How to use wireless headphones for Xiaomi phone via Bluetooth

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have long since gotten rid of the standard wired headset jack by switching entirely to a digital audio protocol. This technology is forcing users to switch to wireless headphones that provide freedom of movement and no entangled wires. However, the initial setup of the connection between the phone and the headset for Android owners is often questionable, especially when using devices of different brands.

The process of activating a Bluetooth module on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS can have its own nuances, different from standard Android. Users need not only to enable data transfer, but also to properly initiate the search mode on the headset itself so that the system recognizes the device. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms for connecting, setting profiles and fixing common sound problems.

Connection stability is directly dependent on the protocol version and environmental conditions, so it's important to understand the basic principles of how a radio channel works. Xiaomi uses standard Bluetooth stacks, but proprietary energy saving algorithms can aggressively turn off peripherals to save charge. We'll look at how to configure the system so that music is not interrupted and calls are heard clearly.

The first step to establish a connection is to turn on the corresponding module in the smartphone system. To do this, lower the notification curtain swipe from top to bottom and find the icon with the Bluetooth logo. If there is no quick access, go to the Settings menu, where you need to find “Bluetooth” in the top search bar or in the list of main sections. After turning on the slider, the phone will automatically scan the available space.

In parallel with the search on the phone, you need to put the headphones in pairing mode. Most models of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) go into this mode automatically when they are first removed from the case, if they have not previously been associated with other devices, the indicator of this process is usually expressed in the rapid blinking of LEDs on the headphone cases, which signals readiness for detection by external gadgets.

The list of available devices on your smartphone screen will show the name of your headset, which often consists of an alphanumeric code or a manufacturer's brand. Clicking on this item initiates a handshake process during which devices exchange encryption keys. Successful completion of the procedure is confirmed by an audible beep in the headphones and the appearance of the "Connected" status in the phone menu.

📊 What type of headphones do you use?
TWS (inlays)
Full-size consignment note
Neckband.
Sports headsets with clips

⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone doesn't see the headphones within 30 seconds of turning on search mode, it may already be paired with another nearby device.

Specificity of conjugation TWS-headset

Truly wireless stereo headphones require synchronization not only with the phone, but also with each other. The left and right channels must form a single network before transmitting a signal to a Xiaomi smartphone. Sometimes there is a desynchronization, when one earphone is working and the second is silent, which requires the procedure of resetting and repairing channels.

Forced entry into pairing mode often requires pinching touch panels or physical buttons on the headphone cases. The retention duration varies from 3 to 7 seconds until the indicator flashes red and blue, at which point the smartphone should detect the device in the list of available ones.

Some advanced models support a quick pairing feature through a pop-up, similar to Google's Fast Pair technology. When you open the case cover next to an unlocked Xiaomi phone, an animation may appear suggesting that you connect the device. This simplifies the process by removing the need for manual search in the depth of the settings menu.

💡

If one earphone doesn’t connect, put both in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds, then pull them out simultaneously to restart the synchronization between the channels.

Customization of sound and codecs in MIUI and HyperOS

After a successful connection, Android defaults to a standard audio codec that provides compatibility, but not always high quality. For owners of Hi-Res headsets and advanced Xiaomi smartphones, it is important to manually check and change the codec settings in the developer menu or a special section of sound effects.

To access the advanced settings, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on either MIUI Version or OS Version several times until the developer mode is notified. Then, in the “Additional” or “Extended Settings” menu, find the developer section and scroll down to the Audio block.

You can choose a better codec, such as aptX, aptX HD or LDAC, if your headset supports these formats. Switching to a more advanced codec can significantly improve the detail of the sound, but it will also increase the power consumption of both devices and can reduce the radius of stable signal reception.

