How to connect Xiaomi headphones: a step-by-step guide

Modern wireless headsets from the Chinese giant have become the benchmark for price-performance, but the initial setup often raises questions for beginners. The process of connecting Xiaomi headphones may vary depending on the specific model and version of your smartphone’s operating system. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of pairing, from the standard procedure to the hidden functions of the application.

Proper initialization of the device ensures stable connection and high sound quality in the future. Many users face difficulties during the first turn on or search for a device in the Bluetooth list. We will consider not only the basic scenarios, but also the nuances of working with different series, such as Redmi and Mi.

To start, make sure that yours is yours. TWS-This is a critical point, because a dead battery can prevent the gadget from going into pairing mode. Also check that the Bluetooth module on your phone or tablet is activated and ready to scan the surrounding space.

The pairing process usually takes less than a minute if you follow the correct algorithm. There are several ways to activate visibility mode that depend on the design of the charging case. In some models, the reset button is on the outside, in others, inside the headphone compartment.

Preparation for first activation and charge check

Before trying to find a device on the list of available, you need to make sure that it is ready for work. Often the problem lies not in software failures, but in the banal lack of power in the headset battery. New instances can come with a partially discharged battery, so it is recommended to put them on charge immediately after unpacking.

If the LED flashes red or doesn't light up at all, connect the device to the power source via a USB-C or Micro-USB cable. Only after the indicator shows a full charge or stable glow can you start setting up.

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Leave the headphones on charging for 15-20 minutes before first turning on, even if the indicator shows full charge, which will help calibrate the power controller.

It is important to check the contacts inside the charging case, which should not be a protective film, which is often glued by manufacturers to prevent discharge during storage. If you see a transparent film on metal patches, carefully remove it before installing the headphones.

Make sure that the smartphone or tablet you plan to connect to has enough charge. The process of finding and installing drivers can require energy, and suddenly turning off the phone will interrupt the procedure.

Standard pairing procedure via Bluetooth

The most common method to connect Xiaomi headphones to any device, whether Android or iOS, involves manual search. This method is universal and works even without installing additional applications. The algorithm of actions is simple, but requires accuracy in button pressing.

First, remove both headphones from the charge case. Most Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Redmi Buds models automatically go into pairing mode after removal. If the lights start flashing quickly in white, it means that the device is visible to other gadgets.

  • πŸ“± Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and click "Device Search".
  • 🎧 Wait for your model name to appear on the list of available devices.
  • πŸ”— Click on the headset name to start the mating process.
  • βœ… Confirm pairing if a code or permission request appears on the screen.

In some cases, especially with models like the Mi Air 2, you need to press and hold the function button on the case for 2-3 seconds. This action forcefully puts the headset into detection mode if the automatic start does not work.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-conjugation check

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Once the connection is successful, the phone's status bar will have an earphone battery icon if the protocol supports this function. Now you can play music or video. If the sound is only coming from one channel, the headphones may not have synced with each other and need to reset them.

Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app for advanced customization

Although basic connectivity works immediately, it is recommended to use specialized software to fully unlock the potential of the gadget. The official Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly known as Mi Earbuds) allows you to control noise reduction, equalizer and touch control. Without this application, many advanced features remain unavailable.

You can download it from the Google Play Market or App Store. After installation, launch the app and press the add button for a new device. It automatically scans the specification and prompts you to connect the found Xiaomi headphones. This is especially convenient for models that do not appear in the standard Bluetooth menu before authorization.

Inside the application you will find the following settings:

  • 🎚️ Equator: Selective sound profiles or manual frequency setting.
  • πŸ”‡ Noise suppression: switching between modes ANC, transparency and off.
  • πŸ‘† Touch management: assigning double or triple pressing actions.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery status: accurate display of left and right headphone charge separately.

⚠️ Note: Some features, such as low latency, require both the headphones and the smartphone to support the appropriate codecs (e.g. aptX Adaptive.

The app also allows you to update the firmware of the headset, periodically manufacturers release updates that improve the stability of the connection and the quality of the microphone, and it is recommended to check for new versions of the software immediately after purchase.

Features of connecting different models (Redmi, Mi, Haylou)

The company’s audio lineup is extensive, and each series has its own nuances, and understanding these differences will help avoid confusion when setting up. Below is a table comparing pairing activation methods for popular series.

