Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life β they allow you to listen to music, answer calls and watch videos without any tangled wires. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi line) often face questions: how to connect Bluetooth headphones, why the device is not on the list of available, or how to improve the sound quality. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic pairing to solving typical problems.
The connection process on most Xiaomi models is unified thanks to the MIUI shell, but there are features for different versions of firmware and headphone types (for example, AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM5 or JBL Free 2).We will look at the standard algorithm, alternative methods for older devices, and also give recommendations for setting up a sound profile. If you just bought headphones or plan to buy them, here you will find answers to key questions.
1. Preparation of headphones and phone for connection
Before pairing, make sure both devices are ready to connect. Xiaomi headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones or Redmi Buds 4 Pro) usually just need to remove them from the case β they automatically go into search mode. For headphones of other brands (Apple AirPods, Samsung Galaxy Buds), you may need to manually turn on pairing mode.
Check on the phone:
- π Headphone charge level (at least 30% for stable connection).
- π± Version MIUI (Up-to-date firmware reduces the risk of errors. You can see it in Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI.
- π Lack of active connections to other devices (earphones cannot be paired with a phone and laptop at the same time).
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If your headphones have previously connected to another phone, reset them, usually holding the power button (or touchpad) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red/white.
For Xiaomi models with a Qualcomm chip (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), it is recommended to enable Dual Audio mode if you plan to use two audio devices at the same time. This feature is available in Settings β Connections and Sharing β Bluetooth.
2. Standard Bluetooth connection
The basic pairing algorithm is the same for all Xiaomi smartphones:
- Open Settings and select Bluetooth.
- Activate the Bluetooth switch (if it is turned off).
- Make sure the headphones are in search mode (the indicator flashes blue/white).
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (such as Redmi Buds 4 or JBL Tune 510BT) and tap it.
- Confirm the pairing if a request appears (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code - default 0000 or 1234).
Once successfully connected, the list of devices will be βConnectedβ status, and some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Ultra) will also display the charge level of the headphones.
Headphones appear in the Bluetooth list|Connected status active|The sound is played through the headphones.|The indicator on the headphones is constantly burning (does not blink)-->
Important: Smartphones with MIUI 14 and later may have a window on their first connection suggesting that they install a branded headphone app (e.g. Mi Earphones for Xiaomi models), which is optional, but gives access to additional settings such as equalizer or gesture control.
3. Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard method doesnβt work, try alternatives:
Method 1: Through the Quick Settings Panel
Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar. Find the Bluetooth icon and hold it for 2-3 seconds, which will open the Bluetooth menu directly.
Method 2: Using the manufacturer's application
Some headphones (such as Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort) require the installation of proprietary software to work properly. Download an app from Google Play (such as Sony Headphones Connect), follow the instructions inside it.
- ποΈ Set up the equalizer and noise maker.
- π Update of the headphone firmware.
- π Monitoring of the charge level.
Method 3: For headphones with NFC
Xiaomi models with NFC support (for example, Mi 13 or Redmi K60 Pro) allow you to connect compatible headphones with one touch.
- Enable NFC in settings (Settings β Connections and Sharing β NFC).
- Apply headphones to the back of the phone (usually to the top of where it is located). NFC-chip).
- Confirm the pairing on the screen.
Xiaomi/Redmi (AirDots, Buds and others.)|Apple AirPods|Samsung Galaxy Buds|Sony/JBL/Bose|Others-->
4. Solving typical connection problems
Even with the right actions, there can be mistakes.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on the list of devices | Search mode is not activated, low charge | Charge the headphones, reset their settings (hold the power button 10-15 seconds) |
| Connection interrupted | Interference from other devices, outdated firmware | Update MIUI, disable other Bluetooth devices nearby |
| The sound is played through the phone speaker | Headphones are connected but not selected as an output device | In the notification panel, tap the headphone icon or select them in Settings β Sound β Output device |
| Poor sound quality | Uses an outdated codec (SBC instead of AAC/aptX) | Turn it on. HD-audio in Bluetooth settings or update firmware |
β οΈ Warning: If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds, check the adaptive brightness settings in Settings β Display: On some Xiaomi models, this feature conflicts with Bluetooth codecs.
To diagnose connectivity issues, MIUI has a hidden Bluetooth test menu to open it:
- Go to Settings. β The phone.
- Tap 5 times on the MIUI version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").
- Return to the main settings, open Additional β Special Opportunities β MenΓΌ Testing.
- Select Bluetooth Test and follow the instructions.
5. Sound optimization after connection
After successful pairing, it is recommended to adjust the sound profile for better quality:
Setting up the Bluetooth codec
By default, Xiaomi uses an SBC codec that provides average quality. To support AAC (Apple) or aptX (Qualcomm):
- Open Settings β Connections and Sharing β Bluetooth.
- Put the badge on. βοΈ near the connected headphones.
- Select the Audio Codec and set the best option (e.g. AAC for music or aptX LL for games).
Equator and effects
MIUI has a built-in equalizer:
- Go to Settings β Sound β Sound quality and effects.
- Turn on the Equator and select a preset (such as "Bas" or "Jazz") or adjust the sliders manually.
- Activate Mi Sound Enhancer to improve voice frequencies.
How to turn on spatial sound on Xiaomi?
For headphones Xiaomi (for example, FlipBuds Pro) available additional settings in the proprietary application Mi Earphones:
- π§ Setting up ANC (noise-canceling).
- π Regulating a transparent regime.
- πΆ Choosing a sound profile (balance, bass, vocals).
6. Features of connection for different models Xiaomi
Although the pairing process is unified, some devices have nuances:
Older models (MIUI 12 and below)
Smartphones up to MIUI 13 (such as the Redmi Note 9 or Mi 10T) may not support modern codecs (LC3 or LDAC).
- π Update the firmware to the latest version.
- π± Use third-party apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect for a stable connection.
New flagships (Xiaomi 13/14, POCO F5)
These models support Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio, which allows:
- π΅ Connect up to 2 pairs of headphones at the same time (Dual Audio function).
- π Save charge with low-energy protocol.
- π§ Use the codec. LC3 For better quality with low bitrate.
β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Mi Mix Fold 2 when connecting headphones with aptX Adaptive can cause audio delay in games.Solution: switch to codec AAC or disable the Game Turbo Mode function in the settings.
Custom firmware devices
If you use unofficial firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you may experience problems with Bluetooth.
- Check firmware compatibility with your model on the XDA Developers forum.
- Install the Bluetooth Library Patcher module via Magisk (root rights required).
7. Security and confidentiality
Bluetooth pairing can be vulnerable to attacks such as BlueBorne or BLE Spoofing, to minimize the risks of:
- π Turn off Bluetooth when you are not using headphones.
- π« Do not connect to unknown devices (for example, LE-Audio-123).
- π Regularly update the firmware of the phone and headphones.
- π‘οΈ Use it. VPN when connecting to public networks (for example, in cafes or airports).
MIUI has a "Secure Connection" feature that blocks automatic pairings to enable it:
- Go to Settings β Bluetooth.
- Tap it on. βοΈ top-right.
- Activate the option of only visible devices.
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Xiaomi headphones with a Qualcomm QCC3040 chip (such as Redmi Buds 3 Pro) support AES-128 encryption, which makes their connection more secure than many budget counterparts.