CodecBitrate (kbit/s)Delay (MS)Compatibility
SBC328~200-220All devices.
aptX352~150-180Android, Qualcomm
aptX HD576~150-180Android flagships
LDAC990~200-250Android 8.0+, Sony

💡

Choosing an LDAC or aptX HD codec makes sense only if the BOTH smartphone and headphones support this standard, otherwise the system will automatically roll back to SBC.

Energy management and background work

Xiaomi’s Android operating system on smartphones is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, which can prematurely end the processes associated with the transmission of sound. If music stops when the screen is turned off or when switching between applications, you need to configure permissions for the corresponding services.

Go to Settings → Apps → All apps and find the “Bluetooth” list or the name of your audio player. From the “charge savings” menu, select the “No restrictions” option, which will prevent the system from “freezing” the playback process, even if the phone is in your pocket for a long time without active use.

It’s also worth checking your autorun settings. While this is more relevant to the music apps themselves, some Bluetooth system services may require permission to work in the background. Disabling battery optimization for audio services ensures that the wireless connection is stable in all conditions.

Why Xiaomi is killing background processes?
MIUI is optimized for maximum autonomy, by forcibly closing services that are not currently in use on the screen. For multimedia, this is often redundant, so manual exclusion from optimization is necessary.

Solving Connection and Sound Problems

Even with the right setup, there can be situations where the sound is interrupted, an echo appears, or the phone stops responding to headset commands altogether. Often the cause is accumulated errors in the Bluetooth service cache or profile conflicts. The first step should always be a complete reset of the connection.

To do this, remove the device from the list of paired in the Bluetooth menu, then perform a complete reset of the headphones themselves (usually by holding the buttons on the case or simultaneously pressing the sensors). After cleaning the connection history on the phone, repeat the pairing procedure again, as if you were using the headset for the first time.

If the problem is quiet, check to see if Absolute Volume is activated in the developer menu. Sometimes the phone and headphone volume levels are desynchronized, and turning it on or off allows you to align them.

  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone to reset temporary network errors of the radio module.
  • 🔋 Charge the headphones, as at low charge the battery may not give the desired signal power.
  • 📶 Remove the phone from pockets with metal fittings that screen the signal.
  • 🔌 Turn off Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz as it can interfere with Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: Do not use third-party Bluetooth “amplification” apps available in the Play Market. These often disrupt Xiaomi system drivers and can lead to a complete failure of the communication module, requiring flashing.

Use of additional functions and widgets

Many modern headphones have their own companion apps that allow you to adjust the equalizer, update the firmware and change the purpose of the buttons. For devices purchased in the Xiaomi ecosystem, Mi Wear or Xiaomi Earbuds application is often used, which automatically tightens the settings when connected.

Xiaomi phone owners can display headphone widgets directly to their desktop or lock screen, allowing them to quickly switch noise reduction modes or see the charge level of each headphone separately without going into the deep settings menus.

Don't forget to regularly update the firmware of the headphones through the manufacturer's app.Manufacturers often release patches that improve connection stability and eliminate microphone bugs. TWS-This is critical because the algorithms for the two channels are constantly being improved.

☑️ Checklist of the perfect sound

Done: 0 / 4

Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to enjoy quality sound without delays and cliffs. Bluetooth technology continues to evolve, and the right use of the capabilities of your Xiaomi smartphone will unlock the potential of even budget models of headsets. Experiment with equalizer and codec settings to find the perfect balance between quality and autonomy.

Why does the phone see the headphones but not connect?
Most often, this is due to the overflowing memory of the paired devices on the headphones, they may be trying to connect to an old phone that is in range. Solution: forget the device on all the old gadgets and reset the headphones.
Can I connect two pairs of headphones to one Xiaomi?
Yes, modern versions of Android and MIUI support Dual Audio, but to work smoothly, both pairs must support the same codecs, and the distance between all three devices must be minimal.
How to check the Bluetooth version on my Xiaomi?
The exact version of the module (4.2, 5.0, 5.2, etc.) can be found in the specifications of the model on the official website or through applications like Bluetooth Scanner, which read the chip data.