How to connect headphones to Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite is a popular smartphone of 2018, which is still actively used due to balanced characteristics and support for updates. However, many users have questions with the connection of headphones: the model does not have a classic 3.5 mm audio jack, and the features of the MIUI firmware sometimes cause problems when synchronizing with wireless devices.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways of connecting - from standard Bluetooth to the use of Type-C → 3.5 mm adapters, as well as discuss typical errors and their solutions. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with the Mi 8 Lite on different versions of MIUI (including global and Chinese firmware), since the connection algorithms may differ.

If you're faced with a smartphone that can't see the headphones, the sound is interrupted or there are interferences, here you will find proven solutions. All instructions are tested on current versions of the software (2026) and adapted to the specifics of the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite, taking into account its hardware limitations.

1. Connect wired headphones via Type-C adapter

Since the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite lacks a standard audio jack, you will need a USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter to use wired headphones. Importantly, not all adapters work equally well with this model. The best option is the original adapter from Xiaomi (MDZ-23-DA) or certified analogues with support for DAC (digital-analog converter).

To plug the headphones in:

  • 🔌 Insert the adapter into the USB-C port of the smartphone. Plug it in carefully, the port on the Mi 8 Lite is not the strongest.
  • 🎧 Connect the headphones to the adapter. If you're using a microphone, check compatibility: some adapters don't support CTIA/OMTP- standards.
  • 🔊 Run any audio player (e.g. Mi Music or Spotify) The sound should switch automatically to the headphones.

If there's no sound:

  1. Check if the USB-C connector is contaminated – dust or oxidation of the contacts can block the connection.
  2. Reboot your smartphone: Sometimes MIUI won’t recognize a new audio device without a reboot.
  3. In the sound settings (Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound output), manually select Wired Headphones.

⚠️ Warning: Cheap, uncertified adapters may cause interference or no sound in the microphone. If you use headphones with control buttons, check their compatibility with MIUI — some features (such as calling the voice assistant) may not work.

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If the adapter warms up during use, turn it off for 5-10 minutes. Overheating can cause automatic audio blackout or damage to the port.

2. Synchronization of wireless headphones over Bluetooth

Wireless headphones (such as Xiaomi AirDots, Sony WH-1000XM4 or Apple AirPods) connect to the Mi 8 Lite via Bluetooth 5.0. However, there are nuances: some headphone models require additional settings in MIUI, especially if dual audio is used (simultaneously connecting two devices).

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone: swipe down the screen and click on the icon or go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth.
  2. Transfer the headphones to pairing mode (usually you need to hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
  3. In the list of available devices, select your headphones. If the model supports Fast Pair (for example, Google Pixel Buds), the connection will happen automatically.
  4. Confirm pairing if you need to enter PIN- code (usually 0000 or 1234).

If the smartphone does not see the headphones:

  • 🔄 Reboot both the headphones and the smartphone — it will reset the Bluetooth cache.
  • 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates (in Bluetooth settings) and reconnect.
  • 🛠️ Update the firmware MIUI: older versions had bugs that supported Bluetooth 5.0.
Problem.Possible causeDecision
The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.Incorrectly selected source of soundIn the player or sound settings, select headphones manually
The sound is interrupted.Interference from other devices or weak signalDisable other Bluetooth devices, move closer to your smartphone
The microphone is not working.Incompatibility of HFP/A2DP profileIn Bluetooth settings, disable high-quality audio
The headphones are turned off in 5-10 minutesActive energy saving functionDisable Battery Optimization for Headphone App
📊 What headphones do you use with Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite?
Wires with adapter
Wireless (Bluetooth)
Wireless without an adapter (there is a connector)
I don't use headphones.

3. Customization of the sound for headphones in MIUI

Once the headphones are connected, it is recommended to optimize the audio settings in MIUI to improve the quality of playback, especially for the Mi 8 Lite, where eQUALIZER with suboptimal presets can be enabled by default.

How to tune the sound:

  1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality.
  2. Turn on the Equator and select the preset depending on the genre of music: 🎸 Rock – amplifies low and medium frequencies. 🎤 Vocals – suitable for podcasts and audiobooks. 🎧 Headphones – optimized for most models.

Sound amplifier

For wireless headphones:

  • 🔊 Enable high-quality audio (AAC/aptX) in Bluetooth settings if your headphones support these codecs.
  • 🎛️ Turn off absolute volume to adjust the sound level directly on the headphones.

⚠️ Warning: Some versions of MIUI (especially Chinese versions) may not have an equalizer, in which case use third-party applications such as Wavelet or Poweramp Equalizer.

☑️ Checking the sound settings

Done: 0 / 4

4. Solving problems with connecting headphones

Even after connecting correctly, Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite users may face typical problems: headphones connect, but the sound goes through the speaker, or the connection is constantly broken.

Problem 1: The sound goes through the speaker, not the headphones

  • 🔍 Check if the speaker mode is activated or when the call is made.
  • 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: turn them off in Bluetooth settings and pair them again.
  • 🛠️ Reset the sound settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the sound settings.

