Connecting two pairs of headphones to Xiaomi over Bluetooth: the complete guide

Today’s Xiaomi smartphones offer many useful features that users often don’t know about, including connecting two pairs of headphones to synchronous audio playback simultaneously, which is convenient when you want to share music with a friend, watch a movie together without interference, or use different headphones to mix sound.

However, not all Xiaomi models support this feature out of the box. Depending on the version of MIUI and the hardware platform, additional customizations or even third-party applications may be required. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways, from standard tools to workarounds for devices where the function is not officially implemented.

It's important to consider that even if you're successfully connected, you can have delays (latency) or synchronization problems between headphones, because of the limitations of Bluetooth protocol and codecs, but don't worry, we'll show you how to minimize these problems.

What Xiaomi models support dual audio in Bluetooth

Xiaomi’s dual-audio feature is relatively recent and is available on most flagship and mid-range models released after 2020, but with reservations:

  • πŸ“± Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi K50/K60, POCO F4/F5 β€” Supports Dual Audio at the firmware level MIUI 13+.
  • πŸ“± Mid-segment: Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5 β€” Requires manual inclusion in the developer settings.
  • πŸ“± Budget models: Redmi 10A/12C β€” Not officially supported, but you can use workarounds.
  • πŸ“± Outdated devices: Xiaomi Mi 9/10, Redmi Note 8/9 β€” Only through third-party applications.

To see if your smartphone supports the feature, check the MIUI version in Settings β†’ About Phone. If the version is below 12.5, you will likely have to use alternative methods.

On devices with a chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 and later Dual Audio works more stable thanks to hardware support for Bluetooth 5.2+ protocol with LE Audio function.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14
Redmi Note 11/12
POCO F4/F5
Redmi K50/K60
Another model

Method 1: Standard Connection via MIUI Settings

If your smartphone supports the feature at the firmware level, follow this instruction. An example is shown on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, but the steps are relevant for other models with a similar version of the shell.

1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Bluetooth.

2. Turn on Bluetooth and plug in the first pair of headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).

3. After successful connection, tap the icon βš™οΈ Next to the headphone name and select Media Audio.

4. Return to the main Bluetooth menu and connect a second pair of headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds 5).

5. Now in the notification panel or in the sound settings (Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Output devices) select both pairs of headphones to play simultaneously.

Not all headphones support Dual Audio mode, for example, the first-generation AirDots can turn off when you try to sync with another device.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Charge both pairs of headphones to 100%

Disconnect the headphones from other devices

Enable detection mode on both devices-->

Method 2: Including through the developer settings

On some Xiaomi models, the Dual Audio feature is hidden and requires activation through the developer menu. This is true for devices on MIUI 12.5-13, where the option is not displayed by default.

1. Activate the Developer Mode:

Go to Settings β†’ About the phone.

- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification "You became a developer" appears.

2. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.

3. Find the option to Enable Dual Audio (Bluetooth) or Audio through two devices and activate it.

4.Reboot the phone and repeat the steps from Method 1.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware may not have the option, or it may not be called. If it's not, try updating it. MIUI or use a method with a third-party application.

What if there is no Dual Audio option in the developer settings?
If there is no option in the developer menu to activate Dual Audio, this means that your model does not support the function hardware, in which case there are two options: 1. Use third-party software (see Method 3). 2. Update the firmware to a custom version (for example, Xiaomi.EU), where the function can be unlocked. However, this cancels the warranty and requires unlocking the bootloader.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don’t work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, emulating the Dual Audio feature software-based, but can delay or reduce sound quality.

Top.-3 Dual Audio applications on Xiaomi:

  • 🎧 SoundAssistant is an official app from Samsung, but it also works on Xiaomi.
  • 🎧 Bluetooth Dual Audio – a special tool with support AAC and SBC codecs.
  • 🎧 Bose Connect – If you have Bose headphones, this app supports syncing with other devices.

