Why Xiaomi Headphones Don’t Connect and How to Fix It
Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such devices, users face problems pairing: headphones are not on the list of available devices, connect to only one ear, or the connection is constantly broken, most often due to the wrong sequence of actions, outdated firmware of the smartphone or the headphones themselves, or conflict with other Bluetooth devices.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of connecting, from standard pairing via Bluetooth to manual resetting of headphones. Separately, we will focus on the features of connecting models with support for Mi TrueWireless Stereo (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4), which require additional configuration in the proprietary application Mi Earphones. If you first encounter wireless headphones or switch from another brand, here you will find the answers to all the questions.
Preparation before connection: what to check
Before you start pairing, make sure your smartphone and headphones are ready to connect, which will eliminate 80% of the typical errors.
- 📱 Bluetooth version on smartphone: Xiaomi headphones require Bluetooth 4.2 or later.Old models (such as the Redmi Note 5) may not support AAC or LC3 codecs that make the sound worse.
- 🔋 Headphone charge: if the indicator flashes red, the charge level is below 10%, and the pairing may be interrupted%.
- 🎧 Pair mode: Most Xiaomi models automatically go into search mode when first turned on. If the headphones have already been connected to another device, they must be reset (instruction below).
- 📲 Conflicting devices: Disable other Bluetooth headsets, speakers, or fitness bracelets – they can interfere with search.
Pay special attention to the firmware of the smartphone. On Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco with MIUI 12 and later, there is a bug that causes the headphones to connect only after rebooting the Bluetooth module. Update the system through Settings → About Phone → System Update.
Standard Bluetooth connection (for all models)
This method works for 90% of Xiaomi headphones, including Redmi Buds 3 Lite, Xiaomi Buds 4 and older models.
- Take the headphones out of the case, they should automatically turn on. If not, press and hold the button on the case (usually located at the back) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes white/blue (pairing mode).
- On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module. For iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth.
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, "Redmi Buds 4 Lite"). Click on them and confirm the pairing.
- Wait for the sound in the headphones (usually a voice message "Connected" or a melody).
If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try:
- 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (disable/enable module).
- 📵 Remove the headphones from the case and put them back, then try again.
- 🔌 Connect the headphones to another device (tablet, laptop) to check their performance.
☑️ Checking before connection
Connect via Mi Earphones app (for advanced models)
Models with support for Mi TrueWireless Stereo (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Active, etc.) require additional configuration in the proprietary application.
- 🎛️ Customize control (double touch, retention).
- 🔊 Select sound profiles (bass, voice, balance).
- 📊 View the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.
- 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones.
How to connect via Mi Earphones:
- Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Connect the headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth (as described above).
- Open Mi Earphones, and the app will automatically detect the headphones. Click "Plug in."
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
⚠️ Note: If the app doesn't see the headphones, check that they are connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth (not just in pairing mode).Some models (Redmi Buds 3 Pro) require you to update the firmware through the app before first setting up.
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If the audio is interrupted after you connect, turn off the Absolute Volume option in your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, which solves the volume surge problem.
Resetting Xiaomi headphone settings (if not connected)
If the headphones have previously been paired with another device or are unstable, perform a hard reset.
| Model headphones | Resetting method | Sign of successful discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3 Lite, Redmi Buds 4 Lite | Put the headphones in the case, open the lid. Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red → white. | The indicator flashes white (conjugation mode). |
| Xiaomi Buds 4, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 15 seconds. | The sound signal is "Reset successful." |
| Redmi AirDots 2/3 | Press the button on the case three times, then hold it for 5 seconds. | The indicator flashes red and white. |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Open the case, press and hold the button on the headphone for 10 seconds. | Voice message "cleared pairings." |
Once reset, the headphones automatically go into pairing mode. Connect them again, as described in the section above.
⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all stored devices from the memory of the headphones, and if you used them with a laptop or tablet, you have to reconnect them.
Solving Connection Problems
If Xiaomi headphones don’t connect or are not working smoothly, check out the following points:
- 📶 Interference from other devices: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens or wireless mice can cause interference. Try connecting elsewhere.
- 🔄 Bluetooth Profile Conflict: On Android Go to Settings → Annexes → All applications → Bluetooth and clear the cache.
- 🔊 One earbud doesn't work: Take both earbuds out of the case and put them back. Then remove only the right (main) earbud -- it has to automatically connect to the smartphone, and the left one syncs with it.
- 📱 Codec incompatibility: On Android in Bluetooth settings, select headphones → "Additionally" → "Audio codec and install SBC (universal).
For models with ANC (active noise cancellation) like the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, check that the feature is enabled in the Mi Earphones app.Sometimes noise cancellation conflicts with the connection - try turning it off temporarily.
What if the headphones are connected but there is no sound?
Connect to iPhone and other non-Xiaomi devices
Xiaomi headphones are compatible with iPhone, Mac and other brands, but there may be nuances:
- 🍎 On iPhone, some features (such as customizing gestures) will not be available without the Mi Earphones app, which does not support iOS.
- 🎵 Codec AAC (Apple-optimized audio may not automatically connect, in which case the sound will be transmitted through the SBC inferior.
- 🔋 On a Mac, headphones can be displayed as two separate devices ("Hearbuds" + "Microphones. Choose both for proper operation.
To connect to Windows or Linux:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your PC and put the headphones in pairing mode.
- In Windows: Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth. Click Add Device and select your headphones.
- If the sound is interrupted, turn off the "Absolute Volume" option in "Device Properties".
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Xiaomi headphones work with any device via Bluetooth, but the maximum functionality (guest settings, firmware) is available only on Android with the Mi Earphones application.