How to pair headphones Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Modern wireless headsets from Chinese giant Xiaomi have won the market due to their affordable price and decent sound quality, but the procedure for their initial pairing often causes difficulties for beginners. Unlike wired models, where it is easy to insert a plug, it requires precise follow-up of the sequence of actions to ensure that the devices “see” each other and synchronize. If you just unpacked the box and do not know how to make the gadgets work in pairs, this article will be a comprehensive source of information for you.

The pairing process is the establishment of a secure Bluetooth communication channel between the sound source (smartphone, tablet, laptop) and the receiving device. Mistakes at this stage can lead to the fact that only one earphone will work, the sound will become monophonic or disappear altogether. Understanding the physics of the process and the algorithms of Xiaomi will help to avoid most typical problems.

In this guide, we will look at not only the standard algorithm of actions, but also how to solve complex technical conflicts when devices fail to sync. We will discuss the features of the AirDots, Redmi Buds and Mi True Wireless series, since each series may have its own nuances of indication and control. Be careful of the details, as this depends on the stability of the connection in the future.

Preparation of equipment and charge check

Before you start to take action on the menu of the smartphone, you need to make sure that the hardware is ready to work. Often users try to pair devices, forgetting that in the factory they can be discharged to zero or be in deep sleep mode, insert both headphones in the charging case and connect it to the power source for at least 15-20 minutes.

Pay attention to the indicators: during charging, they should burn red or flash white, depending on the model. After disconnecting from charging, make sure that the contacts on the headphones themselves and inside the case are clean and not oxidized. Dirty contacts are a common reason why one of the headphones does not charge and, as a result, does not turn on when retrieving.

It's critical to remove both headphones from the case at the same time or with minimal delay. If you pull out the left one first, then the right one a minute later, they may not be able to sync with each other before searching for the phone. In some versions, this leads to channel desynchronization, where one earphone thinks it's already connected to the phone, and the other looks for a pair.

Basic algorithm of connection to a smartphone

The standard procedure for entering pairing mode for most Xiaomi and Redmi models looks unified, but requires care. Once you remove the headphones from the case, they should automatically go to Pairing Mode.

You have to open your Bluetooth settings and start looking for new devices, don't rely on the list of previously used gadgets, you'd better turn on the scan again. On the list of available devices, you'll see the name of your model, for example, Mi True Wireless EBs Basic or Redmi AirDots.

⚠️ Note: If you see two identical names on the Bluetooth list (for example, two AirDots), it means that the headphones are not paired with each other.

After clicking on the device name, a request for confirmation of pairing may appear in the smartphone list. Click "OK" or "Connect." A successful connection is usually accompanied by a voice message "Connected" in the headphones themselves and a change in the color of the indicator to slowly blinking or fading.

Specificity of connection to a computer and laptop

Pairing with a PC or laptop running Windows 10/11 or macOS has its own features related to drivers and Bluetooth module versions. Computers are often less peripheral friendly than smartphones and require a more stable signal. Make sure your computer is Bluetooth enabled and current drivers are installed.

In Windows, the process begins with opening the Start menu and selecting Settings (cogs), then go to Devices section» → «Bluetooth and other devices. You have to press the big button "Add Bluetooth or other device." Unlike Android, you have to choose the first "Bluetooth" option, not "Everything else».

If your computer can't see the headphones, try disabling other active Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboards) that can create radio interference. It's also worth checking if the headphones are connected to your smartphone at this point. Connection priority is often given to the last active device, and the headphones can ignore requests from the PC.

The solution to the problem: only one headphone works

When the sound comes from only one channel or the second earphone is silent, this is the most common complaint of owners of budget models. TWS-Protocol: The left and right earbuds have forgotten each other and operate as two independent mono-devices.

To perform the reset, place both headphones in the case, but do not close the lid (if the model allows) or hold them in your hands.Push and hold the touch zones on both headphones simultaneously for 5-10 seconds (or 20 seconds for some models), until the indicators flash red several times.This will clear the internal pairing memory.

After a successful reset, remove the old device from the Bluetooth list on your phone (forget device function) and then perform the initial pairing procedure again. Now only one item with the headset name should remain on the list, not two.

Control of sensors and voice assistants

After successful mating, it is important to adjust the control so that you do not reach for the phone every time. Touch control is implemented through a series of touches and holdings. Usually, a single touch is responsible for Play/Pause, a double touch is responsible for skipping the track, and a triple one is responsible for returning back or activating the assistant.

For advanced customization, including changing button functions and checking the charge level of each headphone separately, it is recommended to install the official Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Wear app (available on Google Play and the App Store).

⚠️ Warning: Don't press the sensors too often and quickly. The accidental press protection system can block input to the sensors. 1-2 seconds, and the team will not complete.

The voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant) is activated, usually by triple tapping or long hold (depending on the model), for this to work, the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone must allow access to contacts and a microphone for the connected device.

Technical specifications and interface codes

In rare cases, especially when connected to specific equipment (car tape recorders, old TV set-top boxes), the system may request PIN-For the entire line of Xiaomi wireless headphones, this code is standardized. You don't need to look for it in the manual, because it is the same for all devices of the brand.

Type 0000 in the request window that appears. This is the default universal password. If the code doesn't fit (which is extremely rare on custom Android firmware), try 1234. Once you enter, the code will be remembered by the device and no more requests will be made on the next connection.

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If the headphones are not in use for a long time, they turn off automatically to save energy. To turn them on again, just put them in the case and take them back or pinch the sensors for 5 seconds.

Below is a table of compatibility and features of different generations of headsets:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The main secret of successful pairing is the simultaneous extraction from the case and pre-resetting if the devices were previously used with another phone.