How to turn on active noise cancellation in Xiaomi headphones: the complete guide

The Chinese giant’s modern wireless headsets offer functionality that was the preserve of the premium segment a couple of years ago. Active noise cancellation (ANC) has become the standard even for budget models, allowing you to enjoy music in the subway or a noisy office. However, when you buy a device, many users are faced with the fact that the feature does not work out of the box or activates in an unobvious way, due to the variety of model series and software shells.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to enable noise reduction systems for various Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco series. You will learn about the nuances of the Xiaomi Earbuds application, physical control buttons and hidden Android settings. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to fully unlock the potential of your headset.

It's important to note right away that not all models support this technology. If your device's specification is not ANC, it won't be software-enabled because it requires physical external microphones to work. We'll also look at typical connection errors.

The principle of operation and types of noise reduction in Xiaomi headsets

Before we get to the settings, it's worth understanding exactly how Xiaomi does sound-waving quenching. It's based on external microphones that pick up background noise. The headset processor generates a counterphase, a sound wave that mirrors the noise, and it destroys them together.

Xiaomi devices typically have three main modes of operation, switching between which can be done automatically or manually:

• 🎧 ANC On – full active noise cancellation blocking low-frequency hum of transport and ventilation.
• 🔊 Transparency: A mode that enhances external sounds to be safe outside or talk.
• 🔇 ANC Off – complete shutdown of processing, work in the mode of ordinary passive headphones.

⚠️ Warning: Transparency mode consumes battery power faster than regular music listening, as microphones and processor work at maximum load to transmit external sounds without delay.

Some advanced models, such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 3 Pro, use adaptive algorithms. They independently analyze the acoustic environment and select the optimal noise reduction depth. However, the basic activation of the function still requires user intervention or the correct initial setting.

Management through the Xiaomi Earbuds app

The most reliable and functional way to set up the headset is to use the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly known as Mi Buds M8), which is available on Google Play and the App Store, and this is where the main mode switches that are not always available through the standard Bluetooth Android menu hide.

When the headphones are paired with the smartphone, you need to open the app. The interface may vary depending on the model, but the logic remains the same. The home screen usually displays the current charge and connection status. Access to noise reduction settings often requires you to click on the gear icon or swipe right/left on the central area of the screen.

In the settings menu, find the section related to sound or noise cancellation. Here you will see a slider or mode switch. The depth of noise cancellation can be adjusted manually, which is especially true for Pro models. Also, the Adaptive Noise Canceling feature is often available, which should be enabled for automatic operation.

Remember, the app requires permission to work with Bluetooth and geolocation. Without these rights, it will not be able to transmit commands to the headset. If the switch in the app is inactive (gray), check if the headset is currently connected to another device.

Physical control: sensors and buttons

Many users prefer not to reach the phone every time they need to change mode. Xiaomi has provided control through touch zones or mechanical buttons on the headphone cases. The standard action to switch noise reduction modes is a long press (about 2 seconds) on the touch area of one of the headphones.

But the long press can be programmed in different ways, and the default is often to call the voice assistant or switch tracks, and to change that logic, you need to go to the management settings in the Xiaomi Earbuds app, where you can assign the ANC/Transparency Switch function to a long press on your left or right earbud.

Some models, like the Redmi Buds 3 Pro, use double long-pressing. Others, like the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro, require you to touch and hold the sensor. It's important not to confuse this with the usual short-touch, which puts music on pause.

⚠️ Attention: If the earphone does not respond to prolonged pressing, it is possible that the sensory area is contaminated with sweat or moisture.

Use of Android and MIUI widget

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones running on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS have the advantage of system integration. When you connect compatible headphones on the lock screen or in the notification curtain, a special widget appears, which allows you to switch noise reduction modes without logging into individual applications.

Accessing advanced control via the widget sometimes requires you to click on an arrow or settings icon inside the widget itself. If the standard widget doesn't appear, check your Bluetooth settings: some firmware versions require you to manually enable the display of the extended menu for the connected device.

Control is also available through Control Center. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen, find a card of connected headphones. There's often a quick switch button between ANC and transparency mode. This is the fastest way, but it only works in the MIUI ecosystem.

On devices with a “pure” Android (Android One or global versions without MIUI), such a widget may not be available, in which case you will have to rely solely on third-party applications or physical management.

Third-party applications and alternative methods

If the official Xiaomi Earbuds app doesn’t see your headphones or support your model, you can use universal utilities. One of the most popular solutions is the Material You Widgets app or specialized utilities like BudControl (for Samsung, but sometimes works with others) or AndroPods.

These apps scan the Bluetooth signal and try to find hidden control commands. They may not support all features, such as an equalizer or firmware update, but basic mode switching. ANC These programs may require root rights or use ADB-commands that are not recommended for ordinary users.

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Use the Mi Buds M8 app (older version) if the new Xiaomi Earbuds doesn't recognize your model. Older versions often have a wider compatibility base for devices released 2-3 years ago.

There is also a hidden developer menu method in Android, but it rarely gives access to specific noise cancellation control. TWS-Headsets, because it's a proprietary manufacturer protocol, and the main channel for sending commands is still a Bluetooth profile, which is controlled by drivers and applications.

Diagnostics of problems: why noise reduction does not work

There are times when the function seems to be on, but there is no effect. The first reason is always the earbuds. If the earbud doesn't fit tightly into the ear canal, the ANC system can't create a sealed camera, and external noise gets in. Try replacing the liners with a more appropriate size from the kit.

A second common problem is a discharged battery: With a low charge (less than 20%), many Xiaomi models automatically turn off active noise cancellation to save energy, even if the app has an on switch. Charge the case and headphones to 100% and check the function again.

The third reason is software failure. Headphones are minicomputers, and their operating system can freeze. Do a full reset: put the headphones in the case, open the lid, and press the pairing button for 10-15 seconds before the indicator flashes.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, the headphones may “forget” the phone. You will have to remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the smartphone and pair again.

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If the noise cancellation disappeared after updating the phone firmware, try updating the firmware of the headphones themselves through the app or roll back the Android version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)