Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and its sub-brands such as Redmi and Poco have become the standard of quality in the budget and mid-range segment. Users often choose models like AirDots, FlipBuds or Buds 3 for their autonomy and clear sound. However, the initial setup can raise questions, especially if you encounter this ecosystem for the first time or change your smartphone.
The process of pairing devices is based on the Bluetooth protocol, which provides stable audio streaming. Despite the automation of many processes in the Android and iOS operating systems, sometimes manual intervention or resetting is required. Understanding the mechanics of pairing mode will help to avoid most common connection errors.
In this guide, we will look at everything from preparing gadgets to solving complex technical problems, how to properly activate point-to-point connectivity to work with two devices simultaneously, and why it is important to monitor the level of charge of the case.
Preparation of equipment and charge check
Before any manipulations, you need to make sure that both devices are ready to work. The headphone and smartphone battery should be charged at least 20-30%. Low energy levels can lead to the fact that the Bluetooth module will go into energy saving mode and will no longer be visible to search.
Visually inspect the contact areas inside the charging case, which should be free of dust, oxides or protective films that new owners often forget to remove. Mud on contacts is a common reason why one of the headphones does not charge and therefore does not connect to the phone.
⚠️ Note: If you are using headphones for the first time, be sure to remove all protective films from the contact points on the headphones themselves before placing them in the charging case.
It's also worth checking if Bluetooth is on on the phone itself. Some shells, like MIUI or HyperOS, have a feature for "smart" Bluetooth shutdown when no active devices are available, which can be confusing. Make sure the module is activated through the Quick Access Panel.
☑️ Connection readiness
Activation of the pairing mode on headphones
The most critical step is to put the headset into detection mode. For most Xiaomi and Redmi AirDots models, the algorithm is the same: you need to remove both headphones from the case. If they do not connect automatically with each other (usually this is the indicator on one of them), you need to press and hold the touch zones or physical buttons.
The retention time is about 5-7 seconds, and you should see the lights flash white (or alternate red and white, depending on the model), which means that the device is broadcasting a signal of its availability, at which time the phone should already be looking for new devices in the settings menu.
- 🎧 Remove both headphones from the charging case.
- 🎧 Press and hold the touch panels or buttons until the indication appears.
- 🎧 Wait for the quick flashing of the indicator signaling the mode (Pairing).
There is a nuance for noise reduction (ANC) models. Sometimes you need to hold a button on the case to enter the pairing mode if it is provided by the design, as in the case of the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2. Carefully read the instructions for your specific modification if the standard method does not work.
What to do if the indicator does not flash?
Search and Connect through Smartphone Settings
Once you activate the mode on the headset, pick up your smartphone. Go to the Settings → Bluetooth menu. You click the search button here or just wait for the system to update the list of available devices. The name of your model should appear in the "Available Devices" list, for example, Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless EBs Basic.
Click on the device name. The system can request a pairing confirmation or enter an access code. PIN-The code for Xiaomi devices is usually 0000, although in modern versions of Android, the request for code is rare.
⚠️ Warning: Do not click "Connect" again if the status is already displayed as "Connected" This may cause a protocol error and require the device to be removed from the list completely.
For iPhone users, the process is similar, but it's worth remembering that some advanced features, such as an instant pop-up with charge or gesture settings, may not be available without a dedicated app.
Use the Mi Earbuds app to customize
To fully unlock the potential of gadgets, it is recommended to use specialized software. The Xiaomi Earbuds application (formerly Mi True Wireless) allows you to update the firmware, which often fixes connection bugs. You can download it from Google Play, the App Store or through the scanner. QR-codes in the Mi Home app.
Inside the app, you can access fine-tuning the equalizer, selecting noise reduction modes, and most importantly, reassigning touch controls. You can set up a double tap to call an assistant, or a triple tap to switch tracks, which makes using the app a great choice. TWS-headsets are much more comfortable.
| Function | No app. | With the Mi Earbuds app |
|---|---|---|
| Update of the PO | Unavailable | Available (OTA) |
| Customization of gestures | Standard. | Full customization |
| Headphone search | No. | Sound signal |
| Game mode | Auto/No | Compulsory incorporation |
Updating firmware is an important step. If your headphones are unstable, interrupt communication or quickly discharge, check the app for a new version of firmware. The process takes a few minutes, but requires that the headphones be inserted into the case and be located next to the phone.
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When updating your firmware, make sure that the case charge is at least 50% and the phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid booting errors.
Resetting and re-synchronization
If the connection is not possible or the sound comes from only one channel, a reset procedure is required.This returns the headphones to the factory settings and clears the memory of previous pairings. For most Xiaomi models, you need to put the headphones in the case, open the lid and hold the buttons on the headphones themselves (or the button on the case) for 10-15 seconds.
The indicators should flash several times (usually red or yellow) before going out or catching fire with white, signaling a successful reset, then remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the phone ("Forget the device") and start the search process again.
- 🔄 Place the headphones in the charging case.
- 🔄 Press and hold the sensors/buttons 10-15 seconds before the color change of the indicator.
- 🔄 Remove the device from your phone’s memory via the Bluetooth menu.
- 🔄 Re-interconnect as if with a new device.
There is also an app reset method if the headphones are responsive. The settings menu inside Xiaomi Earbuds often has a "Reset headphones" option, which is a softer option that doesn't require physical button retention, but it doesn't work on all models.
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Hard Reset solves 90% of problems with left- and right-channel desynchronization or connection failures.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Even if you do the right things, there can be conflicts, and often the problem is that the phone's Bluetooth module is crowded, and if you've had a lot of devices connected to it before, it can "lose" new ones. Try to clean up the list of connected devices.
Another common cause is interference on the air. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens and other gadgets can jam the signal. Try to step away from the router or turn off the Wi-Fi on the phone while pairing. Also check if the phone is activated in "On the plane" or energy saving mode, which limits the background processes.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone sees the headphones but writes “Connection error” or “Failure to hide”, the problem may be in the outdated version of Bluetooth on the phone (below 4.2) or in the critically low battery charge of the headphones.
In rare cases, cleaning the cache of Bluetooth service on Android helps. Go to Settings → Apps → Show system → Bluetooth → Memory → Clear cache. This action is safe and does not delete your personal files, but restarts the communication services.