Xiaomi’s modern wireless headphones and its sub-brand Redmi are no longer just music-listening devices, becoming sophisticated devices with active noise reduction (ANC) that cut off external sounds, allowing full immersion in the audio stream even in a noisy subway or a bustling office. However, many users buy advanced models without knowing how to properly activate this mode, limiting the functionality of the device they buy.
The process of inclusion can vary significantly depending on the specific model: whether it is the popular Redmi Buds 3 Pro, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 or full-size Mi Headphones Comfort. In some cases, a simple touch is enough, in others, it requires mandatory pairing with a smartphone through a proprietary application. Understanding these nuances is critical for obtaining high-quality sound.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all known ways to activate ANC, consider the work of the Xiaomi Earbuds application and answer frequent questions that arise from the owners of the acoustics of the Chinese giant.
Features of ANC technology in the Xiaomi ecosystem
Xiaomi’s Active Noise Cancellation technology uses external and internal microphones to capture background noise. The headphone processor analyzes the sound wave and generates anti-phase, effectively quenching unwanted sounds before they reach your ear. It’s a physical process that requires energy, so the device’s ANC time is always shorter than normal.
Note that not all models support this feature. Budget versions like the Redmi Buds 3 Lite or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic S rely solely on passive noise cancellation, which is provided by the density of fittings in the ear. Unless your model specification mentions ANC or Hybrid ANC, it will be impossible to enable this mode software no matter how much you look for the appropriate settings.
Top-end models like the Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4 have an adaptive system that automatically analyzes the environment and selects the optimal degree of noise suppression, and hybrid noise cancellation is considered the most effective, since the microphones are located both outside and inside the earphone, allowing you to cover a wider frequency range.
⚠️ Attention: Active noise cancellation creates a slight pressure in the ears of some users.If you feel discomfort, dizziness or ringing, immediately switch to transparency or regular listening mode.
It's important to understand the difference between modes of operation. Usually, devices offer three states: noise cancellation, transparency mode and switching between them is often done (long press) or double touch touch touch area, but these gestures must be activated in the application beforehand.
Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app to customize
The most reliable and functional way to manage headphones is the official Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly known as Mi Buds MATE), which hides the basic settings, including the ANC switch, selecting noise reduction profiles and updating the firmware. Without this app, many advanced features will remain unavailable.
To start, you need to download the app from Google Play or the App Store. After installation, open the program and press the add button. The headphones should be in pairing mode (usually holding a button on a case or automatically turning on when extracted).
☑️ Preparation for setup ANC
Once successfully paired, the home screen will display battery status and current mode. To enable noise cancellation, look for Noise Reduction or ANC in the control menu, and you can select from the profiles: Universal, Air Mode, Office or Transport. Each profile adjusts frequency filters differently to better handle specific types of noise.
In some cases, especially when using smartphones other than Xiaomi, you may need authorization or region selection.If the app doesn't see the headphones, try resetting the Bluetooth settings on the phone or reconnecting the device through the system menu, and then start the application again.
⚠️ Note: For some functions, such as adaptive ANC, You may need a stable Internet connection when you first set up your profiles, as audio patterns are downloaded from the cloud.
The interface of the app may vary depending on the version of the headphone firmware. Newer models like the Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro have their settings in a separate Sound tab, where equalization is also available. Remember to check the Updates section regularly, as manufacturers often improve the ANC algorithms through software patches.
Control through sensory control and gestures
Many users prefer not to go into the phone settings every time, but to control the modes directly through the headphones. To do this, Xiaomi devices provide touch control. However, by default gestures may not be activated or assigned to other actions, such as playback control.
To set the noise reduction switch to touch, you need to enter the headphone settings in the Xiaomi Earbuds app. Find the "Gestural Management" or "Touch Control" section. Here you will see a list of actions for the left and right earphone: single touch, double, triple and long press.
Most often, it is a long press (about 2 seconds) reserved for cyclic switching modes: ANC On → Transparency On → ANC Off. In some models, for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro, you can configure the switch only between noise reduction and transparency mode, leaving the shutdown as a separate option.
After setting up, try to perform the assigned gesture. Usually, the device will emit a characteristic audible signal or a voice message (“Noise cancellation on”, “Transparency mode”) confirming the change of mode. If there is no reaction, check if the earphone is discharged, since at low charge, the touch control can be blocked to save energy.
It’s also worth mentioning the possibility of controlling through MIUI widgets. If you have a Xiaomi smartphone with a MIUI or HyperOS shell, when connecting compatible headphones on the lock screen or in the notification curtain, a special widget can appear. It often has a button for fast switching of noise reduction modes, which is even more convenient than opening a separate application.
