How to turn on the game mode in Xiaomi headphones: the full guide

The game mode in Xiaomi headphones is a special feature that minimizes sound latency (latency) when connecting to smartphones, tablets or PCs. TWS-It can cause irritation to headphones due to the insynchronous sound and picture, especially in dynamic games or when watching videos. This mode takes only a few seconds to turn on, but many users do not know where to look for settings or face compatibility problems.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to activate the game mode for different Xiaomi headphone models, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship FlipBuds Pro. You’ll learn how to check whether your model supports this feature, which devices are compatible with the mode, and what to do if the option is not displayed in the menu, and we’ll give recommendations for optimizing the sound for games and explain why sometimes the delay remains even after the mode is turned on.

What Xiaomi headphones support the game mode

Low Latency Mode is not available in all Xiaomi headphones, but it is relatively recent and is integrated into the mid-range and premium segment, and the following is a list of models with confirmed game mode support:

• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro (all versions)
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 / Buds 4 Pro
• 🎧 Redmi Buds 4 / Buds 4 Pro / Buds 4 Active
• 🎧 Xiaomi Air 2S / Air 2 Pro (requires firmware update)
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro
• 🎧 POCO Buds X1 (Redmi Buds 4 analogue)

If your model is not listed, it doesn't mean that the game mode is definitely missing. Some headphones get support for the feature after updating the firmware. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro originally did not have this option, but after the release of firmware. V12.7.6.0 She appeared in the settings.

To find out exactly if your headphones have a game mode, check:

1. The firmware version is via the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Earbuds.
2. The presence of the item Game mode or Low latency in the menu settings of headphones.
3. Official documentation on the Xiaomi website (Section "Technical characteristics").

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 and Redmi AirDots (first generation) do not support hardware-level gaming mode.Attempts to enable it through third-party apps may cause connection issues.

Ways to Incorporate Game Mode

You can activate the low latency function in a number of ways, whether it's through a proprietary app, a combination of buttons on the headphones themselves, or Bluetooth settings on a connected device. Let's take a look at each method in detail.

Method 1: Through the Xiaomi Earbuds/Mi Home app

This is the most reliable way, because it guarantees the correct operation of the function, and the instructions are suitable for most modern models:

1. Install the Xiaomi Earbuds app (for new models) or Mi Home (for older ones) from Google Play/App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and select your headphone model from the device list.
4. Go to the section Sound settings or Playback modes.
5. Activate the Game Mode (also known as Low Latency Mode or Game Mode).

In some models (for example, FlipBuds Pro) after the mode is turned on, a notification will appear that battery life will be reduced by a small amount of time. 10-15% It's normal, because it uses a more resource-intensive codec to transmit sound.

Update your headphone firmware to the latest version|

Charge your headphones to at least 30%|

Make sure your smartphone is connected to the internet (to synchronize settings)|

Close background applications that use Bluetooth-->

Method 2: Through Bluetooth Settings on Android

Some models (for example, Redmi Buds 4 Pro) allow you to enable game mode in the Bluetooth menu on a Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone. POCO. For that:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Find your headphones in the list of connected devices and tap the icon ⚙️ (junction.
3. Select the Sound Settings or Additional.
4. Activate the option Low Lag or Game Mode.

If there is no such item, then your headphone model does not support mode control through system settings. In this case, use the first method (the Xiaomi Earbuds app).

Method 3: Combination of buttons on headphones

For models without application support (for example, Redmi AirDots S), sometimes the hardware activation of the game mode works.

1. Put on your headphones and make sure they are connected to the device.
2. Three times quickly tap the right earphone touch panel (for touch-controlled models).
3. You will hear a voice notification "Game mode on" (in English - "Game mode on").

If nothing happens after triple tapping, your model doesn't support this method. Xiaomi headphones with physical buttons (like the first-generation Redmi AirDots) don't have a hardware game mode switch.

Why the game mode doesn’t work

Even if you turn on the function correctly, the latency can persist, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Another common problem is incompatibility with the source device, such as the game mode in Xiaomi headphones may not work when connected to:

• 🖥️ PC running Windows (Bluetooth 5.0 required)+ aptX codec LL)
• 📱 iPhone (iOS codec restrictions) AAC)
• 🎮 Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox often use proprietary protocols)

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If you connect your headphones to a PC, install the Qualcomm aptX driver and manually select the aptX Low Latency codec in the Windows Sound Control Panel. 40-60 miss.

How to check for latency of sound

To measure the effectiveness of a game mode, you can measure the latency of sound using special tests. Here are three reliable ways to do this.

Method 1: Online synchronization tests

Go to one of the services:

• 🌐 AudioCheck Latency Test (Shows Latency in MS)
• 🌐 SyncTest (visual test with flashing square)

Run the test and compare the pre- and post-play mode scores. Ideally, the delay should be reduced by the time you play the game. 150-200 before 60-100 miss.

Method 2: Test with YouTube videos

Open any video on YouTube, then:

1. Put the playback on pause.
2. Press the gear (Settings) → Statistics.
3. Please note the line "Audio Latency".

If the value is more than 100 ms, turn on the game mode and update the page. The difference should become noticeable.

Method 3: Manual testing in games

Start any dynamic game (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile and pay attention to the:

• 🎯 Synchronicity of sound shots and animation.
• 🏃‍♂️ Coincidence of footstep sounds with character movement.
• 💥 Delay in explosions or other effects.

If the difference between the image and the sound is more than 0.1 seconds, the game mode is inefficient, in which case check the settings of the codec or try to connect to another device.

Additional settings to reduce delay

The game mode is not a panacea, and to minimize latency, we also recommend:

1. Disable Sound Processing: In headphone settings, deactivate Noise Reduction functions (ANC) Transparent mode - they increase the delay on the 20-30 miss.
2. Use aptX Low Latency codec: If your device supports this codec (checks in Bluetooth settings), select it manually. It is optimized for gaming.
3. Close background applications: Messengers, streaming services, and other programs that use Bluetooth or the Internet can cause interference.
4. Update the firmware of headphones and smartphones: Manufacturers regularly optimize the Bluetooth stack. MIUI 14 added support LE Audio, which reduces latency by 30%.

For owners. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco There's another life hack for smartphones: turn on High Performance in the battery settings. This speeds up the processing of Bluetooth packets:

1. Open the Settings. → Battery → Performance mode.
2. Choose High Performance.
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Forced Enabling of the AptX Codec LL On incompatible devices, you may lose communication with your headphones. Before experimenting, check the codec support on the website of your smartphone chipset manufacturer (e.g. Qualcomm or Mediatek).

Latency comparison in different Xiaomi models

We tested several popular Xiaomi headphone models in and without game mode.

As you can see from the table, flagship models (FlipBuds Pro, Buds 4 Pro) perform better thanks to support for advanced codecs. Budget headphones (Redmi Buds 4 Active) even in game mode lose in latency, but the difference is still noticeable.

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For minimal delay, choose headphones that support the aptX Low Latency codec or LC3 (in models with Bluetooth 5.2+).

Frequent questions and decisions