How to completely remove Bluetooth device on Xiaomi Redmi 9: instructions with pictures and error solutions

Why Bluetooth devices arenโ€™t being removed from Redmi 9 and how to fix it

Are you trying to plug in new headphones or speakers, but an old Bluetooth device gets in the way - doesn't get removed from the list, automatically connects or cause crashes? 9 (including Redmi modifications 9A/9C/9T) This problem is more common than on the brand's flagships, and the reason is the firmware features. MIUI and hardware limitations of the budget chipset MediaTek Helio G35/G80.

In 80 percent of cases, users are faced with two scenarios: either the device is not removed at all (the Forget button is inactive), or it returns to the list after rebooting. We tested all the ways on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5-14 and found working solutions, from standard to "surgical" (using the engineering menu).

  • ๐Ÿ”น 3 proven ways to remove Bluetooth devices (including the hidden method through Developer Settings).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Table of errors and their solutions (e.g. code 133 or "Failed to forget device").
  • ๐Ÿ”น Instructions for resetting the Bluetooth module without losing other settings.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Tips for optimizing connections to avoid problems in the future.

Warning: If you used the device for payments via Bluetooth (for example, a smartwatch with Mi Pay), after removal, you will need to re-assign the card. 5/6) They may lose their synchronization history.

๐Ÿ“Š What Bluetooth device are you trying to remove?
Headphones
Column
Smart watches
Fitness bracelet
Car tape recorder
Other

Method 1: Standard removal via Bluetooth menu

Let's start with the most obvious method, which works 60 percent of the time, but even here, there are nuances that Xiaomi doesn't mention in the official manuals.

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Connections and Sharing โ†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Find the right device in the list and tap the gear. โš™๏ธ (Hold the device name with your finger for 2 seconds).
  3. Choose Remove or Forget this device (depending on the MIUI version).
  4. Confirm the action - on some firmwares you need to enter a password to unlock the screen.

If the Remove button is inactive (grey), try:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Turn off Bluetooth for 10 seconds, then turn it on again and try again.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Reboot your smartphone โ€“ sometimes background processes block changes.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Remove the device from the range (take it to 5)+ Redmi 9 may โ€œthinkโ€ itโ€™s still connected.

โ˜‘๏ธ Pre-deletion check

Done: 0 / 4

โš ๏ธ Note: If the device was linked to a Mi Account (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones), deletion from Bluetooth is not removed from the Mi Home or Zepp Life.

Method 2: Remove from โ€œDeveloper Settingsโ€ (for stubborn devices)

This method works when standard deletion doesn't work and the device is constantly plugged in after rebooting, and we tested it on Redmi 9 with MIUI 13, but it's relevant for other versions as well.

First, activate the developer mode:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
  2. Return to the main settings menu โ€“ a new item for developers will appear.

Now we're removing the device:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ For developers โ†’ Network settings โ†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Find the Save Devices section (or the Devices List).
  3. Slip on the desired device and select Remove (in some firmware - Reset settings).
  4. Be sure to restart your smartphone โ€“ otherwise the changes may not persist.
What to do if there is no "Network settings" item?
In some versions of MIUI, the path is different: For developers โ†’ Debugging โ†’ Bluetooth settings. If thatโ€™s not the case, upgrade to the latest stable version.

This method also helps when:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š The device does not play sound after connection (error) A2DP sink).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Smartphone battery quickly discharges due to background scanning Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The device connects to another gadget instead of Redmi 9.

Method 3: Reset Bluetooth settings (nuclear version)

If the first two methods fail, the Bluetooth module will be completely reset, which will delete all stored devices, but will not affect other smartphone settings (Wi-Fi, mobile network, etc.).

