Modern wireless headphones from Xiaomi and its sub-brands have become the standard of quality for millions of users around the world. However, the process of initial synchronization or re-pairing can raise questions, especially if you change your device or face a technical failure. Proper Bluetooth tuning is the key to stable sound and proper microphone operation, so it is important to follow all the steps consistently.
In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances of connecting different models: from classic wired headsets to advanced ones. TWS-Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Redmi Buds series models. You will learn how to activate pairing mode, what to do if the phone does not see the device, and how to use the proprietary application for advanced settings.
Before you start setting up, make sure your headphones are at least 20-30% charged. Low battery power often causes unstable operation of the Bluetooth module, which may not be detected by the smartphone or permanently shut down. Also check whether Bluetooth is on your phone in principle.
Preparation for pairing and activation of the search mode
The first step to a successful connection is to put the headset into detection mode. For wired models, this step is usually skipped, since they work on the principle of Plug-and-Play, but for wireless solutions, this is a critical point. If the headphones were previously connected to another phone, they may try to connect to it automatically, negating your current gadget.
For most TWS (True Wireless Stereo) models, both earbuds must be removed from the charging case. Unless they enter pairing mode automatically (usually signaled by a flashing indicator), you will need to be forced to activate. On some models, such as Mi AirDots or early versions of Redmi Buds, you need to press and hold the touch zones on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing white.
⚠️ Warning: If you’re trying to connect your headphones to a new phone and they automatically connect to your old phone, turn off Bluetooth on your old device first or select the “Forget Device” option in its settings.
The activation logic may differ from headphone series to headphones, such as advanced models like the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 often have a separate button on the charging case itself, which puts the headset in search mode even if the headphones are inside the case, which simplifies the process because you don't have to take them out all the time.
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If the indicators flash red and white alternately, it often means reset mode or critically low charge.Put the case on charge for 15 minutes before trying again.
Once the search mode is activated, your smartphone will start broadcasting the signal, at which point the device becomes visible to all surrounding gadgets within a radius of 10 meters. Do not delay the connection, as after 2-3 minutes the detection mode can automatically turn off to save energy.
Instructions for connecting through Android settings
The most versatile way that works on any Android smartphone, regardless of brand, is to use the Bluetooth system menu. This method guarantees basic functionality: music playback and microphone operation. To begin, open your phone's settings and find the Connected Devices or Bluetooth section.
Turn on the Bluetooth switch if it's turned off and wait for the phone to scan the available devices. The "Available Devices" list should show the name of your headset. For Xiaomi models, these are usually names like Redmi Buds. 3, Mi True Wireless EBs Basic or just a simple AirDots_R.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
Click on the device name in the list. At this point, a request for confirmation of pairing or input may appear on the phone screen. PIN-The standard codes for Xiaomi headsets are not usually required, but if the system insists, try entering 0000 or 1234».
If the connection is successful, you will hear a characteristic beep in the headphones, and in the status bar of the phone will appear the icon of the battery headset (on some models) or just a Bluetooth icon. Now you can run any media player and check the sound quality.
Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app for advanced customization
For owners of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, as well as users of other Android devices, use the specialized application Xiaomi Earbuds (formerly known as Mi True Wireless) to unlock the full potential of the headset, including updating the firmware and adjusting touch controls.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or through a scanner. QR-If you have the code, if you have it in the manual, then you can start the program and put the headphones next to the phone, and the app will automatically detect the headset that's connected and suggest you add it. Unlike the standard Bluetooth menu, here you will see the exact percentage of charge of each headphone and case separately.
The following important functions are available within the application:
- 🎛️ Gesture settings: assigning actions to double, triple press or hold the sensor (track switching, assistant call, noise reduction).
- 🎚️ Equalizer: Selecting presets (bass, vocals, balance) or creating your own sound profile.
- 🔍 Headphone search: a feature that allows you to play a loud signal on a lost earphone if it is in range.
- 🔄 Software Update: Install the latest firmware versions to fix bugs and improve connection stability.
⚠️ Attention: Updating the firmware of the headphones through the app requires both earphones to be in the case and charged at least 50.
You can also set up Game Mode, which is critical for mobile gamers, which minimizes latency by synchronizing the sound of shots and steps with the image on the screen, and without the application, this feature often remains unavailable or works in a standard, unoptimized mode.
What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
Features of connecting wired headsets Xiaomi
Xiaomi’s wired headphones, such as the popular Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro 2 or the base 3.5mm jack models, typically don’t require complex tuning. They work like any other analog acoustics: insert and listen. However, in the age of smartphones without a headphone jack, users often face the nuances of using adapters.
If you use a Type-C to 3.5mm adapter, make sure it supports digital audio output (DAC) rather than being a simple passive adapter. Xiaomi smartphones require a digital-to-analog converter in the transition or the headphones themselves. Xiaomi's original adapters are fully compatible, while cheap counterparts may not work or produce a quiet sound with interference.
In some cases, when you connect a wired headset, the phone may ask you what type of device you have connected to it. Select Headset or Headset to activate the microphone. If you select only Headphones, the microphone on the wire won't work, and the sound will remain, but only for playback.
It’s also worth mentioning the Hi-Res Audio feature, which is supported by many of Xiaomi’s wired models.To enjoy-lossless quality, go to the sound settings (Settings → Sound & Vibration → Sound Quality) and select Hi-Res mode or adjust the audio output settings to match the specifications of your headset.
Table of compatibility and characteristics of connection
Different Xiaomi headphone models support different data protocols and codecs, and understanding these differences will help you expect a certain amount of sound quality and stability from the device.
| Model headphones | Bluetooth version | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | 5.2 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | Automatic pop-up window on MIUI, ANC |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | 5.0 | SBC, AAC, LHDC | Low latency, dual connection |
| AirDots Basic 2 | 5.0 | SBC | Basic connection, no application |
| Mi Noise Cancelling | 4.1 / 5.0 | SBC, AAC, aptX HD | Requires applications to adjust noise levels |
As you can see from the table, budget models can be limited to the SBC codec, which provides basic quality, while flagship lines support aptX Adaptive or LHDC for high-resolution sound.
Solution: Headphones are not connected or are not working stable
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties, and the most common problem is that the phone sees the device, but the connection doesn't happen, or the connection is constantly interrupted, often solved by completely cleaning the list of associated devices.
Go to Bluetooth settings, find your headphones in the list of My devices, and click "Forget device" or "Untie." Then put the headphones in the case, close it, wait 10 seconds and repeat the pairing procedure again, as on the first turn on, this resets possible software conflicts.
Another reason could be crowded air in crowded areas (metro, concerts), in which the Bluetooth signal can be jammed. Try to step aside or switch the codec in the developer's settings (Bluetooth Audio Codec) to a more stable one, such as SBC, sacrificing quality for stability.
If you only have one headphone (left or right), it's a sign of the stereo pair's desynchronization, and to solve this problem, perform a hard reset, usually by holding the sensors for a long time (about 20-30 seconds) or by using a special combination of taps described in the manual of a particular model, and after reset, the headphones will again "find" each other and work as a unit.