How to connect Honor wireless headphones to Xiaomi: the full guide

The integration of devices from different ecosystems is often a question for users, especially when it comes to popular brands like Honor and Xiaomi. Despite the fact that both companies use the Android platform, their branded shells MIUI (or HyperOS) and Magic UI have their own unique features of building a Bluetooth stack.

However, the Bluetooth protocol standard is universal, which allows you to easily connect Honor headphones with Xiaomi phones. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of connection, consider the nuances of codecs and offer solutions for typical synchronization errors.

You don’t need to be a technician to get the audio right, but you need to follow a step-by-step instruction that takes into account the specifics of the MIUI interface and the algorithms of the wireless modules in Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones.

Preparation of equipment and compatibility check

Before you go to the menu settings, make sure the devices are physically ready to pair. Charge the case of Honor headphones to a level of at least 50%, as low battery power can lead to an unstable signal or inability to enter search mode. Make sure that the Xiaomi smartphone is in line of sight, within a radius of 1-2 meters.

The critical point is to put the accessories in pairing mode. For most models, such as the Honor Earbuds 2 Lite or Honor Choice, you need to remove the headphones from the case and pinch the touchpad on one of them (or the button on the case case case case case, if any) for 3-5 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator flashes red or doesn't light up at all, check for a protective film on the charging contacts inside the case. Often new technique comes with an insulator that prevents charging and device operation.

Check out the Bluetooth version on your phone. Xiaomi's current models support standards of 5.0, 5.2 and higher, which provides better connection stability compared to older versions of the protocol. If you have an older phone model, the sound quality may be limited by the SBC codec, whereas newer devices will allow you to use AAC or even aptX.

☑️ Preparedness

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Step-by-step instruction for pairing through Android settings

The main method of connection is through the standard Android system menu, which has its own visual features in the MIUI shell. Open the settings of your Xiaomi smartphone and find the Bluetooth section. Make sure the slider is activated and the phone has started scanning available devices within range.

The “Available Devices” list should include the name of your headset, such as Honor Earbuds 2. SE Or Honor Magic Earbuds. Click on the device name. The system can request a pairing confirmation -- press OK or Connect. In rare cases, you may need to enter. PIN-The standard value of the code is usually 0000 or 1234.

After a successful connection, the status bar will have a headphone icon and the voice assistant will inform you about the connection in English or Chinese. If the device shows as "Connected for calls" but the sound is not coming, click on the gear next to the device name and check if the Multimedia switch is activated.

  • 📱 Open "Settings» → «Bluetooth on Xiaomi smartphone.
  • 🎧 Translate Honor headphones into search mode (blinking indicator).
  • 🔍 Find the device in the list and click to pair.
  • ✅ Check for activation of the Sound and Call profiles in the device properties.

Sometimes, Android can cache old connection data if you’ve tried to connect these devices before, so before you try again, click on the gear next to the device name in the Bluetooth list and select “Unpair” or “Forget device.”

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If the headphones aren’t visible in the list, try turning off and turning on Bluetooth on your phone, and also reboot the headphones themselves by putting them in the case and delivering them back.

Using Honor Health App for Extended Functionality

While basic connectivity works right away, to fully utilize all of the features of Honor headphones on Xiaomi devices, it is recommended to install the branded Honor Health app (or Ai Life for some models).Without this app, you will not be able to update the firmware of the headphones, adjust the equalizer or change the purpose of touch gestures.

Since Honor apps may not be available in the Google Play Store in some regions, download the APK installation file only from the manufacturer’s official website or verified app stores. When installed on MIUI, the security system may issue warnings – allow installation from unknown sources for a particular installer.

Once you start the app and register your account, click the add-on button, and the app will find the connected headphones and offer to update their software, an important step, as manufacturers often release patches that improve connection stability with devices from third-party brands, including Xiaomi.

FunctionNo app.With the Honor Health app
Sound reproductionIt's working.It's working.
Noise reduction control (ANC)Limited.Full control.
Equalizer settingUnavailableAvailable.
Headphone searchUnavailableAvailable.

In the app settings, pay attention to the Touch Control section, where you can reassign double or triple touch actions, which is especially useful if the standard operating logic does not match your Redmi or Poco smartphone usage habits.

What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
Make sure the app has all the necessary permissions, especially location access (GPS). On Android 12 and above, accessing Bluetooth devices also requires geolocation permission, even if you're not using navigation.

