Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and the sub-brand Redmi have become the standard of quality in the budget and mid-range segment, offering excellent noise cancellation and stable connection. However, the process of their first pairing with devices based on Android or iOS can raise questions for inexperienced users. Proper synchronization ensures not only clean sound, but also the correct operation of touch control, as well as the display of battery charge on the smartphone screen.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take a look at all the nuances of connecting different models, from classic Mi True Wireless Earphones to low-latency Redmi Buds, learn how to activate pairing mode, what to do if the device is not located, and how to reconnect the headset to a new gadget without unnecessary complexity.
Preparation for the first launch and activation
Before trying to find headphones on the Bluetooth list, make sure they're ready to go. New models often come with protective insulation on the charging contacts inside the case or on the headphones themselves. The first step is to remove the device from the box and remove all the protective films to ensure contact for charging.
Put the headphones in a charge case and plug it into a power source for 15 to 20 minutes, even if the indicator shows full charge, which is necessary to activate a lithium-ion battery that could run out during long-term storage in a warehouse. Without a minimum charge, the device may not go into detection mode.
⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on the case doesn't light up when you connect to a charge, check the cable and power supply.Using too powerful fast-charging adapters from laptops can sometimes block the power controller in cheap headphone models.
After a short recharge, remove both earbuds from the case at the same time. On most models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, the indicators will flash white, signaling readiness for (mating). If there is no blinking, you may need a long press on the touch areas.
Matching with Android smartphones
Connecting to Android smartphones, especially Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, is as automated as possible. Open the case lid with the earbuds attached and bring them to the unlocked phone. A pop-up window with animations and the charge level of each earbud should appear on the screen.
If the automatic window doesn't show up, go to Bluetooth settings manually. The path usually looks like: Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure the slider is activated, and click "Search for Devices" or "Add New." In the list of available devices, find your model name, such as the Redmi Buds 3 Lite.
Once you click on the name, you start the process of installing drivers and profiles. It's important not to close the case lid or remove the headphones far from the phone at that point. Once you successfully connect, you'll hear a voice confirmation of "Connected" or a characteristic beep.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
Configure the connection to the iPhone (iOS)
Owners of Apple devices should remember that native pop-up animation with a charge level works only on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones with a MIUI or HyperOS shell. On the iPhone, the connection occurs using the standard Bluetooth protocol, which requires manual search for the device.
Open Settings → Bluetooth settings on your iPhone. Put your headphones into pairing mode (usually automatically when you remove them from your case for the first time). Find the device in the Other Devices list and tap on it to pair.
For full management of features such as switching noise reduction modes or updating the firmware, iOS owners are advised to install the Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Home app from the App Store. Without this app, the headphones will only work like a regular headset.
⚠️ Note: When connected to iOS, the system may request permission to use the microphone. Denial of access will result in you being able to listen to music, but not be able to answer calls or use a voice assistant.
Connection to a computer and Smart TV
Using headphones with a PC or Mi TV requires you to put the device in a forced pairing mode, since automatic detection on these gadgets is rare. To do this, place the headphones in the case, open the lid and press the functional button on the case (or touch areas) for 5-7 seconds until the indicator blinks quickly and intermittently.
On a Windows 10/11 computer, go to Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth. Click Add Bluetooth or Other Device and select Bluetooth. Your headset will appear in the list. On Android TVs, the path may be different: Settings → Remotes and Accessories → Add Accessory.
| The device | The Way to Bluetooth | Nuance of connection |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 | Parameters → Devices | Bluetooth Driver Required |
| macOS | System settings → Bluetooth | Automatic reconnection |
| Mi TV / Android TV | Settings → Remotes | We need a pairing mode. |
| Linux (Ubuntu) | Settings → Bluetooth | You might need a PulseAudio. |
When connecting to a PC, pay attention to the usage profile. The system can define the headphones as two devices: "Headphone" (for calls, low quality) and "Hearphones" (for music, high quality). To listen to music, always choose the "Hearphones" profile (Stereo) to avoid mono sound and low bitrate.
Working with the Xiaomi Earbuds app
To unlock the full potential of headphones, you need to use proprietary software. Xiaomi Earbuds app (available on Google Play and App Store) allows you to customize the equalizer, update the firmware and calibrate the touch control.
Once you install the app, open it and follow the instructions on the screen. The program will request location permissions and Bluetooth are mandatory requirements for scanning Android devices. Select your model from the list or click on "Device Search."
Within the application, the following key functions are available:
- 🎧 Noise reduction modes: switching between active noise cancellation (ANC), Transparency and the usual regime.
- 🎚️ Equator: frequency setting or selection of ready-made presets (Bas, Vocals, Classics).
- 🎮 Game mode: Low Latency Mode activation for synchronizing audio and video in games.
- 🔋 Headphone search: a feature that makes headphones squeak loudly if you lose them in the room.
Solution: Headphones are not connected
If standard methods don't work and the headphones aren't visible to other devices or are plugged in with errors, you need to perform a Hard Reset, which returns factory settings and clears the pairing memory.
To reset most Redmi Buds and Mi True Wireless models, place both headphones in the case, open the lid, and press the button on the case (or touch zones of both headphones) for 10-15 seconds.
After reset, remove the old pairing in your phone’s Bluetooth settings (“Forget the device”) and reconnect as the first time, often with a conflict of profiles or overflowing memory of the phone’s Bluetooth module.