How to connect 2 Xiaomi headphones at the same time to your smartphone

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have evolved into powerful multimedia centers capable of delivering high-quality audio. However, for many users, the question remains how to connect 2 Xiaomi headphones simultaneously to one device for sharing music or watching movies. This feature, known as Audio Share or Double Sound, allows you to share audio stream without having to buy additional transmitters.

This capability depends not only on the version of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, but also on the hardware support of the Bluetooth module in a particular smartphone. Owners of flagship models such as the Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 14 are more likely to find native support for the feature in the menu, while on budget devices may require third-party solutions.

It is important to understand that the simultaneous operation of two headsets creates an increased load on the radio channel, which can affect the sound quality or stability of the connection. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to implement dual audio output, including standard system facilities and proven workarounds.

Verification of device and MIUI version compatibility

Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your hardware is technically capable of supporting two-device audio transmission. Dual Audio has been introduced into the MIUI shell since versions 12 and 13, but it is not guaranteed on all models. Often the ability to be available depends on the installed Bluetooth chip and the licensing restrictions of the region.

You can check the current version of the software by going to the Settings β†’ About Phone menu. If you have an outdated firmware version installed, the system may not contain the necessary drivers for multi-point connectivity, in which case you should consider upgrading to the current version of HyperOS, if it is available for your model.

⚠️ Warning: Forced installation of global firmware on the Chinese version of the smartphone (or vice versa) for the sake of the Dual Audio feature can lead to locking the device or loss of warranty.

Also worth considering is the Bluetooth version of the protocol. For stable operation of two pairs of headphones, the Bluetooth 5.0 module and higher is desirable. Older versions of the standard may not be able to encode two streams of sound at the same time without significant delays.

Use of Dual Audio in MIUI and HyperOS

If your device supports native audio, the connection process will be as simple as possible and will not require additional software installation. In the latest versions of the shell, this tool is integrated directly into the Bluetooth control panel.

To activate the mode, do the following: first connect the first pair of headphones in the standard way through the Bluetooth menu. After the sound goes to the first headset, turn on the search mode on the second pair of headphones.

β˜‘οΈ Checking the Dual Audio connection

Done: 0 / 4

Then open the Bluetooth menu and find the second device on the list of available devices. In some versions of MIUI, a plug-in button or speaker icon may appear next to the device name. If the system supports Audio Share, it will automatically redirect the audio stream to both headsets.

In some cases, after connecting the second device, a special icon with the image of two speakers appears in the notification curtain or in the music control widget, pressing it allows you to adjust the volume for each device separately or switch output modes.

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If the sound is gone in the first device after connecting the second device, try turning off the "Absolute Volume Level" option for both devices in Bluetooth settings.

Configure through the menu "Special features"

There is an alternative method of activating double sound, which is hidden in the special features section of Android, which often works even when the standard Bluetooth menu does not offer the option of connecting a second headset, but is based on the system settings for audio output for people with hearing impairments.

Go to Settings β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Special features. You need to find a section that is associated with hearing aids or audio output. Depending on the version of MIUI, this section may be called Hearing aids or Audio routing.

Inside the menu, find a switch that allows you to use multiple audio outputs at once, and activating this feature forces the system to broadcast the sound to all connected Bluetooth devices, ignoring the standard limit on one active headset.

ParameterStandard regimenReim special opportunities
Number of devices1 active2 and more
Sound delayMinimumPossible desynchronization
Codec qualityHigh (aptX, LDAC)Basic (SBC)
StabilityTall.Medium

It is worth noting that using this method can lead to a decrease in sound quality, as the system switches to the basic SBC codec for compatibility, and audio delay in games can become noticeable.

πŸ“Š What kind of connection you used before?
Native function of MIUI
Through special opportunities.
Third-party annexes
Didn't connect two devices.

Applications from the Play Market

When the built-in tools don't work, specialized applications developed by enthusiasts come to the rescue, using the Android API to force the audio stream to multiple output devices.

One popular solution is the Sound Assistant app or its counterparts, such as Dual Audio, which you will need to provide it with advanced resolutions, including access to system audio settings, once installed.

The setup process is usually as follows: launch the app, connect both pairs of headphones to your smartphone, and then select the β€œPlay on all devices” option in the program interface.

⚠️ Attention: Third-party applications for sound distribution can discharge the smartphone battery much faster due to the constant active operation of the Bluetooth module in enhanced mode.

Some apps also allow you to adjust the volume balance for each pair of headphones separately, which is useful if one listener has a hearing loss, but be prepared for the fact that such programs may contain advertising or require a paid subscription for full functionality.

Use of Bluetooth adapters and transmitters

If software methods do not give the desired result or cause unstable operation of the smartphone, you can use a hardware solution. There are special Bluetooth transmitters that connect to the smartphone via a USB-C connector or 3.5 mm (if available) and can transmit a signal to two pairs of headphones at the same time.

These devices often have their own battery and don't load the phone's Bluetooth module, but they create an independent network where the phone is the source of the signal, and the adapter takes over the coding and transfer of data to the headsets.

How to choose the right adapter?
When choosing a Bluetooth transmitter, pay attention to support for aptX Low Latency codecs. This is critical for watching videos so that the sound stays up with the picture. Also make sure the device supports Dual Link mode.

The advantage of this approach is versatility: you can connect any headphones, even if they are from different manufacturers, for example, one pair of Xiaomi and one pair of Samsung.

Solving problems with desynchronization and delays

One of the biggest problems with connecting two headphones is the desynchronization of sound, which is that because of the difference in signal processing, one ear may hear it earlier than the other, or the sound in one headset is a fraction of a second behind, which is especially noticeable when watching movies.

To minimize this effect, try disabling all audio enhancements such as Mi Sound or equalizers in Bluetooth settings. Excess processing by a digital signal processor (DSP) increases the time spent on audio streaming.

Network settings reset also helps. Go to Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will remove all stored pairs and return the network modules to factory settings, which often eliminates software conflicts.

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To watch videos with two pairs of headphones, it is critical to use headsets that support the same codecs, ideally the same model, which will provide minimal desynchronization.

If the delay persists, try switching the Bluetooth codec to the Developer Menu.Look for Bluetooth Audio Codec and select SBC or AAC. While these provide less quality than aptX, they often run more stable in dual-transmission mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect more than two Xiaomi headphones at the same time?
Android and MIUI standard means support connecting a maximum of two audio devices at a time, and it is theoretically possible to connect more through special Bluetooth hubs, but the software system will limit the output of sound to two active channels.
Why is the second pair of headphones connected, but there is no sound?
Chances are Media Only or Calls Only mode is activated for the second device. Go to Bluetooth settings, tap the gear next to the connected device, and make sure the Media Audio and Phone Audio sliders are on for both headsets.
Does connecting two headphones affect internet speed?
Bluetooth headsets do not directly affect mobile internet or Wi-Fi speed, as they use different frequency bands, but the overall battery discharge rate of a smartphone can increase by up to 30-40% with active use.
Does this feature work on older versions of Android?
On Android version below 10, native support for Dual Audio is extremely rare and depends on the chipset manufacturer, and on such devices, it is almost guaranteed that you will need external Bluetooth adapters or third-party root-rights software.