Why it’s important to remove Bluetooth devices on Xiaomi correctly
Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) are known for their convenient management of wireless connections, but even here users face typical problems: devices do not remove from the list, automatically reconnect or cause conflicts with new gadgets. Unlike iOS or “pure” Android, MIUI firmware has its own nuances – for example, hidden cached connections or binding to a Mi Account.
Incorrect removal can cause the headphones or speakers to be invisible to other devices until the settings are completely reset, and in the case of smartwatches or fitness bracelets (such as the Mi Band or Amazfit), it can cause the health data to become unsynchronized. This article covers everything from basic removal through menus to “surgical” cleanup of system files for power users.
Method 1: Standard removal via Bluetooth settings
The most obvious method is to use the built-in Bluetooth menu in MIUI. It works 90% of the time and works on all models, from the Xiaomi Mi 8 (2018) to the fresh Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- 🔵 Go to the Connections and Sharing section → Bluetooth.
- 🔍 Find the right device in the list and tap the icon ⚙️ (squirrels near its name.
- 🗑️ Select Delete (or Forget Device in New Versions) MIUI 14+).
- ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog window.
☑️ Verification of successful removal
If you do this, you still have the device on the list, you've saved it in the cache. You go to the next method.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) After the device is removed, it may be necessary to restart the phone to make the changes take effect.
Method 2: Clearing Bluetooth cache (for stubborn devices)
When standard deletion doesn't work, the cache of a Bluetooth app or Bluetooth Share service is to blame.This data can store connection information even after explicit deletion.Cache clearing is secure and doesn't delete other phone settings.
How to do this:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- In the search bar, type Bluetooth.
- Choose the Bluetooth app (not to be confused with Bluetooth MIDI Service!).
- Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
- Repeat steps 3-4 for the Bluetooth Share app.
What is Bluetooth cache and why does it interfere?
After cleaning the cache, restart the phone and try to reconnect the device – it should show up as new.
| Xiaomi model | Is it necessary to restart after cleaning the cache? | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | Yes. | On MIUI 13, you may need to manually disable/enable Bluetooth. |
| POCO X3/X4/X5 | No. | The cache is cleared instantly, but sometimes you need to remove the device twice. |
| Xiaomi 12T/13 | Yes. | Uses Bluetooth LE Audio - after cleaning the cache, the sound in the headphones may disappear for 10-15 seconds. |
| Mi 11 Ultra | Sometimes. | Older versions of MIUI 12.5 require resetting network settings. |
Method 3: Reset network settings (nuclear version)
If the first two methods didn't work, it's time for a radical measure -- resetting your network settings, which will delete all the stored Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, VPNs and mobile Internet data -- and use this as a last resort!
Step-by-step:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Resetting settings.
- 🔄 Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth Settings.
- 🔐 Enter the screen unlock password (if installed).
- ✅ Confirm the reset.
💡
Before resetting your network settings, take screenshots of the Wi-Fi list (in Settings → Wi-Fi → Save Networks) and Bluetooth devices, which will save you time to reconfigure.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later resetting network settings may also disable the Dual function SIM (If you use two of them SIM-After resetting, check the settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
Method 4: Delete through Developer Mode (for Advanced)
If you're ready to dive into the system, the developer mode gives you access to hidden Bluetooth settings, a method that's useful when the device appears "ghostly" on the list but isn't removed by standard methods.
Algorithm of action:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter your password if needed.
Settings
Additional → For Developers
Network
Bluetooth audio codec
Clear the device list
Reset Bluetooth
This method works at the Android stack level, so it removes even devices that don’t appear in the standard interface, but beware: improper actions in developer mode can lead to unstable Bluetooth.
Method 5: Removal via ADB (for technicians)
If you are familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB), You can remove Bluetooth devices directly from the command line, which is the most reliable way, but you need to connect the phone to the computer and install it. ADB-driver.
Instructions:
- Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB and enable USB Debugging in the developer settings.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
- Run the command to view the list of paired devices: adb shell pm list packages | grep bluetooth
- Delete the cache and Bluetooth data: adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth
If the problem persists, check if the device is connected to Mi Account. For example, Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Home gadgets can sync through the cloud. In this case, remove them also in the Mi Home or Zepp Life app.