How to connect headphones to Xiaomi Redmi phone: from Type-C to Bluetooth 5.3

Connecting headphones to Xiaomi Redmi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter a lack of sound, communication interruptions or incompatibility connectors. Current models of the line (from Redmi Note 12 to Redmi A2) support both classic 3.5 mm audio jacks and digital interfaces USB-C or Lightning (depending on the modification), plus wireless standards Bluetooth 5.0-5.3. But even here there are nuances: for example, Redmi 10 requires a separate setup for headphones with a microphone, and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ can “glug” when you first connect to AirDots.

In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting - from wired headphones with adapters to TWS-headphones (including branded Xiaomi Buds and third-party models like Sony) WH-1000XM5). We'll focus on the common mistakes: why the phone can't see the headphones, how to fix "Audio device is not supported," and what to do if the sound is only in one headphone. All instructions are checked on firmware. MIUI 13–14 (including global and Chinese versions).

1. Compatibility Check: Which Headphones Are Right for Xiaomi Redmi

Before you plug in the headphones, make sure they are compatible with your Redmi model.

• 🔌 Wired headphones with 3.5 mm jack: suitable for models with audiojack (for example, Redmi). 9A, New smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 11) often lack a connector – you’ll need an adapter.
• 🔗 USB-C Headphones: Work with any Redmi through the Type-C port, but may require customization MIUI (see section 3).
• 📶 Bluetooth headphones: all Redmi models support Bluetooth 5.0+, but TWS (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 may need a firmware update.
• ⚠️ Lightning headphones: Incompatible directly – you need a Lightning adapter → 3.5 mm or Lightning → USB-C.

Pay special attention to the impedance of headphones: models with resistance above 32 ohms (for example, Beyerdynamic). DT The 770 Pro) can sound quiet on Redmi without an amplifier, in which case setting the Equator in Settings will help. → Sound.

Connecting wired headphones (3.5 mm and USB-C)

If your Xiaomi Redmi is equipped with a 3.5 mm connector, the connection will take 10 seconds:

1. Insert the headphone plug into the audio jack before clicking.
2. The screen will display a notification “Audio device connected”.
3. Open any player (such as Mi Music) and check the sound.

For models without a 3.5 mm connector (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) you will need a USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter. Important: use certified adapters (better original from Xiaomi), otherwise there may be problems with sound.

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to the Type-C port.
• 🎧 Put the headphones in the adapter.
• 📱 On your phone, select Analog Exit mode (if no sound, see Section 5).

USB-C headphones (such as Xiaomi Type-C Earphones) connect directly to the port.

1. Go to Settings → Connected devices → USB.
2. Select the File Transfer Mode → Audio Device.
3. Reboot the phone.

3. Connect Bluetooth headphones (TWS and overhead)

Wireless headphones connect via Bluetooth, but the process may vary depending on the model.

1. Turn the headphones on in pairing mode (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
2. On Redmi, go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the search.
3. Select your headphones from the list (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3T).
4. Confirm the conjugation (if necessary, enter the PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).

For TWS-Headphones (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Active) after connecting one earphone, the second will connect automatically:

• 🔄 Reboot the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out).
• 📱 Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again.
• 🔋 Check the charge of the case and headphones (at a level below 20%, failures are possible).

Important for MIUI 14: If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one headphone, turn off the Monoaudio function in Settings → Special features → Hearing.

4. Adjust the sound after connection

Even after a successful connection, you may have problems with sound.

To improve the sound quality of MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound quality and effects.
2. Choose High Quality for wired headphones or AAC for Bluetooth.
3. Activate the Bass Amplifier or set up the Equalizer manually.

💡

If your phone starts to run out quickly after connecting USB-C headphones, turn off the Quick Charge function in Settings → Battery. Some adapters conflict with the Quick Charge protocol.

5. Problem Solving: Headphones are connected but not working

If the headphones are connected but no sound or it is distorted, follow the following steps:

⚠️ Note: If you are using a non-original adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm, it may not support the microphone or the control buttons, in which case the sound will only go in one direction.

• 🔄 Reboot: Remove/Put the headphones in and reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Resetting sound settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset application settings (does not delete data).
• 📱 Update: Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Cache Clearing: for Bluetooth - Settings → Annexes → All applications → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

If the problem persists, check the headphones on another device. If they work, the problem is in the phone.

• The USB-C port or 3.5mm is damaged (check for debris or oxidation).
• Failure in the firmware (especially after the MIUI update).
• Conflict with another connected device (disable all accessories).

💡

If your USB-C headphones stop working after the MIUI update, roll back to the previous firmware version or wait for the patch, a problem that often occurs in beta versions.

6. Connect headphones to Xiaomi Redmi through the manufacturer's apps

For branded Xiaomi headphones (such as Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro), it is recommended to use the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (available on Google Play).

• 🎛️ Set up the equalizer and ANC (noise-canceling).
• 🔋 Check the charge level of the case and headphones.
• 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones.
• 🎧 Customize gestures (such as double tapping to trigger voice assistant).

Instructions for connecting through the application:

1. Install Xiaomi Earbuds from Google Play.
2. Connect your headphones via Bluetooth (as described in Section 3).
3. Open the app and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Update the headphone firmware if an update is available.

For third-party headphones (such as Sony or JBL), use the manufacturer’s proprietary apps:

• Sony Headphones Connect is for the WH-1000XM5.
• JBL Headphones is for Live 660NC.
• Soundcore is for Anker headphones.

7. Alternative ways of connecting: OTG and wireless adapters

If standard methods do not work, alternative solutions can be used:

• 🔌 OTG-adapter: allows you to connect USB-headphones USB-Sound card (like Creative Sound Blaster) suitable for models without 3.5mm connector.
• 📡 Bluetooth transmitter: If the phone has a broken Bluetooth module, you can use an external transmitter (for example, 1Mii B06 Plus), connected via USB-C.
• 🎮 Gaming controller with audio output: some gamepads (for example, Razer Kishi) have a headphone jack.

For connection via OTG:

1. Buy an adapter. USB-C (OTG) → USB-A.
2. Connect. USB-headphones or sound cards to the adapter.
3. In Settings → Connected Devices → USB, select Audio Device mode.

⚠️ Attention: when used OTG-The phone can be discharged faster because USB-The devices consume extra energy. Charge your phone while listening to music.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting headphones to Xiaomi Redmi