How to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to a smartphone

Modern users are often looking for a way to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to their smartphone to enjoy high-quality audio without unnecessary wires. The initial setup process can seem confusing for beginners, especially given the variety of models, from classic Redmi AirDots to advanced Mi True Wireless Earbuds Pro. However, if you understand the logic of the Bluetooth protocol and the MIUI interface, this procedure takes no more than a minute.

Unlike wired acoustics, wireless headsets require devices to pair correctly before first use. Wireless connectivity provides freedom of movement, but requires careful tuning of communication channels. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithms of actions for various connection scenarios, and also look at the typical errors faced by owners of gadgets of the Chinese brand.

It’s worth noting that Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers unique integration capabilities that are not available when connected to third-party devices. The automatic customization pop-up only appears on smartphones with MIUI 10.2 shell and higher. This allows you to instantly see the charge of each headphone and case, and configure touch management without installing additional applications. If you use an iPhone or another brand’s phone, the functionality will be limited to a standard Bluetooth profile.

Preparation of the headset for the first inclusion

Before you look for a device on the list of available, you need to make sure that the headset itself is ready to work. Often users forget to remove protective films from the charging contacts on the headphones themselves, which prevents them from turning on and entering pairing mode. The battery must be charged at least 10-15% so that the Bluetooth module can consistently broadcast the signal.

To start, open the charge case cover. In most models, such as the Redmi Buds 3 or Mi Air 2, the indicator inside or outside the case should catch fire. If that doesn't happen, plug the case into the charger for 10-15 minutes. It's important to use a serviceable cable, since power problems can simulate electronics breakdown.

The next step is to remove the headphones from the case. Some models, such as the AirDots, turn on automatically when removed, as evidenced by a flashing indicator. Other models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic, require a short press on the touch zone or a mechanical button on the case. Make sure the indicators start flashing white or red, which signals readiness to search the network.

Notice how the indicators behave, if one earbud flashes and the other doesn't, they may be out of sync with each other, so you need to put both earbuds back in the case, close the lid, wait 5 seconds and remove them simultaneously, and this will trigger the process of mutual synchronization of the left and right channels before connecting to the phone.

Combination with Android smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are the most fortunate smartphone owners because of their deep integration into the operating system, and the process of connecting headphones is as simple as possible: unlock the phone screen and open the case lid with charged headphones next to the device.

The screen of the smartphone should automatically appear an animated window with the image of your headphone model and battery level, and this works thanks to a proprietary data protocol, you just have to press the Connect button in the lower right corner of the pop-up, the system will install the necessary drivers and adjust the sound profile.

• 📱 Open the case cover next to the unlocked phone.
• 🔔 Wait for the pop-up window with animation.
• ✅ Click the Connection Confirmation button on the screen.
• 🎧 Check the status of “Connected” in the notification curtain.

If the automatic window doesn’t appear, you may have disabled the new device detection feature or you may have an older version of MIUI. In this case, go to the Settings → Bluetooth menu. Make sure the switch is activated and the phone starts searching for devices. The name of your model should appear in the Available Devices list, for example, Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless EB Basic.

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For the automatic pop-up function to work smoothly, make sure that the Mi Headphones app (if installed) or Bluetooth system settings allow geolocation access, as this is required for scanning. BLE-devices in new versions of Android.

Once paired successfully, the system can suggest updating the headphone firmware. Firmware updates are an important procedure that corrects connection errors, improves noise reduction and optimizes energy consumption. It is recommended not to ignore this suggestion and wait for the process to be completed without closing the case cover.

Connecting to iPhone and other Android devices

If you use an iPhone, iPad or smartphone from another manufacturer (Samsung, Huawei, Realme), the process will be classic for any Bluetooth gadget. the automatic MIUI pop-up will not appear here, so all actions will have to be performed through the standard operating system settings menu.

First, activate pairing mode on the headphones themselves. This usually requires removing them from the case and, if they haven't started blinking automatically, pinching the touch areas on both headphones simultaneously for 3-5 seconds. The indicators should start flashing quickly, which means actively searching for a pair. On an iPhone, this action is similar to connecting any other Bluetooth accessories.

