How to connect wireless headphones to Xiaomi: full instructions

Modern smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi have a powerful multimedia functionality that can not be imagined without high-quality wireless sound. the transition to Bluetooth audio opens owners freedom of movement and eliminates entangled wires, but the initial setting often raises questions among users who first changed the wired headset. the process of synchronizing devices in the Android ecosystem, especially with the add-on MIUI or HyperOS, has its nuances, the knowledge of which saves time.

In this article, we will take a look at all the stages of pairing, from activating the search mode on the headset to fine-tuning codecs for Hi-Res audio. You will learn how to properly manage connected devices, switch between sources and what to do if the phone stops seeing accessories.

Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your headphones are charged and in good working order. The basic connection procedure is standardized, but the speed and stability of the connection depends on the version of the Bluetooth module in the smartphone and the profiles supported. Let's look at the step-by-step algorithm of actions.

Preparation of headphones for pairing

The first and most important step is to put the headset into detection mode. Many users make the mistake of just turning on the device, but it's not enough for the first connection. Most TWS (True Wireless) models and full-size headphones require a forced start of the mode (pairing), usually done by holding a power button or a special button with a Bluetooth image for a long time.

A visual indicator of success in search mode is a flashing LED, which can flash blue, red or alternately blue and red, depending on the accessory manufacturer. If the indicator is on or off, the phone will not be able to detect the device in the list of available.

โš ๏ธ Note: If your headphones have previously been connected to another smartphone, they may automatically try to connect to it when turned on, in which case you must first turn off Bluetooth on the old device or select the Forget Device feature in its settings to free up the communication channel.

For owners of popular Xiaomi Buds or AirDots models, the process can be different: sometimes you need to remove both headphones from the case and touch touch touch zones twice to start a search. In rare cases, especially low-end Chinese brands, you need to press volume buttons at the same time. Always check the manual of a particular model if standard methods do not work.

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If the indicator flashes too fast or does not light up, check the charging contacts in the case - perhaps the headphone is simply discharged and can not enter the pairing mode.

Activation of Bluetooth on the Xiaomi smartphone

Once the accessory is ready, you need to activate the radio module in the phone itself. In the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS, the settings interface may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same. The fastest way to get to the menu is to use the notification curtain. Swipe from top to bottom up the screen to open the quick access bar, and find the Bluetooth icon.

If you want to access advanced settings, you better use the main menu. Go to Settings, then select Bluetooth. Here you will see the module status switch. Make sure it is activated (the slider is shifted to the right and colored blue). The system will automatically start scanning the space for available devices.

The same menu displays the name of your smartphone that other devices see. It's the default phone model (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro), but it can be changed. Click on the arrow or device name at the top of the screen to type in an arbitrary name. This is handy if you often connect to public audio systems or car radios.

๐Ÿ“Š What type of headphones do you use more often?
Full-sized with headband
TWS (inlays/plugs)
Necks (on the hook)
Wires through the adapter

Connection and pairing process

When the module is activated and the headphones are in search mode, a list of available devices should appear on the phone screen. Find the name of your headset in the list. It usually matches the brand or model indicated on the case. Click on the name to initiate the mating procedure.

In some cases, especially when connected to car systems or older models of headsets, it may be necessary to confirm the access code.The standard pin code is most often 0000 or 1234. TWS-Models like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Galaxy Buds pair automatically without code input using secure handshake protocols.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checklist of successful connection

Done: 0 / 4

Once you've successfully connected, you'll hear a distinctive audio signal in your headphones, and the phone's status bar will have a headset battery icon. Android will automatically redirect all media stream (music, video, interface sounds) to an external audio device. If the sound doesn't appear, check if the phone speaker is selected as the output.

Customization of sound and codecs in MIUI

Xiaomi owners have the advantage of accessing hidden audio settings. The standard SBC profile provides basic quality, but for Hi-Res audio, it is worth activating advanced codecs such as AAC, aptX or LDAC. To access these options, you need to go to the developer menu.

To open the hidden menu, go to Settings โ†’ About Phone and quickly click on MIUI or HyperOS seven times. Once the โ€œYouโ€™ve Been a Developerโ€ notification appears, go back to the main settings menu, select Additional (or Advanced Settings) and find the โ€œDeveloperโ€ option.

CodecSound qualityDelay (Latency)Compatibility
SBCBasicTall.All devices.
AACGood.MediumApple, Android
aptXHigh.Low.Qualcomm chips
LDACHi-Res (Max)Medium/HighSony, flagships

You can manually select a priority codec for audio or change the bitrate here, and you can also use the option "Absolute Volume Level" in this section. If you notice that the volume of the headphones is not synchronized with the phone's slider (for example, on the phone at most, and on the headphones quiet), try to switch this option.

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Activating the aptX Low Latency codec is critical for gamers, as it minimizes the delay between the action on the screen and the sound of the shot.

Managing connected devices

Once you first connect, the smartphone remembers the device and connects to it automatically when you turn on Bluetooth again. However, managing the list of conjugated gadgets requires attention. In the Bluetooth menu, you will see a list of previously connected devices. By clicking on the arrow next to the name, you will get access to additional features.

You can turn off media audio or phone calls separately here, which is useful if you want to listen to music through headphones, but the notification sound must go through the speaker, and there is also a feature to rename the device in the list, which helps you navigate if you have multiple pairs of headphones (for example, Sport, Office, Home).

To remove the device from your phoneโ€™s memory, click on the gear icon or arrow and select โ€œDisableโ€ or โ€œForget the deviceโ€ โ€“ a procedure that is necessary if you have sold your headphones, changed them to new ones, or if you have connection errors that require full interconnection of your profiles.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Forget Device removes encryption keys. If you plug in the same headphones again, the phone will consider them a new device, and all individual profile settings can be reset.

Solution: Headphones are not connected

Despite the stability of Android, sometimes there are situations when the phone can not see the headphones or communication is constantly interrupted. First of all, try the classic method: turn off Bluetooth on the phone, wait 5 seconds and turn it on again. Often this restarts the protocol stack and eliminates temporary crashes.

If that doesn't work, check the list of paired devices. It's possible that the phone tries to automatically connect to another gadget (such as a smartwatch or speaker) by ignoring the headphones. Temporary switching off of other devices will help identify the conflict. Also make sure that the distance between the phone and the headphones is less than 10 meters and there are no thick walls or sources of severe interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).

In a pinch, resetting network settings will help. Go to Settings โ†’ Connection and Sharing โ†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Note that this operation will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairs, so use it only if other methods do not work.

Why is the sound interrupted?
Frequent audio interruptions can be caused by overloading the phone's processor with background tasks or using an energy-saving mode that limits the Bluetooth module.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I connect two pairs of headphones to the same Xiaomi at the same time?
Yes, current versions of MIUI and Android support Dual Audio. However, activation may require a third-party application or a special mode in the developer settings, since the standard interface does not always display this option explicitly.
Why do the headphones wheez or sound quiet?
This could be due to low battery power, contamination of the speaker grid, or the wrong codec choice: Try turning off the "Absolute Volume Level" in the developer menu or brushing your headphone filters with an alcohol napkin.
How to find out the exact version of Bluetooth on my Xiaomi?
Specifications of the module (e.g. Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3) are specified in the model specifications on the official website or in the Dial and AOD app (in the section about the device). In the phone settings, the protocol version is usually not displayed, only the status icon is visible.
Does the case affect the Bluetooth signal?
Yes, cases with metal inserts, magnetic rings for car holders or very thick silicone cases can shield the signal of the antenna, which is usually located at the top or bottom of the smartphone body.