Instructions for SoundAssistant:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and provide all the necessary permissions.
  3. Go to the Devices of Output section.
  4. Choose both pairs of connected headphones.
  5. Activate the option of Double Sound.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, there may be assinchronicity of sound (delay of up to 0.5 seconds) between the headphones. This is due to the processing of the audio stream through the software, rather than at the hardware level.

πŸ’‘

Before using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Battery Optimization. This will reduce the risk of connection breakdown.

Headphone compatibility table with Dual Audio on Xiaomi

Not all wireless headphones work properly in Dual Audio mode. Below is a table of compatibility of popular models with Xiaomi devices:

Model headphonesCompatible with Dual AudioSound delayNotes
Xiaomi Buds 4 Proβœ… Complete.Minimum (50-100 ms)Best Option for Xiaomi with LC3 Codec
Redmi Buds 5βœ… Complete.Medium (100-150 ms)Requires MIUI 13+
AirPods Pro (2-gen)⚠️ PartialHigh (200-300 ms)It only works through third-party applications
Sony WF-1000XM4βœ… Complete.Minimum (50-120 ms)Supports AAC and LDAC
JBL Tune 510BT❌ No.β€”It does not support multithreaded Bluetooth.

If your model is not in the table, check the specifications on the manufacturer's website. Headphones must support A2DP and AVRCP profiles for simultaneous playback.

Solving problems with sound delay and synchronization

Even if you've managed to connect two pairs of headphones, you may encounter a sound dissynchronization or latency. Here's how to fix it:

  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the headphones: Disable both devices, turn off/on Bluetooth on your phone, and reconnect them.
  • 🎡 Change the codec: In Bluetooth settings (βš™οΈ Next to the headphones, select the codec SBC instead AAC β€” It is more stable, although with a slightly worse quality.
  • πŸ“± Turn off energy saving: In Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Power saving mode add Bluetooth to exceptions.
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Go to Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

If the problem persists, try using wired headphones via an adapter (e.g. USB-C β†’ 3.5mm) for one of the devices.

πŸ’‘

The best synchronization is achieved using headphones of the same manufacturer and model. For example, two pairs of Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro will work more synchronously than Buds 4 Pro + AirPods.

Alternative methods: Bluetooth transmitters and splitters

If your Xiaomi smartphone does not support Dual Audio either on the software or hardware level, you can use external devices:

1. Bluetooth transmitter with Dual Link support

Examples of devices:

  • πŸ“‘ Avantek APT-X Low Latency – supports up to 2 headphones with minimal latency.
  • πŸ“‘ 1Mii B06 Plus – works with aptX LL and AAC, perfect for watching video.

Connects to the phone via a USB-C or 3.5 mm connector and relays the sound to two devices at the same time.

2. Bluetooth splitter (splitter)

Devices like the TaoTronics TT-BA09 allow two pairs of headphones to be connected to a single Bluetooth source, but they don't synchronize sound between headphones -- each will play audio independently.

⚠️ Note: When using external transmitters, the battery discharge of the phone will increase by 15-20% due to the additional load on the phone. USB-C port.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Dual Audio on Xiaomi

Can I connect more than two pairs of headphones?
No, the maximum number of audio devices connected simultaneously on Xiaomi is 2. This is a limitation of the Bluetooth Classic protocol (up to version 5.2). In the future, with the introduction of LE Audio, the limit may increase to 4-8 devices.
Why is the sound in headphones different in volume?
This is due to different levels of sensitivity of speakers or balance settings in the phone. Try: In Bluetooth settings, adjust the volume for each device separately. In a player app (for example, Poweramp), turn on the option to Normalize sound.
Does Dual Audio work in games?
Yes, but with reservations: in most games, the sound will be duplicated on both devices, but the delay can reach 300-500 ms, which is critical for shooters or racing. LL.
Can you use Dual Audio for a microphone?
No, the feature is designed only for audio output. Simultaneously using two microphones (for example, for streaming) on Xiaomi is impossible without additional equipment (for example, a mixing console).
Why did the MIUI update stop working?
This is a known problem with some MIUI 14 firmware. Solutions: Reset Bluetooth settings to Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader). Install custom firmware (e.g., Xiaomi.EU) where the function can be restored.