How to connect Huawei wireless headphones to Xiaomi smartphone: full instructions with solutions to problems

Huawei’s modern wireless headphones are not only a stylish accessory, but also a powerful tool for listening to music or communicating comfortably. However, many Xiaomi users face difficulties when trying to connect a headset from another brand. The reasons may lie in the features of Bluetooth protocols, firmware versions or even basic smartphone settings. This article will help you understand how to properly pair Huawei FreeBuds, FreeLace or other models with a Redmi, POCO or Mi phone, and solve typical problems.

While both brands run on Android, their ecosystems are optimized for their own devices, such as Huawei using its proprietary Kirin chip and protocol. HWA (Huawei Wireless Audio for improved sound, Xiaomi for technology LDAC or AAC. This doesn’t mean that the headphones won’t work together, but a few extra steps will be required to make a stable connection.

In this article, we will look at:

• 🔹 Step-by-step instructions for different models of Huawei headphones and Xiaomi phones
• 🔹 Bluetooth setup for maximum compatibility
• 🔹 Solving common errors (no sound, communication breaks, poor quality)
• 🔹 Optimizing sound through uniform codec and developer settings

1. Preparation of Huawei headphones for pairing

Before you connect, make sure your Huawei headphones are ready to search for new devices. Most models (such as FreeBuds 4i, FreeBuds Pro 2 or FreeLace Pro) automatically go into pairing mode when you first turn on. If the headset has already been connected to another device, it should be reset.

To reset the settings:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (usually located behind or sideways) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (for FreeBuds) or red and blue (for FreeLace).
3. After resetting, the indicator should flash white - this is a signal of readiness for connection.

If the indicator does not flash, check the charge of the case: at a low battery level (<10%), the pairing mode may not activate. Connect the case to charging for 5-10 minutes and try again.

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If you have a Huawei FreeBuds 5 or newer, use the AI Life app (available on AppGallery) to reset. It has a separate “Reset” section in the device menu.

2. activation of Bluetooth on the Xiaomi smartphone

Xiaomi phones (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) support Bluetooth 5.2/5.3, which is enough to work with Huawei headphones.

• 📱 Update firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (check in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔄 Rebooting your phone before connecting – it will reset the cache of the Bluetooth module.
• 🔇 Disable power saving mode for Bluetooth (in Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime → Settings → Bluetooth).

To turn on Bluetooth:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider.
3. Click Device Search and wait for your headphones to appear (e.g. Huawei FreeBuds 4i).

Important: If the list shows several devices with similar names (for example, FreeBuds) 4i_L and FreeBudds. 4i_R), Choose one that has no letter at the end – it is the main device (case).

3. Step-by-step connection of headphones to Xiaomi

When the headphones and phone are ready, follow these steps:

1. Open the case cover (the headphones should stay inside) and the indicator on the case will flash white.
2. On Xiaomi phone in the Bluetooth menu, tap the name of your headphones.
3. Confirm the pairing if a request appears (sometimes you need to enter) PIN-code - default 0000 or 1234).
4. Wait for the message "Connected." The connection sound may sound in the headphones.

If the connection is successful, but no sound is available:

• 🔊 Check if the headphones are selected as the output device in Settings → Sound. → Output device.
• 🔋 Make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator on the case should be green or white).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: Turn them off in the Bluetooth menu, then select to pair again.

4. Solving Connection Problems

If Huawei headphones don’t connect to Xiaomi, the reasons may be different.

If the headphones are connected, but immediately switch off:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9 or Xiaomi) POCO M3) There is a bug with Bluetooth stack, which causes devices with the protocol HWA (Huawei can fall off. The solution is to roll back the firmware. MIUI version 12.5 or lower.

To check the current firmware version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If the version is newer than 13.0, try:

1. Disable the function "Dual Bluetooth connection" in the settings.
2. Install the Bluetooth Auto Connect app from Google Play to force reconnect.

5. Optimization of sound and codecs

By default, Xiaomi uses an SBC codec that provides mediocre sound quality. To improve playback, you can manually select a more advanced codec, such as AAC or aptX (if supported).

For this:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Bluetooth Codec option and select AAC or aptX HD (if available).
4. Reconnect the headphones.

If you don't have an aptX option, it means your phone doesn't support it, and AAC is a better alternative to SBC.

For Huawei FreeBuds Pro and later models, it is also recommended to disable the Dynamic Noise Reduction feature in the AI Life app, as it may conflict with MIUI settings.

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If standard pairing doesn’t work, try alternative methods:

• 📱 Use of the Huawei application AI Life: Download the app from AppGallery or APKMirror (not available on Google Play). ID. In the Devices section, select "Add" and follow the instructions.
• 🔄 Fast Pair Connection (Google): Some Huawei models support Fast Pair technology. To activate it: Make sure your phone is on Google Play Services. Open the case cover and bring it to your phone, and a pop-up with a suggestion to connect should appear.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🛠️ Model compatibility: Some older Huawei headphones (like FreeBuds 2) may not support Bluetooth 5.0+.
• 📵 Interference: Other wireless devices (routers, microwaves) can interfere at 2.4 GHz.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 10 or MediaTek) POCO M4) You may have problems connecting devices on a Kirin chip (like Huawei), in which case only a replacement phone or using a Bluetooth transmitter adapter will help.

7.Gestural control setup

Once connected successfully, adjust headphone management. Most Huawei models support:

• 👆 Double touch for reproduction/pause.
• 👇 Retention to switch tracks or call a voice assistant.
• 🔇 Touching to answer/complete the call.