Xiaomi’s current True Wireless devices have become the standard of quality in the budget and mid-price segment, offering users a stable connection and impressive battery life. However, many owners have shown that they use only 10% of their gadgets, limiting themselves to basic music playback and phone calls. Full disclosure of potential requires the correct initial configuration and understanding of the logic of the touch panels.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how you pair with different types of smartphones, including the nuances of working with iOS and Android, and also look at the hidden features available through specialized software. You will learn to calibrate the sound to your preferences and eliminate common connection problems that often occur for beginners.
Competent customization of Xiaomi Earbuds or Redmi Buds series models begins long before you first hit the play button. Understanding the physical principles of the charging case and status indicators will avoid false diagnoses about the malfunction of the device. Let's dive into the technical details to make your interaction with the equipment as comfortable as possible.
First activation and activation of the pairing mode
The process of activating new headphones can vary depending on the specific model and year of release of the device. Most modern versions, such as Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Pro, use an automatic activation system when extracted from the case, but there are models with a mechanical reset button. If you purchased the device from a showcase or it was previously paired with another gadget, you will need to make a forced entry into Pairing Mode mode.
To do this, you need to place both headphones inside the charging case and leave the lid open. On the back or bottom of the case is a functional button, holding which for 3-5 seconds will change the color of the LED indicator. Blinking white light signals that the device is visible to external Bluetooth scanners and ready to connect.
⚠️ Note: If the case indicator is burning red or does not light up at all, be sure to charge the device before trying to pair. 15-20 minutes, as the discharged battery blocks the operation of the Bluetooth module.
It is important to distinguish between fast connection and standard search. Xiaomi and Redmi branded smartphones support MIUI Fast Connect technology, which allows you to initiate pairing by simply placing an open case to an unlocked phone screen. For other Android and iOS devices, this visual interface is not available, and you will have to search through the standard Bluetooth system menu.
☑️ Checking before the first connection
Connecting to Android and iOS smartphones
The versatility of the Bluetooth standard allows you to use Xiaomi headphones with almost any modern gadget, but the depth of integration will vary significantly. iPhone owners may face a lack of access to some equalizer settings or the inability to update the firmware without installing third-party applications, since the native Apple interface does not provide full control over peripherals.
For Android users, especially those using the MIUI shell or HyperOS, the process goes as smoothly as possible. Once the headphone search mode is activated, you need to go to the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone and select the name of your model from the list of available devices. In some cases, the system can request confirmation of an access code that is usually 0000 or 1234, although modern models do without this step.
The use of Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly known as Mi Earbuds) is a key to enhanced functionality, allowing you to customize touch controls, select noise reduction modes and track the charge level of each earbud separately. Without installing this application, many advanced features will remain blocked.
| Function | Android (with an app) | iOS (without an app) | Android (without an app) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firmware update | Available. | Unavailable | Limited. |
| Sensor settings | Complete. | Basic | Basic |
| Transparency regime | Adjustment | On/off | On/off |
| Headphone search | There's a map. | No. | No. |
It is worth noting that when connected to third-party devices (Samsung, Huawei, Honor), the functionality can be limited to basic audio transfer protocols, in such cases, it is recommended to check for updates immediately after purchase via a compatible Xiaomi smartphone to install the latest version of firmware, which can improve the stability of the connection on any device.
Setting up sensory control and gestures
Playback and call management is done by using capacitive touch panels located on the leg or the headphone bowl. By default, the gesture configuration may not match your habits, for example, double-touching may call an assistant instead of switching the track. Fortunately, the software allows you to completely reprogram these actions for personal needs.
In the app's settings menu, you'll find a gesture control section where you can assign actions for single, double and triple touch, as well as long-term retention, such as the left one you can leave volume control, and the right one with tracks.
⚠️ Warning: Do not touch the sensor with wet hands or gloves, as this can lead to false positives or accidental completion of the call. Also avoid pressing too hard, which can physically push the earpiece deeper into the ear canal.
One of the most useful features is the ability to turn off certain gestures. If you often encounter situations where the earphone responds to hair correction or pressing with a phone tube, the best thing to do is to deactivate the single-touch function, which will improve the comfort of use in everyday life.
To activate Game Mode, which reduces latency, a specific touch pattern is often used, such as triple tap and hold. The exact combination for your model is best seen in the instructions or in the hints inside the application, as it varies from series to series.
💡
To quickly switch to transparency or noise reduction mode without a phone, try pinching the touchpad for 2-3 seconds.This feature is active by default on many Xiaomi and Redmi models.
Active noise reduction (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation is the flagship technology for many Xiaomi models, allowing you to sift out the low-frequency hum of vehicles and fans. The principle of operation is based on the generation of antiphase to external noise using external microphones. However, the effectiveness of ANC is directly dependent on the density of the adhesives to the ear.
There are usually several levels of noise reduction available in the app: adaptive, maximum and light. Adaptive mode automatically adjusts the noise suppression force to the environment, which is the most energy-efficient option. Maximum mode is useful on airplanes or subways, but it consumes battery power faster.
There is also Transparency Mode, which, on the contrary, amplifies external sounds by passing them through microphones inside the earphone, which is critical for safety when crossing the road or talking to the cashier in the store without removing the headset.
It should be noted that when the ANC is turned on, the microphones start to consume more energy, which reduces the overall time of the device. If you are in a quiet room where noise reduction is not required, it is better to turn it off to save battery life.
Why can ANC create pressure in the ears?
Use of game mode and codecs
For mobile gamers and video enthusiasts, minimal latency between video and sound is critical. Standard Bluetooth codecs like SBC can deliver up to 200 ms latency, which is noticeable when shooting in shooters. Xiaomi has implemented a special Game Mode that prioritizes data transfer speed over compression quality, reducing latency to 60-80 ms.
This mode can be activated through an app or a special gesture. When you turn on Game Mode, the headphones can switch to the AAC codec or proprietary codecs Xiaomi optimized for low latency. However, be prepared for the fact that this mode may slightly reduce the sound quality in music tracks due to changing data priorities.
Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with support for Audio Latency Optimizer technology can get even more impressive results, since synchronization occurs at the operating system level. For other brands, the game mode depends solely on the capabilities of the Bluetooth chip inside the headphones themselves.
If you use headphones to watch movies on streaming platforms, many of them (Netflix, YouTube) automatically compensate for the audio delay, so turning on the game mode in such scenarios may be unnecessary and will only lead to unnecessary battery consumption.
Maintenance, cleaning and updating of firmware
The durability of headphones depends on regular care of charging contacts. Sweat and skin fat, accumulating on metal contacts, create an oxide film that prevents charging. Regularly rubbing with dry lilaless material or a cotton swab lightly moistened in isopropyl alcohol, will prolong the life of the device.
The headphone software is not static and requires periodic updates. Manufacturers release patches that improve connection stability, correct microphone performance and add new features. Update is only made through the Xiaomi Earbuds app, provided that the charge of the case and headphones is at least 50%.
The Firmware Update process can take from 5 to 15 minutes. At this time, you should not close the case lid or move away from the smartphone. Interrupting the process can lead to the "bricking" of the module, after which it will be extremely difficult or impossible to restore operation without a service center.
💡
Regular cleaning of earwax from the speaker mesh keeps the sound frequency high, and clean contacts ensure quick charging. Neglect of hygiene gadget is the main cause of early breakdowns.
It is also recommended to periodically perform a full cycle of discharge and charge (every 2-3 months) to calibrate the battery controller, which will help the system more accurately display the percentage of remaining charge and prevent sudden shutdowns of the device.