How to connect wireless headphones to a Xiaomi smartphone via Bluetooth: the full guide

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of everyday life: they are convenient for listening to music, calls and podcasts without confusing wires. Owners of Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) often face questions about the correct connection of the headset via Bluetooth — especially if we are talking about the first headphones or a new phone model. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard pairing procedure, but also the nuances for different versions of MIUI, as well as solving typical problems.

The connection process can vary depending on the firmware version, the headphone model (such as Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds or a third-party headset), and even the current state of the Bluetooth module of the smartphone. If you have not previously used wireless devices, the instruction will help to avoid errors, for example, when the phone “can’t see” the headphones or the connection is constantly broken. And for experienced users, we have prepared unique tips for optimizing sound and saving the battery of the headset.

Preparation for connection: what to check before pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure your smartphone and headphones are ready to go, which will save you most of the problems during the pairing phase.

Start with the battery charge of both devices:

• 🔋 Headphones must be at least 30% charged, otherwise they may shut down during the connection process.
• 📱 The charge level of the Xiaomi smartphone is at least 15% to avoid a sudden shutdown at the time of setting up.

If the charge indicator on the headphone case flashes red, connect them to charging for 10-15 minutes before trying to pair.

Check the compatibility of the devices:

• 🎧 Most wireless headphones (including Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2, Redmi Buds 4, Sony WH-1000XM5) support Bluetooth 5.0 and higher, which is available in all Xiaomi smartphones starting in 2018.
• 📲 Phones older than 2017 (e.g., Redmi Note 4) may have Bluetooth 4.2 on them, in which case some features (e.g., the LC3- codec for high-quality audio) will not be available.

⚠️ Warning: If you connect Xiaomi headphones to a smartphone of the same brand, use the Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play) that automatically updates the headset firmware and offers additional audio settings.

It is also worth considering interference from other devices:

• 📡 Disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, smartwatches, speakers) for pairing time to avoid conflicts.
• 📶 If you are in an area with poor Wi-Fi or mobile coverage, temporarily turn them off – this will reduce the load on the wireless module of the smartphone.

Step-by-step: how to connect headphones to Xiaomi via Bluetooth

Now, to the interface process itself, the manual is suitable for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO MIUI 12-14 smartphones (including HyperOS). If you have an older version of the firmware, some menu items may be called differently.

Step 1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones:

• 🎵 For most Xiaomi/Redmi models: Remove the headphones from the case and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on one of the headphones) for 5–7 seconds until the indicator flashes white/blue.
• 🔊 For headphones from other brands (e.g. JBL or Sony): You usually need to hold the power button until the beep or light bulb flashes.

If the indicator does not blink, the headphones are already connected to another device - reset their settings (read about this in the section on problem solving).

Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth on your Xiaomi smartphone:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Activate the Bluetooth slider (it will turn blue).

On some models (e.g. POCO F5), you can quickly turn on Bluetooth via the notification panel – swipe from top to bottom and tap the 📊 icon.

Step 3. Find the headphones in the list of available devices:

• 🔍 Once Bluetooth is activated, the smartphone will start scanning. Your headphones (e.g., Redmi Buds 4 or LE_BT_XXX should appear on the Available Devices list.
• 📌 If the device is not displayed, click Update (circle arrow icon in upper right corner).

Step 4. Put the headphones on.

• 🖱️ Click on the name of your headphones in the list.
• ✅ Confirm pairing if a request appears (some models need to type PIN- code — usually 0000 or 1234).

After successful connection next to the headphone name will appear the inscription Connected, and in the notification panel – the icon 🎧.

Headphones charged at 30%+

Bluetooth is turned on on on your smartphone

Headphones in pairing mode (blinking indicator)

Other Bluetooth devices disabled-->

Features of connection for different models Xiaomi

While the overall connection algorithm is the same, depending on the smartphone model and the MIUI version, there may be nuances.

Smartphones with MIUI 14 / HyperOS (2023-2026):

• 🆕 Newer firmware versions have added Quick Connection – if Xiaomi headphones are nearby, a pop-up will appear offering to connect in one click.
• 🎛️ In Bluetooth settings, the Sound section has appeared where you can configure Sound Quality (priority: Quality or Stability).

For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro, when you connect the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, the LC3 codec is automatically activated for improved sound.

Older models (MIUI 11-12, Android 9-10):

• ⚠️ The Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T may not support the AAC- codec, making the sound in the headphones worse than on new devices.
• 🔄 There is no separate audio section in Bluetooth settings – the quality is controlled by the headphone app itself (if any).

Models with pure Android (POCO F1, Mi A3):

• 🤖 This uses the standard Android menu, so the path to Bluetooth settings will be: Settings → Connected devices → Connection settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔊 Dual audio (playing sound simultaneously on headphones and speakers) may not be available.

⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 11) may experience a delay in audio while watching video. Solution: in the headphone settings (if there is an app), select Game or Low Latency mode.

Problem Solving: What to do if the headphones are not connected

Even if you do the instructions right, you can have difficulties, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The smartphone can’t see the headphones

• 🔄 Reboot both devices — sometimes it helps to banal reboot the smartphone and re-energize the headphones.
• 📱 Update your firmware — go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and check for updates.
• 🧹 Clear the Bluetooth cache: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find Bluetooth in the list, open Storage and click Clear Cache.

Problem 2: Headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted

• 📶 Interference from other devices – turn off nearby Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 GHz or microwave ovens.
• 🔊 Reset headphones: Put your headphones in your case. Hold the button on the case for 10 to 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. Re-connect.

Change the codec.

Bluetooth

MIUI 14

SBC

AAC

Problem 3: Headphones only connect to one device

• 🔗 Reset the list of conjugated devices: Settings → Bluetooth → Press the gear next to the headphones → Delete
• 📱 Turn off Auto Connection on other devices (e.g., laptop or tablet) so that the headphones don’t automatically reconnect.

Optimizing sound and settings after connecting

Once paired successfully, you can improve the sound quality and customize the headphones to suit your needs.

1. Adjustment of the sound profile

• 🎶 In the Mi Earphones app (for Xiaomi headset), select one of the preset profiles: Balance - Universal Mode; Bass - for electronic music; Voice - for podcasts and calls.
• 🎛️ Manually adjust the equalizer to Settings → Sound → Equalizer (available on MIUI 13–14).

2. Incorporation of additional functions

• 🔇 Noise reduction (ANC) – activated in the headphone app or via Settings → Bluetooth → gear next to the device → Noise cancellation.
• 🎤 Transparency mode is useful for conversations when you need to hear surrounding sounds.
• 🕹️ Game mode – reduces sound latency (includes in headphone settings or through Settings → Display → Update frequency).

3. Battery saving

• ⚡ Turn off ANC if you don’t use it, which increases headphone life by 20 to 30 percent.
• 🔕 Reduce volume to 70% – at maximum volume, the battery sits down 2 times faster.
• 🔄 Turn on Auto-Switching in the headphone settings (if there is such an option) - the device will turn off after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.

💡

If your Xiaomi headphones support LDAC (like the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), turn on this codec in your Bluetooth settings for better sound, but note that this will increase battery consumption by 10-15%.

How to connect headphones to multiple Xiaomi devices at the same time

Multipoint (connecting to two devices at once) is not available in all headphone models, but if your headset supports it (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Sony WH-1000XM5), you can configure it on Xiaomi smartphones.

Step 1. Check Multipoint Support

• 📋 Go to the headphone manual or check the specifications on the manufacturer's website.
• 🔍 A headset management application (e.g., Mi Earphones) must have a two-device connection section.

Step 2. Connect the headphones to the second device

• 📱 Activate pairing mode on the headphones (as with the first connection).
• 🔄 On Xiaomi’s second smartphone, turn on Bluetooth and find the headphones in the list of available devices.
• ✅ Confirm the connection.

Now headphones will automatically switch between devices depending on which one plays the sound.

The limitations of the Multipoint feature on Xiaomi:

• 🚫 On MIUI 12 and below, only one device can play sound at a time (the second will be in standby mode).
• 🎧 Some headphone models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3) don't support Multipoint at all.
• 📞 When an active call is made on one smartphone, the second device will be disabled.

💡

Multipoint is useful if you use headphones for work (connected to a laptop) and for personal use (smartphone), but keep in mind that this increases headphone battery consumption by 15-20%.

Security and privacy when using Bluetooth

Connecting devices over Bluetooth is not only convenient, but also a potential security risk.

1. Protection against unauthorized access

• 🔒 Always turn off Bluetooth visibility when not using headphones: Settings → Bluetooth → Device Visibility → Off.
• 🚫 Do not connect to unknown devices – this could be a hacking attempt (e.g., via the BlueBorne vulnerability).
• 🔄 Regularly update your smartphone firmware and headphones to close vulnerabilities.

2. Data confidentiality

• 📱 Headphones with a microphone (e.g., Xiaomi AirDots Pro) can record ambient sounds. Turn off the microphone when you're not making calls.
• 🔍 In Bluetooth settings, check what permissions are given to connected devices: Settings → Applications → Permissions → Bluetooth.

3. How to avoid eavesdropping

• 🎤 If you are discussing sensitive information, turn off the headphones or put them into Noise Reduction mode (if any).
• 🔗 Do not use public Bluetooth networks (such as at cafes or airports) – they may be compromised.