How to connect Xiaomi Redmi headphones to a smartphone

Modern smartphones in the Redmi and Xiaomi line offer users not only powerful hardware, but also enhanced ecosystem capabilities, where wireless headphones fit harmoniously. Many owners often face the question of how to properly perform primary pairing or restore the connection after resetting, a process that seems trivial, but in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS there are nuances, ignoring which can lead to unstable sound.

Before you start to take action, you need to understand that there are two main types of connection: wired through a 3.5 mm connector or USB Type-C, and wireless via Bluetooth. If the cable is relatively transparent — insert and play, then "air" models require a more careful approach to setting up. In this article, we will discuss all the steps of synchronization of devices so that you can enjoy quality sound without delays and breaks.

It’s worth noting that the success of the operation depends not only on the headphone model, whether it’s Redmi Buds or third-party AirDots, but also on the version of your phone’s software.Outdated drivers or errors in the system can block the detection of new gadgets. So before starting the procedure, make sure that your smartphone is working correctly and the battery is charged at least 20-30% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of settings.

Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing

The first step is always to prepare both devices. For wireless models Xiaomi and Redmi critically important to put the headset in the search mode (Pairing Mode). Often users just open the case, but this is not enough if the headphones were previously associated with another phone, you need to remove both headphones from the charging case and, if they are not connected automatically, pinch the touch areas or physical buttons on the case case.

On the smartphone side, a number of preparatory steps are also required: Make sure that the Bluetooth module is activated and visible to other devices. In some cases, especially after a firmware update, the system may reset access rights or limit visibility for security reasons. It is also recommended to clear the list of previously connected devices if too many have accumulated, as this can slow the scanning process.

⚠️ Note: If your headphones were previously connected to another phone, they may automatically try to connect to it, ignoring your current smartphone.In this case, you need to turn off Bluetooth on the old device or remove the headphones from its list of conjugated gadgets.

The low energy level in the headphones can cause them to enter energy saving mode and stop broadcasting the detection signal. Put them in the case for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator indicates a charge. The stable voltage in the battery guarantees a confident signal when searching.

• 🔋 Check the charge level in the case and on the smartphone before the procedure.
• 📡 Make sure the Bluetooth module on your phone is on and not in flight mode.
• 🗑️ Remove old pairing profiles from your phone’s memory if they exceed the number of pairings 10-15 piece.
• 📱 Unlock the smartphone screen as some versions MIUI Do not allow you to start a search in a blocked state.

Instructions for connecting Bluetooth headphones

Xiaomi's shell pairing process is standardized, but it has its own display features. Once you've put your headphones in search mode (usually a flashing white or blue indicator), pick up your phone. Open the Settings app and go to the Bluetooth section. Here you'll see a list of available devices. You'll need to find the name of your model, for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earbuds.

Click on the device name. The system can request pairing confirmation or enter a code, although this is rarely required for modern Xiaomi accessories - usually the process is automatic. Once the status bar is successfully connected, the appropriate icon will appear in the status bar, and the voice assistant will report the connection. If the original accessory is used, a branded quick-tuning window with animation can pop up on the screen.

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners have the added benefit of supporting Fast Pair technology or similar fast communication protocols. When you open a case next to an unlocked phone, a pop-up window may appear on the screen suggesting that you connect the device, the fastest way to also automatically update your headphone firmware to the current version immediately after the first connection.

⚠️ Warning: Do not press the connection button several times in a row.This can cause a protocol error and cause the phone to "forget" the device or create a duplicate profile with an error.

If the connection is successful but no audio, check the audio output settings. Sometimes the phone connects to the headset as a call device, but not as a media player. On the Bluetooth menu, clicking on the gear next to the device name, make sure that the boxes are ticked against the "Audio" and "Multimedia".

Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app to customize

For deep customization of the audio profile and management of the functions of the headphones, the standard menu of the phone may not be enough. Xiaomi has developed a special application Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly known as Mi Buds), its installation is highly recommended, as it allows access to hidden functions, such as setting up ANC noise reduction, equalizer and touch control.

