How to connect Bluetooth headphone to Xiaomi Redmi: a guide

Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones offer users many features, but wireless sound has become a real standard of comfort. The process of creating a pair between the phone and the headset usually takes seconds, but there are nuances in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS that not everyone knows about.

In this article, we’ll not only break down the standard action algorithm, but also delve into the Bluetooth codec settings that directly affect playback quality. Many Redmi owners don’t even realize that their device supports advanced audio compression formats hidden by default. Understanding these mechanisms will help you get the most out of your speaker system.

Consider that MIUI algorithms can aggressively save energy, sometimes breaking the connection or keeping the headphones from turning on in time. We will look at optimizations that eliminate interruptions to sound. We will also touch on the compatibility of various accessories models with the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Preparation of devices for the first pairing

Before you start looking for devices, make sure that both gadgets are ready for communication. On Redmi smartphones, the wireless module works stable, but requires proper initialization. Make sure that the phone is Bluetooth enabled and geolocation is activated, since in modern versions of Android this is a mandatory requirement for peripheral scanning.

The most critical aspect is to put the headphones in visibility mode. Simply turning them on is often not enough, especially if they were previously connected to another phone. For new devices, it is usually enough to remove them from the case or pinch the power button, but to re-pair it may be necessary to hold the touchpad for 5-7 seconds before the indicator flashes.

⚠️ Note: If your headphones were previously connected to another smartphone, they may automatically try to connect to it by igniting the Redmi phone.In this case, you need to temporarily turn off Bluetooth on the old device or reset the headphones (Hard Reset).

The distance between devices at the time of first connection should be minimal. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) helps to find devices, but to establish a handshake, it is better to keep the gadgets nearby. Also check the battery power, as at low charge levels, some models can limit the power of the transmitter.

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Before connecting first, clear the list of conjugated devices in your phone’s Bluetooth settings if there are many old entries, which will speed up your search and avoid address conflicts.

Step-by-step connection instruction via MIUI settings

The interface of the MIUI shell may vary depending on the Android version and regional firmware, but the logic remains the same. The standard path to the menu looks like Settings β†’ Bluetooth. In some versions, the menu can be found through the top notification curtain, with a long tap on the wireless icon.

Once you go to the menu, the phone will automatically search for available devices, and the "Available Devices" list should show the name of your headset, usually the name of a brand or model, such as Redmi Buds or AirDots, and if you find the device, click on it to start the mating procedure.

β˜‘οΈ Connection algorithm

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When you connect, the system can request confirmation of the access code, although in modern versions of Android this happens automatically. If a request with a digital code appears on the screen, make sure that it matches on both devices (if there is a display), and click "OK." Once successful, the status will appear "Connected: music, phone".

For Xiaomi ecosystem devices, a branded fast-connection window often pops up with animations and displays the battery of the case and each headphone separately. This is a proprietary protocol that works only with native accessories. For third-party brands, only the standard charge indicator in the notification curtain is displayed.

πŸ“Š What kind of headphones do you plug in?
Xiaomi/Redmi's natives
Apple AirPods
Samsung Galaxy Buds
Other brands (JBL, Sony)
Wires with Bluetooth adapter

Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app for advanced settings

Owners of the original peripherals from Xiaomi and Redmi are strongly encouraged to install the specialized Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Buds M8 for new models), which is available on Google Play or through GetApps. This software provides access to hidden features that can not be changed through the standard menu of the phone.

You can adjust control gestures, change the equalizer, and select noise reduction mode. For example, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro has an active noise reduction (ANC) depth setting. With standard Android tools, these parameters cannot be adjusted, since they require direct access to the headphone firmware.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Earbuds requires background permission and geolocation access. Without these rights, it will not be able to track battery power and automatically switch modes when removing headphones from the case.

The app also provides a search function for headphones if you lose one indoors, and it will give you a maximum volume sound signal, and you can also update the firmware of the headphones themselves, which often fixes bugs with stable connection.

Why update the headphone firmware?
Firmware updates often include security patches and improvements to the Bluetooth module’s algorithms, which can eliminate left- and right-channel dissynchronization or improve microphone performance when calling in noisy places.

