How to connect wired headphones to the smartphone Xiaomi: all ways + fault-solving

Smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO In recent years, the classic 3.5 mm headphone jack is increasingly lost - manufacturers are switching to wireless technologies or a universal port. USB-C. But what if you still have your favorite wired headphones and your phone doesn't have a regular socket? MIUI?

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect wired headphones to Xiaomi, from the standard connector to adapters and adapters, and also tell you how to diagnose typical problems (for example, when the phone does not see the headphones or sound is only in one ear) and what to do if you do it. MIUI Resets the sound settings after rebooting.

For convenience, we have compiled a table of compatibility of popular models Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO It will help you quickly determine which adapter you need, and at the end of this article we will answer the frequent questions: can you listen to music while charging, why the headphones hiss and how to turn on the equalizer for wired sound.

1. Check the 3.5mm connector: is it in your Xiaomi model?

The first thing you need to do is make sure that there's a physical headphone jack, and even if you've bought the phone recently, it's not that the manufacturer has kept it. 3.5 For example, the flagship models of Xiaomi 13/14 and POCO F5 It has been around for a while now, and the Redmi Note is a budget. 12 or POCO M6 The Pros may still have it.

It's easy to check:

🔍 Look at the top and bottom of your smartphone – the connector is usually located next to a microphone or speaker.
📱 Look into the characteristics of the model on the official Xiaomi website or in the product card (section "Audio»).
🛠️ If there is a connector, but the headphones are not determined - try to clean the nest with a toothpick (carefully!) or blow with compressed air.

📊 Your Xiaomi smartphone is equipped with a 3.5 mm connector?

Yes, he is.

No, just USB-C.

I don't know, I haven't.

I use wireless headphones.

If there is no connector, do not worry - we will tell you how to connect through USB-C Or Lightning, or old models, and if there is one, but there is no sound, the problem may be in the settings. MIUI or mechanical damage.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) There's a 3.5mm connector, but it doesn't support a microphone in wired headphones!

2. Connection through USB-C: which adapter to choose?

If your Xiaomi is deprived of a 3.5 mm connector, the only way out is to use an adapter with a new one. USB-C But not all adapters are equally good: cheap Chinese models can give background noise, and some are not compatible with the same. MIUI.

Here are 3 proven adapter options:

🔌 Original Xiaomi adapter (article) MDY-11-ED) — Optimal for most models, supports microphone and digital sound 24-bit/96kHz.
🎧 Google USB-C to 3.5mm — It's universal, it works with MIUI 12+, It may not be suitable for games due to the delay of sound.
💰 OnePlus Type-C Bullets is a premium version with a sound amplifier, but expensive (suitable for audiophiles).

How to connect:

Insert the adapter into the USB-C port of the smartphone.
Connect the headphones to the 3.5mm connector on the adapter.
Wait for the automatic determination of the device (the headphone icon will appear in the status bar).
If there is no sound, check the settings. → Sound. → Output sound and select "Wired headphones».

Adapter tightly inserted into port|Headphones are plugged in to the end.|In the sound settings, the correct output is selected|Port port USB-C clean (no dust/garbage)-->

Xiaomi model	3.5 mm connector	Support for USB-C audio	Recommended adapter
Xiaomi 13/14, POCO F5	❌ No.	✅ Yes.	Xiaomi MDY-11-ED Google
Redmi Note 12 Pro+	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes (optional)	Any certified
POCO X5, Redmi 12	✅ Yes.	❌ No (port only for charging)	Not required
Xiaomi 12T, 11T Pro	❌ No.	✅ Yes (with Hi-Res support)	OnePlus Bullets or the Original

Important: Cirrus Logic chip adapters (like the original Xiaomi) deliver better sound quality than the cheap ones on Realtek (FLAC, WAV), Don't skimp on the adapter.

3. Connection via Lightning (for older models)

If you have a rare Xiaomi model with a Lightning connector (for example, experimental versions for some markets), you will need a specialized adapter — MIUI Does not support MFi protocol.

Decision:

🔌 Use the adapter. USB-C → Lightning (like Anker PowerLine) and then connect the headphones through USB-C → 3.5 mm.
🎵 Alternatively, Bluetooth wireless transmission (e.g. Avantek) W3), which connects to Lightning and broadcasts sound to any headphones.

Note: This connection may cause delays of up to 100–200 ms. This is critical for gaming or watching videos, but not noticeable when listening to music.

⚠️ Note: Do not use cheap lightning adapters → 3.5mm from unknown brands – they can burn down a smartphone port due to unstable voltage!

4. Adjustment of sound in MIUI plug-in

Even if the headphones are physically connected, MIUI It can ignore them or reset the settings:

Step 1. Selection of output device

Go to Settings. → Sound. → Exit the sound and make sure that you select "Wired earbuds." If you don't have an option, reconnect the headphones or reboot the phone.

Step 2. Shutting down Bluetooth

MIUI Sometimes it sticks on wireless devices. Turn off Bluetooth in the notification curtain or in the settings, then check the sound.

Step 3: Resetting the sound settings

If the headphones are defined but the sound is distorted:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Find the Music app or «MIUI Sound Recorder».
Select "Storage» → «Clear the data».

💡

If after connecting the headphones, the phone speaker continues to work, turn on the “Hearphones Only” mode in the sound settings (Settings) → Special facilities → Sound. → Monoaudio).