Series of devicesActivation methodIndicationAnnex
Mi True WirelessAuto or button on the caseWhite flashingXiaomi Earbuds
Redmi BudsExtracting from the casered-and-white flashingXiaomi Earbuds
Mi Neckband ProHolding the power button 5 secondsBlue flashingMi Wear / Zepp Life
Haylou (sub-brand)Long-term sensor pressRed-blue flashingHaylou

Neck-rimmed models like the Mi Neckband Bluetooth Earphones require a slightly different approach, where you need to press the on/response button for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes blue, only after that the device becomes visible to search.

Game versions like Redmi Buds 4 Pro Gaming Edition have a special low-latency mode that is activated either through the app or triple touch the sensor, but you need to make sure that the headset is correctly identified by the system as gaming.

Why are Haylou headphones not visible in the Xiaomi app?
The Haylou sub-brand headphones often require a separate Haylou app to be installed, as their encryption protocols may differ from the Mi’s main line. However, basic Bluetooth connectivity works as standard.

Some premium models support the Google Fast Pair function, in which case, when you bring an open case to an unlocked Android smartphone, a window automatically pops up on the screen suggesting that you connect the device, which eliminates the need to climb into the settings.

Solution: Headphones are not in or connected

It's not uncommon for a phone to not see Xiaomi headphones, and most often the reason is that the headset has already been paired with another device and is trying to connect to it automatically, in which case you need to turn off Bluetooth on the old device or remove the headphones from its list.

If the device doesn’t appear on the list even after pairing mode is activated, try a full reset. This usually requires placing the headphones in the case, opening the lid, and pressing the reset button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange three times.

Other possible causes of the problems:

  • πŸ“Ά Overflowing Bluetooth list: phone memory may have too many stored devices.Delete old records.
  • πŸ”‹ Critical discharge: the battery could go into a deep discharge, long-term charging is required.
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth cache: on Android, you can try to clear the cache of the Bluetooth service in the application settings.

⚠️ Note: When you reset your headphone settings, everything previously saved on your devices will be deleted. You will have to pair with all your gadgets again.

Sometimes it helps to forget the device in your phone settings. Go to the list of paired devices, click on the gear or the information icon next to the headphones and select "Forget this device" or "Cancel pairing." After that, repeat the search procedure again.

Connection to laptop, PC and TV

Connecting to a Windows or macOS computer is almost the same as pairing with a smartphone, and the main condition is that you have a functioning Bluetooth module. USB-adapter, as the built-in modules may not be available.

On Windows 10/11, go to Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth and other devices. Click Add Bluetooth or other devices and select the first item. Put Xiaomi headphones in pairing mode and select them in the list that appears.

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If the sound is deaf or intermittent on the PC after you connect, check if Hands-Free AG Audio is activated. For music, you need to choose a device marked "Stereo".

Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Android TV) are similar. Go to Settings β†’ Controllers and Accessories β†’ Add Accessory. The TV will start searching. However, it is worth considering that some TV models may not support high-quality codecs, which will affect the sound.

If you're using a Mac, open System Settings β†’ Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is on. Find your headphones in the list and click Connect. macOS usually works great with Xiaomi headsets, providing a stable connection.

Why does a laptop see headphones but write β€œDriver error”?
This is a common problem with older Bluetooth drivers on Windows: Go to Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, right-click, and select "Update Driver." If that doesn't work, download the driver from the laptop manufacturer's website.
Can you connect Xiaomi headphones to two phones at the same time?
Yes, most modern Xiaomi models support Multipoint technology, so you need to connect them to the first phone, then turn off Bluetooth on the first one (without breaking the pair), go into pairing mode on the headphones and connect to the second phone, and then you can turn on Bluetooth on the first device.
What to do if only one headphone is working?
Most likely, the synchronization between the left and right channel is broken. Put both earphones in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds. Then remove them at the same time. If it doesn't work, complete the reset according to the instructions for your model.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

How to reset Xiaomi headphones to factory settings?
Put the headphones in the charge case. Open the lid. Press and hold the function button on the case (or the sensors on both headphones if the button is not there) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red or orange, which will clear the pairing memory.
Why does the battery run down quickly after connection?
Check if noise reduction (ANC) is on at maximum level as it consumes more power. Also make sure you use the original charging cable. If the problem persists, the battery may have worn out.
Does Xiaomi headphones support the aptX codec?
Many flagship models (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) support aptX Adaptive. Budget models are often limited to an SBC or AAC codec. Check the specification of a particular model on the official website.
Can I use a single Xiaomi headphone independently?
Yes, most models allow left or right earphones to be used in mono mode. Just remove one earphone from the case without touching the other. If it doesn't work, check the settings in the Xiaomi Earbuds app.