Today's users rarely use gadgets alone. Often, there are situations when you need to urgently share a sound with a friend, watch a movie together or just listen to music on two different devices at the same time. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often wonder whether such a scenario can be implemented without buying additional equipment. Fortunately, Bluetooth technology allows you to do this, but the process is not always obvious.
How to turn on 2 Xiaomi wireless headphones at once has several solutions, depending on your smartphone model and operating system version. Standard data protocol usually involves a connection to a single receiver, but manufacturers have long implemented extension functions. In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from native Miui functions to third-party applications.
It's important to understand that the result may vary depending on which models you're using. True Wireless Stereo (TWS) headsets work by their own rules, different from conventional Bluetooth headphones. We'll take a detailed look at the technical details so you can choose the best way to suit your situation and enjoy the sound together.
Technical capabilities of Bluetooth and Dual Audio
Before we get to practical steps, we need to understand the theoretical basis: the standard Bluetooth protocol version 4.0 and higher theoretically supports the connection of multiple devices, but the implementation of this functionality lies on the shoulders of the smartphone manufacturer. Dual Audio technology allows you to stream audio to two receivers simultaneously without loss of quality.
However, there are bandwidth limitations. If you try to connect two pairs of high-end headphones with LDAC or aptX HD codecs, the smartphone can automatically lower bitrate or switch to the basic SBC codec. This is necessary for connection stability and prevent sound from being out of sync.
⚠️ Note: When connecting two pairs of headphones, the battery consumption of the smartphone can increase up to 30% faster than normal mode, since the radio module operates in a strengthened data transfer mode.
Xiaomi has implemented software-level support for this feature in its MIUI and HyperOS shells, but it is often hidden in special menus or only available for certain models.Old devices released before 2018 may not support simultaneous audio transmission to two different devices due to the chipset's hardware limitations.
Why does the sound sometimes only go to the headphones?
Using the native Dual Audio feature on Xiaomi
The easiest and most reliable way to do this is to use the built-in shell feature. On current versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and the new HyperOS, this option is often already activated by default or easily enabled on the menu. You won't need third-party programs if your smartphone is new enough.
To activate, you need to go to Bluetooth settings. Find a item that can be called "Two devices" or "Dual Audio." In some regions, this feature is hidden and requires activation through an engineering menu or special triggers. If you don't see an explicit switch, try the standard pairing method.
The connection process is as follows:
- 🎧 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and put the first pair of Xiaomi headphones in pairing mode.
- 📱 Connect the first device, wait for the sound confirmation.
- 🔄 Without turning off the music, transfer the second pair of headphones to search mode.
- 🔗 Click on the second device in the list of available gadgets.
If it went well, you'll see a dual speaker icon in the status bar or music playback menu, and the system will distribute the audio stream itself, and it's important to note that volume control in this mode becomes common for both devices, which is logical for synchronous listening.
Connecting through the Xiaomi Earbuds app
For owners of original accessories from Xiaomi, such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Redmi Buds or Xiaomi FlipBuds, there is an official Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly known as Mi Bluetooth) that allows you to manage settings more deeply than the standard menu system.
While the app is primarily designed to set up a single pair, some updates have introduced a “Smart Connect” feature or similar names that allow you to quickly switch between devices or, in rare cases, duplicate the connection. However, the bulk of the functions here are sharpened under noise reduction control (ANC) equalizer.
To implement the task of connecting two pairs through this application:
- 📲 Install Xiaomi Earbuds app from Google Play store or GetApps.
- 🔌 Connect the first pair of headphones and let the app update their firmware.
- ⚙️ Check the "Settings" section for the "Connect to multiple devices" item".
It’s worth noting that it’s more commonly used to connect headphones to two different smartphones at once (Multipoint connection) than two headphones to the same phone, but checking for updates in the app is a must, as new features often come with a Firmware update.
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Always update your headphone firmware through the app before trying complex connection settings. Newer versions often include Bluetooth connection stability fixes.
Third-party applications for sound distribution
If the built-in tools fail to connect the second pair, Google Play apps come to the rescue, creating a virtual audio bridge by redirecting the data stream, and AudioShare or its peers is one of the most popular solutions.
The principle of such programs is to capture the audio stream and relay it to the second device via Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth. This creates a small latency (latency), so the method is not suitable for games, but is ideal for watching videos or listening to music in the company.
Instructions for using third-party software:
- Install the app-distributor on the main smartphone (Master).
- Install the receiver app on the second smartphone or tablet to which the second headphones are connected.
- Create a group in the application and connect the second device.
- Connect the second headphones to the second device in the usual way.
This method requires a second active gadget, and you can’t connect two pairs of Bluetooth headphones directly to the same phone through third-party software without a second middleman, unless Android itself allows it at the kernel level.
| Connection method | Equipment required | Sound delay | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Dual Audio | 1 smartphone Xiaomi | Minimum | Low. |
| AudioShare application | 2 smartphones/tablet | Medium | Medium |
| Bluetooth transmitter | Hardware adapter | Depends on the adapter. | Low. |
| Party mode (JBL, etc.) | Supported headphones | Minimum | Tall. |
Hardware solution: Bluetooth transmitters
When software methods are exhausted, hardware comes on the scene. A Bluetooth transmitter is a small device that plugs into a smartphone's 3.5mm (mini-jack) or USB-C connector and takes over the signal function. Many modern models support connecting two pairs of headphones at the same time.
These gadgets often have their own battery and don’t land the phone. They work independently of the operating system, so they will work even for very old Xiaomi models that don’t support Dual Audio. The key here is support for the aptX Low Latency codec to minimize latency.
The process of using the transmitter:
- 🔌 Connect the transmitter to the smartphone through AUX or USB-C.
- 🔘 Transfer the transmitter to pairing mode (usually with a long press of a button).
- 🎧 Alternately connect the first and second pair of headphones to the transmitter.
- ✅ Enjoy the sound on both devices without booting the phone’s processor.
This is the most stable way from a technical point of view, ensuring that the sound will not be interrupted by background processes in Android, however, it requires the purchase of an additional accessory, which varies from 10 to 50 dollars depending on the quality.
☑️ Choosing a Bluetooth transmitter
Features of connecting different models Xiaomi
Not all Xiaomi headphones are the same. Budget models of the Redmi series may have a less stable communication module compared to the flagship Mi True Wireless Earbuds Pro. When trying to connect two different models (for example, Redmi Buds 3 and Mi Air 2), codec conflicts can arise.
The system will try to find a common denominator, most likely by switching to the SBC codec. This can lead to a decrease in sound quality. If you plan to use the dual headphone mode often, it is better to use the same models or devices from the same series to ensure that the synchronization is as accurate as possible.
⚠️ Note: When connecting two TWS-With headphones on the same phone, each ear (left and right) can be perceived by the system as a separate device. Make sure you connect the headset as a whole, rather than individual channels.
Also worth mentioning is the transparency and noise reduction function: When two pairs of headphones are running, active noise cancellation (ANC) may not work properly on one of the devices due to a lack of processing power of the smartphone to process microphone signals in real time.
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For the best compatibility and sound quality, use two identical pairs of Xiaomi headphones and make sure both devices have the latest firmware installed.