Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and the sub-brand Redmi have become the standard of quality due to excellent sound and long battery life. However, the first pairing of a device with a phone or computer often raises questions among users, especially if you have previously used wired models. The correct setting of a Bluetooth connection is not just to turn on music, but also to guarantee stable communication without delay.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of connecting Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Redmi Buds and Mi Headphones overhead models to Android and iOS smartphones, as well as personal computers. You will learn about the nuances of pairing activation, the features of working with the Xiaomi Earbuds application and how to eliminate typical connection errors.
Before starting the procedure, make sure that your headset is fully charged, as low energy levels can prevent you from going into detection mode. Also check that the Bluetooth module on your smartphone or tablet is active and functioning correctly.
Preparation of the headset for the first pairing
The first step is to properly put the headphones into visibility mode for external devices. Unlike older models, modern Mi True Wireless Earbuds often automatically go into pairing mode when first removed from the case, but in some cases manual activation is required. For most TWS (True Wireless Stereo) models, you need to open the charger cover without removing the headphones themselves, and press the function button.
The location of this button depends on the specific model: the Redmi Buds 3 Pro has it on the back of the case, and the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic has it inside between the headphone compartments or on the end. The indicator should start flashing white, which signals readiness to connect. If the indicator is lit in a different color or does not blink, you may need to reset.
⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on the case flashes red or orange, it means a critically low charge. 10-15 minutes before attempting to pair.
In this case, you must first turn off Bluetooth on the old device or reset the settings of the headset. the pairing mode is usually active for 2-3 minutes, after which the headphones go to sleep to save energy.
How to perform a full reset (Hard Reset) headphones Xiaomi?
Connection to Android smartphones (MIUI and HyperOS)
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners have the advantage of a deep ecosystem integration. When you open the case lid next to the smartphone, an animated window may appear on the screen offering to connect the device. This works thanks to the Fast Pair protocol and does not require manual search in the settings. Just click the "Plug" button on the pop-up widget.
If the automatic window doesn't appear, manually connect through the system menu. To do this, go to Settings → Bluetooth and click "Device Search." In the list of available gadgets, find the name of your model, for example, Redmi Buds 4 Lite or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S, and click on it. The process takes a few seconds.
☑️ Checking before connection
After a successful connection, the system may suggest installing additional components or updating the firmware. Updating firmware is critical because it corrects connection errors and improves noise reduction quality. Failure to update can lead to unstable microphone performance or interruption of sound.
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For maximum audio quality on Android, enable the AAC or aptX codec in the developer settings if your headphone model supports these standards.
Setup on iPhone and iOS devices
Although Xiaomi headphones are optimized for Android, they work perfectly with iOS using the standard A2DP profile. The connection process on an iPhone is similar to connecting any other wireless headphones. Open "Settings" and go to "Bluetooth." Make sure the slider is active and the phone has started scanning the surrounding space.
Put the headset in pairing mode (holding the button on the case) and wait for the model name to appear in the list of "Other devices." Click on the name, and in a couple of seconds the status will change to "Connected." It is worth noting that the proprietary application Xiaomi Earbuds for iOS has limited functionality compared to the Android version, but basic settings are available.
Special attention should be paid to permissions. When you first start an application or connect, iOS can request access to Bluetooth and the local network. Access permission is necessary to correctly display the battery level of the headphones on the widget and in the status bar. Without this, you will only see the total percentage of charge or only the icon without numbers.
| Function | Android (MIUI/HyperOS) | iOS (iPhone/iPad) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection animation | Got it (pop-up window) | No (standard menu) |
| Firmware update | Through the application/system | Through the app (rarely) |
| Codecs of sound | AAC, SBC, aptX (depending on model) | Only AAC, SBC. |
| Noise reduction management | Complete (via annex) | Limited (via case) |
Connection with Windows and macOS
Using Xiaomi headsets with a computer turns them into a full headset for video conferencing and gaming. In Windows 10 and 11, the process begins with opening the Start menu and selecting Settings (cogs). Next, go to Devices (or Bluetooth and Devices in Win 11) and click the big button Add Bluetooth or another device.
In the window that opens, select the first item, "Bluetooth." The computer will start searching. At that point, make sure the headphones are actively blinking. Once your model appears in the list, click on it. The system can automatically install the necessary drivers, after which a new playback and recording device will appear in the audio menu.
On macOS, the algorithm is similar: open System Settings through the Apple menu and select Blueooth. Find the headphones in the list and click Connect. If there is no sound, check the audio output settings: click on the speaker icon in the menu bar and select your Mi Headphones instead of the built-in speakers.
⚠️ Note: When connected to a PC for games (shooters, rhythm games), there may be a delay in sound. This is a limitation of Bluetooth technology, which is difficult to completely eliminate without the use of special low-tempo codecs or wired connection (if the model supports the device).
Use of the Xiaomi Earbuds app
To unlock the full potential of the headset, it is highly recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (available on Google Play, App Store and GetApps).This software allows you not only to update the firmware, but also to customize touch controls, which is a critical feature for comfort.
Inside the app, you'll find an equalizer with presets ready (Pop, Rock, Jazz) and the ability to create your own sound profile. It also configures noise reduction (ANC) mode: you can choose the degree of noise suppression or transparency mode to hear the environment without removing the headphones. Guest settings allow you to assign actions to double touch, triple or long-term retention.
Another useful feature is finding headphones. If you lose one of the headphones in the room, the app can make it squeak loudly. In addition, the app displays the exact percentage of charge of the left and right earphone separately, as well as the case, which helps plan charging.
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The Xiaomi Earbuds app is the only way to fine-tune touch buttons and update the headphone software.
Solution: if the headset is not connected
Even reliable Xiaomi devices sometimes fail, and the most common problem is that the phone sees the device but doesn't connect, or writes "Connection error," in which case the first thing you need to do is remove the device from the list of stored devices on the phone ("Forget the device") and try pairing again.
If that doesn't work, check the list of connected devices on the phone itself. A smartphone's Bluetooth module can have a limit on how many gadgets you save, remove old, unused devices from your phone's memory, and try to reboot the smartphone itself - this clears the cache of Bluetooth services.
In rare cases, the problem is a conflict of Bluetooth versions: Make sure your smartphone has the latest system updates installed. For advanced users, cleaning the Bluetooth cache through an engineering menu or resetting network settings can help, but these are extreme measures.
- 🔹 Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device nearby (tablet, laptop).
- 🔹 Check if the case is completely discharged (sometimes the indicators lie).
- 🔹 Try resetting Bluetooth settings on your phone (Reset network settings).
- 🔹 Make sure the distance between the phone and the headphones is less than 1 meter when paired.