How to connect two headphones via Bluetooth to Xiaomi at the same time: all ways

Connecting two pairs of headphones to the same Xiaomi smartphone at the same time is a challenge that many users face. Whether you want to share music with a friend, use different headsets for calls and listening, or just test a new technique β€” standard MIUI settings do not always allow you to do this in two clicks. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of synchronous connection, including hidden firmware functions, third-party applications and workarounds for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14).

It’s important to understand that the ability to connect two audio devices at once depends on your smartphone’s Bluetooth version (4.2, 5.0, 5.2 or later), the headphone model (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Pro vs. Sony WH-1000XM4) and even the chipset manufacturer (Qualcomm or Mediatek).We tested all methods on current Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 devices – the results are summarized in the compatibility table below.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t support two headphones by default?

The main reason for the restriction is the Bluetooth A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) protocol, which most smartphones, including Xiaomi, by default support only one device to connect in source mode at the same time.

  • πŸ”‹ Power consumption: Simultaneous audio streaming to two devices increases the load on the Bluetooth chip and battery.
  • 🎡 Synchronization delays: no Bluetooth 5.2 support+ (LC3 codec) there may be discrepancies between headphones.
  • πŸ“± Restrictions MIUI: Manufacturer artificially blocks function in some regional firmware.

However, there are exceptions: Xiaomi’s flagship models on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and devices with MIUI 14 based on Android 13+ sometimes support the β€œDual Audio” function out of the box. Check this out in the Settings menu β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth – if there is a Two audio device, you’re in luck!

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you use?
MIUI 12
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
Another version
I don't know.

Method 1: Enabling the hidden Dual Audio function in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12.5, the firmware has a hidden option for connecting two headphones at the same time, but it's disabled by default.

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
  2. In the MTK Engineer Mode menu, go to Hardware Testing β†’ Audio β†’ Bluetooth Audio.
  3. Find the Dual Audio Mode setting and set the Enabled value.
  4. Reboot your smartphone.

When you reboot, you'll see a new Two audio device in your Bluetooth settings, and it's important that this method doesn't work on all models -- for example, the POCO X3 Pro with the Mediatek Helio G96 might not have a feature.

Turn on Bluetooth and connect both headphones separately|Check the version. MIUI In Settings β†’ The phone.|Make a backup copy of settings|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

⚠️ Note: Some devices may experience microphone problems during calls after Dual Audio Mode activation. If the quality of communication has deteriorated, return the setting to Disabled.

Method 2: Use the SoundAssistant app (for Android 10+)

Samsung’s SoundAssistant app (available on Google Play) can bypass MIUI restrictions and stream audio to two devices simultaneously.

  • πŸ“± Install SoundAssistant from the official store.
  • πŸ”Š Open the application and go to the Additional Features section β†’ Two dynamics.
  • 🎧 Connect both headphones via Bluetooth and activate the option to Enable.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… It works on most Xiaomi devices (tested on Redmi Note 11, Mi 11 Lite).
  • βœ… Allows you to adjust the volume balance between devices.
  • βœ… Doesn't require root rights.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Possible sound delays up to 200 ms on headphones with Bluetooth 4.2.
  • ❌ The function is disabled after restarting the phone (you need to start again).

πŸ’‘

If SoundAssistant doesn’t find a second headphone, try connecting it first through the standard Bluetooth menu and then opening the app.

Method 3: Custom core firmware (for advanced users)

If your Xiaomi smartphone supports unlocking the bootloader, you can install a custom core (such as Perseus or FrancoKernel) that extends Bluetooth capabilities. 865/870/888:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
  3. Sweep through the kernel with Dual Bluetooth Audio support (look in the themes on XDA Developers for your model).
Xiaomi modelSupported coreReference to discussion
Xiaomi 12/12 ProPerseus KernelXDA
POCO F3 / Redmi K40FrancoKernelXDA
Redmi Note 10 ProNeon KernelXDA

⚠️ Note: Installing custom cores will void the warranty and may result in a brick device. Before firmware check the compatibility of the kernel with your version MIUI Android.

Method 4: Using a Bluetooth splitter (hardware solution)

If the software methods don't work, you can use an external Bluetooth transmitter that supports two connections.

