You're trying to connect Sony's wireless headphones to a Xiaomi smartphone, but the devices stubbornly "don't see" each other? This problem is more common than it seems - and the causes can lie in both software failures and hardware features. Unlike typical “turn off-on Bluetooth” instructions, we will analyze all possible scenarios: from codec conflict to codec conflict. LDAC/AAC pre-subtle MIUI, lock-in.
It's important to understand that Sony and Xiaomi are taking different approaches to implementing Bluetooth. WH-1000XM5 They are trying to connect by default using the protocol. LE Audio, which not all Xiaomi smartphones support correctly, and in new firmware MIUI 14+ And then we got Automatic Device Switching, which can interfere with manual connectivity, and then we got a detailed analysis of step-by-step solutions, compatibility tables, and hidden settings.
1. Bluetooth problems: basic checks
Start with the obvious — but often ignored — that Bluetooth on both devices must be enabled in the correct mode, WF-1000XM4 or WH-CH720N) check:
- 🔵 Connection indicator: whether the blue LED flashes (search mode) or is constantly on (already connected to another device)?
- 🔊 Sound signal: When holding the power button, the headphones must say “Bluetooth pairing” (if support for voice prompts is enabled).
- 🔄 Resetting: Some Sony models require holding the power button 10+ A few seconds before the double signal is heard.
On a Xiaomi smartphone (especially on the Redmi Note 12, Poco) X5 Mi 11):
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
- Make sure the slider is activated and there are no hidden devices in the Available Devices list (click Update in the upper right corner).
- Check if the Invisible mode for other devices is enabled
Critical detail: If the headphones have previously been paired with another device (like a laptop or tablet), they can automatically connect to it, ignoring Xiaomi.
⚠️ Warning: Sony headphones can store up to 8 devices, but priority is given to the last connected. To reset priority, remove all saved devices via the Sony Headphones Connect app or manually (holding the power button until reset).
2. Bluetooth codec conflict: LDAC vs AAC vs SBC
One of the most common causes of invisibility is the incompatibility of audio codecs. Sony headphones (especially series models) 1000X) They are trying to use it by default. LDAC — A proprietary codec with a high bitrate, which not all Xiaomi smartphones support stably, as a result of the devices “cannot see” each other or the connection breaks down.
How to check and correct:
- On the Xiaomi smartphone, open Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If the version is lower MIUI 12.5, update the firmware - support LDAC It only appeared in new assemblies.
- Install Developer Options (if not already enabled): Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the "Version" MIUI». Then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, find the Bluetooth Codec item and select AAC or SBC.
- For Sony headphones, use the official Sony Headphones Connect app (available on Google Play) and you can manually set the priority codec: Settings → Sound. → Sound quality/codec.
| Xiaomi model | Support for LDAC | Recommended codec | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Yes (with MIUI 14) | LDAC or AAC | It may require manual selection in the developer settings. |
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Partially (depends on firmware) | AAC | Possible hangings when using LDAC. |
| POCO F4/F5 | Yes. | LDAC (stable-connection) | It is recommended to disable “Auto-Switching Codecs” in Bluetooth settings. |
| Xiaomi 11 Lite | No. | AAC or SBC | Problems with LDAC It is only solved by updating the firmware. |
Important: Sony headphones WH-1000XM4 and later automatically switch to codec SBC, if LDAC It's not supported, but sometimes it freezes, and then you have to force the headphones to reset. + touchpad 30 seconds).
3. Hidden settings MIUI, plug-in
Firmware MIUI It contains a few "secret" features that can interfere with the connection of the headphones:
Remove all saved Bluetooth devices in Settings → Bluetooth|
Disable “Automatic Device Switching” in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additionally.|
Reset network settings (Settings) → Connections → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth)|
Turn off Battery Optimization for Sony Headphones Connect-->
1. Automatic switching of devices
V MIUI 13+ A feature has appeared that automatically connects the headphones to the last device used (for example, a laptop:
- Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner → «Additionally».
- Turn off the “Auto-switch to this device” slider.
2. Background Limitation for Bluetooth
MIUI It aggressively optimizes background processes, which can interrupt device search:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find “Bluetooth” in the list of system applications.
- Select "Background Limitation» → «No restrictions».
- Repeat for the Sony Headphones Connect app.
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If your headphones don't connect after resetting your Bluetooth settings, try temporarily disabling the dual apps feature (if it's active). MIUI Sometimes duplicates Bluetooth services, causing conflicts.