Specifics of setting different models of headphones
Xiaomi's audio lineup is huge, and each series has its own ANC implementation. You can't just say "push a button" because the physical design and the logic of the interfaces are different. Let's look at the nuances for the most popular series.
Redmi Buds Pro series models (e.g. 3 Pro, 4 Pro) are equipped with a powerful ANC with depths of up to 35-40 dB. These models often use double pressing to call an assistant or pause, and the ANC switch is made for a long press. The feature of the series is the presence of the Office mode, which misses human speech, but silences the hum of air conditioners.
Xiaomi’s flagship Buds 3 and 3 Pro, as well as the 4 and 4 Pro, support spatial audio and have more complex logic. They often feature automatic wear detection: if you remove the headphone, the noise cancellation turns off so you can hear the surroundings, and these models also offer a wind noise reduction adjustment, which is relevant for athletes.
Full-size models like Mi Headphones Comfort or Xiaomi Wireless Headphones often have a physical button on the body. TWS-And the models, here, can be switched mechanically, but to access the finer equalizer and depth settings. ANC I'll need an app anyway.
| Model headphones | Type ANC | Gesture management | The depth of suppression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Hybrid | Long press. | 35 dB |
| Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro | Hybrid (40 dB) | Swipes and taps | 40 db |
| Mi True Wireless 2 Pro | Hybrid | Double/Long | 35 dB |
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | No (ENC only) | Just a call/pause | H/A |
Special attention should be paid to models with codec support LDAC and LHDC. When high-quality noise reduction is activated, some older smartphones may experience a slight decrease in bitrate or connection stability due to the high load on the Bluetooth channel. AAC or SBC.
Solving problems with noise reduction activation
There are times when all the settings are right, but the noise reduction is not turned on or is not working correctly. Often the problem is not in the hardware, but in software conflicts or battery status. First of all, make sure that the charge of both headphones is above 20%. At low voltage, the protection system forcibly turns off power-intensive functions such as ANC.
The second common reason is to desynchronize the left and right headphones. If one is gone and doesn't connect to the second, the noise reduction mode may not be activated. To solve the problem, you need to reset. This is usually done by placing the headphones in the case, pressing the button on the case for 10-15 seconds before the indicator flashes in white or orange, and then reconnecting to Bluetooth.
How to perform a full reset of Xiaomi headphones
It’s also worth checking the permissions for the Xiaomi Earbuds app. In your Android settings, find the Apps section, select the app you want, and make sure it has access to Bluetooth, location (necessary for scanning devices) and background work. Without those permissions, the app won’t be able to send commands to the headphones when it’s rolled up.
If nothing helps, there may be a problem with the firmware version. Go to the app and check for updates. Sometimes bugs in early versions of the software block the ANC, and only the update solves the problem. In rare cases, you may need to roll back or flash through the service center if the device stops responding to commands.
⚠️ Note: When performing a reset, all saved connection profiles will be deleted. You will have to re-connect the headphones with your smartphone and adjust gestures.
The impact of ANC on autonomy and sound quality
Active noise cancellation directly affects the device's operating time. The built-in processor that processes real-time sound waves consumes significant current. On average, turning on the ANC reduces the claimed listening time by 20-30%. For example, if the headphones work 6 hours in normal mode, with noise cancellation enabled, they will last about 4-4.5 hours.
In addition, some audiophiles note the change in the audio signature when you turn on the ANC. Basses can become more emphasized, and the sound scene a little narrower. This is due to the peculiarities of the algorithms of pressure compensation. In Xiaomi applications, it is often possible to disable the ANC, but leave the transparency mode, or vice versa, to find a balance between isolation and sound quality.
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For maximum autonomy in travel, use noise reduction mode only in the noisiest places (metro, plane), and in quiet rooms switch to off or transparent mode.
It's also important to consider that noise reduction quality depends on the density of the mounts. If you use standard nozzles that don't fit your ear size, external sounds will get in and the ANC system will work less efficiently to compensate for the leakage. Complete with top models, there are often different size nozzles - experiment with them.
Xiaomi’s current algorithms have learned to minimize what’s called the wind noise effect, but when the wind is strong, microphones can choke, creating an unpleasant hum. In such situations, the app can suggest automatically lowering the ANC level or switching to transparency mode to avoid discomfort.
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The optimal balance between sound quality and operating time is achieved using the adaptive ANC mode, which itself adjusts the power depending on the situation.
In conclusion, the correct use of noise cancellation in Xiaomi headphones transforms them from a regular headset into a powerful tool for work and relaxation. Don't be afraid to experiment with app settings and gestures to find your perfect sound profile.