Customize the sound quality and Bluetooth codecs

The quality of the audio you transmit depends on the codec you use. By default, Redmi smartphones can use the basic SBC codec that provides average quality. For audio connoisseurs, it is important to know that Xiaomi supports more advanced formats such as AAC, aptX, aptX HD and even LDAC on flagship models.

To check and change the codec, you need to activate the developer menu. To do this, go to Settings β†’ About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI version 7 times. Then, in the advanced settings, find the "Developers" item and scroll to the "Bluetooth Audio Codec" section.

CodecSound qualityDelay (Latency)Compatibility
SBCBasicHigh (>200 ms)All devices.
AACGood.Medium (~150 ms)iOS, Android
aptXHigh.Low (~40ms)Qualcomm chips
LDACHi-ResVariableSony, flagships

The choice of codec affects not only bitrate, but also audio delay. For games, aptX Low Latency or game mode in Bluetooth settings is critical. If you use headphones that support LDAC, but the phone does not see them, perhaps the driver is not activated in the system or the headphones do not support this format.

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For maximum music quality, choose LDAC or aptX HD, and for games, Low Latency, even at the expense of sound quality.

Solution: Headphones don't connect or lose touch

One of the common problems is when the phone sees the device, but the connection does not occur or immediately breaks. This is often due to the cache of Bluetooth profiles. The solution lies in the Settings menu β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Press the gear next to the device β†’ Delete. After that, the pairing procedure should be started again.

Another reason is the address conflict. MAC or overflowing the list of stored devices. 10-15 The last connections, and old records can interfere with new ones.

If the sound is interrupted or there is a crack, check if the "Absolute Volume Level" function is included in the developer menu. Disabling it allows you to adjust the volume independently on the phone and headphones, which sometimes eliminates programmatic conflicts of signal levels.

⚠️ Attention: Interference from 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers can severely impair Bluetooth stability. If you're near a powerful Wi-Fi signal source, try switching your router to or away from 5GHz.

Secret codes and additional features of Redmi

Xiaomi smartphones have an engineering menu available through code ##6484## (or #3646633## on some models), where you can test the Bluetooth module at the hardware level. The Bluetooth Test section allows you to check the antenna and transfer the test file, eliminating software errors of the OS.

Also worth mentioning is the Two Devices feature. Some Redmi models allow you to transcribe the sound to two pairs of Bluetooth headphones simultaneously, which is useful for sharing videos, and is activated via the Quick Access menu after you connect the first headset.

For users interested in fine-tuning, a modified system file is available audio_effects.conf, But editing it requires root rights and can lead to a loss of warranty, and standard means are better limited to setting up the equalizer in the Music app or third-party players like Poweramp.

Can I connect an Xbox or PS5 controller to a Redmi?
Yes, Xiaomi smartphones support Bluetooth connection, a process similar to connecting headphones: press the sync button on the gamepad and select it from the list of devices on the phone.
Why can't the phone see the headphones even though they're on?
The headphones are likely in standby mode, not pairing mode, and you have to force them to search mode (usually by holding a button for a long time) so that the light flashes colors, and also check if they are connected to another gadget nearby.
How to reset Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi Redmi?
There is no one-button complete reset. Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Show Everything β†’ System Apps β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Memory and press Clear Data. This will delete all stored pairs and return the module to the "store-like" state.
Does the theme affect Bluetooth?
Third-party themes from the Mi Themes store sometimes contain errors in the system files of the interface, which can block pop-up connection windows. If you have problems, try switching to the standard theme "Classic" or "No restrictions".
Why do the headphones run out when they're in the case?
Check the charging contacts in the case and on the headphones themselves. If they are contaminated, the charge is not going. It is also possible that the case has gone to zero, and the headphones do not turn on automatically. Charge the case with the lid closed for 30 minutes.
Can I use only one headphone?
Yes, most modern Redmi Buds models support mono mode. Just take one earpiece out of the case (leave the other one inside or turn off) Sound will go in mono mode, which is convenient for calls or navigation.