Customization of sound quality and codecs in the engineering menu

For audiophiles, it’s important not just to connect the device, but also to ensure the highest data quality. Xiaomi smartphones support various codecs such as SBC, AAC, aptX and LDAC. Honor headphones usually work perfectly with the AAC codec, which is the standard for Android and iOS.

To check or change the active codec, you need to activate the developer menu. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI version field. After that, an expanded list of settings will appear in the “Additional” → “Developers” menu.

Find the Bluetooth Audio Codec and choose the best quality option supported by your headphones. If you choose a codec that is not supported by the headset, the sound may disappear or become intermittent, in which case the system automatically rolls back to the basic SBC codec.

  • 🎵 SBC — basic codec, works with all devices, average quality.
  • 🎼 AAC — Best choice for most users, good quality and efficiency.
  • 🎧 aptX – requires support from both devices, provides high-resolution sound.
  • 🔊 LDAC — maximum quality, but can consume more energy and have a shorter range.

⚠️ Note: High-resolution codecs (aptX) HD, LDAC) It can significantly reduce the battery life of headphones and increase the latency of sound in games. For video content and games, it is better to choose the Game mode or the standard mode. AAC.

Also on the developer menu, you can find the "Absolute Volume Level" setting. If you notice that the volume of the headphones and phone is adjustable independently or too quietly, try changing the state of this switch and restarting Bluetooth.

📊 Which Bluetooth codec do you use most often?
SBC (basic)
AAC (standard)
aptX (quality)
I don't know/I haven't checked.

Solving Connection and Communication Breakdown Problems

Despite standardization of protocols, users may experience intermittent connection breaks or problems reconnecting, often due to a conflict of profiles or a crowded list of paired devices in the memory of a Xiaomi phone.

The first thing to do when you have a problem is to reset your network settings on your smartphone. This won’t delete your personal data, photos or contacts, but will clear all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.

If the problem persists only with specific headphones, try to perform a full reset of the Honor headphones themselves. Usually, you need to put them in a case, open the lid and pinch the function button for 10-15 seconds before changing the color of the indicator. The exact combination for your model is better specified in the instructions, as it may differ.

Another common cause of interference is operating in areas with a large number of wireless networks (offices, shopping centers). Wi-Fi signal at 2.4 GHz can interfere with Bluetooth. Try to switch Wi-Fi to 5 GHz in the settings of the router or phone to free up the air.

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The stability of the connection often depends not only on the quality of the headphones, but also on the load of the radio and the firmware version of the smartphone.

Optimizing energy consumption for background work

The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy-saving system, which can force the background processes, including services responsible for Bluetooth accessories, to close, which can cause the headphones to fall off when the screen is turned off or not respond to commands from third-party players.

To prevent this, look for Battery → Memory Fixing (or Advanced Settings → Memory Optimization) in the settings. Add the music player and Honor Health app you use to the exclusion list, which will prevent the system from unloading them from RAM.

Also check your autorun settings. In the Security app → Permissions → Autostart, make sure that the required services are authorized. Without this, Xiaomi can block Bluetooth profiles after the phone is restarted.

  • 🔋 Turn off energy savings for music apps.
  • 🛡️ Add the player to "Security» → «Permits» → «Auto-start».
  • 📱 Block the app from the recent task menu (swipe down).
  • ⚙️ Check if the Ultra-Energy Saving mode is included».

Compliance with these simple customization rules will allow you to enjoy quality sound without unnecessary interruptions. The combination of Honor and Xiaomi devices is quite working and, when configured correctly, is not inferior to the bundles of devices of the same brand.

Why are Honor headphones not visible in Bluetooth on Xiaomi?
The problem is that the headphones are not paired, and it's not enough to just open the case, you need to press a button or a sensor, and also make sure that they're not connected to another phone nearby.
Can I update the firmware of Honor headphones on a Xiaomi phone?
Yes, it can be done through the Honor Health or Ai Life app, but for initial setup and upgrades, you may need a stable internet connection and geolocation permission.
Does Google Assistant work with Honor headphones?
Yes, when connecting to an Android smartphone, including Xiaomi, calling the assistant is usually done by long pressing on the touch panel (setting depends on the headphone model and the application).
How to reset Honor headphones to factory settings?
Put the headphones in the case, open the lid and press the function button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red or white (depending on the model).
Why is the quiet sound on Honor headphones when connecting to Xiaomi?
Check if the option is “Absolute Volume Level” in the developer menu, and make sure that the Bluetooth settings for the device do not have volume limits and that the media profile is activated.