Many users of the Xiaomi ecosystem are wondering how to stream audio to two devices at once, which may be needed to share an audio stream with a friend on an airplane, have a mini-party, or simply save battery power on the main smartphone by distributing sound to external speakers. Standard Bluetooth protocol often limits the user to one active connection, but Xiaomi engineers have provided several workarounds.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for implementing the problem of "how to connect 2 shaomi headphones." MIUI And HyperOS and third-party apps that extend the standard Bluetooth stack. TWS-You will understand why some methods may not work on older versions of Android.
It is important to understand that the result depends on the version of the operating system and hardware platform of your device. Bluetooth 5.0 and later offer significantly more multi-connection options compared to previous generations. Below we organize the information so that you can choose the best option for your situation.
Native MIUI and HyperOS function for dual audio
Modern shells from Xiaomi, such as MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS, have built-in support for Bluetooth Audio Share technology, which allows you to transmit an audio signal to several connected devices at once without the need for third-party software.
To check for this option, you need to first pair the first pair of headphones in the usual way. After that, go to the Settings → Bluetooth menu and find the connected device in the list. Click on the gear icon or arrow to the right of the headset name. If your phone supports multiple connectivity, you will see "Double audio" or "Audio Share".
When you activate this switch, the system will start looking for the second device, and at that point, make sure that the second headphones are in pairing mode. Importantly, latency can be noticeable when you use this method, especially when you watch video, because the signal is encoded twice.
⚠️ Note: Double audio function in MIUI It often works unstable with devices of different brands. For best synchronization, it is recommended to use two pairs of headphones from the same manufacturer, ideally two identical models of Xiaomi.
If you don't find this setting in the Bluetooth menu, it doesn't mean your phone can't do it. Often manufacturers hide these features in the engineering menu, or they activate automatically when they detect compatible devices. Try connecting the second headphones without turning off the first ones, through the standard device search menu.
Broadcasting in Xiaomi Earbuds
Advanced models deserve special attention. TWS-Headphones from Xiaomi, such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Buds 3T Pro and newer. These devices support Bluetooth technology. LE Audio and Broadcast mode, which allows a single source to broadcast sound to an unlimited number of receivers that support this standard.
Unlike classic pairing, headphones act as repeaters. To take advantage of this, both sets of headphones must support Audio Sharing. The tuning process usually occurs through a pop-up when opening a case next to a smartphone or through the Xiaomi Earbuds app.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 🎧 Connect the first pair of headphones to your smartphone and make sure the sound is played back.
- 📡 Transfer the second pair to pairing mode (click the button on the case).
- 📱 In the Bluetooth menu, find the option “Connect to another device” or “Share Audio».
- ✅ Confirm the connection on the smartphone screen.
The advantage of this method is minimal latency and high sound quality, as it uses a more modern data transfer codec. However, if you plan to connect old wired headphones through an adapter or budget TWS without LE Audio support, this method will not work.
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For stable operation of the broadcast mode, update the firmware of the headphones through the Xiaomi Earbuds app to the latest version. Older versions of the software may not contain the necessary codecs.
Connecting through third-party applications (Sound Assistant)
If the built-in tools fail to connect two devices, specialized utilities come to the rescue. One of the most effective solutions is the application Sound Assistant from the developer kaeza, which is available on the Google Play Store, which allows you to force the connection of multiple audio devices, bypassing the standard limitations of Android.
Once you install the app, you'll need to give it extended access rights. In some cases, you may need to activate debugging over USB and input commands through ADB, but the basic functionality often works without root rights. The app creates a virtual audio track that duplicates the signal to all selected outputs.
Instructions for setting:
- Install and run Sound Assistant.
- Provide the necessary permissions to access the microphone and audio.
- In the main menu, select the option “Multi-Connect” or “Dual Audio”.
- Select from the list all available Bluetooth devices that must play audio.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party audio management applications can lead to increased battery consumption.The processor is forced to process two data streams simultaneously, which creates additional stress on the system.
It is worth noting that Sound Assistant can conflict with system equalizers Xiaomi or Dolby Atmos. If you notice audio distortion or loss of audio in certain applications, try temporarily disabling system audio enhancements in the Sound and Vibration settings.
