Xiaomi’s current wireless headsets and Redmi’s sub-brand are well-deservedly popular for their excellent value for money. However, the process of first connecting to a smartphone often raises questions among inexperienced users, with many facing the fact that the device is not visible on the list of available or the connection is constantly interrupted.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss all the nuances of pairing headphones with Android and iOS phones. You will learn how to correctly translate the headset into search mode, how to eliminate typical connection errors and what hidden features are available to owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem. Proper setup at the initial stage guarantees stable operation and high sound quality in the future.
Before you start software settings, you need to prepare the devices themselves. Make sure that the headphones are charged at least 30-40%, as a discharged battery can prevent the activation of the Bluetooth module. Also check that your smartphone is on the appropriate wireless module and it is active.
Preparation for first activation and activation of the pairing mode
The most important step is to put the headset in visibility mode, and many users make the mistake of simply turning on the device, but not starting the search process. TWS-The True Wireless Stereo procedure usually requires both headphones to be removed from the charging case at the same time. If you have a full-size model, you need to press the on button or a special Bluetooth button on the case.
Indication plays a key role in understanding the status of the device. When the search mode is activated, the LED indicator should start flashing quickly in white or blue (depending on the model). If the indicator is on with a straight light or flashing red, then the pairing mode is not activated, and the phone will not be able to detect the gadget.
⚠️ Warning: If the indicator flashes red, immediately put the headphones on charge. Attempts to pair at a low charge level can lead to unstable operation of the communication module.
Sometimes automatic mating does not work, in such cases, a forced reset or manual start is required. Most Redmi Buds and AirDots models require prolonged pressing of the touch zone or physical button for 5-7 seconds until the color of the indicator changes.
Make sure there are no other active Bluetooth devices that have previously been paired with your headphones. Auto-reconnect can switch the headset to an old phone, and the new gadget simply won't see it in search mode.
Interface with Android smartphones (MIUI and HyperOS)
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have the advantage of deep integration into the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS. The connection process is as automated as possible. Once the headphones are paired, bring them to the unlocked screen of the smartphone. The display should appear an animated window with the image of your model and battery level.
If an automatic pop-up doesn't appear, go to the settings menu. Open Settings → Bluetooth and click the device search button. The Available Devices list should show the name of your model, such as Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earphones. Click on the name to start the mating procedure.
☑️ Connection checklist
Once the connection is successful, the system can request permission to access contacts and call logs, which is necessary to display the name of the caller on the screen and manage calls through the headset, and it is recommended to agree to these requests for full operation.
For advanced functionality such as equalizer setup, change control gestures and firmware updates, it is highly recommended to install the Xiaomi Earbuds app (or Mi Buds M8 for older models).
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Owners of Xiaomi phones should enable the “Auto-Open Windows” function in Bluetooth settings so that the connection animation appears instantly when opening the case cover.
Connection to iPhone (iOS) and other smartphones
Xiaomi and Redmi devices are fully compatible with the iOS operating system, although they lack some of the exclusive fast-coupling features available on the brand's native smartphones.The connection process on the iPhone or iPad is done exclusively through the standard Bluetooth menu. Open Settings → Bluetooth on an Apple device.
Make sure your headphones are in active search mode (the indicator flashes). The name of your headset will appear on the device list on the iPhone screen. Click on it. The system may issue a warning that the accessory is not MFi (Made for iPhone) certified, but this is not a critical obstacle to the sound and microphone.
On smartphones of other brands (Samsung, Honor, Realme), the algorithm of actions is identical: search through the system menu Bluetooth. However, to access advanced settings, such as switching noise reduction modes or calibrating sensors, you may need to install third-party applications or use universal software from Xiaomi, if it is available on Google Play for your model.
| Model headphones | Features of connection | Support for applications | Codec of sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3/4/5 | Automatic window on MIUI | Xiaomi Earbuds | AAC, SBC |
| Mi True Wireless 2/2S | Manual search on the list | Mi Buds M8 | AAC, SBC, LHDC |
| Redmi AirDots | Resetting for errors is required | Limited. | SBC |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds | Full integration with HyperOS | Systemic | LHDC 4.0, AAC |
It is worth noting that on iOS, some features, such as automatic detection of wear (accessivity sensors), may not work correctly or not at all, as they are tied to proprietary Xiaomi protocols.
Customization and control with Mi Buds M8
To unlock the full potential of your headset, a dedicated app is recommended. The previously popular Mi True Wireless Earbuds app has been replaced or supplemented with the Mi Buds M8 utility (for global versions) or the built-in module in Settings → Bluetooth → (cog next to the device).
In the app menu, you will find an equalizer with ready-made presets: Bass, Vocals, High Frequency and automatic adaptation mode, adjusting these parameters allows you to significantly improve the sound quality, especially if the standard profile seems too flat or, conversely, overloaded with bass.
Special attention should be paid to the setting of touch gestures, you can reassign actions for double, triple press or long hold, for example, configure the voice assistant call when triple tapping or activate transparency mode with long pressing.
Secrets of low-latency regime
The app also has a feature called Headphone Search, which means that if you lose one of your headphones in your room or bag, it will make it emit a loud beep, making it easier to find.
Elimination: If the headphones are not connected
Despite the simplicity of the technology, there are sometimes crashes. The most common problem is that the phone sees the device but doesn't connect, or writes "Pairing error." First of all, try to forget the device in the Bluetooth menu (Settings → Bluetooth → Press the gear → Forget this device) and start the process again.
If that doesn’t work, you need to completely reset your headphones to factory settings. For most Redmi and Xiaomi models, this is done as follows: place your headphones in your case, open the lid, and press the button on the case (or touch zones on both headphones simultaneously) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange several times.
⚠️ Warning: After reset, the headphones can "disconnect" with each other (the left can't see the right one).In this case, put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull both at the same time to re-synchronize.
Another cause of problems may be the overcrowded memory of the phone's Bluetooth module, which means that if you have a lot of devices connected to your smartphone before, remove the ones you no longer use from the list, freeing up resources for a stable connection.
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Hard Reset solves 90% of connectivity problems by making headphones forget old errors and address conflicts.
Features of working with codecs and sound quality
The quality of the audio transmitted depends on the Bluetooth codec used. The basic standard is SBC, which provides acceptable quality but compresses lossy audio files. Most modern Xiaomi models support the AAC codec, which is the standard for Apple devices and provides better quality at high frequencies.
Flagship models such as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro or FlipBuds Pro support advanced LHDC or aptX Adaptive codecs. To activate them, both the smartphone and headphones must support this standard. You can check and enable the codec in the Settings menu → Bluetooth → (cog of the device) → Bluetooth Codec (the path may vary depending on the Android version).
It is worth noting that the use of high-resolution codecs (LDAC, LHDC) requires a more stable signal. In places with large concentrations of Wi-Fi networks or radio interference, the phone can automatically switch to SBC to maintain connection stability, which the user may perceive as a deterioration in sound quality.