Then open the Bluetooth settings on your device. On iOS, the path looks like Settings. → Bluetooth, on pure Android - Settings → Connected devices → Pair a new device. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model. It may be different from the name on the box, often it's just Mi True Wireless. EB Basic_R Or just Redmi AirDots.

⚠️ Note: When connecting to an iPhone, some features, such as displaying each headphone’s charge separately or setting gestures, may not be available without installing third-party apps from the App Store, as Apple restricts access to Bluetooth system data for third-party accessories.

Once you click on the device name in the list, you may need to confirm the access code. Usually, the code is not requested, or you just need to confirm the action "Hide". Once the status changes to "Connected", the sound will switch to the headset. To fully manage the settings on-Xiaomi smartphones, it is recommended to install the Mi Buds app (for Android) or Assistant for Mi Buds (for iOS), available in official app stores.

Use of Mi Buds and Xiaomi Wear

To unlock the full potential of your TWS-The Xiaomi Wear app (formerly Mi Fit) or a separate Mi Buds allows you to control the parameters that are hidden in the standard Bluetooth menu. This is especially true for models with active noise cancellation (ANC).

Once you install the app and log in to your Mi Account, you need to add the device. Click on the plus in the corner of the screen or select Add Device. The app will scan the airwaves and find your headphones. When paired, you'll see a menu with the equalizer, gesture settings and firmware update.

You can set up touch controls in the app, you can set up a single, double or triple touch to control music, call a voice assistant, or switch noise reduction modes, and you can also use the "Hearphone Search" feature, which makes the headset louder if you lose it in the apartment.

The app also allows you to verify the authenticity of the device, and it checks the headphone serial number against Xiaomi's database, and if the device is not original, the app will either not see it or issue a warning that the functionality may be limited, which is an important aspect of buying and using security.

Coupling mode for one headphone

Sometimes there is a situation when you need to connect only one earphone, for example, if the second one is discharged or lost. TWS-The headsets work in pairs, but many Xiaomi models work in mono mode. To do this, you need to put both headphones in a case, close the lid, and then get only one of them.

However, if the headphones are out of sync (one is working, the other is silent), a reset procedure will be required, usually performed by holding the touch zones on both headphones simultaneously (about 15-20 seconds) while they are outside the case, or using a button on the case if it is provided by the design (as in the Mi Air 2 Pro).

Once you reset, you need to re-introduce the headphones to each other. Take out both earphones, wait for them to blink, and they have to automatically connect (one stops blinking, the other continues). It can be listed as Mi True Wireless. EB Basic_R (right channel, but the sound will go to both ears.

⚠️ Warning: When operating in mono mode, battery life is reduced more quickly, as one earphone acts as a signal transmitter for the second.

It's important to understand that when you connect to a new phone, the old memory records of the device can conflict. If you change your phone, but the headphones continue to try to connect to the old one, which is in range, pairing may not take place, in such cases, it is better to temporarily turn off Bluetooth on the old device.

Solving Connection and Sound Problems

Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties. Often, users will face a situation where the phone sees the headphones, but the connection does not occur or immediately stops. First of all, try “Forget the device” in the Bluetooth settings and start the process again.

If the problem persists, check the list of paired devices. Your headphones may be connected to a tablet or laptop at the same time, and priority is given to them. Turn off Bluetooth on other gadgets. It's also worth clearing the Bluetooth cache on your phone: go to Settings → Apps → Show system → Bluetooth → Storage → Clean.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and headphones (put in the case and close it).
• 🗑️ Remove the device from the list of “Forget the device».
• 🔋 Charge the case and headphones to 100%.
• 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi (sometimes 2.4GHz frequencies conflict).

Sound quality and connection stability can suffer from interference on the air. If you're in a place with a large cluster of Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens, the signal may be interrupted. Try to move away from the source of interference. If the sound wheezes, check the speaker grids - they could be clogged with gray or dust, which is critical for Xiaomi's miniature speakers.

In rare cases, the problem lies in the Bluetooth version on the smartphone. Older Bluetooth 4.0 phones may not work properly with new headphones using Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3, especially in the case of aptX or LDAC codecs. In this case, the sound will be, but in the basic quality of SBC.