How to connect headphones to Xiaomi: wired, Bluetooth, TWS and TrueWireless.

Connecting headphones to Xiaomi smartphones seems like an easy task, but in practice, users face nuances from the lack of sound to problems with pairing wireless models. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connecting – from classic wired 3.5 mm to modern ones. TWS (True Wireless, and consider common errors and their solutions.

Feature of Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO And Black Shark, a variety of connectors and protocols, for example, the flagships of the Mi 11 and later line lack audio jack, and the budget Redmi Note often retains it. Wireless headphones (such as Xiaomi AirDots or Buddy Buds) require the correct setup in the phone. MIUI, We've put together current instructions for all types of devices, including rare cases, such as connecting. USB-C Phones with no support OTG.

Connecting wired headphones (3.5 mm, USB-C, Lightning)

Wired headphones remain popular due to their stable sound and lack of latency, but depending on Xiaomi’s model, the way you connect may be different.

If your smartphone is equipped with a classic 3.5 mm connector (for example, Redmi). 9A or POCO M3), Just put the headphone plug in the socket. MIUI For models without 3.5 mm (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Mi 11 Ultra) you will need an adapter:

  • πŸ”Œ USB-C β†’ 3.5mm: Suitable for most flagships. It's important to use an adapter with built-in DAC (like the original one from Xiaomi or Google). Cheap adapters without a chip can cause noise.
  • ⚑ Lightning β†’ 3.5mm: Relevant for Xiaomi with Lightning connector (rare but found in some regional versions) Requires an Apple adapter or certified counterpart.
  • 🎧 USB-C Headphones: Connect directly to the port (for example, Xiaomi Type-C Earphones). Some Xiaomi models require them to turn on the mode OTG customized.

After connecting, check the sound settings:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Sound and vibration.
  2. Make sure that the connected headphones are selected in the Output Devices section.
  3. At low volume, activate the Headphone Amplifier (available on some models).

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ first-connection USB-C You can have headphones that request permission to access data, and you can't refuse it, otherwise the sound won't work.

πŸ“Š What headphones do you use more often with Xiaomi?
3.5 mm wired
Wireless Bluetooth
TWS (True Wireless)
USB-C/Lightning

2. Connecting wireless headphones via Bluetooth

Wireless headphones (like Xiaomi Air 2 Pro or SoundPEATS) Air3) It's connected via Bluetooth. It's a standard pairing process, but in MIUI There are some nuances that affect sound quality, like the default, you can turn on a power-saving codec. SBC, not AAC or aptX, which makes the sound worse.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (usually the power button is held for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
  2. On your smartphone, go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth and turn on the module.
  3. From the list of available devices, select your headphones. If you don't have them, update the list (Update button in the upper right corner).
  4. Confirm the conjugation (if necessary, enter the PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).

After connecting, it is recommended to check the audio codec used:

  • Open Bluetooth Settings β†’ Click on the connected headphones β†’ Additionally.
  • In the Audio Codec section, select AAC (for balance of quality and stability) or aptX (if headphones support).
  • Turn off the absolute volume if the sound is too quiet or distorted.

Make sure your headphones are over 30% charged

Stay within a radius of 1-2 meters from the phone

Disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, smart watches)

Reset the headphones (turn off / on)

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On Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor+ (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) when connecting headphones with support LDAC Solution: manually select the codec. AAC Or update the headphone firmware.

3. Connection TWS-Headphones (True Wireless)

TWS-Headphones (for example, Xiaomi Air 3 Pro or Redmi Buds 4) connect similarly to conventional Bluetooth models, but have features:

  • 🎧 Both headphones should be in the case at the first pairing.
  • πŸ”‹ The case must be charged (indicator burns white/blue).
  • πŸ“± On the smartphone should be enabled Bluetooth 5.0+ (Check in the settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Bluetooth version).

Instructions for Xiaomi AirDots and similar models:

  1. Take both headphones out of the case - they will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode.
  2. On the phone, open Settings. β†’ Bluetooth and select the device from the list (the name usually contains "AirDots" or "Buds").
  3. Confirm the connection. Once paired successfully, the headphones sync with each other (right becomes the main one).

If one of the headphones is not working:

  • Put both headphones in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out.
  • Reset the headphone settings (usually hold the touchpad on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until flashing red/white).
  • Reconnect to Bluetooth Settings (remove the device and add again).

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 14 when connected TWS-The headphones can automatically turn on the Gaming Sound (low latency) mode, which reduces the quality of the music, but eliminates the lags in games. β†’ Sound effects.

How to check the firmware version TWS-headphone?
1. Connect the headphones to the phone. 2. Install the official application (for example, Mi Earphones for Xiaomi models). 3. In the About program or Device Information section, the firmware version will be specified. 4. If the version is outdated, update through the same application (requires a stable Internet connection).

4. Solving problems with connecting headphones

If the headphones are connected but there is no sound or it is interrupted, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The sound goes through the speaker, not the headphones.Incorrect output deviceGo to Settings. β†’ Sound. β†’ Output devices and select headphones
Crackling or interference in wired headphonesPoor contact in the connector or adapterClean the connector with alcohol, try another adapter
Bluetooth headphones are offEnergy saving turns off BluetoothTurn off the adaptive battery in Settings β†’ Battery
Low volume in TWSVolume limitation in MIUITurn off Safe Volume in the Sound Settings
Sound delay in games/videoSBC codec is used.Switch to the switch. AAC or aptX low latency

To diagnose problems with Bluetooth:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI and press 5 times on the kernel version (the diagnostic menu will open).
  2. Select a Bluetooth test and check the connection stability.
  3. If the test shows errors, reset your network settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Reset β†’ Resetting network settings.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is distorted, try turning off the headphones. HD-Audio in Bluetooth settings. This feature sometimes conflicts with some headphone models.

