How to set up headphones on Xiaomi 9: from connectivity to fine-tuning the sound

Xiaomi 9 is still a hot choice thanks to its powerful hardware and flexible settings, but even with this device, users often face problems connecting their headphones: from basic (for example, there is no sound in one ear) to advanced (aptX codec does not work or LDAC). This article will help you understand all the nuances - from the first connection to professional customization of the sound profile.

We will look not only at standard methods via Bluetooth and 3.5 mm connector, but also at hidden features. MIUI, We'll focus on solving common mistakes: why the headphones spontaneously turn off, how to eliminate the latency of sound in games and videos, and how to set up the microphone for calls. If you use Xiaomi AirDots models, Redmi Buds or third-party headphones (such as Sony) WH-1000XM4), Here you will find relevant advice.

Important: The instructions take into account the specifics MIUI 14 (current-age 2026 It's a year old, but most of the steps apply to earlier firmware. 9 work MIUI 12/13, The differences in the interface will be minimal – we will point them out separately.

1. Connecting headphones to Xiaomi 9: step-by-step instructions

Let's start with the basic one, how to physically connect your headphones to your smartphone, depending on the type of device: wired (through 3.5 mm or more). USB-C) Or Bluetooth. Let's look at both.

Wired headphones

Xiaomi 9 does not have a standard 3.5 mm audio jack, so wired headphones will require an adapter USB-C → 3.5mm (companying most models) Connection takes less than 10 seconds:

1. Insert the adapter into the USB-C port of the smartphone.
2. Connect the headphones to the adapter.
3. Wait for the device to be automatically identified (the “Audio device connected” notification will appear on the screen).

⚠️ Note: If there is no sound, check it out:

• 🔌 Clean connectors (dust or oxidation can block contact).
• 🔊 Volume level (sometimes after connection it is reset to zero).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone (rarely, but helps with audio driver failures).

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If you are using a non-Xiaomi adapter, make sure it supports audio transmission (some cheap models only work for charging).

1.2. Wireless headphones (Bluetooth)

To connect Bluetooth headphones (such as Xiaomi AirDots Pro or Redmi Buds 4) follow the following steps:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue-red).
2. On Xiaomi 9, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Turn on Bluetooth and wait for the name of your headphones to appear in the list of available devices.
4. Put it on the name, it'll be an automatic connection.

If the headphones are not displayed:

• 🔄 Reboot both the headphones and the smartphone.
• 📱 Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device (e.g. a laptop).
• 🔧 Reset the headphone settings (the instruction is usually in the user manual).

2. setting up the sound profile in MIUI

MIUI It offers flexible tools for customizing sound, but it's hidden in the back of the menu, and we'll figure out how to set up an equalizer, choose the best codec, and enable features to improve quality.

Selection of Bluetooth codec

The codec is the key to sound quality and latency. MIUI use SBC — It's a universal, but not the most advanced standard. If your headphones support aptX, AAC or LDAC, They can be activated manually:

1. Put your headphones on Bluetooth.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Put the badge on. ⚙️ headphone-name.
4. Select "Sound Quality" or "Code" (depending on version) MIUI).
5. Specify your preferred codec (recommend aptX for a balance of quality and delay or LDAC maximum resolution).

⚠️ Attention: Codec LDAC It can cause problems with the stability of communication at a distance of more than 3 meters from the smartphone. If the sound begins to break, switch to aptX.

Equalizer adjustment

MIUI It has a built-in equalizer, but it's hidden in the settings of the Mi Music player (or Google Play Music if you use it:

1. Open the Mi Music app.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Settings”.
3. Select "Equalizer" and turn it on.
4. Select a pre-profile (Rock, Pop, Classic) or set up sliders manually.

To set up the equalizer globally (to work across all apps, including YouTube and Spotify), you’ll need third-party software like Wavelet or Poweramp Equalizer.

• 🎛️ Subtlely adjust frequencies (60 Hz to 16 kHz).
• 🔊 Apply effects ViPER4Android (if you have root rights).
• 📱 Save separate profiles for different headphones.