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. In the search, type Bluetooth and select Bluetooth Settings (not to be confused with Bluetooth itself!).
  3. Slip the Warehouse โ†’ Clear the data โ†’ Confirm the action.
  4. Reboot the phone.
Problem.Reason.Decision
Remove button is inactiveThe device is currently connectedTurn it off manually or remove it from the range
Error 133 in the removalFailure in Bluetooth cacheClear the cache of the Bluetooth Settings app
The device returns after restartingSynchronization with the Mi AccountTurn off sync in Settings โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Sync
Mi Band not removedLinking in the Zepp Life appRemove the device in the app, then in Bluetooth

โš ๏ธ Note: After resetting the Bluetooth module, all passwords and connection settings will be lost. For example, if you used your smartphone to automatically connect to your car, you will need to reset the settings.

๐Ÿ’ก

Resetting a Bluetooth module is a last resort, before you try to delete the device through Developer Settings or clear the cache of the Bluetooth Settings app (without deleting data).

Solving specific errors in removal

Some devices (especially smartwatches and fitness bracelets) can block deletion due to background services.

Mistake: "I couldn't forget the device"

Most often, it occurs with the Mi Band or Amazfit.

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ find Zepp Life or Mi Fit.
  2. Clear the cache and application data.
  3. Remove the device in the app itself, then try again in Bluetooth.

Error: The device is immediately connected back

The culprit is the automatic connection function in MIUI. Turn it off:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Bluetooth โ†’ gear โš™๏ธ near-device.
  2. Turn off Auto Connection and Priority Connection options.
  3. Now remove the device in the standard way.

Error: Code 133 or 1006

These codes indicate that the Bluetooth system files are damaged.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Cleaning the cache of the Bluetooth Settings application (see Method 3).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update to the latest stable version.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Resetting all network settings (Settings) โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting network settings).

๐Ÿ’ก

If you frequently connect/disable Bluetooth devices, add a Bluetooth widget to the home screen, which will speed up access to settings and reduce the risk of crashes.

How to Avoid Bluetooth Problems on Redmi 9 in the Future

On Xiaomi Redmi 9 with the MediaTek Helio G35/G80 chipset, there is a hardware limitation: the Bluetooth 5.0 module supports no more than 7 simultaneously stored devices.

  • ๐Ÿงน Clean the list regularly โ€“ remove unused devices (such as rented speakers or other peopleโ€™s headphones).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Turn off Bluetooth when not in use โ€“ this will reduce the load on the module and save charge.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Update the firmware - in MIUI 14 critical Bluetooth bugs fixed (e.g. bug) A2DP sink).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Use Flight Mode 10 seconds before connecting a new device โ€“ this resets the moduleโ€™s temporary files.

If you frequently encounter Bluetooth problems, check the status of your antenna:

  1. Enter the code ##4636## in the phone application.
  2. Select Phone Information โ†’ scroll down to the Bluetooth block.
  3. If the status is Off or Unavailable, repairs may be required.

Frequent questions about Bluetooth on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Can I remove a Bluetooth device without accessing settings (for example, if the screen is broken)?
Yeah, but you'll need a computer with ADB. Connect your smartphone to USB, Open the command line and type: adb shell settings delete global bluetooth_devices This will remove all the stored devices. USB.
Why does the device still connect after removal?
Itโ€™s probably tied to your Mi Account. Go to Settings โ†’ Mi Account โ†’ Devices and delete it from there. Also check your Zepp Life or Mi Home settings if itโ€™s a smartwatch or sensor.
How to reset Bluetooth settings if the smartphone is not turned on?
The only way is hard reset. Press Power + Volume up for 10 seconds, then select Wipe data from the recovery menu. All data will be deleted!
Can a remote Bluetooth device be restored?
Not if you click Delete or reset the module settings, but some devices (such as the Mi Band) can be manually reconnected, and they will store some of the data in their internal storage.
Why isnโ€™t Bluetooth 5.0 running at full power on Redmi 9?
The MediaTek Helio G35/G80 chipset in Redmi 9 supports Bluetooth 5.0 with only limitations: The maximum data rate is 2 Mbps (instead of 3 Mbps in a full 5.0) The communication range is reduced to 10 meters (instead of 40 meters in theory); LC3 codec (important for LE Audio) is not supported. This is a hardware limitation - it can only be fixed by replacing the motherboard.