You can download the app from Google Play or Mi App Store. Once installed, start the program and follow the instructions on the screen. It automatically finds the connected headphones and prompts you to update their software. Updating the firmware is an important step that often solves problems with connection stability and sound quality.

You can customize your gestures in the app, for example, double tapping your left earphone can switch tracks and your right earphone can call your voice assistant, and you can also find your headphones, so if you lose one of them in your apartment, it will make it squeak loud, making it much easier to find.

• 🎛️ Adjustment of active noise reduction levels (ANC) transparency.
• 🎚️ Equalizer selections or creating your own sound profile.
• 🖐️ Reassignment of touch commands for left and right earphone.
• 🔍 "Finding headphones" and checking the level of charge of each ear separately.

Connecting wired headphones via Type-C and 3.5 mm

While wireless technology dominates, many users prefer wired solutions for their reliability and lack of latency. Current Redmi models often lack a 3.5mm connector, so USB Type-C or adapter headsets are used.

When wired headphones are connected via Type-C, the system must automatically switch the output. If that doesn't happen, check if your cable supports audio transmission. Not all USB-C cables are suitable for audio transmission; some are only for charging. Use original Xiaomi accessories or certified Audio-labeled counterparts.

In the audio settings (Settings → Sound and vibration), you can find additional settings for wired devices, you can adjust the Hi-Res Audio sound quality here, if your smartphone and headphones support this standard, you can also activate sound visualization or adjust the channel balance if one ear is less audible.

If you connect a wired headset, the phone says "Accessories not supported," try cleaning the charging port of dust and pile. Often microscopic contamination prevents the plug from fully contacting the contacts inside the connector, which leads to an error in the identification of the device.

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Use DAC adapters. Low-cost 3.5mm Type-C adapters often don't have a built-in digital-to-analog converter, which can make the sound quiet or absent. Look for models marked "with DAC."

Sound adjustment and elimination

Even after a successful connection, users may face sound quality issues. Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have built-in audio player and system settings that improve the situation. Go to Settings → Sound and Vibration → Sound quality and effects. Here you can turn on the Dirac virtualizer (if available for your model), which greatly improves the scene and detail.

A common problem is audio and video desynchronization or intermittent signaling, which can be caused by interference from Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens running at 2.4 GHz. Try switching Wi-Fi to 5 GHz or away from the radiation sources, and check if power saving mode is on, which can limit the power of the Bluetooth module.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound becomes quiet or disappears after the headphones hit the water or rain, stop using immediately.Attempting to charge the wet headphones will short circuit and eventually break.

It's important for gamers to minimize latency. Game Turbo often has Bluetooth priority options, activating this mode reallocates the CPU's resources to audio processing, making the game more responsive, but it can increase battery consumption.

• 🎧 Put the codec on. LDAC or aptX Adaptive in the developer menu for maximum quality.
• 🔇 Use the "mono-audio" function in special features if you hear sound in only one ear.
• 📉 Turn off "Absolute Volume" in the Developer menu if the volume of the headphones is not controlled by the phone buttons.
• 🔄 Reset your network settings if Bluetooth is unstable after a system update.

Resetting and re-synchronization

If neither of the above methods worked, or the headphones are not behaving correctly (flashing different colors, not seeing each other), you need to perform a full reset. For most models of Redmi Buds and AirDots, the procedure is as follows: place both headphones in the case, open the lid and press the pairing button (or touch areas) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red or orange.

Once reset, remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the phone. Find the name of the headphones, click on the gear icon or arrow and select Forget the device or Unpair the pairing. Only then you can start the connection process again, as you did the first purchase, this action clears the Bluetooth cache and eliminates profile conflicts.

In rare cases, the problem is not with the headphones, but with the phone system. If other Bluetooth devices are not working properly, try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Note: this action will remove all stored Wi-Fi passwords and interface devices, but often solves the system glitches of the communication module.

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Resetting your headphones completely and cleaning your phone profile is a way to solve 90% of connection problems that are not solved by simply reconnecting.