4.Firmware problems: bugs MIUI Sony
Firmware errors are a common cause of connection problems. MIUI 14.0.3 was a bug that Xiaomi smartphones did not see the device with Bluetooth 5.2+ (including Sony WF-1000XM4). And in Sony headphones, branded software sometimes resets codec settings after an update.
How to check the relevance of the firmware:
- 📱 For Xiaomi: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system. If a new version is available, install it. MIUI 12 and below.
- 🎧 For Sony: Use the Sony Headphones Connect app → «Headphone information» → «Software updates. For example, WH-1000XM4 current version at the time of 2026 - 4.2.1.
| MIUI version | Famous Bluetooth bugs | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12.0–12.5 | Can't see Bluetooth 5.0 devices+ | Update to MIUI 13+ or back down MIUI 11 |
| MIUI 13.0.1–13.0.5 | Codec conflict LDAC (interrupt) | Manually select the codec AAC developer-setting |
| MIUI 14.0.1–14.0.3 | Sony’s headphones are not connected to LE Audio | Update to MIUI 14.0.4+ or off LE Audio in the headphone settings |
If the update doesn't work, try rolling back the firmware to a more stable version. 12T version MIUI 13.0.12 is more stable than 14.0.2.
How to roll back firmware on Xiaomi without losing data?
5. Hardware problems: antenna, interference, battery
If the software methods didn't work, it could be hardware malfunctions.
Interference from other devices
Bluetooth is running at 2.4 GHz, which overlaps with Wi-Fi, microwaves and other gadgets. If you have many devices around, the headphones can get lost.
- 📶 Switch the router to a 5 GHz channel (in the router settings).
- 📱 Turn off Wi-Fi on your smartphone while you connect.
- 🔌 Turn off other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, speakers).
2.Weak Bluetooth signal on Xiaomi
Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) They have weak Bluetooth modules:
- Bring the headphones as close as possible to the smartphone (at a distance of 10-20 cm).
- If the connection is over, there is a problem with the signal range. Solutions: Use headphones at a distance of no more than 1-2 meters. Update the firmware (in new versions). MIUI Improved Bluetooth stability. Check the Bluetooth antenna (if the phone falls or gets wet).
3.Discharged headphone battery
Sony headphones with a charge level below 10% may not appear on the list of available devices. Connect them to charge for 15-20 minutes and try again. If the charge indicator does not burn, the problem is the battery or power controller.
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If Sony’s headphones don’t charge or turn on, try resetting the power controller: plug in to charge, hold the power button for 30 seconds, then turn off the cable and turn on the headphones again.
6. Alternative ways of connecting
If Bluetooth doesn’t work hard, there are workarounds:
1. Connection through NFC
Many Sony headphones (for example, WH-1000XM5) Supports fast connection to NFC:
- Activate. NFC on a smartphone (Settings) → Connections → NFC).
- Touch the headphones on the back of the phone (where it is located). NFC-chip).
- Confirm the connection on the screen.
2. Use of 3.5 mm adapter (if there is a connector)
For Xiaomi models with a 3.5mm connector (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro):
- 🎧 Buy a Sony cable with a 3.5mm connector (e.g, SBH24).
- 🔊 Connect directly – this bypasses all Bluetooth issues.
- ⚠️ Cons: Active noise reduction and some functions will not work.
3. Connection through USB-C (headphone)
Some Sony models, for example, WH-H910N) can be wired USB-C:
- Use the cable. USB-C — USB-C (headphoned).
- Connect to your smartphone and select the “Audio through” mode USB» sound-tuning.
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If you connect through USB-C It does not work, check the settings. OTG In Settings → Additionally. → Developer mode → Configuration USB. Select "Audio Source».
7. When to contact the service center
If none of the methods worked, the problem may be a hardware malfunction.
- 🔧 Bluetooth-module of the smartphone does not turn on at all (even after resetting).
- 🔋 Headphones do not charge or respond to reset.
- 📡 Other devices (laptop, tablet) also do not see Sony headphones.
- 💥 On the screen of the smartphone there is an error “Bluetooth does not respond».
For Xiaomi, official service centers are in most major cities.
- Make a backup of the data (Settings → About Phone → Backup).
- Find out if the warranty is valid (check checks or serial number on Mi.com).
- If Sony headphones are warranty, contact Sony Russia support at 8 800 200 7669.
⚠️ Note: Some “unofficial” services offer to reflash the Bluetooth module of the smartphone. This can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of other functions (Wi-Fi, GPS). Xiaomi’s official service centers don’t do that.