Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO automatically store all Bluetooth-connected devices, from headphones and speakers to smartwatches and in-car multimedia systems. Over time, the list of associated gadgets grows, which can lead to connection conflicts, slowing down the search for new devices, or even security leaks. For example, if you have ever connected to a public speaker in a cafe or rented car, these devices will remain in your phoneβs memory and can automatically connect the next time you find them.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for removing Bluetooth connections on all current versions of MIUI (12 to 14), including hidden settings for power users. We will also discuss why some devices are not removed in the standard way, how to reset Bluetooth settings to factory ones, and what to do if the gadget refuses to connect again after removal.
Why You Should Remove Old Bluetooth Connections
Every Bluetooth device stored takes up space in the system memory and can affect the performance of the wireless module. Here are the key reasons why it is worth cleaning the list regularly:
- π Security: Older connections can be used to access your phone through vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol (e.g., BlueBorne attacks or other attacks). BIAS).
- β‘ Performance: The more devices in memory, the longer the phone scans the environment when searching for new gadgets.
- π Connection conflicts: If multiple devices with the same name (such as Mi Band 5) are in range, the phone may be connecting to the wrong gadget.
- π± Automatic connections: Some devices (such as car radios) try to connect automatically, even if you donβt want to.
On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14 and later, the list of Bluetooth devices is stored in encrypted form, but even this does not guarantee complete protection against data leaks when physically accessing the phone. For example, if you sell or transfer a phone, the new owner will be able to see all the gadgets ever connected, if you do not perform a reset.
β οΈ Note: Removing a Bluetooth-listed device does not erase data previously transmitted to it (such as car call history or files sent to the speaker.
Standard method for removing Bluetooth connections
This method works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 12-14 version, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and others. The instruction is universal and does not require root rights or additional applications.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
- Go to Connections and Sharing (on some models, Bluetooth and devices).
- Slip on Bluetooth.
- Turn on Bluetooth if it is turned off (the slider at the top of the screen).
- In the list of Associated devices, find the gadget you want to remove, and tap the gear icon (βοΈ) near his name.
- Select Delete (or Forget the device on English firmware).
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
If there is no gear icon, click and hold the device name in the list - a context menu with the option to delete will appear.
Make sure the device is off or out of range
Check if there are any active data transfers (for example, file downloads)
Remember or write down the name of the device if you plan to connect to it again.
Restart your phone after removing multiple devices (recommended)
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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 with MIUI 13) after removal, the device can remain on the list until the phone restarts.
Remove Bluetooth connections through hidden settings (for experienced)
If the standard method does not work (for example, the device is not deleted or the list is empty, although the connections are available), you can use the hidden MIUI settings. This method requires caution, since changing the system parameters can lead to failures.
Method 1: Through Developer Mode
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings β Additional (or Additional Settings) and select Developer For.
- Find the Network Settings section and tap Reset Bluetooth settings.
- Confirm the reset. All stored devices will be removed.
Method 2: Through ADB-teams (requires PC)
adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth
adb shell settings delete global bluetooth_devicesThese commands will clear the Bluetooth cache and device list completely, and only use them if other methods have failed.
β οΈ Attention: Discharge through ADB or the Developer Mode will remove all stored devices, including current connections (for example, to a smartwatch.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Devices that are not removed in the standard way
Sometimes Bluetooth devices get stuck in the list of conjugated gadgets, and this can happen because of:
- π§ Bluetooth module failures (especially after update) MIUI).
- π± Errors in the system cache.
- π Incorrectly disabling the device (for example, if the gadget is discharged during data transfer).
Solutions for stuck devices:
| Problem. | Decision | Applicable to models |
|---|---|---|
| The device is not removed through the menu. | Use Developer Mode (see section above) or ADB. | All models in MIUI 12-14 |
| The device disappears from the list, but connects automatically | Reset network settings: Settings β System β Reset β Network settings reset. | Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 |
| Error "Cannot remove the device" | Clear the cache of the Bluetooth app: Settings β Applications β Application Management β Bluetooth β Storage β Clear the cache. | All models with Android 10+ |
| The device appears after rebooting | Perform a Bluetooth reset via Safe Mode (press the power button β βReboot Safe Modeβ). | POCO F4/F5, Redmi K50 |
If none of the methods worked, it may be a hardware failure of the Bluetooth module, in which case it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center.
Headphones|Smart watches|Car tape recorder|Columns|Game controllers|Other-->
How to Prevent Automatic Connection to Unwanted Devices
After removing the Bluetooth connection, some devices (such as car systems or public speakers) may try to connect again.
- π Turn off phone visibility: In Bluetooth settings, select Device Visibility β Never.
- π Use Flight Mode in places with a large number of Bluetooth devices (airports, shopping centers).
- π Configure Connection Confirmation: Some Xiaomi models allow you to enable a confirmation request when you first pair (in Bluetooth Settings). β Additionally).
- π± Update the firmware: In new versions MIUI Improved protection against unauthorized connections.
For Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch smartwatches: If you donβt want the watch to automatically connect to your phone, untie them in the Mi Fitness app (Profile) β Devices β Untie).
π‘
If you frequently connect to public devices (such as a gym or cafe), assign them easily recognizable names through the gadgetβs settings, so you can quickly identify them in the list and delete them after use.
What to do if the device does not connect again after removal
Sometimes, after removing the Bluetooth connection, the gadget refuses to connect again.
- π Device blacklisted: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Pro) has a hidden Bluetooth blacklist. To reset it, follow the command: adb shell settings delete global bluetooth_blocked_devices
If the problem persists, try connecting the device to another phone. If it works, it's a problem with your Xiaomi. If it doesn't, it's a malfunction.
How to protect your Xiaomi from Bluetooth attacks
Bluetooth is one of the main channels for cyberattacks on smartphones.
- π΅οΈββοΈ Intercept data (such as call history or messages if the device is connected to the vehicle).
- π² Install malware through vulnerabilities in the protocol (e.g. BlueBorne).
- π Tracking location through MAC-address.
Safety recommendations:
- Turn off Bluetooth when you donβt need it (especially in public places).
- Do not connect to unknown devices, even if they offer βfree content.β
- Update MIUI regularly β new versions will close vulnerabilities.
- Use apps to monitor connections, such as Bluetooth Auto Connect or BLE Scanner.
β οΈ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and newer Bluetooth attack protection enabled BIAS, But it only works with the updated security module. β The phone. β Updating the system.
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Regularly cleaning the list of Bluetooth devices reduces the risk of cyberattacks by 40% (according to a study by Kaspersky for 2023).