How to pair Xiaomi headphones: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi’s modern wireless headsets, whether popular Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless or Mi Headphones, have become the standard of quality and availability. However, despite a well-designed ecosystem, the primary connection of devices sometimes raises questions among users, especially when changing a smartphone or using third-party gadgets. Proper synchronization is the foundation of a stable audio device, ensuring that there are no audio delays and connection breaks during a conversation or listening to music.

The connection process is based on the standard Bluetooth protocol, but Xiaomi devices often have their own nuances associated with the fast pairing function of the Fast Pair in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of configuration, from activating the search mode to deep tuning of sound parameters. You will learn how to avoid typical errors and make your headphones work to the limit of their technical capabilities, whether it is Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro flagship model.

Preparation of headphones for the first turn on

Before you look for a device on the list of available networks, you need to put the headphones themselves in detection mode. In most models of TWS (True Wireless Stereo), this happens automatically on the first extraction from the case, unless they were previously paired with another gadget. If the headset is new, but the indicator does not flash, it may be discharged. Primary charging is a mandatory step before first use, since lithium batteries could lose capacity during prolonged storage in the warehouse.

For classic overhead models like Mi Headphones Comfort or Xiaomi Wireless Headphones, the procedure looks different. You need to find a physical power button that is usually combined with the pairing function. A long press (about 5-7 seconds) puts the device in Pairing Mode mode, signaled by a fast-blinking indicator of blue or white-blue. Without this step, the phone will not be able to "see" the accessory.

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator on the case flashes red, it is a signal of a critically low charge. Connect the case to the charger for at least 15 minutes before trying to pair, otherwise the process may interrupt in the middle.

It is also important to clear the connection history if the headphones have been used before, often requiring the touch zones on both headphones to be pinched at the same time or the button on the case to be used during the course of the session. 10-15 This action resets the Bluetooth module to factory settings, removing all previous encryption keys.

Combination with Android-smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners are in the most advantageous position thanks to the deep integration of accessories into the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. The system uses Google Fast Pair technology and its own extensions, allowing you to see the charge status of each headphone and case directly on the lock screen immediately after opening the lid. To activate this mode, make sure that Bluetooth and geolocation are on the phone.

The process is as simple as possible: hold an open case with headphones to the unlocked smartphone, automatically pops up an animated window with the image of your model and the current charge level, you just have to click the "Connect" button, the system will set up the necessary profiles, including A2DP for music and HFP for calls.

If the automatic window doesn't show up, check your Bluetooth settings manually. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and make sure the switch is active. Your model should appear in the Available Devices list. Pressing it will trigger the standard pairing procedure. Some advanced models, such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, may require proof of pairing through a pop-up with the code.

💡

For the best sound quality and equalizer access, install the Xiaomi Earbuds app or Mi Wearable from the Google Play Store after pairing.

Connect to iPhone (iOS) and other Android devices

When using Xiaomi headphones with iPhones or smartphones from Samsung, Sony and other brands, the process is based on standard Bluetooth protocols. Special animation with the charge level on the lock screen in this case will not work, but the basic audio functionality will remain completely intact. You need to open the case or activate the search mode on overhead headphones, as described in the first section.

Next, open Bluetooth settings on your device. In the list of available gadgets, find the name of your model (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite). Click on the name to initiate a connection. Unlike the Xiaomi ecosystem, it may require permission to access contacts and call logs if you plan to use the headset for conversations.

You should keep in mind that without a proprietary app, you may not be able to switch noise reduction modes, adjust the equalizer, or update the headphone firmware directly from your phone, but you don't need to adjust the music or calls, because the SBC or AAC codec will automatically connect.

⚠️ Note: On an iPhone, when you connect the headset, the system may request the setting of the "Input Device" profile. If you use the headphones only for music, this is not necessary, but confirmation is required for the microphone to work.

To expand the functionality on iOS, it is recommended to download the Xiaomi Earbuds app from the App Store. It allows basic configuration, although inferior in the capabilities of the Android version. After installing the application and pairing through the phone settings, go to the application to calibrate the sensors and check for updates.

Set up Xiaomi headphones on your computer and laptop

Using wireless headphones with a PC or laptop is a great alternative to wired solutions, allowing you to get rid of unnecessary cables. In Windows 10 or 11, the process begins with activating the pairing mode on the headphones themselves. Make sure that they are not connected to the phone at this point, since most models only support multipoint in certain modes or do not support at all.

In Windows, go to Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices. Press the big button “Add Bluetooth or other device”, then select the first item “Bluetooth”. The system will start scanning the ether. When your Xiaomi model appears on the list, click on it. The driver installation process will take a few seconds.

For macOS users, the algorithm is similar: open System Settings → Bluetooth. Find the device in the bottom list and click Connect. Mac OS usually works well with the AAC codec, providing high audio quality on Xiaomi devices. If the sound seems deaf, check if the profile has switched to Hands-Free, which reduces the quality for the sake of improving the microphone.

In Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.), Bluetooth is often controlled via a blueman graphical interface or command line. In the terminal, you can run bluetoothctl, then enter scan on for search. MAC-Headphone addresses, use the pair command [MAC-address] and connect [MAC-This is a universal method that works even if the graphical shell fails.

Specificity of connection to Smart TVs and TVs

Connecting headphones to a Xiaomi (Mi TV) or Android TV from other brands allows you to watch movies late at night without disturbing others. Unlike smartphones, TVs can have a lip-sync delay, so it is important to use modern codecs. Go to the settings of the TV, Settings → Controllers and Accessories → Add Accessory.

Put the headphones in search mode. The TV will start scanning. When you find the device, select it to pair. On some PatchWall-enclosed Mi TVs, the process can be automatic when you bring the headphones to the remote if you support fast connectivity. However, manual menu-based methods remain the most reliable.

It is important to understand the limitations of Bluetooth technology when connecting to a TV. The range is limited, and the number of devices simultaneously connected is often one. If you want to connect a headset to a TV that does not have built-in Bluetooth (for example, older Samsung or LG models), you will need an external Bluetooth transmitter that connects to an optical output or a 3.5 mm connector.

💡

The versatility of Bluetooth allows you to connect Xiaomi headphones to almost any device, but full functionality is revealed only in conjunction with Xiaomi smartphones.

Problem Solving: Headphones are not visible or connected

Despite the simplicity of the technology, users often face a situation where the phone can't see the headphones or the connection is constantly broken.The first and most common reason is that the headphones are already connected to another device. Bluetooth headsets tend to reconnect to the last known gadget. Disable Bluetooth on a tablet, laptop or phone of a spouse who may have used headphones before.

The second reason is a crowded pairing list. Headphones can store information about 8-10 devices. If the limit is exceeded, a new device will not be added. Reset. Most Redmi Buds and Mi True Wireless models need to put headphones in the case, open the lid and press the button on the case (or sensors on headphones) for 10-15 seconds before the indicator flashes in orange.

It is also worth checking the battery power. When the charge is low, the Bluetooth module may not work stable or not turn on at all. If the problem is observed on only one headphone (for example, the left one does not connect to the right one), then the synchronization between the channels is disturbed, in which case resetting the settings through the case is mandatory: remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the phone ("Forget the device"), reset the headphones and perform the pairing again.

⚠️ Note: When you reset your headphone settings, all user settings, including noise reduction calibration and button assignment, will be removed.

If nothing works, check if the Bluetooth module on the smartphone itself is getting stuck, turn on flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off, this will restart network services, and make sure there are no powerful sources of interference, such as a running microwave or a router in the vicinity, that can jam the signal at 2.4 GHz.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)