Xiaomi’s current wireless headsets, such as the popular Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earbuds, are often perceived by users as smartphone accessories. However, their functionality is not limited to Android or iOS mobile devices. Many PC owners are faced with the desire to use high-quality audio from Xiaomi while playing games, watching movies or working at a computer running Windows 7. Despite the fact that this OS is considered outdated, it is still actively used on millions of computers around the world.
The process of pairing devices in Windows 7 environment has its own specific features, different from the algorithms in newer versions, such as Windows 10 or 11. The main difference lies in the lack of automatic integration of Bluetooth drivers for many adapters, which requires manual installation of software. Without a properly installed Bluetooth adapter driver, the computer will not physically be able to detect any headphones, regardless of their brand, which is why the first stage of configuration should always begin with checking the hardware and the necessary drivers in the system.
In this article, we will take a look at all the stages of connection, from hardware preparation to fine-tuning the sound. You will learn how to put the headset in visibility mode, how to find the device in hidden menus of the system and what to do if the sound is absent or latency. We will look at both the standard OS tools and third-party utilities that can help solve the problem of compatibility of old protocols.
Checking for Bluetooth adapter and installing drivers
Before trying to connect Xiaomi Earbuds, you need to make sure that your computer is equipped with a wireless communication module at all. Unlike laptops, where Bluetooth is often built-in by default, desktop PCs rarely have this module out of the box. If you have a regular system unit, you will most likely need to purchase an external one. USB-Adapter. You can check for built-in modules through Device Manager. + R, enter the command devmgmt.msc and press Enter. In the window that opens, look for the "Bluetooth" or "Network adapters" section".
If you see a yellow exclamation point icon or an unknown PCI VEN device on your device list, it means that the driver is not installed or is not working correctly. For Windows 7, finding drivers can be difficult because many vendors have stopped supporting this system. You will need to find a driver for your adapter model (for example, Realtek, Broadcom or CSR) on the motherboard manufacturer's website or the adapter itself. Universal Windows Update drivers in this case are often useless.
⚠️ Note: Installing Bluetooth drivers from unknown sources or automatic driver collectors on Windows 7 can lead to system file conflict and a blue screen of death. Use only verified sources or drives that came with the adapter.
After successfully installing the driver in the tray (the notification area on the bottom right), a blue Bluetooth icon should appear. If it is not, try restarting the computer. The absence of an icon after restarting and checking in the Device Manager indicates that the adapter is either faulty or the driver is wrong. Only by making sure that the adapter is working, you can proceed to the next step.
How to check the version of the Bluetooth driver?
Activation of the pairing mode on Xiaomi headphones
Xiaomi and Redmi have different algorithms for entering the pairing mode, and this is critically important to consider. If the headphones have already been connected to the phone, they can automatically try to connect to it when extracted from the case, igniting requests from the computer. To avoid this, you need to force the headset to search mode. For most models, such as AirDots 2 or Essential, you need to remove both headphones from the charging case.
If the headphones don't flash fast (usually white), they're not in pairing mode. In this case, you need to pinch the touch pads on both headphones simultaneously and hold them for about 5-7 seconds. You'll hear a voice message "Pairing" or you'll see the indicators start flashing at twice the speed. This is a signal that the device is visible to all nearby devices. In some models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic, you may need to press the button on the case itself for a long time if it is provided by the design.
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If Xiaomi headphones don’t go into pairing mode, try first removing them from the list of devices on your smartphone (forget the device), and then activate pairing mode again. TWS-headset.
It's important to understand that when paired, the battery charge is faster than usual. If the search process on the computer is delayed, do not keep the headphones in this mode for longer than 2-3 minutes without needing, it is better to turn them off by placing them in the case, and repeat the procedure again when you are ready for immediate connection.
Finding and Adding a Device in Windows 7
In Windows 7, the Bluetooth device management interface is slightly different from the more modern ones. First, make sure that Bluetooth is on on your computer. Right-click on the Bluetooth icon in the tray and select Add a Device. If the icon is not in the tray, go through the Start menu to the Control Panel → Equipment and sound → Devices and printers. In the window that opens, click Add Device in the top panel.
