How to set up wireless headphones in your Xiaomi phone

Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer ample opportunities to manage multimedia devices. However, pairing Bluetooth accessories can sometimes be a challenge for users, especially when you first set up or change the headset. Proper synchronization of the device is not just about playing music, but also ensuring a stable connection without breaks and delays.

In this article, we will look at all the stages of connection, from activating detection mode to fine-tuning sound codecs. Wireless headphones are becoming the main source of sound for most smartphone owners, so it is important to understand how the system controls them. We will look at standard procedures, as well as hidden settings that will help improve the quality of audio streaming.

Whether you’re using Xiaomi Buds, popular AirDots, or third-party models from Sony or Samsung, the basic principles of the Bluetooth protocol remain similar. However, Xiaomi’s ecosystem has its own features in the menu interface and the logic of background synchronization services, which you need to know about for comfortable use.

Preparation of headphones for pairing

The first and most important step is to put the headset in pairing mode, and many users mistakenly believe that simply turning the device on is enough to make it appear on the list of available gadgets, in fact, for the initial connection, you need to activate a special mode that makes the device visible to external scanners.

For most models TWS-The procedure is as follows: place both headphones in the charging case, leaving the lid open, and press the function button on the case. The indicator should start flashing white or blue, which signals readiness to search for the device. If there is no button on the case, try to remove the headphones and simultaneously touch the touch areas on both modules.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure the headphones aren't automatically connected to another phone or tablet nearby.Active Bluetooth on a nearby device can intercept the connection and your Xiaomi won't be able to detect the headset.

In the case of full-size models, such as Xiaomi Headphones Basic or Comfort, it is usually necessary to hold the on button for a long time (about 5-7 seconds) until the characteristic beep or indicator flashes.

Search and Connect via Bluetooth Settings

After the peripheral is ready, we move on to the settings of the smartphone itself. The MIUI and HyperOS interface may differ slightly from firmware to firmware, but the logic remains the same. Open the main menu and select Settings, then go to the Bluetooth section. Make sure the activation slider is in the "On" position.

The smartphone will start scanning the space automatically. The name of your headset should appear on the Available Devices list, usually a model number or brand, such as Mi True Wireless EBs Basic or Redmi Buds 3 Pro. Click on the name to initiate the mating process.

  • 📱 Make sure your smartphone screen is unlocked while searching, as in sleep mode, scanning may be limited.
  • 🔋 Check the level of charge of headphones: at low charge, some models go into energy saving mode and cease to be visible.
  • 📡 Keep devices no more than 1 meter apart for stable initial connection.

If the system requests confirmation of pairing or input PIN-The standard value for the code is usually 0000 or 1234, although modern models often do not have this step. Once the connection is successful, you will hear voice confirmation in the headphones, and the status in the menu will change to "Connected».

📊 What type of headphones do you use?
Fully wireless (TWS)
Neckband.
Full-size consignment note
Wires with Bluetooth adapter

Customization of audio codecs and sound quality

For Xiaomi smartphone owners, it is important to know that the system allows you to choose a priority audio codec, which affects audio quality and energy consumption. To access these settings, go to the Bluetooth menu, click on the gear icon next to the connected device and find the Bluetooth Codec.

Here you can see the available options like SBC, AAC, aptX or branded LHDC. The choice of codec depends on the support of a particular headphone model. If your headset supports LHDC, be sure to choose it for maximum sound quality with minimal compression losses.

What is LHDC and why is it needed?
LHDC (Low Latency High Definition Audio Codec is a high-resolution codec developed by Savitech that provides bitrate audio transmission to the public. 900 qbit/s and sampling frequency before 96 keto/24 bit, which is significantly superior to standard aptX and comparable to LDAC Sony.

It's worth noting that codec switching can happen automatically depending on the application you're running, for example, when you start a game, the system can force you to switch to a low-latency codec, even if the settings give you quality priority, which is the normal behavior of MIUI algorithms to synchronize image and sound.

Manage functions through the Xiaomi Earbuds app

To expand functionality and fine-tuning, it is recommended to use the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Buds M8 for global versions). The standard Bluetooth menu does not allow you to change the equalizer, customize gestures or update the headphone firmware. Download the application from Google Play or GetApps.

Once installed and authorized through Mi Account, the app will automatically detect the connected headphones, and in the interface you can configure noise reduction (ANC), transparency, and assign touch actions, such as double tapping can switch tracks, and triple tapping can call a voice assistant.

