Wireless headphones from Chinese giant Xiaomi and its sub-brands like Redmi and QCY have become some of the most popular accessories thanks to their excellent price-performance ratio. However, the initial setup of the device often raises questions among users, especially if this is their first experience with Bluetooth headsets. Proper activation of the pairing mode is the foundation for stable sound and microphone performance in the future.
The process of transferring the gadget to visibility mode for a smartphone can differ significantly depending on the form factor: whether it is a full-size model on the head or a compact one. TWS-Incorrectly performing actions at this stage can lead to the fact that the phone simply does not see the new device in the list of available. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances in detail so that you can enjoy music without unnecessary technical difficulties.
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that the headset battery is charged at least 20-30%. Low battery power can cause the Bluetooth module to not start at full power and the device will not go into search mode. Also make sure that your smartphone is on Bluetooth and open to detection by other devices.
Preparation for the first connection of the device
Initial pairing activation is a critical step in determining how fast and stable the connection will work in the future. Unlike reconnection, where devices “recognize” each other automatically, the first contact requires manual intervention and the transfer of the accessory to a special Pairing Mode.
For full-size models like Xiaomi Wireless Headphones Comfort or Mi Headphones Comfort 2, the procedure usually starts with the switch off. You need to press the on button for a few seconds. First, the indicator will light up, signaling to turn on, but you can not release the button. After 5-7 seconds, the color of the indicator will change, or it will flash differently - this is the signal that the detection mode is activated.
⚠️ Warning: If you release the button immediately after the light light lights up, the headphones will simply turn on but not go into search mode. Hold the button until a quick blink or color change occurs (usually blue or red-blue).
In the case of TWS-The logic is different for models like AirDots, Redmi Buds or FlipBuds, and most modern models automatically go into pairing mode when they are first removed from the case, unless they have been previously connected to any phone. However, if the automation fails, manual activation through touch zones or mechanical buttons on the body will be required.
Instructions for TWS-Redmi AirDots and Mi True Wireless
AirDots and their successors are the most popular, so the connection questions are the most common. The standard procedure for new devices is that you remove both headphones from the charging case, and they automatically go into standby mode, and the indicators on them should often flash white.
If you don't automatically start, or if you connect the headset to a new phone after reset, you have to make a forced entry into mode. To do this, you need to remove both headphones from the case at the same time. Then press and hold the touch zones on both headphones for 5-7 seconds. In some models, such as the Redmi AirDots 2 or Xiaomi Earbuds Basic 2, you need to press the sensors three times quickly, and hold them for a fourth time.
☑️ Activation checklist TWS
When you see the lights flashing at double the frequency or changing color (e.g. red and white alternately), it means that the Bluetooth module broadcasts the detection signal, so you can open the phone's settings and search for the device.
Connection of full-size and neck models
Classic overhead headphones like Mi Headphones Comfort or Xiaomi Headphones Wireless have a larger body, allowing you to place a full control button. The process of enabling pairing mode here is more traditional and resembles the connection of most Bluetooth devices on the market.
Find a power button that is often combined with a call response function. Press it and hold it for about 5-7 seconds. First you hear a voice message, "Power On," then "Pairing," at which point the LED light should start flashing blue quickly, and that's when the device becomes visible to external gadgets.
For neck models like the Mi Bluetooth Neckband, the procedure is similar, but the button can be located on the end of the neck arc. Make sure you're clamping the main button, not the volume button. Prolonged pressing on volume buttons usually changes tracks or calls for a voice assistant, but doesn't activate the search mode.
| Model headphones | Interconnection action | Indication of search mode | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots / Earbuds Basic | Hold the sensors for 5-7 seconds | Fast white flashing | First they are synchronized with each other. |
| Mi Headphones Comfort | Hold the power button 7 seconds | Blue blinking + voice | Voice accompaniment in English |
| Mi Bluetooth Neckband | Hold the center button | Blue-red flashing | Location of the button at the end of the arc |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | Open the case, press the button. | Blinking the case indicator | The mating button inside the case |
Use of Mi Wear and Xiaomi Earbuds
For advanced users and owners of flagship models such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro or FlipBuds, it is highly recommended to use proprietary software. Mi Wear (for the global market) or Xiaomi Earbuds (for China) applications allow you not only to connect the device, but also to configure the equalizer, update the firmware and change the control gestures.
The process of connecting through the app is often more reliable than through the standard Bluetooth menu. After installing the app and logging into your Mi Account, click Add Device. The app will start the scan itself and suggest connecting the found headphones, which is especially useful if a standard phone search for some reason does not see the headset.
In addition, the app can reset headphones to factory, which is a great solution for pairing problems. Factory Reset in the application clears the memory of paired devices inside the headphones themselves, returning them to the state of “out of the box”.
Problem Solving: Headphones are not visible or connected
Even if you follow the instructions clearly, you can have technical difficulties, and one of the most common causes is a crowded Bluetooth list on your smartphone or an address conflict. If your phone can't see the headphones, try removing any old devices that are no longer in use, especially if their names are similar to your current model.
Another common problem is sticking the Bluetooth module in the phone, which is where the simple reboot of the smartphone helps, and it's also worth checking if the phone is running flight or energy saving mode, which can limit the radio module. In some cases, cleaning the Bluetooth service cache in Android settings (Settings) helps. → Annexes → Show system-based → Bluetooth → Memory. → Clear the cache).
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones were previously paired with another phone, they may automatically try to connect to it, ignoring your new smartphone. turn on Bluetooth on your old phone, but turn it off, or remove the headphones from its memory.
If nothing helps, do a full reset. TWS-models this is often done by placing headphones in a case, clamping sensors on 20-30 the second time the indication has been changed, or by 5-Full-size models sometimes require the power button and volume reduction button to be pressed simultaneously.
Resetting and re-synchronization
The reset procedure is necessary if the headphones are not working properly, play only in one ear or the phone has stopped recognizing them, resets the factory settings and erases the history of all connections, a universal solution for most software glitches.
For models without a button on the case (such as AirDots), the reset is often done this way: remove the headphones, press the sensors 5 times quickly, then press for the 6th time and hold for about 15-20 seconds until the indicators blink several times and go out.
After a successful reset, the connection procedure starts anew, like the first purchase. Make sure that this time you take all the steps slowly and consistently, giving the device time to react. It is critical not to try to plug the headphones in until the indicators have switched to fast blinking mode.
If the problem persists after the reset, it may be a hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth antenna or a discharged battery that no longer holds a charge, in which case it is worth checking the work of the headphones with another smartphone to exclude the breakdown of the phone itself.