound is distorted or there are interference, try to disable the function "Low frequency amplification" in the Settings menu → Sound. → Sound effects. This option may conflict with the integrated DAC headphones.

For Type-C models, there's also the problem of "no sound when connected," most often due to connector contamination or incomplete contact.

1. Clean the Type-C connector with compressed air or a soft brush.
2. Restart your phone (sometimes the system doesn’t recognize the new audio device).
3. Check the headphones on another device (such as a tablet or laptop).

2. Interconnection of Xiaomi wireless headphones over Bluetooth

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones (Buds, Airdots, FlipBuds) are Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 with support for AAC, aptX and LC3 codecs (in the new models). The pairing process is standard, but there are features for Xiaomi’s ecosystem devices:

Step 1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones:

• 🔋 For Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro/Redmi Buds 5: Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for a period of time. 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red.
• 🔄 For Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro: Remove the headphones from the case and hold the button on the case for 2 seconds (the indicator blinks blue).
• 🎵 For Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro: deploy the headphones and hold the button on the right earphone for 5 seconds.

Step 2. Connect to the phone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and wait for the headphones to appear on the list (the name will contain a model, for example, "Redmi Buds 5").
3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.

MIUI 14+ has a feature called “Fast Connection” (similar to Google Fast Pair), and if your headphones support it (like Xiaomi Buds 4), the first time you turn on, a pop-up next to your phone will appear with a suggestion to connect.

3. Codec customization and sound quality

Xiaomi smartphones use SBC (basic) or AAC (for Apple devices) codecs by default, but many headphone models support more advanced codecs that improve sound quality and reduce latency.

Method 1. Through the Bluetooth menu:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ headphone-name.
4. Select "Sound Quality" or "Audio Codec" (depending on the version of MIUI).
5. Set the priority codec (aptX Adaptive or LC3 is recommended for new models).

Method 2. Through the developer menu (for advanced users):

If the desired codec is not in the standard settings, turn on the developer mode:

Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times)


Settings → Additional → For developers → Bluetooth Audio Codec

Important: The LC3 codec is only available on phones with MIUI 14 and later, and also requires headphones with Bluetooth 5.2+ support (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro). When using LC3, the sound delay is reduced to 80 ms, which is critical for games and video.

Headphones are connected in Stereo mode (not Phone).

The optimal codec (not SBC) is selected

Headphone charge level > 30%

Distance to the phone < 1 meter (for first connection)-->

4. Solving Connection Problems

If Xiaomi headphones do not connect or work incorrectly, use this instruction:

Problem 1: The phone can't see the headphones

• 🔄 Reset the headphones: Put them in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then remove.
• 📱 Reset Bluetooth Settings: Settings → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Reset the settings.
• 🔋 Check the charge: if the headphones are below 10%, they may not appear in the list of devices.

Problem 2: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound

• 🔊 Check your audio profile: in Bluetooth settings, select "Use for media audio".
• 🎵 Disable other audio devices: Sometimes the phone automatically switches the sound to the speaker or speaker.
• 🔄 Reset the headphones to the factory: for Xiaomi Buds, hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator will turn red).

Issue 3: Persistent communication breakdowns

• 📶 Reduce distance: Maximum stable distance for Bluetooth 5.2 – 10 meters without obstacles.
• 🔋 Turn off energy saving: in Settings → Battery. → Power saving mode add Bluetooth to exceptions.
• 🔄 Update your firmware: Check out the headphone updates in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The headphones stopped working properly, try rolling back the Bluetooth stack version. → Additionally. → For developers, select "Bluetooth Version" A2DP" and set AVRCP 1.6 instead of 1.7.

5. Additional features of Xiaomi headphones

Xiaomi headphones support a number of unique features that can be customized through branded applications:

• 🎚️ Equalizer: in the application Xiaomi Wear (for Buds 4 Pro) or Mi Home (for Airdots) available pre-setting sound (Bases, Voice, Balance").
• 👆 Gestures: Double touch for playback/pause, triple touch for track switching. → Headphones → Gesture management.
• 🔇 Noise reduction: FlipBuds Pro and Buds 4 Pro models available ANC (Active noise reduction with 3 intensity levels.
• 🎤 Transparent mode: allows you to hear surrounding sounds without removing headphones (useful in transport).

To activate the ANC or the transparent mode:

1. Make sure the headphones are connected.
2. Open the Xiaomi Wear app.
3. Choose your headphone model.
4. Go to the Noise Reduction section and select the mode.

6.Compatibility of Xiaomi headphones with other brands

Xiaomi headphones can be connected not only to the brand’s phones, but also to devices from other manufacturers (Samsung, iPhone, Huawei).

To connect to the iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (as described in Section 2).
3. Select the headphones in the list. On iOS, a warning about an "uncertified accessory" may appear - confirm the connection.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, Xiaomi headphones do not support dual connectivity (simultaneous connection to phone and PC). MIUI Android 10+.

7. Optimizing the battery charge of headphones

Xiaomi wireless headphones are equipped with batteries with a capacity of 40 mAh (in Airdots) to 60 mAh (in Buds 4 Pro).

• 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth headphones when not in use (even in a case, they can run out).
• 🔄 Store in the case: the case automatically charges the headphones, but it also needs to be periodically charged (once every 2-3 days).
• 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperatures: Charging at temperatures below 0°C or higher than 40°C reduces battery life.
• 🔌 Use the original cable: Xiaomi cases support fast charging 5W branded cables only USB-C.

The average operating time of Xiaomi headphones depending on the model:

• Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: up to 9 hours (with ANC – 6 hours).
• Redmi Buds 5: Up to 10 hours (without ANC)
• Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro: Up to 7 hours

💡

If the headphones are running too fast, turn off the Always On feature in Bluetooth settings, which keeps the connection active even when the headphones are in the case, which consumes charge.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones