Xiaomi 11 smartphones (including Mi 11, 11T, 11 Lite and 11 Ultra) have abandoned the classic 3.5 mm audio jack in favor of USB-C port and wireless technology. This change has raised questions among users: how to listen to music through your favorite headphones? In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth to rare adapters, and solve typical problems with sound.
It’s important to understand that the way you connect depends on the type of headphones you have.The Xiaomi 11 doesn’t support direct analog audio transmission over USB-C without an adapter — a key point that’s often overlooked in reviews.We tested each method on real devices and gathered up-to-date data on compatibility, connectivity speed and sound quality.
1. Connecting wireless headphones via Bluetooth
The most versatile and recommended way is to use Bluetooth headphones. All Xiaomi 11 models support Bluetooth 5.2 (in Mi 11 Ultra) and Bluetooth 5.0 (in 11 Lite), which provides stable connection and low power consumption.
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your smartphone and activate the function.
- 🎧 Put the headphones in pairing mode (usually hold the power button). 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes).
- 🔍 In the list of available devices, select the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).
- ✅ Confirm Connection – The sound should automatically switch to the headphones.
To improve sound quality, we recommend going to Settings → Sound → Bluetooth Audio Quality and selecting the “HD Audio” option (available for headphones with AAC or aptX codec support). Please note that some models (such as Redmi AirDots) may require a firmware update to work correctly with the Xiaomi 11.
2. wired headphones via USB-C adapter → 3.5 mm
If you have your favorite 3.5mm wired headphones, you can connect them via an official or third-party adapter. Xiaomi releases its own Mi USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter adapter, but any certified Cirrus Logic or Realtek-based adapter will do for quality sound.
Instructions for connection:
- Connect the adapter to the USB-C port of the smartphone.
- Insert the headphones into the 3.5mm adapter connector.
- Wait for the automatic device recognition (the “Audio device connected” notification may appear on the screen).
- Adjust the volume if necessary – some adapters require settings in Settings → Sound → Output devices.
Does the adapter have a built-in DAC (chip for digitizing sound)?
Does your smartphone support OTG (usually yes, but check the specs)?
Is there any mention of compatibility with Xiaomi 11?
Does the connector conform to the USB-C standard (not Micro-USB!)
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It is worth considering that cheap adapters without DAC can produce noise or poor sound quality. For audiophiles, we recommend models with support for 24-bit/96kHz, such as AudioQuest DragonFly or iFi Audio xDSD. Also check if the adapter does not block access to charging - some models occupy the port completely.
Headphones with USB-C connector: direct digital sound
Headphones with a USB-C connector (such as the Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD or 1MORE Triple Driver) connect directly to the smartphone, transmitting a digital signal without loss, which provides better sound quality compared to the 3.5 mm adapters, since double signal conversion is eliminated.
How to connect:
- Insert the headphones into the USB-C port of the smartphone.
- A notification will appear on the screen "USB-audio-device".
- The first connection may require you to allow access to media files (click "Allow" in the notification).
- The sound will automatically switch to the headphones.
| Model headphones | Type of connection | Xiaomi 11 Support Support | CAB | Price (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD | USB-C | Yeah (straight) | Got it (32-bit) | 2 500 ₽ |
| 1MORE Triple Driver | USB-C | Yes (tune-up required) | Got it (24-bit) | 6 000 ₽ |
| Sony MDR-EX800STN | 3.5 mm + adapter | Yeah (via adapter) | No. | 4 000 ₽ |
| Apple EarPods (Lightning) | Requires an adapter | Yes (with Lightning → USB-C adapter) | No. | 1 500 ₽ + adapter |
Note that some USB-C headphones require special software to work properly. 1MORE offers an app to adjust the equalizer, for example. Also note that with USB-C headphones connected, you can not charge your smartphone at the same time (unless you use a hub).
4.Problem Solving: Headphones are connected but no sound
A common situation is that the smartphone sees the headphones, but the sound goes through the speaker.
- 🔊 Incorrect output device: Go to Settings → Sound. → Output devices and select your headphones manually.
- 🔄 Bluetooth crash: Turn off Bluetooth for 10 seconds, then turn it on again. If it doesn't work, remove the headphones from the list of associated devices and reconnect.
- 🔋 Low headphone charge: Some models (such as AirPods) automatically turn off sound when charged below 5%.
- 🛠️ Contaminated connector. USB-C: Carefully clean the smartphone port with a wooden toothpick (not metal.
For 3.5mm adapters, check:
- Is the adapter connected to the end (should be a light click).
- Does the adapter work with another device (e.g., a laptop)?
- Is the "Charge Only" mode enabled in the USB settings (Settings → Additional → USB)?
What if the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted?
⚠️ Note: If you have the earphones connected through USB-C The smartphone is starting to warm up, turn them off immediately! this could indicate an incompatible adapter or short circuit.
5. simultaneous connection of several devices
The Xiaomi 11, powered by MIUI 12.5+, supports Dual Audio, which allows you to stream audio to two devices at once, which is convenient if you want to listen to music with a friend through different headphones.
- Connect the first device (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones) via Bluetooth.
- Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and tap the icon ⚙️ near the connected device.
- Select "Double Audio" and connect the second device.
- Adjust the volume balance between devices in the same menu.
Limitations of function:
- It works only with Bluetooth devices (cannot be combined with USB-C headphones).
- There may be a slight delay of sound (up to 200 ms) between devices.
- Not all codekis are supported in dual mode (SBC is recommended).
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If the sound in your headphones is too quiet, check the volume limit settings in Settings → Sound → Safe Volume. Turn off the "Limit Media Volume" option for maximum volume.
6.Alternative methods: audio transmission over Wi-Fi and through applications
If standard methods don’t work, consider unusual options:
- 📶 Wi-Fi transmission: Apps like SoundWire or AudioRelay allow you to stream audio from Xiaomi 11 to headphones connected to another device (such as a PC) suitable for gamers or when working with multiple gadgets.
- 🎵 Local area network: Headphones with Wi-Fi Direct support (such as Bose QuietComfort Ultra) can connect directly to a smartphone without Bluetooth.
- 🔌 USB-OTG Hub: If you need to charge your smartphone and use 3.5mm headphones at the same time, buy a hub with ports USB-C (charging) + Example: Baseus 3.5 mm 5-in-1 Hub.
To transmit sound over Wi-Fi:
- Install SoundWire on your smartphone and PC.
- Connect the headphones to the PC.
- Run a server on your PC and a client on Xiaomi 11 by selecting it from the list of devices.
- Set up the latency in the app (optimally: 50-100 ms).
The disadvantages of the method: sound delay (~200-500 ms) and dependence on the stability of Wi-Fi. But you can listen to music from your phone through high-quality stationary headphones.
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For minimal audio delay when connecting via Bluetooth, choose headphones with support for aptX Low Latency or LC3 codecs (in Xiaomi 11 with MIUI 13+).