5. Problem Solving: Headphones Are Not Working

If there is no sound after connecting or it is interrupted, use this instruction:

Problem 1: The phone can't see the headphones

🔌 Check the integrity of the cable - often the problem is in the cliff at the plug.
🔄 Reboot your smartphone with connected headphones.
🛠️ Clean the 3.5mm connector or USB-C dust (use a plastic toothpick!).

Problem 2: The sound is only in one ear

🎧 Check the headphones on another device - the accessory itself may be defective.
🔊 In sound settings (Settings) → Sound. → Balance stereo) drop the slider in the middle.
🔄 Turn off and reconnect the headphones (sometimes) MIUI knocks out channel recognition).

Problem 3: Background noise or cracking

🔌 Try another adapter – cheap models often give interference.
📵 Turn off the mobile internet (sometimes) 4G/5G It interferes with analog sound).
🔋 Check the battery power at a level below 15% MIUI can limit the power of sound.

What to do if the adapter USB-C warm?

If the adapter gets very hot during use, this may indicate: 1. Poor-quality chip – cheap adapters often overheat due to lack of protection. 2. High-load – listening to music in high resolution (FLAC 24-bit) It increases the load on the chip. 3. USB-C — Check if the connector is contaminated or the contacts are deformed. Solution: use an active-cooled adapter (like AudioQuest DragonFly) or limit the bitrate of sound in the player settings.

6 Can you listen to music and charge your phone at the same time?

One of the most common questions is how to connect headphones and charging at the same time, if the phone has only one port USB-C? There are a few solutions:

Method 1: Spreader USB-C

Use a hub with ports USB-C (PD) + Examples of 3.5 mm:

🔌 Baseus 3-in-1 Hub – supports fast charging and audio output.
🎵 UGREEN USB-C Hub -- adds more. HDMI TV-connected.

Disadvantage: Not all hubs are compatible with MIUI — Before buying, check the reviews for your Xiaomi model.

Method 2: Wireless charging + wired-headphone

If your Xiaomi supports Qi (e.g. Xiaomi 13, POCO F4 GT), possible:

Connect the headphones through the adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm.
Put your phone on wireless charging (e.g. Xiaomi Wireless Charger) 30W).

Please note: with such a connection, the charging power will decrease to 10–15W.

Method 3: Bluetooth headphones + charging

If you do not need to use wired headphones, connect a Bluetooth headset and charge your phone through USB-C. Modern Xiaomi supports aptX codec, which provides high-quality audio without wires.

💡

Branchers USB-C With audio output, you often block fast charging. If you care about charging speed, choose Power Delivery-enabled hubs (PD) Compatibility with your Xiaomi model.

7. Sound optimization: equalizer and Hi-Res audio

Wired headphones can deliver better audio than wireless ones, especially if your Xiaomi supports Hi-Res Audio.

Step 1: Enable Hi-Res audio

Go to Settings. → Sound. → Sound quality and select:

🎵 Balanced – optimal for most headphones.
🔊 Hi-Res – for audiophile models (requires support) LDAC or HD).
🎧 Customizable – Manual equalizer setting.

Step 2. Set up the equalizer

In the same section (Settings) → Sound. → Equalizer) choose a preset or create your profile:

🎶 For basses, increase sliders by 60-250 Hz.
🎤 For vocals, raise 1-4 kHz.
🔇 For classical music, balance all frequencies.

Step 3: Turn off the sound processing

Some apps (like Spotify or YouTube Music) use their own audio processing to turn it off:

In Spotify: Settings → Sound quality → Turn off "Normal volume».
YouTube Music: Settings → Sound. → Turn off Equalizer».

For advanced users: if your Xiaomi supports LDAC (For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, enable this codec in Bluetooth settings for maximum quality (even if you use wired headphones through an adapter).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Why headphones hiss when connecting to Xiaomi?

Noise (hisping, crackling) usually occurs due to: 🔌 Cheap Adapter – Use the Original Xiaomi MDY-11-ED or certified analogues. 📶 The interference 4G/5G — Try to turn on the “In the plane” mode and check the sound. 🔋 Low battery charge - at a level below 20% MIUI It can limit the power of the audio chip. If the noise is still there, check the headphones on another device.

❓ Can I use headphones with a microphone through USB-C?

Yes, but with reservations: ✅ Xiaomi’s original adapter supports microphone in most cases. ❌ Cheap adapters often only transmit sound without microphone support. 🎤 For calls, it is better to use a Bluetooth headset or headphones with a 3.5 mm connector (if you have one in your phone.

❓ Why After Updating MIUI The headphones stopped working?

Updates MIUI Sometimes they reset the audio settings. Try: Reconnect the headphones (pull out and paste back in). → Annexes → Application management → Music. → Clear the data. Reverse to the previous version. MIUI (If nothing helps, write in support of Xiaomi with the phone model and version. MIUI.

❓ How to connect headphones to Xiaomi through OTG?

Technically. USB OTG Not intended for audio, but you can use an external sound card: USB-C Sound card (like Creative Sound Blaster) connect it to your phone via a phone. OTG-Adapter. Connect your headphones to your sound card. Cons: Not all sound cards are Android compatible -- look for models that support it. UAC 1.0/2.0.

❓ Why in games sound goes through the speaker, not headphones?

It's a typical problem. MIUI - Solutions for games: 🎮 In the game settings, turn off the option “Sound through the speaker». 🔊 B Settings → Sound. → Select the output of the sound "Forced headphones». 🔄 Restart the game with the headphones already connected. If the game uses its own audio engine (for example, Genshin Impact), you may need to manually adjust the game's audio menu.