The system will start looking for available gadgets. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds. Your headphones should appear on the list. They can be displayed under the full model name, for example, Xiaomi AirDots, or simply as Headset, Audio or Redmi. If the device is found, highlight it with your mouse and press the Next button. The system will try to establish a connection.
☑️ Device search algorithm
During the installation process, Windows 7 may request confirmation of the pairing code, usually four zeros (0000) or a combination of 1234. However, for most modern Xiaomi Bluetooth headsets, this step is skipped and the connection is established automatically. If the system says "Device successfully added", but no sound, it may require manual activation of the audio service, which will be discussed in the next section.
Set up sound playback and profile of the device
A common problem after a successful connection is the lack of sound or its poor quality. This is because Windows 7 may not switch the audio output to the new device automatically. To fix this, right-click on the speaker icon in the tray and select Player Devices. In the list that opens, find your headphones. They can be displayed twice: as Headphones (stereo) and as Headset (Hands-Free).
To listen to music and watch videos, you need to select the Headphones (or "Dynamics") option, right-click and choose Use by default. This mode provides high-quality audio (A2DP protocol). Headset (Hands-Free) mode is for conversations, has low-quality mono sound and activates the microphone, which may be useful for Skype, but is unacceptable for media content.
| Parameter | Headphones Mode (Stereo) | Headset (Hands-Free) mode |
|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | High (A2DP) | Low, mono (HSP/HFP) |
| Use of microphone | Unavailable. | Available. |
| Appointment | Music, movies, games | Conversations, Zoom, Skype |
| Sound delay | Minimum | Notable. |
If the headphones are displayed in the playlist but have a gray icon or "Disconnected" label, right-click in the empty window and make sure that the check boxes are "Show Disabled Devices" and "Show Devices Detached" and then activate them through the context menu.
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For high-quality sound, always choose a 'Headphones' or 'Stereo' profile. Hands-Free' profile is used only for voice communication and severely degrades audio quality.
Solving problems with Bluetooth drivers and services
Even when the device is visible, there may be disruptions associated with Windows services. In Windows 7, Bluetooth Support Service is responsible for Bluetooth. If it is disabled or is error-prone, the connection will be unstable. Check its status by pressing Win + R, entering services.msc and finding the appropriate service on the list. Make sure the startup type is installed in Automatically and the service is running.
Another common problem is the conflict of Bluetooth protocol versions. Old adapters (versions 2.0 or 3.0) may not work properly with new Xiaomi headphones using Bluetooth 5.0 and codec. AAC In this case, the sound may be interrupted or absent completely.The solution may be to update the Bluetooth stack from the adapter manufacturer (for example, Widcomm or Toshiba), which often comes with a bundle of the device. USB-Whistle, instead of the standard Microsoft driver.
It is also worth checking the power supply settings. USB-port to which the adapter is connected. Windows 7 can disable USB-Power saving devices, which causes a connection to break. In Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, go to properties, Power Management tab, and uncheck the Allow this device to be turned off to save energy.
Configuring the microphone and additional software
If you plan to use Xiaomi’s headphone microphone to communicate, note that in Windows 7, switching between Stereo and Hands-Free modes is often manual or requires restarting the application. Auto-switching, like in Windows 10/11, is rare here. You will have to manually select the recording device in the program settings (for example, in Discord or Skype).
To improve sound quality and control equalizer, you can use third-party codecs such as Bluetooth Audio Receiver (although they are more common for Windows 10, there are analogues for seven) or the standard settings of the Realtek HD Audio sound card. In the Realtek sound control panel, you can sometimes find settings that allow you to prioritize Bluetooth devices or adjust the effects of the environment, which can compensate for some of the signal transmission drawbacks.
⚠️ Note: When using a microphone in Xiaomi headphones on Windows 7, the sound quality automatically drops to the phone.This is a technical limitation of the Bluetooth protocol, not a defect of the device.
Keep in mind that the headphone battery discharges much faster when you use the microphone actively. Watch your charge level, as Windows 7 does not always correctly display the battery percentage of a Bluetooth headset in tray, unlike Android smartphones.