5. Adjusting sound for optimal perception

Even after a successful connection, the sound may not be perfect. MIUI There are hidden settings to improve audio:

  • 🎡 Equator: Go to Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Equalizer and select a preset (like Bass or Rock). Use manual mode for fine-tuning.
  • πŸ”Š Headphone Amplifier: Included in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Headphone amplifier (not available on all models) increases volume but can add noise.
  • 🎧 Spatial sound: Included in the sound settings β†’ Sound effects β†’ Spatial sound. Useful for movies, but can degrade the quality of music.

For TWS-Headphones (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) are available additional features through the proprietary app:

  • Activation. ANC (noise-canceling).
  • Customization of touch control (for example, double touch for playback / pause).
  • Update to the headphone firmware.

If you use headphones with a microphone, check the settings in calling apps (like Google Phone or Mi Dialer):

  1. Open the phone app.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ The sound during the bell.
  3. Select Headphones as the primary I/O device.

πŸ’‘

For better sound in games, turn off Bluetooth AVRCP 1.6 in the developers of settings (includes after 5 clicks on the Version) MIUI phone-info).

6. Connecting headphones to Xiaomi via USB-OTG

If your smartphone does not have a 3.5 mm connector, but supports USB-OTG, You can plug your headphones in through an adapter:

  • 🎡 Wired headphones with USB-C lightning.
  • 🎀 External sound cards (e.g. DragonFly).
  • 🎧 Old headphones through an adapter USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the adapter or USB-C port-head.
  2. A notification will appear on the screen. USB-It's connected. Press it.
  3. Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) Audio device (depending on the model).
  4. If there is no sound, check the settings in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Output devices.

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) 10T) work USB-OTG headphone-wise:

  1. Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings for Developers.
  2. Install the application USB Audio Player PRO manually configure drivers.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11) USB-OTG Headphones can only work with the battery optimization disabled for the application USB Audio.

7. Connect headphones to Xiaomi via adapters and docking stations

To connect professional headphones (for example, with a connector) XLR or 1/4") You'll need adapters or docking stations:

Headphone typeRequired adapterFeatures of connection
Headphones with 6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm adapter β†’ 3.5 mmSuitable for studio headphones (e.g. Audio-Technica) ATH-M50x)
Headphones with XLRExternal DAC/amplifier (e.g. iFi Zen) DAC)Requires power from the network and connection through USB-C
Wireless headphones with LDACBluetooth transmitter (e.g., Bluetooth transmitter, 1Mii B06)Connect to USB-C 3.5mm, supports Hi-Res audio

For connection via a docking station (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Dock):

  1. Connect the dock to USB-C port.
  2. Insert the headphones into a 3.5mm jack at the docking station.
  3. If there is no sound, restart your smartphone (some docking stations require a reboot for initialization).

For professional audio (e.g. podcast recordings), external sound cards are recommended:

  • 🎀 Shure MV7 (plug-in USB-C It works like a microphone/earphone).
  • 🎧 Focusrite Scarlett (requires) OTG-adapter and power from the network).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting headphones to Xiaomi

πŸ” Why Xiaomi doesn’t see my Bluetooth headphones?
Problems can be: Unplugged pairing on headphones (hold the power button 5-10 seconds), conflict with other Bluetooth devices (disable them temporarily), outdated version MIUI (Update the firmware in Settings β†’ System Update: If the headphones have previously been connected to another device, reset their settings (usually the 15-second switch is held until red/blue flashes).
🎧 Can you connect AirPods to Xiaomi?
Yes, AirPods (including Pro and Max) are compatible with Xiaomi via Bluetooth.However: Auto Switch (between Apple devices) will not work. Headphone firmware will require an iPhone. The sound may be worse than on iPhone, due to the lack of codec optimization AAC into MIUI. To improve the sound, in Bluetooth settings, select for AirPods codec AAC and turn off the absolute volume.
πŸ”Œ Why Wired Headphones Are Quietly Playing on Xiaomi?
Causes of low volume: Limitation EU: In European firmware MIUI Solution: Set up global firmware or turn off Safe Volume in the sound settings. Weak DAC: In budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9C) Solution: Use an external DAC or an adapter with an amplifier. Contaminated connector: Clean the 3.5 mm connector with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If the problem persists, check the headphones on another device, the plug may be faulty.
🎡 How to turn on the equalizer for headphones on Xiaomi?
V MIUI There's a built-in equalizer, but it's hidden in newer versions. β†’ Sound and vibration. Click on Sound Quality or Sound Effects (name depends on version) MIUI). Select the Equator and set the sliders manually or select a preset (Pop, Rock, Jazz, etc.) If there is no equalizer, install a third-party app like Wavelet or Poweramp Equalizer.
πŸ”‹ Why? TWS-Headphones quickly discharge when connected to Xiaomi?
Main Causes: Active noise reduction (ANC): Turn it off in the headphone settings. LDAC or aptX: These codecs consume more power. Switch to AAC or SBC. Background processes: B MIUI Some apps (e.g. Mi Music) continue to use Bluetooth even after closing. Close them manually. Outdated firmware: Update the headphone firmware through the official app (e.g. Xiaomi Earphones). Also check the battery settings: go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery usage and make sure that no optimisation is enabled for the Bluetooth app.