3. Solving Connection and Sound Problems

Even after you set it up properly, you can have failures, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

3.1 Headphones are connected, but no sound

If the headphones are paired, but the sound goes through the speaker of the smartphone:

• 🔊 Check if the headphones are selected as the output device: during music playback, swipe down the notification panel and tap the audio device icon.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones (turn them off in the Bluetooth menu and connect them again).
• 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings.

A critical feature of Xiaomi 9: when active mode "Do not disturb" or "Sound effects" in games, the system sound can be redirected to the speaker. → Sound.

3.2. Sound delay in games and video

Latency is a common problem when using Bluetooth headphones to reduce it:

• 🎮 Include "Game Mode" in MIUI: Settings → Special facilities → Game mode.
• 🔊 Switch to aptX Low Latency codec (if the headphones support it).
• 📱 Close background apps (especially instant messengers and social networks) that can put a strain on Bluetooth stacks.

If the delay persists, try using a wired connection or headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 support.+ (For example, Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro).

The headphones are spontaneously deactivated

If the headphones periodically break the connection:

• 🔋 Check the charge of the headphones (at a level below 10%, failures may occur).
• 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (microwaves, other Bluetooth devices).
• 🔧 Update the firmware of headphones (for Xiaomi models use the Mi Earphones app).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 9s MIUI 12 and below sometimes triggers a bug in which the system "forgets" Bluetooth devices after rebooting. Solution: disable battery optimization for Bluetooth services in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

4. Optimizing the microphone for calls

The microphone problem in the headphones is one of the most annoying problems, and let's figure out how to set it up for crystal clear sound when you're calling.

Checking the performance of the microphone

First, make sure that the problem is in the headphones, not the smartphone:

1. Connect your headphones and call another number.
2. During the call, turn on speakerphone – if the interlocutor hears you better, the problem is in the microphone of the headphones.
3. Check the microphone in the recording app (e.g., Recorder).

Adjustment of microphone sensitivity

V MIUI There are hidden settings to improve the quality of voice transmission:

1. Go to Settings. → System applications → Phone. → Call settings.
2. Enable the “Voice Improvement” option (if available).
3. Activate Noise Reduction to suppress background noise.

For a more subtle setup, use the engineering menu (caution is required!):

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In the menu that opens, select “Phone Information» → «Select the type of network» → «Microphone settings. Here you can adjust the microphone gain (values from 0 to 6).

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If the microphone has become worse after changes in the engineering menu, reset the default settings or go back to the previous values.

5. Advanced settings for audiophiles

If you want to squeeze the Xiaomi 9 to the maximum sound capabilities, pay attention to these features.

Activation of Hi-Res Audio

Xiaomi 9 supports Hi-Res Audio playback (24 bits/96 kHz), but this option is hidden:

1. Install a player that supports high resolution (e.g. Neutron Music Player or Neutron Music Player). USB Audio Player PRO).
2. In the player settings, activate the "Hi-Res output".
3. Connect the headphones through USB-C (for wired models) or use LDAC (wirelessly).

Customization ViPER4Android (root)

ViPER4Android — It's a powerful audio driver that allows you to customize sound at the system level:

1. Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
2. Download. ViPER4Android from the official website (vipersaudio.com).
3. Install the driver through Magisk Module.
4. Set up a profile in the app ViPER4Android (We recommend starting with the preset "Clear Bass»).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect setting ViPER4Android It can cause sound distortion or even damage to the speakers. Do not increase the gain above 50% without testing.

6. Resetting the sound settings to factory

If after all the manipulations the sound became worse or artifacts appeared, return the settings to the original state.

6.1 Reset Bluetooth settings

This will remove all the associated devices and return the connection parameters to the factory:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Slip on three points in the upper right corner. → «Clear the cache».
3. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

Full reset of sound settings

To reset all audio parameters (including equalizer and codec):

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select “Reset App Settings” (this won’t delete your data, but will return the sound settings to default).

If problems persist, complete a full reset (Settings) → System system → Reset to factory), but pre-return the data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)