How to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to a laptop

Modern Xiaomi gadgets, including the popular Mi True Wireless Earphones series, have become the standard of quality in the budget and mid-market segments. However, owners often face nuances when trying to sync these devices not with a smartphone, but with a personal computer or laptop. Bluetooth connection in Windows or macOS can behave differently than on Android, requiring manual intervention in setting up data protocols.

The pairing process seems simple only at first glance, but the stability of the work depends on many factors: the version of the Bluetooth adapter, the codecs installed and the battery status. Properly configured, you can not just transmit sound, but also use the microphone for video conferencing without delay. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of connection, from activating the search mode to fine-tuning the frequencies in the control panel.

If you've just unpacked a box or are trying to reconnect a device after selling it to another person, it's important to understand the logic behind mating mode. Unlike phones, laptops don't always automatically pick up a signal, requiring a clear algorithm of actions from the user. Let's dive into the technical details to ensure the highest audio quality.

Preparation of Xiaomi headphones for pairing

Before you try to find a device on the list available on your computer, you need to put the headphones themselves in visibility mode. Unlike wired headsets, Mi True Wireless does not have a physical on-button on the case, relying on the sensors in the charging case. LED display plays a key role here: it is the flashing indicator that signals readiness for connection.

First, put both earbuds in a charge case and make sure they fit tightly into the contacts. If the headphones themselves don't light up when you remove them, maybe the case battery is drained or the contacts are oxidized. Cleaning the contacts with a dry cotton swab often solves the problem of the device's lack of response.

Then open the case cover without removing the headphones. There's a hidden function button on the back of most Xiaomi models, such as the Mi AirDots or Redmi Buds. Press and hold it for 3-5 seconds. The LED on the front should start flashing white quickly, which means Pairing Mode mode activation.

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If the indicator does not flash white, try resetting the headphone settings by pressing the button for 10-15 seconds before the red glow appears, and then repeat the turn on procedure.

For guaranteed success, it is recommended to temporarily disable Bluetooth on your phone or remove the device from its paired list.

Search and Connection in Windows Operating System

Windows 10 and 11 have built-in peripheral tools, but the interface may vary depending on the build version. First step, open the Start menu and go to the Settings section, indicated by the gear, and you are interested in the Device or Bluetooth category and other devices depending on the OS version.

Make sure the Bluetooth slider is moved to the On position.If the switch is missing or inactive, this may indicate an issue with the adapter drivers or a physical shutdown of the module in the BIOS. Press the Add Bluetooth or other device button, which is usually located at the top of the settings window.

In the menu that opens, select the first item, "Bluetooth," and the system will start scanning the surrounding space, and the name of your model should appear on the list of available devices, for example, Mi True Wireless EBs. Basic_L Or just AirDots. Click on the name to start the pairing procedure.

Once you select a device, Windows can request confirmation or simply automatically install drivers. The process takes 5 to 30 seconds. Successful connection is confirmed by the audible signal in the headphones themselves and status Connected in the audio control menu. If the system says "Did not connect", try repeating the procedure by pre-deleting the device from the list, if it is still there.

Bluetooth settings on macOS and Linux

Apple MacBook laptop owners can also use Xiaomi headphones, although the macOS ecosystem has its own codec features. To connect, open System Settings via Apple menu or dock panel. Select the Bluetooth section in the left column or in the application grid.

Make sure Bluetooth is active. macOS usually offers to connect new devices, but if that doesn't happen, find your headphones in the Devices or Other Devices list. Press the Connect button next to the model name. The system can request permission to use the microphone and control.

For Linux users (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora), the process may require the use of a Blueman GUI or bluetoothctl command line. MAC-Address your headphones and execute the pair command and then connect. Sometimes you need to manually establish trust in the device.

⚠️ Note: On macOS, when connecting third-party headphones, there may be a decrease in sound quality when turning on the microphone due to bandwidth limitations of the Bluetooth protocol.

Xiaomi’s cross-platform devices make it easy to switch between systems, but it’s worth considering that A2DP (for music) and HSP/HFP (for calls) profiles can be handled differently. Linux sometimes requires manual configuration of the /etc/bluetooth/main.conf configuration file to improve connection stability.

Solving problems with drivers and adapter

The most common cause of unstable operation or total lack of sound is outdated or conflicting Bluetooth module drivers. In Windows Device Manager (called via Win + X), find the "Bluetooth" section. If there is a yellow exclamation point next to the adapter name (such as Intel Wireless Bluetooth or Realtek Bluetooth), the driver needs an update.

Automatically search for updates through Windows Update doesn’t always find the right version. It’s recommended to visit the official website of the laptop or chipset manufacturer and download the current driver manually. Once installed, restart your computer to make the changes effective.

Also worth checking for Windows services: press Win + R, enter services.msc, and find the Bluetooth Support Service. Make sure the startup type is set to Automatic and the service is running. Without the active service, device detection is impossible.

If the problem lies in hardware conflict, try to turn off energy saving for USB-The root and the Bluetooth adapter itself in the Device Manager will prevent the module from being turned off to save power, often resulting in a disconnection of the connection.

Managing audio codecs and sound quality

The quality of music playback depends on the codec used. The standard SBC codec provides basic quality, but for Hi-Res audio, the use of aptX or LDAC is desirable. However, support for these codecs depends not only on the headphones, but also on the laptop's Bluetooth adapter.

You can check the current codec in Windows through third-party utilities or in device properties if the driver provides this information. For macOS, the situation is simpler: the system automatically selects the best available codec, usually AAC, which is well optimized for Apple devices, but may work worse with Android headphones.

To improve sound quality, you can use a system equalizer or third-party software such as Equalizer APO. This allows you to compensate for the frequency dips typical of Xiaomi budget models. Adjusting the frequencies in the 60 Hz (bass) and 4 kHz (high) bands can significantly improve the perception.

And you have to consider that when you use a microphone, you have to force the system to switch to a low-bitrate mono mode, which is a technical limitation of the Bluetooth protocol, not a headphone defect. You can't use a microphone to listen to music in high quality.

Diagnostics of connection delays and breaks

Sound delay (latency) is particularly noticeable when watching videos or games. If the actors' lips do not match the sound, the problem may be software buffering. In video players such as VLC or MPC-HC, you can adjust the audio delay manually to synchronize the streams.

Connection breaks are often caused by physical obstacles or other devices operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, and wireless mice create interference. Try switching your laptop to a 5 GHz network or pushing away interference sources.

⚠️ Attention: Bluetooth antennas in laptops are often located at the top of the screen. If you close the lid of the laptop or put your hand on the top bezel, the signal may weaken.

If the headphones lose sync with each other (sound comes from only one), perform a full reset (Hard Reset).For Xiaomi models, this is usually done by holding the button on the case for a long time (15-20 seconds) with the lid closed or the headphones removed until the indicator flashes red.

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The stability of Bluetooth connectivity is 80% dependent on the quality of the adapter drivers and the absence of physical obstacles between devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)