How to set up headphones on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from connectivity to fine tuning of sound

Xiaomi Redmi 9 remains a popular choice due to the balance of price and functionality, but many users face questions when setting up headphones. TWS-Headphones from Xiaomi (for example, Redmi AirDots)>) — The right sound configuration can dramatically change the experience of listening to music, calling or watching videos.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages: from basic connection to hidden functions. MIUI, We'll focus on common problems, like why headphones can automatically turn off when you lock the screen on a Redmi 9 with firmware. MIUI 12.5+, How to fix it without resetting the settings.

You'll know:

• 🔌 How to connect headphones of different types (including rare cases when the smartphone “can’t see” the device).
• 🎛️ Where are the settings of the equalizer and spatial sound in MIUI.
• 🔇 Why the sound is missing in one headphone and how to diagnose the problem.
• 📱 How to sync your headphones with other Xiaomi devices (like Mi Band for music control).

Let’s start with the most important thing – the right connection.

1. Connecting headphones to Xiaomi Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions for all types

The connection process depends on the type of headphones. Redmi 9 supports:

• 📶 Bluetooth headphones (including TWS, monoheads and overhead models).

For wired headphones:

1. Insert the plug into the 3.5 mm connector on the top of the smartphone.
2. Wait for the icon of headphones in the status bar.
3. When you first connect, the system may request permission to access the microphone (if the headphones are with a microphone).

For Bluetooth headphones:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually the power button is held for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module.
3. In the list of available devices, select your headphones (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3).
4. Confirm the pairing on both devices.

Headphone icon appeared in the status bar

The sound is played through the headphones (check in Settings). → Sound. → Output device)

Microphone is working (test: recording voice message)

Charge level is displayed (for Bluetooth models)

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⚠️ Note: If the headphones are not determined, try:

1. Reboot your smartphone and headphones. 2. Remove the device from the list of conjugated and reconnect. 3. Check codec compatibility: Redmi 9 supports SBC, AAC, but not aptX or LDAC.

2. Sound tuning: equalizer, effects and hidden MIUI features

MIUI It offers flexible tools for fine-tuning the sound, but many of them are hidden in the depths of the menu:

Equalizer:

1. Go to Settings. → Sound. → Sound quality and effects → equalizer.
2. Select a preset profile (Bas, Rock, Jazz) or set up sliders manually.
3. Activate the option Adaptive sound for automatic adjustment to the genre of music.

Spatial sound (for headphones):

• 🎵 Included in Settings → Sound. → Sound effects → Spatial sound.
• 🎬 Supports Dolby Atmos formats (requires separate installation) APK for certain regions).
• 🎮 Optimized for games and movies (the effect of "volume" sound).

Individual settings for applications:

V MIUI You can assign different output devices to each application, like listening to music through headphones and notifying you through a speaker:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Permit management → Sound.
2. Select an app (such as YouTube Music).
3. Assign the output device by default.

3.5 mm wired

Bluetooth TWS (For example, AirDots)

Bluetooth invoices

USB-Type C (with adapter)

Another option-->

3. Problem Solving: Headphones are not working, switch off or the sound is interrupted

Even when connected properly, there can be failures, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound

• 🔊 Check the physical connection: clean the 3.5mm connector of dust (use a toothpick or compressed air).
• 📱 Make sure the sound is not turned off on your smartphone (volume buttons or Do Not Disturb mode).
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the audio driver “hangs".

Problem 2: Bluetooth headphones turn off when the screen is locked

This is a common problem on the Redmi 9S. MIUI 12.5+, energy efficiency solutions:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Find the app that handles the sound (like Spotify or Mi Music).
3. Select the No Limits mode.

Also check the Bluetooth settings:

1. Settings → Bluetooth → ⚙️ (setting) → Auto-Disable – Turn off this option.

Problem 3: The sound is interrupted or interfered with

💡

If Xiaomi headphones (like Redmi Buds 3) don’t sync with each other, reset them to factory settings: hold both touchpads for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes twice.

4.Sound optimization for music, games and calls

Sound settings should be adapted to the use case, and here's how to set up Redmi 9 for different tasks:

For music:

• 🎶 Activate the Equalizer with Basa profile+ pope.
• 🔊 Turn on Volume Amplifier in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging → Media amplifier (developer mode activation required).
• 🎧 Use support headphones AAC For better quality (e.g. AirDots Pro 2).

For games:

• 🎮 Enable Spatial Sound with Profile Game.
• 🔇 Turn off Adaptive Sound – It Can Delay Sound Effects.
• 📱 Activate Game Mode in the Notification Curtain to Prioritize the Sound.

For calls:

• 📞 B Settings → Sound. → Sound quality select Clearness of voice.
• 🎤 If the interlocutor does not hear well, check the microphone of the headphones in Settings → Additionally. → Equipment test.
• 🔄 When using a Bluetooth headset, turn off Noise Reduction if it distorts your voice.

💡

For maximum sound quality in games, turn off all post-processing effects (Equalizer, Spatial Sound) – they add a delay of up to 50–100 ms.

5 Hidden functions: how to squeeze the most out of headphones on MIUI

MIUI It hides a few useful options that can improve the headphone experience:

1. adjusting sensory gestures for TWS-headphone

If you have Redmi AirDots or other TWS-Xiaomi headphones, you can reassign gestures:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth, tap the icon. ⚙️ headphone.
3. Select Gesture Management and assign actions (like double tapping to switch tracks).

Activation LDAC (earpiece)

Redmi 9 is not officially supported. LDAC, It can be enabled through the developer settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers → Bluetooth settings.
3. Choose an audio codec and try it. LDAC (If the headphones support it, for example, Sony WH-1000XM4).

⚠️ Note: Not all headphones work consistently with LDAC Redmi 9: Possible artifacts of sound.

3. synchronize with Mi Band to control music

If you have a Mi Band, 5/6/7, You can control the playback directly from the bracelet:

1. Connect the bracelet to your smartphone via Mi Fitness.
2. In the bracelet settings, activate the Music Management option.
3. Now swipes on the screen of the bracelet will switch tracks, and tap - pause.

6. Wired and Bluetooth headphone comparison: which is better for the Redmi 9

The choice between wired and wireless headphones depends on your priorities, and let’s look at the key differences with the Redmi 9:

Recommendations:

• 🎮 For games: wired headphones (minimum delay).
• 🏃 For sport: TWS-Headphones with sweat protection (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro).
• 🎵 For music: overhead Bluetooth headphones with AAC or wired Hi-Res.

7. Update firmware and drivers: why it matters for sound

The quality of the headphones depends on the version MIUI And audio drivers. Regular updates are fixed:

• 🔊 Bugs with sound (for example, the loss of sound in one headphone).
• 📶 Bluetooth connectivity problems (especially for the TWS).
• 🎛️ Optimization of the equalizer and effects.

How to update firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, download and install it.

How to update Bluetooth stacks (if the headphones are glitchy):

1. Remove all associated devices in Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Turn off Bluetooth, reboot your smartphone.
3. Turn on Bluetooth and reconnect the headphones.

⚠️ Note: After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 12 on MIUI 13) it may be necessary to reset the sound settings to the factory:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Reset settings. 2. Select Reset audio settings (does not affect personal data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up headphones on Xiaomi Redmi 9