  • 🎧 Avantek APTX-LL (Supports Bluetooth 5.0 and two headphones at the same time).
  • 🎧 1Mii B06 Pro (low latency, compatible with Xiaomi).
  • 🎧 Creative BT-W5 (for audiophiles, supports aptX HD).

How to connect:

  1. Connect the splitter to the phone via Bluetooth (it will be defined as headphones).
  2. Activate Dual Link on the device itself (usually with a long push of a button).
  3. Connect both earphones to the splitter.

Pros of the decision:

  • βœ… It works on any smartphone, including older Xiaomi models (like the Redmi 5 Plus).
  • βœ… No sound delays (if the splitter supports aptX Low Latency).

Cons:

  • ❌ Additional expenses (from 1500 to 5000 rubles).
  • ❌ You need to carry another device with you.

How to check the compatibility of the splitter with your headphones?
Before buying, check if the splitter supports your headphones’ Bluetooth profiles: TWS-Headphones (for example, Xiaomi AirDots) are needed A2DP + AVRCP. - For full-size headphones (Sony) WH-1000XM5) β€” A2DP + HFP. - If the headphones support aptX or LDAC, The splitter must also support them, otherwise the sound will be transmitted through the SBC (low-quality).

Headphone compatibility: Which models work together?

Not all headphones can connect to the same source at the same time, here are the proven combinations for Xiaomi:

Headphones 1Headphones 2Connection methodSound delay
Xiaomi AirDots 3 ProRedmi Buds 4SoundAssistant~150 ms
Sony WF-1000XM4JBL Live 660NCDual Audio (MIUI 14)~50 ms.
Apple AirPods ProXiaomi FlipBuds ProBluetooth splitter~30 ms.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2Huawei FreeBuds 5iCastomic nucleus~80 ms.

Important: Headphones with Bluetooth 4.2 (such as the Redmi AirDots of the first version) often conflict when connecting together. If one of the headphones uses Bluetooth 5.0+ and the second one uses the old version, the sound may be interrupted.

πŸ’‘

For minimal delays, both earphones should support the same audio codecs (e.g. AAC or aptX).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you try to connect two headphones, Xiaomi users encounter typical errors.

  • πŸ”Œ Headphones connect, but the sound goes to only one device: Check in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Sound output, if you've prioritized one of the devices.
  • πŸ”Š The sound is interrupted or jammed: Reduce the distance between your phone and headphones (especially for Bluetooth 4.2). Disable other Bluetooth devices (such as the Mi Band or wireless keyboard).
  • πŸ“΅ The second device is disconnected through 10-20 Seconds: This is a limitation of energy saving MIUI. Turn off the Adaptive Battery in the power settings. Add the SoundAssistant app to the optimization exceptions.

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“² Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (New versions often add support for Dual Audio).
  • πŸ”„ Reset Bluetooth Settings: Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth β†’ βš™οΈ β†’ Reset the settings.

Can I connect two headphones to Xiaomi without root rights?
Yes, 80 percent of the time, it's enough to use SoundAssistant or activate the hidden Dual Audio Mode function through an engineering menu. Root is only required for firmware custom cores on older models.
Why does Xiaomi 13 Pro not work with Dual Audio, even though there is Bluetooth 5.3?
Even with Bluetooth 5.3, the feature can be blocked at the firmware level. Check the regional version of MIUI: Global and EEA often disable such options. Try to search China ROM (but note that this will remove Google services).
Will there be a difference in sound quality when you connect two headphones?
If both devices support AAC or aptX, there will be no loss of quality, but when you mix codecs (for example, one headphone on SBC, the other on AAC), the phone will automatically select the "simple" codec for both, which can worsen the sound.
Can this method be used to connect headphones and speakers at the same time?
Yes, but there are nuances: The speaker and headphones must support one profile (A2DP). On speakers with a microphone (for example, JBL Charge 5) voice transmission may not work during calls. In SoundAssistant, headphones are given priority - the sound on the speaker may be quieter.
Why did two headphones stop working after the MIUI update?
Updates often reset hidden settings. Try: Reactivate Dual Audio Mode via the engineering menu. Clear Bluetooth cache: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ App management β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Storage β†’ Clear cache. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI (if the function is critical).