Connecting Xiaomi headphones to your phone via Bluetooth: full instruction 2026

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular smartphone accessory for their combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even with such devices, users often have questions about how to make the first connection, why the phone can not see the headphones, or how to switch between several devices. This article will help you understand everything from basic settings to solving non-standard problems.

We'll look at the pairing process for different headphones (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless, Xiaomi Buds, etc.) and phones (including iPhones and Android devices), focus on the common bugs that prevent successful connectivity, and give practical tips for optimizing sound after pairing. If you're faced with a situation where the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted or absent, here you will find a solution.

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for connection

Before you pair the headphones, you need to make sure they are ready to go. Most Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4) automatically go into search mode when you first turn on, but some require manual activation.

• 🔋 Charge your headphones. Make sure the charge level of the case and the headphones themselves is at least 30%. Low charge can cause connection failures. Check the indicators: on most Xiaomi models, white or green glow means sufficient charge.
• 📦 Remove the headphones from the case. In some models (for example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro), the sensors automatically turn on the headphones when removed. If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad for 3-5 seconds.
• 🔄 Reset the settings (if you've connected before). If the headphones have already been paired with another device, return them to the factory settings. To do this, place them back in the case, then press and hold the button on the case (usually located at the back) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.

For dual-connection models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro), note that they can automatically try to connect to the latest device. To avoid this, turn them off in Bluetooth settings on all previously paired gadgets.

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on the case flashes red for more than 30 seconds, this indicates an error. Try reloading the case by plugging it into charging for 5 minutes, then remove and insert the headphones back in.

2. Step-by-step instruction: connecting to an Android smartphone

The process of pairing with Android phones (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, etc.) is almost identical, let’s take a look at the example of the Redmi Note 12 smartphone and the Redmi Buds 4 Active headphones:

1. Open your phone’s settings and go to the Bluetooth section (usually found in the Connections or Wireless Networks menu).
2. Activate Bluetooth by moving the slider to the right, and wait for the phone to start looking for the available devices.
3. Remove the headphones from the case. They should appear on the list as Redmi Buds 4 Active (or another model). If the name does not appear, press the pairing button on the case (usually hold it for 3 seconds).
4. Click on the headphone name in the list. In a few seconds, a notification will appear Connected. On some Xiaomi models, you will additionally need to confirm pairing by clicking on the touchpad of the headphones.

After successful connection in Bluetooth settings next to the headphones will appear a tick icon or the inscription Connected for media audio. To check the health, run any audio file or video.

Headphones charged (green/white indicator)

Bluetooth on your phone is on

Headphones removed from the case and flashing white

Previous connections reset (if any)

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If the headphones are connected, but the sound is coming through the phone speaker, check the audio output settings. On Android 12+, go to Settings → Sound → Output and select your headphones.

3. iPhone connection (iOS): features and nuances

While Xiaomi’s headphones are optimized for Android, they are compatible with the iPhone, but there are a few key points:

• 🍎 Limited functionality: Some features may not work on iOS, such as transparent mode or gesture customization (available in the proprietary Mi Home app for Android).
• 🔊 Codec of sound. By default, the iPhone uses a codec. AAC, It provides good quality, but some Xiaomi models can have sound delays (especially noticeable in games).
• 🔄 Automatic reconnect. Unlike Android, iOS can remember devices longer. If the headphones don't automatically connect, try forgetting them in the Bluetooth settings and pairing them again.

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate it.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and hold the button on the case (if required).The headphones should appear on the list as Mi True Wireless or similar.
3. Click on the headphone name. In 5-10 seconds, the Connected status will appear.
4. Check the sound by running the music in Apple Music or Spotify.

⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ The first time you connect, you may have a request to access the microphone, and allow it if you plan to use headphones for calls.

If the sound is interrupted, try turning off Low Bluetooth power in your iPhone settings (Settings → Bluetooth → i (near the headphone name) → Turn off low power).

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco

Samsung

iPhone (Apple)

Realme/Oppo/Vivo

Another mark.

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4. Problem Solving: The phone doesn't see headphones

If Xiaomi headphones are not displayed in the list of available devices, the reasons can vary from banal to technical.

If the problem persists, try an alternative way to connect:

1. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait until they start flashing white.
3. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and immediately click on the headphone name in the list (without waiting for the search to end).

On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Lite) to force the pairing mode you need to quickly press the touch panel of the headphone three times.

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If the headphones are plugged in but only sound in one of them, check the audio balance in the phone settings (Settings → Special Features → Audio Balance). Reset it to the center position.

5. Sound tuning and additional functions

After successful connection, it is recommended to optimize the sound and adjust the control gestures.

• 🎧 Install a proprietary app. For Xiaomi and Redmi models, download the Mi Home app (available for Android:
• 🔊 Set up codecs. Go to Settings on Android → Bluetooth → Settings (cog next to headphones) → Audio codec. Choose aptX or for better quality AAC (if maintained).
• 🎵 Transparent mode: enabled via the Mi Home app or double-tapping on the earpiece (on supported models) and useful for conversations without removing headphones.

For models with active noise cancellation (ANC), For example, in the Mi Home app, you can adjust the level of suppressed noise (for example, Weak, Medium, Strong). ANC Significantly reduces battery life.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ANC If you're in a subway or airplane, you might feel pressure in your ears, so you can reduce your noise reduction or you can temporarily turn off the function.

6. Connection to multiple devices (multipoint)

Many Xiaomi models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro or Redmi Buds 4 Pro) support simultaneous connection to two devices (such as a phone and laptop).

1. First, connect the headphones to the first device (such as a smartphone) as described above.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on the second device (laptop, tablet) and start a search.
3. The headphones should appear on the list as [Model] LE or [Model] (Cartoon).
4. Once paired successfully, the headphones will automatically switch between devices depending on activity (e.g. when playing sound).

Multipoint limitations:

• 📱 Device priority. Usually, the last gadget connected is the priority. To change priority, turn off the headphones from the unwanted device manually.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Connecting to two devices simultaneously reduces the time of operation by 15-20%.
• 🎮 Sound delays: When used with a PC or iPad, you may lag in games or videos.

If the multipoint is not working, check:

• Does your model support this feature (the list of supported devices is available on the official website of Xiaomi).
• Is the headphone firmware updated (via Mi Home)?
• Are the headphones connected to the third device (maximum - 2 at the same time).

7. Resetting and reconnecting headphones

If the headphones are unstable (self-disable, do not play sound or connect to only one device), a complete reset will help.

For most models (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless):

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
3. Remove the headphones – they should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white).

For touch-controlled models (Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro):

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Touch and hold both touchpads on the headphones for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.
3. Wait 5 seconds – the headphones will reset and be ready for a new connection.

Once reset, the headphones will disappear from the list of conjugated devices on all gadgets, and they will have to be reconnected, as in the first use.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi Buds 4 and later, a case reset may not work if the charge level is below 20.

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Resetting your headphones to factory settings is a universal solution for 90% of connectivity and sound issues. After reset, remember to update your firmware through Mi Home.

8. Frequent questions and answers