How to sync Bluetooth headphones Xiaomi: a guide

Modern wireless headsets from Xiaomi and its sub-brands like Redmi and POCO have become the benchmark for the value of money in the electronics market, but the process of first connecting or re-synchronizing them often raises questions among users, especially if it is a model that supports high-resolution codecs or active noise cancellation.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of pairing, from activating the search mode on the headphones themselves to fine-tuning the smartphone operating system. You will learn how the process differs for Android and iOS devices, as well as how to use proprietary utilities to expand functionality. Following the instructions will help avoid typical errors such as channel desynchronization or low volume.

It’s worth noting that the algorithms for Bluetooth modules can vary depending on the version of the headphone firmware, so if standard methods don’t work, it always makes sense to check for updates through specialized applications, especially for new models released in 2026-2026, where communication protocols are constantly being improved.

Preparing Xiaomi headphones for the first connection

Before you start searching for a smartphone, you need to put the headphones in visibility mode. In most cases, when you remove the headset from the charging case, you automatically activate this mode, as signaled by a flashing indicator. However, some models, especially older versions of the Mi True Wireless Earbuds, require manual intervention.

If the lights don't alternately blink or burn a certain color, try pinching the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously. Hold them for 5-7 seconds until you hear a characteristic beep or see the LEDs blinking quickly. This action resets the current connection and forcefully triggers pairing mode.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure the headphones are charged at least 20-30%. With low charge levels, some models may not go into detection mode or operate unstable during setup.

It's important to understand the difference between pairing mode and normal on. When you're on, your headphones try to find the last device connected. When you pair them, they become visible to all the surrounding gadgets. When you pair them, you have to open the lid and press the function button on the back or inside of the case for models with a button on the case, such as the Redmi Buds 3 Pro.

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If the lights flash different colors or are not synchronous, put the headphones in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds before you try again, which will help to reset the temporary dissynchron between the left and right channels.

Interfacing with Android-based devices

The Android operating system provides ample options for managing Bluetooth devices, but the menu interface may vary depending on the manufacturer’s shell (MIUI, HyperOS, ColorOS). First, make sure the wireless module is activated in the notification curtain or through settings.

Go to the settings menu of your smartphone. Find the Connections and Sharing section or just Bluetooth. The list of available devices should show the name of your headset, such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic. Click on it to initiate the communication process.

  • 📱 Open Bluetooth settings on your phone and click "Search for new devices".
  • 🎧 Remove the headphones from the case and wait for their name to appear in the list.
  • 🔗 Click on the model name to create a pair.
  • ✅ Confirm pairing if a request with an access code appears on the screen.

After a successful connection, the system can offer additional features, such as displaying the charge level of each headphone separately. Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners are more fortunate: when using the MIUI shell or HyperOS, the pop-up with animation and battery status appears automatically thanks to the MIUI Fast Connect protocol.

📊 What is your version of Android?
Android 10 and below
Android 11-12
Android 13
Android 14 and higher

In some cases, especially on “pure” Android or third-party builds, an automatic pop-up may not appear. This does not mean an error, you just have to rely on the standard system interface. If a device is found but says “I failed to connect”, try clearing the list of previously paired devices in the Bluetooth menu.

Instructions for iPhone owners (iOS)

Users of the Apple ecosystem can also comfortably use the Chinese giant's products, although some features, such as an instant pop-up menu with animations, may not be available without third-party apps.The connection process on iOS is as unified and simple as possible.

Open your iPhone and go to Bluetooth. Make sure the switch is activated. Place the headphones in pairing mode (usually by long pressing or extracting the case button). The name of your headset should appear on the "Other Devices" list.

Click on the device name. The system will request pairing confirmation. Once the process is completed, the headphones will have access to the microphone and media content. It is worth noting that iOS strictly controls the permission to use the microphone, so additional permission may be required when you first start a voice recorder or call.

⚠️ Note: On iOS, you can not change the settings of the equalizer or reassign control gestures directly through the system menu.

For full use of all the features, including firmware updates and noise reduction settings, iPhone owners are strongly advised to download the Xiaomi Earbuds app or an analog from the App Store. Without it, the headset will work in basic mode, but you will lose access to the fine audio setting.

