How to connect Xiaomi headphones with each other: multi-connect mode

Modern users are rarely limited to a single gadget, and a wireless headset often acts as a common audio interface for a smartphone, laptop and tablet. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often wonder how to link headphones together, or more precisely, how to make them work with multiple signal sources without constantly reconnecting. Xiaomi Dual Device Connect technology allows you to solve this problem elegantly, providing seamless switching between devices.

In the past, switching from music to a movie on a tablet would require manually breaking the Bluetooth connection, which took time and nerves. Now, Xiaomi Buds and other compatible models support simultaneous connection to two sources, automatically determining where the sound is coming from, especially for those using a bundle of Xiaomi Phone + Windows Laptop or iPhone + iPad.

However, despite the simplicity of the concept, the customization process can be difficult for an untrained user due to the features of firmware and application versions. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary to activate a multi-connect, as well as the nuances of working with different operating systems, you will learn how to avoid conflicts of audio streams and why sometimes the headset “muffles” one of the devices.

Dual Device Connect Technology: How it Works

The feature is based on a special protocol that allows the Bluetooth chip headset to hold active connections to two sources at the same time. When you listen to music on your smartphone, at which point a video call arrives on the tablet, the headset automatically switches the audio stream to an incoming call. Once the conversation is complete, the sound will return to the first device, which is an automatic switch that eliminates the need for manual control.

It is important to understand that this technology does not work at the level of a standard Bluetooth protocol, but requires support from the software of both headphones and control applications. Xiaomi Buds 3, 3 Pro, 4, 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro series models are equipped with the corresponding modules. Older or budget models may not support simultaneous data transfer, working only in the priority mode of the last connected device.

⚠️ Warning: The dual-device function significantly increases battery consumption.Dual Device Connect mode can reduce battery life by 15-20% compared to normal use.

The way this works is because it creates a virtual bridge between the gadgets, which sounds like magic to the user, but technically, it's a constant channel survey, and if one of the devices leaves the access zone or turns off Bluetooth, the headset instantly redirects all the traffic to the remaining active source without interrupting playback.

Compatible models and device requirements

Before you try to configure synchronization, you need to make sure that your hardware supports the declared functionality. Not all Xiaomi wireless headphones have the necessary chipset. The list of compatible models is regularly updated, but at the moment the leaders are the flagship and mid-budget series.

Special attention should be paid to the versions of the operating system on smartphones and tablets. For the correct operation of the Xiaomi Dual Device Connect technology on Android devices, a MIUI 12.5 and higher or HyperOS shell is desirable. iOS devices should work on versions at least iOS 14, although full integration is available mainly in conjunction with Android.

Below is a table showing support for the feature in popular headsets models:

It’s also important to consider that a second device (like a Windows laptop or iPhone) doesn’t have to be a Xiaomi product, but the main requirement is stable Bluetooth and support for standard A2DP and HFP profiles. However, you will still need a Xiaomi smartphone with the app installed to set up and manage the features initially.

Preparation for synchronization: update and reset

A key step before setting up a multi-point connection is to update the headset software. Manufacturers often release patches that improve connection stability and correct protocol errors. If your headphones are running old firmware, the feature may not work correctly or be on the menu.

To upgrade, you need to put your headphones in the charging case, open the lid and plug your smartphone in. Go to the Xiaomi Earbuds app (available on Google Play or through the system menu on MIUI). If the system finds a new version, it will suggest installing it. Don't interrupt this process and keep the case next to your phone.

In some cases, if the headphones were previously paired with many devices, they may have accumulated address conflicts in their memory. It is recommended to perform a full reset. To do this, place the headphones in the case, open the lid and press the function button on the case case case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes in orange.

⚠️ Warning: After the Hard Reset, the headphones will forget all previous connections. You will have to pair each device again as a new accessory.

Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on the two device mode

The process of activating the dual connection mode is quite simple, if you follow the algorithm, the main thing is to follow the sequence of actions, since a disorder can lead to the second device simply “grabbing” the connection, taking it away from the first, instead of running in parallel.

First, pair the headphones with the first device (like a smartphone). Make sure the sound plays out and you can control the tracks. Then open the Xiaomi Earbuds app on the same smartphone. Go to the headset settings and find the connection item. Depending on the interface version, it can be called "Dual device", "Multi-device connection" or "Connection to two devices."

Way to the menu: Xiaomi Earbuds app → Headphone settings → Dual device → Enable

Once the switch is activated in the app, the headphones go into the second device search mode. Now take the second gadget (tablet, laptop or second phone), turn on Bluetooth on it and find your headphones in the list of available devices. Press "Plug in." At this point on the first device, the music may be interrupted for a second — this is normal, there is a redistribution of streams.

Successful activation is confirmed by a voice message in the headphones "Dual device connected" or the corresponding status in the application. Now you can start a video on a tablet, pause, and when you call in on your smartphone, the sound automatically switches to the conversation.

Setting priorities and managing sound

Once the connection is established, it is important to properly configure the behavior of the system. In the Xiaomi Earbuds application, additional priority settings are often available. You can choose which device will dominate when events occur simultaneously, for example, when an incoming call and a video are running.

Voice calls are usually given priority by default, regardless of the source device. However, if you use a headset to work (Zoom, Skype) on one device and listen to music on another, the logic may be confused, in such cases it is recommended to manually pause media content on a secondary device before starting an important video conference.

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Tip: To minimize switching delays (when sound appears 1-2 seconds after action), keep both devices no more than 3-5 meters away.

It's worth noting that volume control can work independently across devices, and if you turn down the volume on your laptop and then switch to your phone, the sound level on your phone will remain the same, and this is a feature of implementing Bluetooth profiles, and you can't change this software.

Addressing problems and conflicts

Despite the technology's fine-tuning, users may face a number of common problems, most often associated with unstable signal or software glitches of operating systems. If one of the devices constantly falls off or the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Bluetooth power saving feature in the device's settings.

Another common problem is that you can't hear the sound from the second device while the music is playing from the first, which could mean that Dual Connect mode is not fully activated and the "Last Connected" mode is working, in which case re-tethering will help: remove the device from the Bluetooth list on both devices and go through the setup process again, strictly following the instructions above.

There are also situations where there is a severe delay or echo when switching, which often happens when using high-resolution codecs (LDAC, LHDC) on one device and standard codecs (SBC, AAC) on another. In the settings of the Xiaomi Earbuds application, you can try to force the universal AAC codec to ensure maximum compatibility.

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The stability of the dual connection mode directly depends on the quality of Bluetooth modules on both devices and the absence of strong radio interference in the room.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions