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

Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer a wide range of audio capabilities, but not all users know how to set up headphones to suit their needs. Without the right configuration, even expensive models can sound mediocre, and cheap ones can lose their potential. In this article, we will discuss not only basic connectivity, but also hidden MIUI features that will help improve sound, eliminate delays and solve typical problems.

Features of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — self-shell MIUI, It offers unique tools for working with sound, and here you will find instructions for wired headphones (including Type-C and 3.5 mm), wireless Bluetooth headsets, and also for the use of wireless headphones. TWS-Headphones from Xiaomi (for example, AirDots or Buds). Special attention is paid to setting up equalizer, codecs and solving common bugs such as connection breaks or low volume.

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

The first step is to physically or wirelessly connect the device, and the process varies depending on the type of headphones, so let's look at each option separately.

For wired headphones with a 3.5mm connector (if your model has one) or Type-C (via an adapter), just insert the plug into the appropriate port. Xiaomi will automatically detect the device and switch the audio output. In some cases, you may need to confirm in a pop-up window - for example, if you use headphones with a microphone.

With Bluetooth headphones, the process is more complicated:

• 📱 Activate the search mode on the headphones (usually the power button is held). 3-5 seconds before flashing the indicator).
• 🔍 On the phone go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the module.
• 🔗 In the list of available devices, select your model (for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2).
• ✅ Confirm the conjugation if required to enter PIN (usually 0000 or 1234).

For TWS-Xiaomi headphones (such as AirDots Pro 2 or Buds 4) activate the automatic connection function after the first connection when the case cover is opened.

2. Sound optimization: equalizer and codecs

Even when connected, the sound may not be perfect. MIUI has a built-in equalizer and support for advanced audio codecs, which greatly improve the quality of playback.

To open the equalizer settings:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality.
2. Select the Equalizer and activate it.
3. Set up sliders manually or select one of the preset profiles (Rock, Pop, Classic, etc.).

For Bluetooth headphones, the choice of audio codec is critical. In the same section, find the Bluetooth Codec and choose the best option:

• 🎵 SBC — The basic codec works everywhere, but with mediocre quality.
• 🎧 AAC — Best Music Balance (Recommended for Apple Music or YouTube Music).
• 🔊 aptX LDAC — Premium codecs for high bitrate (requires headphone support).

If there is no aptX or LDAC on the list, update your phone’s firmware – in older versions of MIUI, these codecs could have been disabled.

Microphone and noise reduction settings

If you use headphones with a microphone (for example, for calls or streams), it is important to properly configure the input audio signal. MIUI has hidden options to improve the quality of voice transmission.

First, check that the headphone microphone is chosen as the main one:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Additional settings.
2. Select the Microphone and prioritize the connected headphones.

For Bluetooth headsets with noise reduction (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro):

• 🎤 Enable the option to improve voice in the microphone settings.
• 🔇 Activate Noise Reduction when calling (not available on all models).
• 📞 In annex Mi AI or Xiaomi Wear (for the TWS) Find additional noise reduction profiles.

If your voice is not hearing well during calls, try turning off all voice processing effects, which can sometimes make your voice less legible, and check if the microphone on your headphones is covered with clothes or hair.

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If the headphones have a "Transparency" mode (for example, in AirDots 3 Pro), use it in noisy places - this will help to hear surrounding sounds without removing the headset.

4. Solving Connection and Sound Problems

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

If TWS-Headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds 4) only connect in mono mode, reset their settings:

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the red indicator flashes.
3. Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone and reconnect.

Check the distance to the phone (maximum 10 meters)

Make sure the headphones are charged.

Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby

Restart your phone and headphones

Update the firmware MIUI-->

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI lost sound in the headphones, try to roll back the firmware version or reset the network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset network settings in some versions (e.g, MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12) were bugs with audio drivers.

5. Additional features for Xiaomi headphones

Xiaomi smartphones offer unique capabilities for working with headphones that often go unnoticed, such as the Double Touch feature, which allows you to control playback directly from the headset.

To tune the gestures:

1. Open the settings → Connected devices.
2. Select your headphones (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earbuds).
3. Click on the Control Settings and assign actions to one/double touch.

For TWS-Headphones from Xiaomi are available additional features through the Xiaomi Wear app:

• 🔊 Adaptive sound – automatic equalizer adjustment for the genre of music.
• 🎶 Game mode – reducing sound latency for mobile games.
• 🔋 Charge display - notifications about the level of the headphone battery.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro and later have Dolby Atmos spatial sound support for headphones. Activated in Settings → Sound → Dolby Atmos → Headphones. This feature creates a surround sound effect, but only works with supported headsets.

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The “Game Mode” feature in Xiaomi headphones reduces the sound latency to 80 ms, which is critical for shooters (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).

6. Customize headphones for specific scenarios

The optimal sound settings depend on how you use your headphones, and let's look at a few typical scenarios.

For listening to music:

• 🎵 Select the codec. AAC or LDAC (if maintained).
• 🎛️ Adjust the equalizer to the genre (for example, enhance low frequencies for hip-hop).
• 🔊 Turn off all noise reduction effects – they can distort the sound.

For calls and conferences:

• 📞 Activate Noise Reduction When Calling.
• 🎤 Select the codec. SBC — It provides a stable voice transmission.
• 🔇 Use the "Transparency" mode if you need to hear others.

For games:

• 🎮 Turn on the game mode in the headphone settings.
• 🔊 Set minimum delay in Settings → Additionally. → Sound delay.
• 🎧 Turn off the equalizer - it can add lag.

High-impedance wired headphones (like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro) may require an external amplifier. Xiaomi smartphones are not always able to “swing” such models to full power.

7. Update to the firmware of headphones and phone

Regular firmware updates for both the phone and headphones (if supported) can significantly improve stability and sound quality. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 added support for the LC3 codec after the update, which improved energy efficiency.

To update the firmware of TWS-earheads:

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app (available on Google Play).
2. Put the headphones on the phone.
3. Open the app, go to your headphones section and check for updates.

For the MIUI update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.

After updating the firmware of the headphones may need to re-pair them with the phone, and also check if the individual settings of the equalizer have reset.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the process of updating the firmware of the headphones, this can lead to their "bricking". Make sure that the charge level of the headphones and case exceeds 50% and the phone is connected to charging.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up headphones on Xiaomi