☑️ Checking the connection on iOS

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Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app to customize

Xiaomi Earbuds is a key tool to unlock the full potential of your headset, available on both Google Play and the App Store, and can also be installed via the App Store. APK-A file, if it's not available officially in your region, and that's where the magic of customization happens.

After installation and first launch, the app will automatically detect the connected headphones. The interface will prompt you to update the software if a new version is available. Updating your firmware through the app is the only way to fix bugs with channel desynchronization or low volume.

Inside the app, you’ll find an equalizer with presets (pop, rock, jazz) or the ability to create your profile, and you’ll find a customized noise reduction (ANC) and transparency level. For models that support Google Fast Pair or Microsoft’s Swift Pair, the app can offer additional integrations.

FunctionDescriptionAvailability
Update of the POInstall the latest security patches and sound enhancementsAll models.
Customization of gesturesChanges in Double/Triple Touch ActionsMost models
Headphone searchPlaying a loud signal to search for a lost deviceCase models
Gamer modeReduced Sound Delay (Low Latency)Game models

Don't ignore the About section, where you can have a serial number and a hardware version, which you might need when you call support, and the app allows you to calibrate microphones to improve voice recording in noisy environments.

Solution: if the headphones are not synchronized

It's not uncommon for one headphone to work and the other to be silent, or for the phone to see the headset at all, often due to a software failure in the Bluetooth module or a conflict of pairing addresses. First, try to "forget" the device in the phone's settings.

Remove the headphone profile from the list of stored Bluetooth devices on your smartphone. Then put both earphones in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds. After that, perform a full reset. For most Redmi and Mi models, this is done by clamping the touch zones for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash red several times.

How to make a Hard Reset for different models?
For Mi True Wireless Earphones 2: pinch the sensors for 20 seconds; for Redmi Buds 3 Pro: pinch the button on the case for 10 seconds; for AirDots: pinch the sensors for 5 seconds until red flashing, then another 15 seconds before double blinking.

If the reset didn't help, check if the headphones are connected to another device nearby.Bluetooth headsets often automatically try to connect to the last active gadget, blocking the connection to the new one.Switch off Bluetooth on a tablet, laptop, or old phone that's nearby.

  • 🔄 Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone ("Forget the device").
  • 🔌 Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
  • ⚡ Complete a full reset of headphone settings (Hard Reset).
  • 📱 Repeat the pairing procedure again.

In rare cases, the problem may lie in the overflowing memory of the Bluetooth module of the smartphone. If you have dozens of old devices, try to clear this list.

Features of connection to PCs and laptops

Connecting to a computer requires a proper Bluetooth adapter. On laptops, it's built-in, and desktops often require an external one. USB-It is important that the adapter drivers are updated, as older versions may not support modern codecs like AptX or other codecs. AAC.

In Windows 10 and 11, the process looks standard: open "Options" -> "Devices" -> "Bluetooth and other devices." Press "Add Bluetooth or other device." Select the first "Bluetooth" option. At which point the headphones should be in active search mode.

Once connected, the system can set the device as a "Hands-Free AG Audio" and "Stereo". Always choose Stereo mode for music and movies, as the headset mode greatly reduces the sound quality, switching to mono mode to save traffic during conversation.

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For high-quality audio on PC, always choose the output device "Headphones (Mi True Wireless... Stereo)" rather than "Headset (Mi True Wireless... Hands-Free AG Audio)".

If the sound is interrupted or of poor quality, check the Device Manager. It may be worth turning off the power saving for the Bluetooth adapter so that the system does not reduce its power, and also make sure that there are no powerful sources of interference, such as 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi routers, or microwave ovens.

Why are the headphones plugged in, but there is no sound?
This is often because the default output device is the computer speaker, not the Bluetooth headset. Click on the speaker icon in the tray (near the clock) and select your headphones from the list. Also check the volume mixer to make sure that the particular application is not silenced.
Can I connect my headphones to two phones at the same time?
Yes, many modern Xiaomi models support Multipoint. To activate it, you usually need to disconnect your headphones from all devices, then connect them to the first phone. Without turning them off, search the second phone and connect. The feature must activate automatically, allowing you to switch between sound sources.
How do I find out the exact version of Bluetooth on my headphones?
The exact specification (e.g. Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.3) can be found in the Xiaomi Earbuds app in the About Device section or on the official website in the specifications of your model. The protocol version affects communication range, connection stability and power consumption, but does not always guarantee better sound quality without the appropriate codecs.