Comparison of connection methods: Characteristics table
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each method depending on your priorities: sound quality, ease of customization or versatility.
| Method | Compatibility | Sound delay | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI Audio Share | Only the new Xiaomis | Low. | Low. |
| Sound Assistant | Any Android | Medium/High | Medium |
| Bluetooth LE Audio | TWS Xiaomi (new) | Minimum | Low. |
| Splitter (hardware) | All devices. | Absent. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, software methods require a more powerful hardware smartphone. If your budget Redmi starts to slow down when playing music on two speakers, then the processor can not cope with the coding of streams, in which case it is better to consider hardware solutions.
☑️ Checking before connection
Hardware solution: Bluetooth splitters
If software crutches don't fit you, and the phone flatly refuses to hold two connections, there's a time-tested hardware solution, a multi-connect Bluetooth transmitter, which is a small device that connects to the smartphone via a 3.5mm connector (if any) or via USB-C/Lightning.
These gadgets have their own processor and battery, taking the load off the phone. You just plug the transmitter into the phone, put it into pairing mode, and then take turns plugging in two pairs of headphones, and for a smartphone, it looks like one regular audio device.
When choosing a splitter, pay attention to support for aptX Low Latency or aptX Adaptive codecs. Without them, when watching video on two screens (if you, for example, distribute a picture on HDMI and sound on Bluetooth), dissynchronization of the lips and voice can reach several seconds, making viewing impossible.
Popular models of such adapters are often labeled "Dual Link" or "2-in-1." They are versatile and work not only with Xiaomi, but also with iPhone, Samsung and any other equipment, and are ideal for organizing quiet areas in offices or classrooms.
Why does the phone reset the second device?
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties, and the most common problem is that you can't sync the sound, where some headphones are playing normally and others are half a second behind, and this is treated by reconnecting or rebooting the Bluetooth module through the developer menu.
Another problem is the quiet sound on one of the devices, which often happens if the volume is adjusted independently on the headphones and on the phone. Make sure that the Bluetooth settings turn off the option "Absolute volume" if it causes conflicts, or vice versa, turned on if the sliders are not synchronized.
If one of the devices is permanently disconnected:
- 🔋 Check the battery level in both cases.
- 📶 Make sure there is no strong Wi-Fi interference (2.4GHz frequencies intersect).
- 🗑️ Remove saved device profiles and create pairing again.
The distance is critical: for stable operation of two pairs of headphones, the distance between the phone and users should not exceed 3-5 meters in a room with concrete walls.
Sometimes it helps to reset the phone’s network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This will bring all network modules back to factory settings, which often eliminates software stack glitch.
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The stability of the connection of two pairs of headphones depends on the Bluetooth version and the absence of physical obstacles between devices.
The impact of connection on the autonomy of the smartphone
Keep in mind that maintaining two active Bluetooth connections requires energy. The wireless module is powered up, which results in a faster discharge of the smartphone battery. If you plan a long flight or trip, it is better to have a power bank on hand.
Heat generation can also increase: In hot weather or when using a heavy application (such as a voice-activated navigator), the phone may start to heat up more than usual, in which case the system can automatically turn off one of the devices to protect the components.
To minimize energy consumption, it is recommended:
- Disable the search for new devices after pairing.
- Use codecs with effective compression (SBC consumes less than LDAC, but the quality is worse).
- Reduce the brightness of the screen if the smartphone is used only as a sound source.
Conclusion and recommendations
Connecting two Xiaomi headphones to the same phone is a solvable task, but it requires the right approach. Owners of the new flagships with HyperOS are the most lucky: native support for multi-audio works quickly and conveniently. Users of older models will have to resort to the help of applications like Sound Assistant or purchase an external Bluetooth adapter.
The key is to experiment. Try different combinations of settings, update the firmware of the headphones and the phone itself. Often, manufacturers add support for new audio protocols with software updates, so the relevance of the system is key to success.
The secret to perfect sound
We hope that our tips helped you organize a collaborative listening experience, and remember that Bluetooth technology continues to evolve, and in future versions of MIUI, the audio distribution functionality will become even more flexible and accessible to all devices in the ecosystem.