How to connect Xiaomi headphones to the phone: all ways + problem solving

Connecting Xiaomi headphones to a smartphone seems like a simple task — until you encounter unexpected problems. Wired models with a 3.5 mm connector or USB-C can not be detected due to a contaminated port, and wireless models can refuse to connect over Bluetooth due to a conflict of profiles. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connecting (including rare scenarios) and give checklists for troubleshooting.

We will focus on models with a Qualcomm aptX chip (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro or AirDots 3 Pro), which require additional settings for full operation, and also reveal the nuances of connecting to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 14/15 – where some features are hidden in the engineering menu.

1. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones

Xiaomi’s wired headphones are divided into three types by connector: the classic 3.5 mm, USB-C and Lightning (for iPhone), the latter of which cannot be connected to Xiaomi smartphones without an adapter, but the first two options are supported by most models. Let’s consider each case separately.

For 3.5mm headphones (Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD, Piston Fresh) the algorithm is simple:

• 🔌 Put the plug in the connector on your phone before you click. 13/14 No one in the series will need an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm.
• 🎵 The last audio application (such as Mi Music or YouTube) will automatically run. If there is no sound, check the volume level.
• ⚙️ For fine-tuning, go to Settings. → Sound. → Sound quality and select the "High quality" profile".

With USB-C headphones (Xiaomi USB-C Earphones), the situation is more complicated:

• 🔌 Connect the headphones to the port USB-C. A notification will appear on the screen "USB-plug-in".
• 📱 Select "Audio Transfer" mode (some models require manual confirmation).
• ⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 12 and later may need to be disabled "OTG-Optimization in Settings → Additionally. → Developer.

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If USB-C headphones are not detected, try rebooting your phone with the device connected – this will reset the audio drivers.

2. Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones over Bluetooth

Xiaomi's wireless headphones (AirDots, FlipBuds, Buds 4) connect via Bluetooth 5.0/5.2, but the pairing process may vary depending on the model.

1. Activate the pairing mode: 🎧 For Xiaomi AirDots (1-3 generation: press the button on the body on 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. 🎧 For FlipBuds Pro and Buds 4: Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into search mode.
2. On the phone: 📱 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth and turn on search. 🔍 In the list, find the name of your model (for example, "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2"). 🔗 Click on the device and confirm the pairing.

If the headphones are not displayed in the list, reset:

• 🔄 For AirDots: Press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes 3 times red.
• 🔄 For FlipBuds Pro: Place the headphones in the case, then press the button on the back of the case for 10 seconds.

Charge headphones to 30%|

Remove the headphones from the case (for models with auto-adjaction)|

Disable previously paired devices in Bluetooth | settings

Make sure the phone is not in "Airplane" mode"-->

Wire 3.5 mm|

Wired USB-C|

Wireless AirDots (1-3 generation) |

Wireless FlipBuds/Buds 4|

Others-->

3. Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones are connected, but the sound is not there or it is interrupted, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

For models with aptX support (FlipBuds Pro, AirDots 3 Pro), check if the codec is enabled:

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Go to Settings. → Bluetooth → ⚙️ headphone-name → Audio codec.
3. Select “aptX Adaptive” or “AAC” (for iPhone).

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones POCO F5 redmi K60 AptX codec may not be displayed due to Snapdragon 7 chipset limitations+ Gen 2. In this case, use SBC or AAC.

Connection to Multiple Devices (Multipoint)

Multipoint allows you to connect Xiaomi headphones to your phone and laptop (or other smartphone) at the same time.

• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro (firmware from 2023)
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 and newer
• 🎧 AirDots 3 Pro (with update via Mi Home)

Connection algorithm:

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (such as a phone).
2. Activate the search mode on the headphones (for FlipBuds Pro – triple touch on the sensor).
3. Connect to the second device via its Bluetooth menu.
4. Use to switch between devices: 🎵 Double touch on the earpiece (setting in Mi Home). 📱 Automatic switching when playing audio.

5. Connection via the Mi Home app

The Mi Home app not only manages Xiaomi smart devices, but also provides advanced headphone settings to connect headphones via Mi Home:

1. Download Mi Home from Google Play or App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click "Add device" → "Hearphones" and select your model.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm your connection via Bluetooth).

In Mi Home, functions are available:

• 🎛️ Touch settings (for example, double tapping to start the voice assistant).
• 🔊 Adjustment of the equalizer (preset profiles: "Bases", "Voice", "Classic").
• 🔋 View the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.
• 🔄 Update firmware (critical for fixing plug-in bugs).

⚠️ Note: Mi Home version below 6.0 may not support new headphone models (e.g. Buds 4 Pro.

6 Connect to phones without a 3.5mm connector

Xiaomi smartphones since the 11/12 series have lost a 3.5 mm connector, but that doesn't mean the wired headphones don't work anymore.

For the USB-C adapter → 3.5 mm:

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to the phone, then insert the headphone plug.
• 📱 A notification will appear on the screen "USB-audio-connected".
• ⚙️ If there is no sound, check the settings in Settings → Sound. → Audio output.

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Xiaomi’s original USB-C → 3.5mm adapter supports 24-bit audio, while cheap analogues are limited to 16 bits.

7. Sound setting for games and videos

For gamers and movie lovers, minimal latency is important. In Xiaomi headphones, it is set up like this:

For wireless models:

• 🎮 Enable low latency: AirDots 3 Pro: triple left earphone touch. FlipBuds Pro: Mi Home in Game Settings".
• 🎵 Select the aptX Low Latency codec (if supported by your phone).

For wired headphones:

• 🔌 Use a support adapter USB Audio Class 2.0 (e.g. original from Xiaomi).
• ⚙️ In the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times) turn on "Deactivate absolute volume".

Sound delay in different modes:

FAQ: Frequent questions