Xiaomi’s modern wireless headphones, whether the popular Mi True Wireless Earbuds or the more affordable Redmi AirDots, have become an integral part of the smart home ecosystem. However, users often find it difficult to connect them to a Windows PC or laptop, which may be due to the lack of a clear interface in the Bluetooth menu or specific driver requirements on a PC.
The problem is that the pairing process on a computer is different from the usual algorithm on Android or iOS. If it is enough to open a case next to the device on the phone, Windows requires you to force the headset to detect mode. Without this step, the operating system simply will not see your audio device in the list of available gadgets.
In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the steps of setting up, from equipment preparation to fine-tuning sound quality for games and movies, and learn how to avoid common mistakes such as desynchronizing audio and video, and how to get the headphone microphone for video calls to work.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
Before you go to software settings, make sure your hardware is ready to go. Most modern laptops already have a built-in Bluetooth module, but this option is often absent by default in desktop PCs. In this case, you will need to purchase an external USB-Adapter that supports Bluetooth 4.0 and higher standards for stable sound transmission.
It is also critical to check the charge of the headphones. The process of transitioning to pairing mode can take some time, and if the battery of the case or the headphones themselves is discharged, the device may not turn on or behave unstable.
⚠️ Note: If you use an old Bluetooth adapter version 2.0 or 3.0, you may encounter the inability to play stereo sound or extremely poor communication quality. TWS Bluetooth 4.0 with profile support is required A2DP.
Remember to update your Bluetooth drivers on your computer, through Device Manager or using proprietary software from the motherboard manufacturer, and outdated drivers often cause intermittent sound or inability to find a device.
Activation of the pairing mode on Xiaomi headphones
The most critical step is to put the headphones in visibility mode. Unlike smartphones, where this process is often automated, manual intervention is required. The algorithm of actions can vary slightly depending on the particular model, whether it is Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Redmi Buds 3 Pro.
For most models, you need to remove both headphones from the charging case. If that doesn't help, leave them in the case, but open the lid. Then find the function button on the case case case case case (usually located on the end or inside between the speakers) and hold it for 3-5 seconds.
The indicator should start flashing white or blue quickly (depending on the model).This means that the headset has switched to Pairing Mode and now broadcasts a signal for search by external devices. If the indicator does not flash, try resetting the headphone settings, holding the button longer (about 10-15 seconds).
What to do if the button on the case does not work?
This allows you to safely switch between devices without the risk of accidental connection.
Step-by-step connection instruction in Windows 10 and 11
After successfully activating the search mode on the headset, we move on to the operating system settings. the interface of Windows 10 and 11 is almost identical in this aspect, so the instruction will be universal for most modern builds.
First, open the Start menu and select the gear icon to enter Settings. Next, go to Devices (in Windows 10) or immediately select Bluetooth and Devices (in Windows 11). Make sure the Bluetooth slider is activated and lit in blue.
☑️ Checklist of connection
Click on the big button "Add Bluetooth or other device." In the window that appears, select the first item, "Bluetooth." The system will start scanning the ether. The list of available devices should show the name of your model, for example, Mi True Wireless EBs Basic or Redmi AirDots.
Click on the device name. Windows will attempt to establish a connection, which can take 5 to 30 seconds. Once paired successfully, the system will automatically set the required profiles for audio playback (Stereo) and, if available, for the headset (Hands-Free).
Customization of sound quality and selection of output device
Often, once connected, the sound continues to go through the monitor speakers or the laptop's built-in speakers. To fix this, you need to manually switch the output device. Click the speaker icon in the bottom right corner of the taskbar (in the tray) next to the clock.
In the menu that opens, select an arrow or the name of your current playback device. In the drop-down list, find your Xiaomi headphones. Note that there may be two: one marked "Stereo" (for music and movies) and one marked "Hands-Free AG Audio" (for calls).
To view the content, always choose Stereo mode. It provides high sound quality and work of both channels. Hands-Free mode activates the microphone, but greatly reduces the audio quality to monophonic, since the channel's bandwidth is limited to voice transmission.
| Parameter | Stereo mode | Hands-Free mode |
|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | High (SBC/AAC/aptX) | Low (Mono, compressed sound) |
| Microphone | Disabled (using built-in PC) | Active (headphone microphone) |
| Use of the | Music, movies, games | Skype, Zoom, Discord, calls |
| Sound delay | Minimum | Could be noticeable. |
If you want to use a headphone microphone to talk in Discord or Skype, you'll have to switch to Hands-Free mode, sacrificing sound quality in a game or movie. Simultaneously running high-quality audio and microphone over Bluetooth is technically impossible due to protocol limitations.
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Use third-party software like EarTrumpet to more easily manage volume and output devices in Windows. It allows you to assign different output devices to different applications.
Solving problems with sound delay and drivers
One of the frequent problems with connection TWS-The audio and video sequences can be desynchronized by the headphones to the PC, and the sound can be seconds behind the picture, making it impossible to watch movies or play rhythm games. This is often due to codecs or energy saving settings.
To minimize delay, try turning off the audio enhancements. Go to Control Panel -> Sound, find your headphones, right-click and select Properties. In the "Additional" tab, uncheck "Enable enhancements bit" and try changing the default format to 16, 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz.
⚠️ Note: If the audio delay persists, the problem may be in the aptX Low Latency codec, which is not supported by the standard Bluetooth Windows stack. USB-adapter with aptX support LL.
It is also worth checking the power supply settings. USB-Windows can turn off the Bluetooth adapter to save power, which leads to communication breaks. In Device Manager, find your Bluetooth adapter, go to properties, tab "Power management" and uncheck "Allow disconnect this device".
Use of microphone and additional functions
Many users wonder why the microphone in the apps stops working after the headphones are connected. As mentioned earlier, this is due to profile switching. To make the headphone microphone work on the system, you need to make sure that the Windows privacy settings allow applications to access the microphone.
Go to Settings -> Privacy -> Microphone. Make sure that access is allowed for the device and for the specific applications you use (browser, messengers). If the switch is off, no application will be able to use sound.
Some advanced models, such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro, support noise reduction (ANC). However, the control of this mode on the PC is limited. Switch modes (ANC on/off/transparency) is usually only possible through the Mi Buds app on the smartphone or using touch control on the headphones themselves, if the manufacturer has provided such a feature.
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For games and movies, always use the Stereo profile. The headphone microphone is activated only in Hands-Free mode, which drastically reduces the sound quality.
If the microphone still doesn't work, check in the audio settings (the Record tab) whether the default input device is selected. Often, after connecting the headset, the system remains the built-in microphone of the laptop by default.