How to turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi phone: 5 ways + problem solving

Have you just bought a new Redmi Buds wireless headphone or Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker, but you can’t plug them in because you don’t know how to activate Bluetooth on your smartphone? Or suddenly the bluetuze icon is missing from the notification curtain after the MIUI update? This article will help you understand all the nuances – from basic inclusion to hidden features and solving typical errors.

Unlike older versions of Android, where bluetoothing was enabled in two clicks, modern Xiaomi smartphones (especially on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS) offer several ways of activating - from the classic through Settings to voice commands and gestures. We will consider all options, including little-known chips like automatically connecting to trusted devices or using developer mode to diagnose problems.

Important: If your Xiaomi can't see the device or the bluetooth spontaneously shuts down, there's a section at the end of the article that diagnoses malfunctions, from resetting network settings to checking for hardware breakdowns.

1. Fastest way: notification panel

This is the standard method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones – from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The main advantage is that you do not need to open the settings, everything is done in 2 touches.

Instructions:

• 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar (some models will require a swipe twice).
• 🔍 Find the Bluetooth icon (a stylized "B" or wireless icon). If it's not there, click on the "⚙️ Edit and add to the panel.
• 🔄 You can tap the icon once, if it's blue or green, the bluetooth is on. The color depends on the theme. MIUI.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market) after the inclusion of the bluetooth, a notification of location permissions may appear.+ — Without it, some devices (for example, headphones) will not connect correctly.

2. Including through phone settings

If the bluetuze icon is not in the curtain (for example, after resetting settings) or you need to adjust additional options (for example, device name or visibility), use the settings menu. This method is universal for all models, including the old Xiaomi Mi A1 on a pure Android One.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (on MIUI 12-14) or Bluetooth (on HyperOS).
3. Activate the switch at the top of the screen, and below it, you'll see a list of available devices.
4. (Optional) Click on the three dots in the top right → Additionally, to change the phone name or enable visibility mode for all devices.

💡 Useful tip: If you often connect the same devices (such as the Mi Band fitness bracelet), you can set up an automatic connection on detection in this menu.

Make sure the device is charged (minimum 30%)

Enable pairing on the headphones/column (usually hold the power button 3-5 seconds)

Disconnect the device from other phones/PCs

Check Compatibility (Bluetooth 4.0+ for most Xiaomi gadgets)

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3.Voice assistant and gestures

Xiaomi smartphones support bluetooth control via voice assistant (built-in or Google Assistant) and gestures. This is convenient if you are driving or busy with your hands.

Method 1: Google Assistant

• 🎤 Say, “OK Google, turn on bluetooth,” or “Hey Google, plug in my headphones".
• 🔄 The assistant will confirm the action and offer to select the device from the list (if previously connected).

Method 2: Gestures (only for MIUI 13+)

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) you can assign a double touch on the back panel to include bluetooth:

1. Go to Settings → Additional functions → Gestures.
2. Select Double Touch and set the action to Turn Bluetooth on/off.

4. Hidden Bluetooth features in Xiaomi

Few people know, but Xiaomi smartphones have hidden bluetooth settings that can be activated through developer mode or special codes. These features are useful for diagnosing or improving connection stability.

How to open hidden settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Network settings section → Bluetooth settings.

What can be customized:

⚠️ Note: Changing Bluetooth Audio Codec settings may cause sound loss on some devices. If the headphones stop working after the changes, return the settings to the factory or select the codec SBC (universal).

5. Solving Bluetooth problems on Xiaomi

If the bluetooth doesn't turn on, doesn't find the device, or is permanently disabled, the causes can be either software (MIUI failure) or hardware (antenna damage), and let's look at common errors and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Bluetooth is not turned on (grey switch)

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – 60% of the time it solves the problem.
• 📱 Check if the flight mode is activated (it turns off all wireless modules).
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, update. MIUI or revert to the previous version (instructions in spoiler below).

Problem 2: Devices are not located or connected with an error

A common cause is Bluetooth profile conflict or outdated caches.

1. Remove the device from the list of conjugates: Settings → Bluetooth → Slip on the device → Forget
2. Clear the Bluetooth app cache: Settings → Applications → App management → Three points → Show system → Bluetooth → Storage → Clear the cache
3. Check the compatibility of the codecs (see the table in the previous section).

Problem 3: Bluetooth is spontaneously shut down

This may be related to:

• 🔋 Battery Optimization – Add Bluetous to Exceptions: Settings → Battery → Choice of applications → Bluetooth → No restrictions.
• 📡 Wi-Fi interference – try turning off Wi-Fi or switch to 5 GHz band.
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction – if the problem remains after reset, contact the service (possibly damaged antenna or module).

💡

If your Xiaomi can’t see the headphones, but other phones connect to them normally, try resetting the headphones to factory settings. This usually requires holding the power button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red/white.

6. Bluetooth features on different Xiaomi models

The functionality of the bluetooth may vary depending on the model and version of the MIUI. Below are the key differences for popular lines.

💡 Key takeaway: If you have a flagship model (Xiaomi 13 Pro, 14 Ultra), check the codec settings - they significantly affect sound quality. 10A) better SBC or AAC, As a result, AptX can be unstable.

7 Security: How to Protect Your Bluetooth Connection

Bluetooth is a convenient but vulnerable protocol, and attackers can intercept data or connect to your phone without permission, and follow these rules to minimize the risks:

• 🔒 Turn off the bluetooth when not in use. This also saves battery power.
• 🚫 Do not connect to unknown devices (for example, "CAR_AUDIO" publicity).
• 🔄 Check the list of associated devices regularly and remove unnecessary ones: → Bluetooth → Tap the device. → Forget it.
• 🛡️ Set up visibility for contacts only: Settings → Bluetooth → Three points. → Visibility → Contacts only

⚠️ Attention: MIUI There is a vulnerability (fixed in HyperOS) that allows you to connect to your phone via bluetooth without confirmation if you previously had pairing. To close this loophole, disable the Auto Connection option for all devices in Bluetooth settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth on Xiaomi