☑️ Setting up the sound profile

Done: 0 / 5

An important aspect is the firmware update. Manufacturers regularly release patches that fix connection problems and improve microphone performance. If you notice that the Bluetooth connection is not stable (interrupted or cracked), first check for updates in this application.

Special features and game modes

Xiaomi smartphones have a separate section for gamers, which also affects the performance of audio devices, the function of “Mi Game Turbo” or “Game Center” allows you to include low-latency mode, which is critical for shooters and rhythm games, where every millisecond matters.

To activate this mode, add the game to the Game Turbo app list. Then, in the sidebar during the game, select the connected headphones and activate the low latency option. The system will reconfigure the data buffers, prioritizing response speed over sound quality.

ParameterMusic modeGame modeCall mode.
PrioritySound qualityResponse speedPurity of voice
Delay (Latency)High (>150 ms)Low (<60 ms)Medium
CodecLHDC / AACSBC / aptX LLmSBC
Energy consumptionStandard.Elevated.Minimum

Using game mode outside of games is not recommended, as it can lead to faster discharge of the headphone battery and smartphone due to the intensive operation of the radio module.Switching occurs automatically, but sometimes requires manual confirmation in the pop-up window.

Solving Connection and Sound Problems

Despite the system's fine-tuning, sometimes there are failures: headphones don't connect, sound is lost or only one channel is running. The first step is always to "Forget the device" in the Bluetooth menu, after which you need to perform a full reset of the headphones (usually 10-15 seconds of holding the buttons on the case) and connect them again.

⚠️ Note: If after reconnecting the sound remained in only one headphone, check the balance settings in the Settings section → Additional settings → Special facilities → The slider must be in the center.

Another common problem is the desynchronization of the left and right channel (when one earphone is playing and the second is silent or playing with a delay). The Xiaomi Earbuds app often has a feature called “Disconnect the headphones” or “Reset sync”, which solves this problem in a software way.

💡

If the sound is interrupted in your pocket, try turning off the Adaptive Connection feature in Bluetooth settings.It can mistakenly break the connection when the phone changes position relative to the body.

In rare cases, the Bluetooth module itself is the culprit. Resetting network settings (Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth) helps clear the cache of protocol errors. Remember, this action will delete stored Wi-Fi passwords.

Optimizing work to save energy

The constant operation of the Bluetooth module and high-resolution codecs can significantly affect the autonomy of the Xiaomi smartphone. MIUI aggressively controls the background processes, which sometimes leads to premature shutdown of the headphones. To avoid this, find the application “Bluetooth” or “Bluetooth MIDI” in the list of applications and remove the restrictions of background activity.

It's also worth turning off the Adaptive Bluetooth feature if it's on, and this algorithm tries to analyze interference and change frequencies, which in some router models and in dense urban areas backfires, causing constant reconnection.

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For maximum connection stability in the face of heavy interference, it is better to use the standard SBC codec, abandoning LHDC or aptX, since it is less demanding on channel width.

Cleaning the list of connected devices regularly is also useful. If there are dozens of old gadgets in your phone’s memory that you no longer use, the system can waste resources on scanning them periodically, and removing unnecessary profiles is a simple but effective optimization measure.

Why do headphones connect like a “headgear” instead of “audio”?
This happens when the HFP (Hands-Free Profile) profile becomes active instead of the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) usually because the headphones were plugged in during an incoming call or activation of the voice assistant. Solution: turn off the headphones, in Bluetooth settings, click on the gear and make sure the tick is opposite to Multimedia Audio, not just Phone Sound.
Can I connect two pairs of headphones to one Xiaomi?
Yes, modern Xiaomi models support Dual Audio. To do this, plug in the first pair, then select Connect the second device in the Bluetooth menu, or simply follow the standard pairing procedure for the second headset while the first one is active.
What to do if the headphone battery icon is missing?
The absence of a headphone charge widget in the notification curtain or lock screen is often due to third-party restrictions. For Xiaomi and Redmi devices, the widget is displayed natively. If it is not, try reinstalling the Xiaomi Earbuds app or updating the system components of Google Play Services.
How to reset Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi?
To reset completely, go to Settings → Connection & Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth. Click Reset. This won’t delete your personal files, but will clear all network configurations and lists of associated devices.