Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its owners often face questions when connecting headphones. Unlike the old models with the classic 3.5 mm jack, it uses Type-C or Bluetooth, which requires additional knowledge. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting, from wired headphones with an adapter to wireless TWS, and also solve typical problems with sound.
The Redmi Note 9 Pro is a feature that has abandoned the traditional audio jack in favor of a universal USB-C port. This offers the benefits of fast charging and data transfer, but creates difficulties for users who are used to standard headphones. Fortunately, there are simple solutions — and we will talk about them in detail.
1. Connect wired headphones via Type-C
The most obvious way is to use headphones with a USB-C connector. They connect directly to a smartphone without adapters, providing digital audio transmission, but these are less common than the classic 3.5 mm plug.
If you have a regular headphone with a minijack, you will need a Type-C adapter. → 3.5 mm Xiaomi releases official adapters (for example, the model Mi Type-C to) 3.5mm Audio Adapter, but third-party from proven brands will also work. DAC (Digital-to-analog converter can give poor sound quality.
- 🔌 Direct connection: headphones with USB-C They're inserted into the port of the smartphone, and the sound will automatically appear.
- 🔄 Adapter: connect the adapter to the port, then insert the headphones into the adapter.
- 🎵 Customization of sound: After connecting, check the volume in the notification panel or in Settings → Sound.
Note: when using an adapter, you can not charge the smartphone at the same time through the same port. This will require a hub with a splitter (Type-C at 3.5 mm + charging).
2. Connecting wireless headphones via Bluetooth
Wireless headphones (like Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds or models from other brands) connect via Bluetooth.The process is simple, but there are nuances with compatibility and settings.
First, make sure the headphones are charged and paired (usually holding the power button for a few seconds until the light flashes).
- Open the settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off.
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones and tap it.
- Confirm the pairing (sometimes required to enter) PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).
Once successfully connected, the sound will automatically be transmitted to the headphones. If this does not happen, check the audio output settings in the notification panel (speaker icon → device selection).
Headphones charged (indicator lights / flashes)
Bluetooth is turned on on on your smartphone
Headphones in pairing mode (see the instructions for the model)
Distance between devices not more than 10 meters
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3.Use of OTG-hub
One of the main problems of the Redmi Note 9 Pro is the inability to listen to music through wired headphones while charging — OTG-Type-C hub that extends the port to multiple outputs.
An example of such a hub: Baseus 3-in-1 Multiport Adapter (with charging outputs, 3.5 mm audio and USB).
- Insert the hub in the Type-C port of the smartphone.
- Connect the charger to the USB-C port on the hub.
- Insert the headphones into a 3.5mm or USB-C connector (depending on the hub model).
Note that not all hubs support audio transmission. Before buying, check that the specifications indicate "Audio Output Support" or "DAC".
Why does sound not work through OTG-hub?
4. Solving problems with connecting headphones
Even when you're connected properly, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone does not see Bluetooth headphones | Headphones are not in pairing mode or discharged | Charge the headphones, put in search mode (usually a long push of a button) |
| The sound is interrupted or delayed. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices or weak signal | Disable other gadgets, reduce the distance to the smartphone, reboot Bluetooth |
| Headphones are connected, but there is no sound. | Incorrectly selected source of sound | In the notification panel, tap the speaker icon and select headphones. |
| Type-C adapter → 3.5mm not working | Low adapter quality or lack of DAC support | Try another adapter (preferably original from Xiaomi) |
If the problem is not solved, try resetting Bluetooth settings: Settings → Bluetooth → ⚙️ (gear) → Reset settings. This will delete all stored devices, but often helps with system failures.
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If the sound in the headphones is too quiet, check the equalizer settings in Settings → Sound → Equalizer. Sometimes factory presets limit the volume at certain frequencies.
5. Connect headphones to the Redmi Note 9 Pro via AUX (3.5 mm) without an adapter
Many users have asked, can you connect a standard 3.5mm headphone to a Redmi Note 9 Pro without an adapter? Unfortunately, no, the smartphone is not physically equipped with this connector.
- 🔌 Use the Type-C adapter → 3.5 mm (as described above).
- 🎧 Buy headphones with a connector USB-C.
- 📶 Switch to wireless headphones (Bluetooth).
Some "craftsmen" offer to solder the connector yourself, but this:
⚠️ Note: Any modifications to the case of the smartphone (including soldering 3.5 mm connector) lead to loss of warranty and risk of damage to the motherboard. Xiaomi officially does not support such changes.
6.Sound optimization after connection
Even if the headphones are successfully connected, the sound may not be perfect. MIUI has built-in audio enhancement tools:
- 🎛️ Equator: adjust frequencies to your preferences in Settings → Sound. → Equivalent. Presets available for different genres of music.
- 🔊 Volume Amplifier: Turn on the option to Increase the volume of the headphones in the same settings (but be careful - this can damage the earphone speakers!).
- 🎶 Sound Effects: Experiment with Mi Sound Enhancer (available on some firmware).
For high-quality audio fans, we recommend installing third-party players such as Poweramp or Neutron Music Player. They support Hi-Res Audio and have advanced equalizer settings.
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Adapters with external DACs (such as those from AudioQuest or iFi Audio) significantly improve the sound quality compared to the built-in smartphone chip, which is true for music fans using expensive headphones.
7. Alternative ways to connect headphones
In addition to the standard methods, there are less obvious options:
- 📱 Through Bluetooth Transmitter: If you have 3.5mm headphones but want to use them wirelessly, buy a Bluetooth transmitter (e.g., Avantek). APTX). It connects to the Type-C adapter. → 3.5 mm and transmits sound through the air.
- 💻 Po Po Po USB (OTG): Some headphones (such as Sennheiser) PC 373D) plug in USB. It's what you need. OTG-cable, but the sound will be digitally without loss.
- 🌐 Wi-Fi (DLNA/UPnP): A rare but possible option for smart headphones that support network protocols.
These methods are suitable for specific tasks, but for most users, Bluetooth or an adapter will suffice.