How to connect two headphones to a Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with proven methods

Can I connect two headphones to Xiaomi at the same time?

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to share audio with a friend or use two output devices at the same time — for example, headphones and a speaker. Unfortunately, standard MIUI firmware does not support Dual Audio (simultaneous playback on two Bluetooth devices) on most models, but this does not mean that the task is unsolvable.

In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to connect two pairs of headphones to Xiaomi, including official features for new models, workaround solutions through adapters, as well as software methods using third-party applications. We will pay special attention to the nuances of compatibility with different versions of MIUI and Bluetooth chips.

Dual Audio on Xiaomi: What models do you support?

Starting with MIUI 12.5 and later, some flagship Xiaomi models have received support for the Dual Audio feature at the firmware level, which allows you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously without additional adapters.

• 📱 Works only on smartphones with a Bluetooth 5.2+ chip (e.g., Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, Redmi K50/K60, POCO F4/F5).
• 🎧 Both devices must support A2DP profiles and (most modern headphones can do that).
• 🔊 The function may be disabled after updates – check settings after upgrade MIUI.

To check the support on your model:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Connect the first device.
3. Click on the gear icon next to the connected device and look for Double Audio or Dual Audio.

⚠️ Warning: On Bluetooth 5.0 models (e.g. Redmi Note 9/10), the official Dual Audio function does not work. These will require alternative methods, as described below.

Method 1: Using a Bluetooth adapter with Dual Link support

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support Dual Audio at the software level, you can get around the restriction with an external adapter, and the best devices on the Qualcomm QCC30xx or CSR8675 chip, which can connect to two sources at the same time, are suitable.

Popular models of adapters:

• 🎵 1Mii B06 Pro supports two connections, low latency.
• 🔊 Avantek APTX-LL – optimized for video viewing.
• 🎧 TaoTronics TT-BA09 is a budget version with good compatibility.

How to connect:

1. Turn on the adapter in Dual Link mode (usually a long press on the power button).
2. Connect the first device (such as headphones) to the adapter.
3. Connect a second device (such as a column) to the adapter.
4. Connect the adapter to the phone via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Warning: Some adapters can create noticeable audio delay (up to 200 ms) when watching videos. For games and movies, choose models that support aptX Low Latency.

Method 2: SoundAssistant (Dual Music)

For models without hardware support for Dual Audio, you can use third-party applications that emulate this feature at the software level.

• 🎛️ SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but it runs on Xiaomi) – allows you to direct sound to two devices.
• 🎵 Dual Music is a specialized application for sharing audio streams.
• 🔊 Bluetooth Auto Connect automates the connection of multiple devices.

Instructions for SoundAssistant:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open the settings of → Multimedia → Dual Audio.
3. Turn on the option and select two connected Bluetooth devices.
4. Set up the volume balance for each device.

Limitations of the method:

• ⚠️ May not work on MIUI 13+ due to changes in security policy.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (up to 15% per hour with active use)
• 🎵 Sound artifacts are possible at high bitrate (e.g. LDAC).

💡

Before using Dual Audio apps, turn off battery optimization for them in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Battery Optimization. This will reduce delays and connection breaks.

Method 3: Splitter for wired headphones (if there is a 3.5 mm connector)

If your Xiaomi is still equipped with a 3.5mm connector (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the easiest way to connect two pairs of headphones is to use an audio splitter, a passive, powerless device that physically splits the signal into two outputs.

How to choose a splitter:

• 🎧 Any cheap splitter will do for headphones with impedance up to 32 ohms.
• 🎵 High-omnipotent headphones (e.g., Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro) require a splitter with an amplifier.
• 🔊 Pay attention to gilded contacts, they last longer.

Disadvantages of the method:

• ⚠️ The volume level is divided between two pairs of headphones.
• 🎵 Sound quality may deteriorate due to wire resistance.
• 📱 Does not work on models without 3.5 mm (e.g. Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50).

Method 4: Connect via USB-C hub with audio output

For modern Xiaomi models without a 3.5 mm connector (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite, Redmi K60), you can use a USB-C hub with audio output.

• 🎧 Connect the wired headphones through 3.5 mm.
• 🔊 Save Bluetooth connection for the second pair.
• ⚡ Charge your phone (if the hub supports Pass-Through).

Recommended Hub Models:

• 🔌 Baseus 5-in-1 — audio, HDMI, USB-A, USB-C PD.
• 🎵 UGREEN CM569 is a specialty for audiophiles.
• ⚡ Anker 342 - with support for fast charging.

How to connect:

1. Insert the hub into the phone's USB-C port.
2. Connect the wired headphones to the 3.5mm connector on the hub.
3. Activate Bluetooth and connect the second pair of headphones.
4. In the audio settings (Settings → Sound), select USB-audio as the primary source.

⚠️ Warning: Some hubs may conflict with OTG. If the sound doesn't appear, try disabling USB- debugging in the developer settings.

💡

USB-C hubs with audio output are the only way to connect wired headphones to Xiaomi without a 3.5 mm connector, while still retaining the ability to use Bluetooth.

Method 5: Using a second phone as a repeater (for older models)

If you have an older Xiaomi model (like the Redmi 5 or Mi A1) without Bluetooth 5.0+ support, you can use the second smartphone as a sound repeater.

• 📱 Second phone with Bluetooth 4.2+ and Audio Relay.
• 🎧 Headphones that need to be connected to the second device.
• 🔊 A sound streaming application (e.g. SoundWire or WoMic).

Step-by-step:

1. Install SoundWire on both phones.
2. On Xiaomi, select Server mode.
3. On the second phone, select Client mode and connect to the main one.
4. Connect the headphones to the second phone via Bluetooth or wire.
5. On the main phone, select Audio Output → Remote Speaker in SoundWire settings.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Works even on very old models.
• ✅ Any headphones, including wired ones, can be used.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Sound delay up to 300 ms (not suitable for video).
• 🔋 High battery consumption on both devices.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your Xiaomi model and your goals:

• 🎮 Only the official Dual Audio or USB-C hub (minimum latency) will be suitable for gaming.
• 🎵 You can use a Bluetooth adapter or applications for music.
• 📺 For viewing movies, it is best to avoid methods with a delay of >100 ms.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting two headphones to Xiaomi