How to connect the second headphones Xiaomi: full instruction

Modern users of the Xiaomi ecosystem often face the need to use multiple audio devices at once, which may be due to the desire to share music with a friend, connecting a headset for games and music headphones to listen to tracks, or simply the need for a backup channel. Standard pairing procedure often seems simple, but when it comes to connecting the second pair, the system can behave unpredictable. Understanding the logic of the Bluetooth protocol in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS is the key to successful configuration.

Unlike some competitors, Xiaomi and Redmi devices offer flexible settings that allow you to control multiple audio outputs, but this feature is not always active by default. the user needs to manually activate certain modes or correctly execute a sequence of actions so that the smartphone recognizes both devices as equal sources of sound. Errors at the initial pairing stage often lead to the fact that the phone “sees” only one gadget or constantly switches the output between them, creating discomfort.

In this guide, we will discuss all the nuances of the process, from basic preparation to fine-tuning hidden system parameters. You will learn why second headphones may not connect automatically and how to bypass typical limitations by operating the system. Connection stability depends on the correctness of the steps taken, so it is recommended to carefully follow the algorithm of actions described below to avoid the need to reset settings.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices (earphones) have at least 20% battery charge. Low charge can lead to interruption of the pairing process or incorrect determination of the device by the system.

Preparation of devices and compatibility check

The first and most important step is physical fitness. Not all Xiaomi and Redmi headphone models support dual audio simultaneous operation without using third-party apps, but basic connectivity of the second pair is possible on most smartphones with Android version above 10.

First, you need to put both sets of headphones in search mode. This is critical, because if one of the devices has already been paired with a phone, it can automatically try to connect, blocking the possibility of detection by the second set.

• 🎧 Completely discharge the case or turn off the headphones before the procedure to ensure you enter the pairing mode when you turn on.
• 📱 Free up your smartphone’s RAM by closing background apps that can use the audio stream, such as a navigator or messengers.
• 🔋 Check that the smartphone does not include the mode “Flight” or energy saving, limiting the operation of wireless interfaces.

Bluetooth compatibility also plays a role, and if your first headphones use Bluetooth 5.3 and your second headphones use the older 4.2, your smartphone can prioritize a more modern device while ignoring the latter, in which case manual selection of the device in the audio output menu helps after connecting both gadgets.

Basic setting of the first set of headphones

The process always starts with connecting the main pair, and this device will act as the "master" or priority sound source until the separation modes are activated. Open the settings of the smartphone and go to Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure the slider is active and the phone has started scanning the surrounding space.

Remove the first headphones from the case or press the touchpad to enter mode (coupling). The smartphone screen should show the name of the model, for example, Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 or Mi True Wireless Earphones. Click on the name to pair. The system will request confirmation, and after a successful connection you will hear a characteristic beep.

Once you've successfully connected, check the sound quality, if you hear music or system sounds, the first channel is set correctly, and now it's important to keep the Bluetooth menu open, as we'll need to quickly switch to connecting the second device until the first channel has gone to sleep or blocked the airwaves.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone after connecting the first pair.This can reset the audio profile initialization process, and the second headphones may not see the phone as an available device to connect to.

Procedure for connecting the second headphones

Now, the most important step is to connect the second pair, and while the first headphones are active, take the second set and put it into detection mode, and most of the time, you need to press the button on the case or hold the touch zones on the headphones themselves until the indicator flashes quickly. Xiaomi's smartphone should detect the new device in the list of available devices.

Click on the name of the second headphones on the list. The system can give a warning that the audio will be switched, or suggest adding a device. Depending on the version of MIUI, you may see the "Connect to both" option or just a standard connection. If the smartphone offers only to switch the sound, agree, but do not rush to play media.

Way to manually check: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth → (Cog next to the device) → Media Audio

The key here is to make sure that both devices have a Media Audio profile activated in the Bluetooth settings. Go to the settings of each connected earphone (by clicking on the gear or arrow next to the device name) and check if the ticks are in front of the "Sound" and "Media" boxes. If the tick is only on one device, the sound will go there.

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If the second headphones aren't visible on the list, try turning off Bluetooth for 5 seconds and turning on again without breaking the connection with the first headphones.This often updates the scan list.

Dual Audio and Multi-Connect

Many modern Xiaomi smartphones support technology similar to Samsung Dual Audio, which allows you to broadcast audio to two devices at the same time. However, this feature can be hidden or require activation through special menus. In some cases, the system automatically distributes the stream, but most often requires manual intervention through the developer menu or special audio settings.

Extended features sometimes require USB debugging, although simple audio sharing is rarely required. More relevant is checking codec support. If both devices support aptX Adaptive or LDAC, the probability of stable performance is higher. If one earbud only supports basic SBC and the other an advanced codec, the smartphone can choose the lowest common denominator of quality.

If the standard means to separate the sound is not possible, you should pay attention to third-party solutions, such as the Audio Share application (for Samsung, but sometimes works on others) or using the functions of the player application itself, if it supports output to several devices (for example, some messengers for calls).

Balance and volume setting for two devices

After successfully connecting two pairs of headphones, there is often a problem of desynchronizing the volume. One device may sound quieter or louder than the other due to differences in the sensitivity of the speakers or sound processing algorithms. To solve this problem, Xiaomi has a separate balancing menu available through special features settings.

Go to the Settings section → Additional settings → Special facilities → Rumor. Here you'll find the left-right-left-to-right-channel slider. Although it's for channels, in dual-connect mode, it can affect the overall flow distribution if the system perceives the second headphones as an extension of the stereo pair. It’s also worth checking the individual volume settings in the Bluetooth menu for each device.

• 🔊 Use volume sliders in the notification curtain for general adjustment, but check the level on each device separately.
• ⚖️ If one device is quieter, try lowering the volume on the louder earphone through its own touch buttons.
• 🎚️ Some players (such as PowerAmp) have independent equalizers that can help align the frequency response.

It's important to understand that when you connect two devices, the overall latency can increase. This is critical for games where synchronization of picture and sound is important. For watching videos or listening to music, this is usually not a problem, but for shooters or rhythm games, it is better to use only one pair of headphones.

Solving Typical Problems and Misconferences

Even if you do all the steps right, you can get errors. The most common problem is that the phone forgets the second headphones right after you turn off the screen, because of Xiaomi's aggressive energy saving policy, because the system considers the second device to be an unnecessary battery drain and breaks the connection, and to fix this, you have to stop the system from "killing" Bluetooth processes.

Go to the battery settings, find the Bluetooth or System Processes app (depending on the firmware version) and set the No Limits mode. It is also useful to disable the Battery Optimization option for Bluetooth service, which will ensure a stable connection even in the sleep mode of the screen.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is completely gone after connecting the second headphones, try in the Bluetooth settings to press the gear next to the device name and uncheck the "phone Sound" tick, leaving only "Media." Then repeat the same for the second headphones.

Another common mistake is the inability to control reproduction (Play/Pause) It's basically the device that's been connected last or the last thing that's been done. AVRCP, Changing it by system means is almost impossible.

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The key to stability is to turn off power savings for Bluetooth services, and without this step, the second headphones will be permanently turned off to save charge.