Problem 2: Headphones are connected, but immediately switch off

This is a common problem on the Mi 8 Lite with MIUI 10-12 firmware, and it's due to aggressive battery optimization.

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find the app responsible for the headphones (for example, Mi Bluetooth or branded software from the headphone manufacturer).
  3. Choose Battery Optimization → No restrictions.
  4. Also disable AutoRun for this app if the feature is available.

Problem 3: Interference or crackling in sound

If you hear any noise, the reasons may be:

  • 🔌 The Mi 8 Lite often displays background noise due to poor shielding when using cheap Type-C adapters → 3.5 mm.
  • 📶 Interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves).
  • 🔋 Low battery charge headphones (especially relevant for TWS- models).
How to check the quality of the Type-C adapter?
If you hear hissing or background noise when you connect your headphones to your adapter, it’s likely that the adapter doesn’t have a built-in DAC. Xiaomi’s original adapters (such as the MDZ-23-DA) feature a Cirrus Logic chip that delivers clean sound. Cheap counterparts often use simplified circuits without filtering interference.

5. Alternative ways to connect headphones

If standard methods don’t work or you’re looking for more flexible solutions, consider alternative headphones to connect to the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite.

Method 1: Using OTG- cable for USB- headphones

Some headphones (e.g. Sony’s USB-C- or 1More) connect directly via the USB-C without an adapter.

  1. Connect the headphones to the USB-C port via the OTG- cable (if required).
  2. In the sound settings (Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound output), select the USB- device.

Method 2: Connect via LDAC (for audiophiles)

If your headphones support LDAC codec (such as Sony WH-1000XM4), you can get a sound close to Hi-Res:

  • 🎵 Install Developer options (activated via Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI – press 7 times).
  • 🔧 In Settings → Additional → Developer Settings, find the Bluetooth Codec and select LDAC.
  • ⚠️ Note that LDAC can increase sound latency and drain the battery faster.

Method 3: Wireless audio transmission over Wi-Fi (for Smart TVs or speakers)

If you want to output sound from the Mi 8 Lite to external speakers or a TV without Bluetooth, use:

  • 📺 Applications like SoundWire or AudioRelay for transmitting sound over a local network.
  • 🔊 Google Cast (if the device supports Chromecast)

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For maximum sound quality on Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite, use wired headphones with a certified Type-C adapter or wireless models with support for aptX/LDAC codec.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many problems with connecting headphones to Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite arise from ignorance of the features of MIUI or hardware limitations of the smartphone.

Error 1: Using an incompatible adapter

Not all Type-C → 3.5mm adapters work correctly with the Mi 8 Lite, for example, adapters without built-in DAC can:

  • 🔇 Do not transmit sound to the microphone.
  • 🎵 Distorting bass or high frequencies.
  • 🔋 Quickly drain the battery due to high power consumption.

Solution: Use the original Xiaomi adapter or models with a Cirrus Logic/Realtek chip.

Mistake 2: Ignoring MIUI Updates

Older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) had bugs with:

  • 🔊 No sound in headphones when Bluetooth is active.
  • 🎧 Automatically switch to speaker during calls.
  • 🔄 Permanent breaks of the connection with TWS- headphones.

Solution: Update the firmware through Settings → System Update.

Mistake 3: Incorrect energy saving settings

MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, which can lead to:

  • 🔋 Turning off Bluetooth headphones after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.
  • 🎵 Interrupting music playback in the background.

Solution: Add the audio player and headphone app to the list with no limitations in battery settings.

Can I connect headphones with a 3.5 mm connector to the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite without an adapter?
No, the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite doesn’t have a standard audio jack. To connect wired headphones, you need a USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter.
Why are the headphones plugged in, but the sound goes through the speaker?
This can be due to: Active Loud Mode (turn it off in the player or during a call); a failure in the audio settings (reset them to Settings → System → Resetting); Bluetooth profile incompatibility (try to disable high-quality audio).
How to improve the sound quality in wireless headphones?
For better sound: Turn on the aptX or LDAC codec in your Bluetooth settings (if the headphones support it); turn off the absolute volume in your audio settings; use an equalizer (built into MIUI or a third-party, such as Wavelet).
Can I use headphones as a microphone for recordings?
Yes, but: 🎤 Wireless headphones with a microphone will only work with a quality adapter (such as the original one from Xiaomi). 🔊 Wireless headphones must support a HFP profile (for calls) or A2DP (for voice recording). 📱 In audio recording settings (Settings → Apps → Resolutions → Microphone), make sure the app has access to the microphone.
Why do the headphones turn off while listening to music?
Reasons and solutions: 🔋 Low battery charge headphones — charge them. 📱 Battery optimization in MIUI — add the headphone app to exceptions. 📶 Interference from other devices — move to another location or turn off extra Bluetooth devices. 🔄 Firmware failure — update MIUI or reset the network settings.