How to turn Bluetooth on Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

Why does Xiaomi not have Bluetooth on the first time?

Bluetooth technology in Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO sub-brands) is usually stable, but sometimes users face difficulties when first switched on, the reasons may lie in the software limitations of MIUI, hardware features of a particular model, or even in power saving settings. For example, on devices with MIUI 14+, the default battery optimization mode is activated, which can block the background operation of the Bluetooth module.

Another common problem is conflict with previously connected devices: If the device has data on 10+ Bluetooth devices stored in the memory of the smartphone, the system can automatically restrict new connections until the list is cleared, and it is worth considering that budget models (for example, Redmi 12C or POCO M6) use a simplified Bluetooth chip that requires additional time to initialize.

Method 1: Enable through the notification panel (fastest)

This is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi models regardless of the MIUI version. The main advantage is speed: you do not have to open the settings.

1. Unlock the smartphone screen (fingerprint, Face will fit). ID or PIN-code).
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. If the panel is displayed in a shortened form (time and icons only), make another swipe down for full disclosure.
4. Find a Bluetooth icon (a stylized letter “B” or a wave icon) and tap it.

🔹 Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the Bluetooth icon can be hidden behind the “More” button (three dots). In this case, click on it, then drag the Bluetooth icon to the main panel for quick access.

Bluetooth icon in notification panel illuminated in blue|In the status bar appeared the Bluetooth icon|When you try to connect to the device, there is no error "Bluetooth is off"-->

Method 2: Activation through system settings

If the Bluetooth icon is missing from the notification panel or you prefer to set up the connection in detail, use the settings menu. This method also allows you to rename the device and adjust visibility for other gadgets.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (on older versions of MIUI, Bluetooth is directly in the main menu).
3. Slip on Bluetooth.
4. Move the slider to the "On" position.
5. Optionally, click Bluetooth Settings → Device name to set a unique name (useful for identification in the list of connected gadgets).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO F5) The path may be different: Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth. If you don't find a partition, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

Method 3: Voice control (for MIUI 12 and later)

Xiaomi smartphones with support for voice assistant XiaoAI allow you to turn on Bluetooth without manual interaction with the screen. This is convenient if you are driving or taking up hands.

1. Activate the voice assistant by saying, “OK, Xao” (or hold the home button if the feature is enabled in the settings).
2. Say “turn on Bluetooth” or “activate Bluetooth.”
3. Wait for voice confirmation: "Bluetooth is on."

🔹 Note: This feature only works when you are actively connected to the Internet (required to handle voice commands on Xiaomi servers). On models without support for XiaoAI (for example, global versions of Redmi Note 12), you can use Google Assistant with a similar command.

Problem Solving: Bluetooth is not turned on or permanently shut down

If Bluetooth is still inactive after the instructions are executed, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

Table: Diagnostics of Bluetooth malfunctions

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), Bluetooth problems are often associated with the lack of proprietary drivers. MIUI or install firmware with Bluetooth support HAL.

💡

If Bluetooth is disabled when you lock your screen, add it to the list of “Apps running in the background” (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Auto Run).

Features of Bluetooth inclusion on popular Xiaomi models

Despite the unified MIUI interface, some models have unique nuances of working with Bluetooth.

Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra

On the flagships with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 uses Bluetooth 5.3 with support LE Audio and LC3-To activate advanced functions (e.g., spatial sound:

1. Turn on Bluetooth through settings.
2. Go to the Additional Bluetooth settings.
3. Activate the option "Advanced Audio Profile".

Redmi Note 12 Series

These models have Bluetooth Power Savings mode on by default, which limits the range of the connection, to turn it off:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Slip on the three-point menu in the upper right corner.
3. Uncheck the box from the item "Optimize energy consumption".

POCO F5/F5 Pro

POCO Launcher devices can hide the Bluetooth icon in the notification panel to return it:

1. Click the empty area on the main screen.
2. Select the launcher settings → Notification panel.
3. Find Bluetooth in the list and drag it to the active zone.

💡

On devices with MIUI for POCO (like the POCO X5 Pro), the path to Bluetooth settings may be different. Use Settings Search to quickly find the partition you want.

How to check the efficiency of the Bluetooth module

If none of these methods helped you turn on Bluetooth, you may have a problem with the hardware.

1. Test via engineering menu: ##4636##Go to Phone Information and check Bluetooth status. If it shows as Unsupported, the module is faulty.
2. Check through ADB: adb shell dumpsys bluetooth_manager In the conclusion, look for the line "State: ON". If it is not, then the problem is software.
3. Connect to another device: Try connecting to your smartphone from another gadget (laptop, tablet). If the connection is established, but your Xiaomi Bluetooth does not turn on, it is the firmware that is to blame.

⚠️ Note: On devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) after firmware custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) Bluetooth may stop working due to the lack of vendor files, in which case you need to re-firm the official MIUI via Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth on Xiaomi