Why the headphones don’t connect to the Xiaomi Mi 9 – and how to fix it
The Xiaomi Mi 9, released in 2019, remains a popular device due to its powerful hardware and up-to-date firmware, but many users have trouble connecting headphones — especially when it comes to wireless models or custom connectors. In this article, we will analyze all ways of connecting: from classic wired headphones with 3.5 mm to modern ones. TWS-headphones via Bluetooth.
The main problem with the Mi 9 is that it doesn't have a standard audio jack, and the manufacturer has given up 3.5mm in favor of USB-C, which has caused some users to complain, but even with this limitation, you can plug headphones in in minutes, the main thing is to know the nuances, we'll also tell you how to avoid latency when watching videos and why sometimes the Mi 9 "can't see" wireless headphones.
If you're faced with a device not supported error or headphones are connected but no sound, there are solutions in this article. And for customization enthusiasts, we've added tips for setting up an equalizer and choosing the optimal Bluetooth codec (AAC, aptX, LDAC).
Method 1: Connecting wired headphones via USB-C
Xiaomi Mi 9 does not have a standard 3.5 mm connector, but supports wired headphones through the USB Type-C port. This will require headphones with the appropriate connector or adapter.
- Check compatibility. Headphones should support USB-C or USB 3.1 Gen 1 (not to be confused with Micro-USB!). Popular models: Xiaomi Type-C Earphones, 1MORE Piston Fit.
- Connect your headphones to the bottom port of your smartphone. If you use an adapter (like Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm), insert it into USB-C first, then headphones.
- Customize the sound. Once you connect, the headphone icon will appear in the status bar. Open Settings → Sound and select High Quality profile for better sound.
⚠️ Note: Not all 3.5mm adapters → USB-C Cheap models without built-in DAC can produce noise or poor sound quality.
Check the integrity of the cable and connector
Make sure the USB-C port is clean (no dust/junk)
Turn off Bluetooth if it is on.
Update your smartphone to the latest version-->
If the headphones are connected but no sound:
- 🔊 Check the volume – sometimes it drops to zero the first time you connect.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – it helps with failures of audio drivers.
- 🛠️ Turn on Safe Mode (click the Power button) → «Safe Mode") and check the sound. If it appears, there's a problem in a third-party app.
Method 2: Wireless headphones (Bluetooth) - step-by-step instructions
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to the Xiaomi Mi 9 is usually easy, but there are nuances.The smartphone supports Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC codecs – this guarantees high sound quality if the headphones are also compatible.
Instructions:
- Turn the headphones into pairing mode (usually pressing the power button for 3-5 seconds before the indicator flashes).
- On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and activate device search.
- Select your headphones from the list. PIN-Standard code: 0000 or 1234.
- Confirm the connection on both devices.
After connection:
- 🎧 Check the sound quality in the settings → Bluetooth → The gear badge next to the headphones → Sound quality.
- 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth battery optimization (in app settings) to avoid communication breakdowns.
- 📱 Update the firmware of the headphones (if there is such an option in the companion app, for example, Mi Headphones or Sony Headphones Connect).
What if the Mi 9 doesn’t see Bluetooth headphones?
Method 3: Use of a 3.5mm adaptor → USB-C
If you have your favorite 3.5mm headphones, but you don't have one in the Mi 9, you have an adapter, but not all adapters are equally useful.
| Adapter type | Pluses | Cons | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive adapter (without DAC) | Cheap, compact. | Low sound quality, noise | Just for talking. |
| Active adapter (with DAC, for example, Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm) | Good sound, support for high bitrates | Expensive, requires USB power | For music and games |
| Adapter with external amplifier (e.g. iFi audio xDSD) | Professional sound, support for BAL-exit | Very expensive, bulky. | For audiophiles |
How to connect:
- Insert the adapter into the USB-C port of the smartphone.
- Connect the headphones to the adapter.
- If there is no sound, check the audio settings: sometimes the system automatically switches to the speaker.
⚠️ Note: When using a DAC adapter (e.g. DragonFly) you may need to disable battery optimization to USB-Otherwise, the smartphone will restrict power, and the sound will be interrupted.
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If the adapter is not recognized, try connecting it through OTG-It's an externally powered hub, which helps with port power shortages. USB-C.
Problem Solving: Headphones are connected, but no sound
So, when the headphones are defined by the system, but the sound is coming through the speaker, it's common.
- Check the sound source: During a call, the sound can automatically switch to the speaker. Try playing music. Some applications (for example, YouTube) have a separate audio output setting.
Reset the sound settings
Settings → System → Reset → Reset application settings → Select “Media”Turn off the monopoly mode
Some applications (like VoIP ringers) can block audio output. Close all background programs.
If the problem remains:
- 🔧 Check permissions for apps (such as Spotify or Spotify) VLC You must have access to audio).
- 📲 Install an alternative player (like Poweramp) – it can work better with external devices.
- 🔄 Refuse your smartphone to a stable version MIUI (if you use custom firmware).
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If there is sound in only one headphone (for wired models), the problem is most likely in the cable or connector. Try to clean the contacts with alcohol.
How to improve the sound quality in headphones on Xiaomi Mi 9
Even with good headphones, the sound can be mediocre due to the wrong settings.
1. Equalizer adjustment
MIUI has an integrated equalizer, but it's hidden, so you can activate it.
- Open the settings → Sound → Sound effects.
- Choose a preset (Bas, Rock, Classic) or create your own.
- Activate “Mi Audio Effects” for additional settings.
2.Selection of Bluetooth codec
For wireless headphones:
- 🎵 AAC — Balanced codec, suitable for music and video.
- 🎮 aptX Low Latency – the best choice for gaming (minimum latency).
- 🎧 LDAC — maximum quality (up to 990 kbps), but can be unstable.
To change the codec:
- Put the headphones on.
- Open Settings → Bluetooth → Sign of the gear next to the device → Sound quality.
- Choose the right codec (if supported by headphones).
3. Disconnection of sound processing
Some MIUI features make sound worse:
- 🔇 Turn off “Voice Improvement” in call settings.
- 🔊 Deactivate “Adaptive Sound” in Settings → Special facilities.
- 🎛️ In games, turn it off «3D-sound (it adds artificial reverb).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when connecting headphones.
- Ignoring updates: Outdated firmware can cause Bluetooth issues. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- Use of uncertified accessories: Cheap cables or adapters without USB-IF certification can damage the USB-C port.
- Incorrect connection sequence: First, insert the adapter into the smartphone, then the headphones into the adapter. If you do the opposite, the system may not recognize the device.
⚠️ Attention: If after connecting headphones smartphone began to discharge quickly, check the battery consumption in Settings → Battery: Some Bluetooth headphones (especially noise-producing ones) put a lot of stress on the processor.
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To check the quality of Bluetooth connection, use the application Bluetooth Auto Connect. It shows the stability of the signal and automatically reconnects the devices when the cliff breaks.