The Chinese giant’s modern audio devices have become the standard of quality in the budget and mid-market segments. Users often look for information on how to plug in a Xiaomi headset to enjoy clean sound and use noise cancellation. The initial activation process may seem difficult only the first time, but it actually takes only a few minutes.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the ways you can connect your device to your smartphone or computer, learn about the intricacies of working with the Mi Home and Xiaomi Earbuds app, and how to properly configure the Bluetooth protocol for stable operation.
Special attention should be paid to preparing the case and the headphones themselves before first use. Many connection problems arise because users forget to remove protective films or discharge the case. Let's take a look at the details to avoid common mistakes.
Preparing the headset for the first use
Before you try to connect the device to the sound source, you need to make sure that it's ready to work. New headphones often come with protective insulators on the charging contacts inside the case, and if you don't remove them, the device won't turn on and go into pairing mode.
Place both earbuds in a charger case and close the lid. Leave them on charge for at least 15-20 minutes, even if the indicators show full charge, which is necessary to activate lithium polymer batteries after long storage in the warehouse.
Make sure there is no contamination on the surface of the case and headphones. Mud on the contacts can prevent the normal charging and proper operation of the detection sensors in the ear.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use wet wipes or chemical solutions to clean charging contacts inside the case.
Once charged, remove the headphones from the case, which usually automatically go to standby mode or immediately start searching for a previously connected device, and if you pick them up for the first time, they're ready to go.
Bluetooth interface on Android and iOS
The most common way to connect is to use the standard Bluetooth interface of a smartphone, which is universal and suitable for Android and iOS devices, and you first need to activate visibility mode on the headset itself.
Remove the headphones from the charger case. If they are new, they will automatically go into pairing mode, as the flashing indicator signals. If the device has been used before, you may need to pinch the touch areas on both earphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes white or orange.
Now, take your smartphone and go to the settings. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the switch. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model, for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 or Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 Pro.
- 📱 Click on the device name in the list of found gadgets.
- 🔊 Wait for the sound signal in the headphones, confirming the successful connection.
- 📝 If necessary, confirm the request for pairing in the pop-up window on the phone screen.
Once successfully connected, the system can offer to download an additional application for advanced functionality, which will allow you to configure the equalizer, update the firmware and change gesture management.
Use of Xiaomi Earbuds and Mi Home
To fully unlock the potential of your headset, it is strongly recommended to use specialized software.Standard Bluetooth settings often limit the device's capabilities, preventing you from adjusting the noise reduction level or adjusting touch controls.
Download the Xiaomi Earbuds app (for some models) or Mi Home from the official Google Play store or App Store. After installing, open the program and log in to your Mi Account. Click Add Device in the top right corner of the screen.
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For some headphone models, such as the Redmi Buds 3 Pro, the Xiaomi Earbuds app provides access to a transparency and depth control setting that is not found in the standard Bluetooth menu.
The app will automatically detect the headset if it's near and in pairing mode. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup.
- 🎚️ Update the headphone software to the latest version.
- 🎛️ Set up a touch control circuit for each headphone separately.
- 🔋 Check the exact percentage of charge of the case and each headphone.
The app menu also has headphone search available, which is useful if you've lost one nearby.The Find My Earbuds feature makes the device emit a loud beep.
Connecting Xiaomi headset to a computer (Windows/macOS)
Using a wireless headset with a PC or laptop is a great alternative to wired solutions for video conferencing and gaming. The process of connecting to a computer is similar to connecting to a smartphone, but has its own characteristics depending on the operating system.
For Windows 10 and 11, go to the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon). Next, open Devices or Bluetooth and Other Devices. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled. Click Add Bluetooth or Other Device.
In the window that opens, select the first item "Bluetooth". Your computer will start searching for available devices. Put your Xiaomi headset in pairing mode (clutching the buttons on the headphones if they don't automatically connect). When your model name appears in the list, click on it.
☑️ Checking the connection to the PC
Once connected, the system can automatically set the drivers you need. If the sound doesn't appear immediately, check the settings of the audio device. Right-click on the speaker icon in the tray and select "Open sound settings."
In the “Output” section, make sure your Xiaomi headset is selected. If the microphone is not working properly, in the “Input” section, also select the appropriate device. For macOS, the procedure is similar: go to System Settings → Bluetooth and pair.
Features of connection USB-headsets and wired models
Not all Xiaomi headsets are completely wireless. There are models with USB Type-C connector or a classic 3.5 mm (via an adapter), such devices do not require complex pairing procedures, but have their own nuances.
USB-Headsets like the Xiaomi Dual Driver Earphones Type-C include a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which means they can only work with devices that support sound transmission through the phone. USB. When connected to a PC, they are defined as an external sound card.
If you're using a 3.5mm wired model through a Type-C adapter, make sure the adapter supports audio output. Cheap charging cables don't transmit audio. Put the plug to the end of the smartphone connector.
| Type of connection | Latency (Latency) | Sound quality | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 | Low (with aptX codec) | High. | Depends on the charge. |
| USB Type-C | Minimum | Maximum (DAC) | From the device. |
| 3.5 mm (adapter) | Absent. | Depends on the DAC phone. | From the device. |
In the case of USB-If you have a headset on a Windows computer, the system can default to leave the audio output on the built-in speakers. You have to manually switch the playback device in the sound control panel. To do this, click on the speaker icon and select your headset from the list.
Solution: Headset is not connected or visible
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone does not see the headset or the connection is constantly broken, this can be caused by a software failure, battery discharge or a conflict of Bluetooth addresses.
The first thing to do is reset the headset to factory settings. For most Xiaomi models, you need to put the headphones in the case, open the lid and pinch the touch areas on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicator blinks several times. After that, remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the phone ("Forget the device") and try to connect again.
What to do if only one earpiece is on?
It's also worth checking if the headset is connected to another device nearby.Bluetooth headsets often automatically connect to the last used gadget, blocking the search with new devices.
If the problem persists, check for system updates on your smartphone. Outdated Bluetooth drivers can cause unstable work with new data protocols. Rebooting your smartphone also often helps to fix temporary software errors.
⚠️ Warning: If the headset doesn’t connect after resetting, try connecting it to another smartphone, which will help you determine whether it’s in the headset itself or in your phone’s Bluetooth module.
Customization of sound quality and codecs
For audiophiles and gamers, the quality of the audio is an important aspect. Xiaomi headsets support various codecs such as SBC, AAC and aptX. The choice of codec affects bitrate and audio delay.
By default, the system selects the codec automatically, but in some cases you can force the settings to change. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell or HyperOS, go to Settings → Bluetooth → (cog next to the device) → Bluetooth Codec. Here you can choose your preferred format.
The AAC codec provides the best quality on Apple devices, while the aptX Adaptive is optimal for Android smartphones and games, providing minimal latency.Remember that both devices (source and receiver) must support the chosen codec.
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Using the aptX Adaptive codec or LDAC can significantly improve the detail of sound in music and reduce latency in games, but increases the power consumption of the headphone battery.
The earphone app also has an equalizer available. You can choose presets (Pop, Rock, Jazz) or create your own frequency setting. The right equalizer setup will help compensate for acoustic deficiencies or personal hearing preferences.