How to connect Xiaomi Mi headphones to a smartphone: a complete guide to solving problems

Why Mi Headphones Don’t Want to Connect to Xiaomi – and How to Fix It

Have you taken out of the box new Mi headphones (be it Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Mi In-Ear or Mi Headphones), turned on Bluetooth on Xiaomi — and the devices persistently do not see each other? Or the connection is constantly broken after 5 minutes? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi equipment, and the reasons can lie in software failures and hardware features.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of connecting (including hidden functions). MIUI), Common errors (e.g., “Device not found” or “Impossible to hide”), and unique connection stabilization recommendations for Qualcomm and MediaTek chip models. If you have tried the standard instructions out of the box, here you will find solutions that are not in the official documentation.

First, decide what kind of headphones you have:

• 🎧 Wires (Mi Basic, Mi Hybrid) – connected via 3.5 mm or USB-C.
• 🔗 Bluetooth headsets (Mi Bluetooth Neckband) – require pairing.
• 👂 TWS-Headphones (Mi AirDots, Mi True Wireless 2) – connect as a stereo.

So, the algorithm depends on the type of action, and let's start with the most common case, wireless Mi. TWS.

Method 1: Standard connection TWS-Mi headphones to Xiaomi on Bluetooth

Most of the problems are with Mi AirDots and similar models, and follow this algorithm, which works for 90% of the time.

1. Remove the headphones from the case - they must automatically turn on (blinks a white indicator).
2. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Bluetooth and activate search.
3. In the list, find a device called Mi True Wireless... (exact name depends on the model) and tap it.
4. Confirm the pairing - the headphones should light up a blue indicator (successful connection).

If the headphones are not listed:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module on your phone: turn it off/on in the notification curtain.
• 📱 Reset network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 🔋 Charge the case - if the indicator on it does not burn, the headphones will not turn on.

Headphones removed from the case

Bluetooth on your phone is on

Case charge > 20%

Distance between devices < 1 meter

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⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 11) may need to disable the dual audio feature in Bluetooth Settings → It's in conflict with protocol. AAC, Mi-based TWS.

Method 2: Connecting wired Mi headphones (3.5 mm / USB-C)

With wired Mi Basic or Mi Hybrid headphones, you don't usually have any problems -- you just put a plug in the connector.

• 🔌 If you use USB-C-Headphones (such as Mi In-Ear) HD), The phone can request a mode choice: Analog output for listening to music; digital output for recording sound (rarely needed).
• 🎵 On some models of Xiaomi (for example, Mi 11) there is no 3.5 mm connector – you will need an adapter. USB-C → 3.5mm (Complete with Mi Hybrid Pro headphones).
• 🔊 If there is no sound after connecting: Check the settings → Sound. → Audio output - Wired headphones should be selected. Clean the jack from dust (use a wooden toothpick, not metal objects!).

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with Android 12+ (For example, Xiaomi 13 when connected USB-C-The headphones may be notified, "Device not certified." It's not a mistake -- just press it.

Method 3: Connect via Mi Earphones (Hidden Features)

Few people know, but for Mi. TWS (For example, Mi AirDots Pro or Mi True Wireless 2, there is an official Mi Earphones app that gives access to advanced settings:

1. Download the app from Google Play (for the MIUI it's pre-established).
2. Connect the headphones via Bluetooth (as in Method 1).
3. Open the app and it will automatically determine the model.

What you can set up in Mi Earphones:

• 🎛 Equator – presets for bass, vocals or customization.
• 🔇 Noise reduction (available for Mi AirDots Pro 2 and later).
• 🔄 "Game" mode - reduces the sound latency to 88 ms (useful for the user). PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).
• 📱 Dual Connection – synchronize with two devices at the same time (e.g., a phone) + laptop).

If the app doesn't see the headphones:

• 🔄 Reconnect them manually via Bluetooth Settings.
• 📥 Update the firmware of headphones (Update section in the app).
• 🗑 Clear the app's cache: Settings → Annexes → Mi Earphones → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

💡

Mi Earphones is mandatory for Mi AirDots Pro models and newer ones - without it, proprietary functions like adaptive do not work. ANC and gesture customization.

Problem Solving: Mi headphones connect but don't work

Situation: The headphones are paired, but the sound is going through the speaker of the phone, or the connection is constantly breaking.

Problem 1: The sound is coming through the phone, not through the headphones.

• 🔊 Check the Settings. → Sound. → Audio output – you should select the item with the name of your headphones.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone with connected headphones – sometimes MIUI resets the routing of sound.
• 📱 Turn off the Smart Audio Switch function in Bluetooth Settings → Additionally.

Problem 2: Permanent connection breaks

This is a typical problem for Xiaomi with MediaTek (like Redmi 9 or Poco). X3). Decisions:

• 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi – on some MediaTek chips, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth conflict.
• 🔋 Enable power saving mode for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery → Select applications (find Bluetooth and select Unlimited).
• 🔄 Change the codec to the Developer Settings → Bluetooth Codec (select the SBC instead AAC).

💡

If the cliffs only occur in the subway or elevator, it's not the phone that's to blame, it's the interference from metal surfaces. Try carrying the phone in another pocket (away from the headphones).

Problem 3: Only one earphone works

For TWS-model:

• 🔄 Reset the headphones: put both in the case, press the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator will turn red).
• 📱 Remove the device from the Bluetooth list and reconnect.
• 🔋 Check the contacts in the case – if one earphone is not charged, it will not turn on.

Method 4: Connect via Fast Pair (newer models only)

The Mi True Wireless 3, Mi AirDots 3 Pro and newer headphones support Google Fast Pair technology, which makes it easier to connect.

1. Open the case cover - next to the phone will appear a pop-up window with a suggestion to connect.
2. Connect to the headphones – the headphones automatically mate.
3. In the Mi Earphones app, a suggestion to update the firmware will appear (if a new version is available).

If the Fast Pair does not work:

• 📱 Make sure your phone is enabled with Bluetooth and Google Play Services.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes Google services hang out».
• 📋 Check Compatibility: Fast Pair only works on Android 6.0+ Google Play Services version 21.30+.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the Fast Pair may not work due to a lack of Google services. In this case, use a standard Bluetooth connection.

Method 5: Connect to Multiple Xiaomi Devices (Multipoint)

Multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices) is available for Mi AirDots 2, Mi True Wireless 2 and later.

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (e.g. Xiaomi 12).
2. Open Mi Earphones and activate Dual Connection.
3. On the second device (like the Redmi Pad), turn on Bluetooth and find the headphones in the list.
4. Confirm the connection – the headphones will automatically switch between devices.

Multipoint limitations:

• 🎵 The sound goes to only one device – when playing on the second one, the first one automatically turns off.
• 📞 When an incoming call is given priority to the device on which the signal was given.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption – headphones consume 15-20% more charge.

💡

If multipoint doesn't work, update your headphone firmware through the Mi Earphones app. Versions older than 1.4.5 fix bugs with switching between devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Mi headphones to Xiaomi