Modern wireless headphones from Chinese giant Xiaomi deservedly enjoy great popularity due to the excellent value for money. However, after buying, many users have a question: how to perform the primary pairing so that the device works stably and without delay. The process of connecting a Bluetooth headset can vary depending on the particular model, whether it is TWS-included AirDots series, full-size Mi Headphones or neck models Mi Neckband.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions for all types of devices, and also consider the typical errors that prevent successful connection. You will learn how to activate search mode on different gadgets and what to do if the smartphone stopped seeing the headset. Proper setting at the initial stage will help to avoid problems with channel desynchronization and interruption of sound in the future.
Before you get to specific actions, you need to make sure your device is fully charged.A discharged battery is often the hidden reason that the gadget does not enter pairing mode or quickly shuts down.It is also important that the smartphone has geolocation enabled, since modern versions of Android require this resolution to operate a Bluetooth scanner.
Preparation for pairing and activation of the search mode
The first step is always to put the headset in visibility mode. Unlike wired accessories, wireless devices must be presented to the phone. For most Xiaomi models, this happens automatically when you first turn on, but later times you need manual activation. Usually the indicator begins to flash white or red, signaling readiness for connection.
If the indicator doesn't flash, it's possible the device is already connected to another gadget or turned off. TWS-Models like Redmi Buds or Mi True Wireless Earbuds often have to remove the headphones from the case while holding the finger on the touch areas. Full-size models may require holding the on button during the operation. 5-7 seconds before the appearance of a characteristic sound signal.
⚠️ Note: If the headset has previously been paired with another phone, it may try to connect to it automatically, ignising your new smartphone.In this case, you need to turn off Bluetooth on the old device or reset the headphones.
The key is the distance between the devices. To successfully start the procedure, it is recommended to keep the headphones and phone at a distance of no more than 1 meter from each other. The presence of metal barriers or working microwave ovens can cause interference in the 2.4 GHz range, which will make it difficult to detect the device.
It is important to understand the difference between simple on and (pairing) mode. Regular on just activates the electronics, whereas the pairing mode makes the device visible to external scanners. On some Xiaomi models, the required sequence of taps is required to enter this mode, which we will talk about in the next sections.
Instructions for TWS-Headphones (AirDots, Redmi Buds, Earbuds)
The most popular category of devices is the fully wireless inserts, which have their own nuances related to the presence of a charging case, and users often try to connect the headphones themselves, forgetting that the case can also play the role of a transmitter or controller for some models.
For classic models like Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic or Redmi AirDots, the algorithm is to remove both headphones from the case at the same time. If they don't blink themselves, press and hold the touch areas on both earphones for 3-5 seconds. The indicators should start flashing often, which means entering search mode.
What if the headphones are not synchronized with each other?
More advanced models, such as the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, support the technology of fast pairing through a pop-up (POP-up), similar to Apple AirPods, but only on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones with a MIUI shell.
For models with a button on the case, for example, some versions of the Mi Air 2, you need to open the lid and press the function button on the case. The indicator on the front panel of the case will start to pulse, informing you of readiness for connection. Do not close the case cover during the search process, as this may interrupt the signal transmission.
- 🎧 Remove both earphones from the case at the same time.
- 🔘 Press the touch zones or button on the case before the indicator flashes.
- 📱 Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and find the model in the list.
- ✅ Click "Connect" and wait for the sound confirmation in the headphones.
After a successful connection, the voice assistant usually says "Connected" or "Connected." If you hear only one earbud, check the sound balance in the phone settings or repeat the reset procedure.
Connection of full-size and neck headsets
Mi Headphones and Mi Neckband necks are controlled differently because of their size and design, and a physical power button, often combined with a call response function, is key.
Turn on the device with a short press. If it's on, press the power button and hold it for about 5-7 seconds. You'll hear a voice message "Pairing" or "Pairing," and the LED light will flash quickly in blue. Unlike TWS, you don't have to extract anything from the case.
Necks (Bluetooth headsets) often have magnetic units that, when closed, can put the device into sleep mode. Before connecting, make sure that the magnetic parts are sculpted, otherwise the headset may not go out of power saving mode and will not become visible to the phone.
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For full-size headphones, Xiaomi recommends fully charging them within 1-2 hours before the first connection.This calibrates the power controller and ensures stable operation of the Bluetooth module.
In some models, such as Mi Headphones Comfort, a separate button with the Bluetooth logo located on the headband or bowl may be required to enter pairing mode. If the standard hold of the on button does not work, inspect the case for additional switches.
It is important to note that full-size models can support multipoint connection, which means connecting to two devices simultaneously, but for initial setup, it is better to keep Bluetooth active on only one smartphone to avoid priority conflicts.
Connection through the Xiaomi Earbuds and MIUI app
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have a significant advantage due to the deep integration of accessories into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS. For advanced functionality such as updating the firmware of headphones, setting up the equalizer and gesture management, it is recommended to use the official application.
On devices with MIUI 12 and above, the Mi Earbuds app (or the built-in module in Bluetooth settings) is often installed automatically when you first connect. If that doesn't happen, it can be found in the GetApps store or Google Play. Through this app, you can check the charge level of each headphone separately and the case.
For iPhone and other Android smartphones, the functionality may be limited to the basic SBC/AAC protocol. However, basic connectivity is performed in a standard way through Bluetooth system settings without the need to install additional software.
The app also provides a headphone search feature if they are lost within reach of the network, and you can make them squeak even if they are in the case (provided the case is open and charged), which is especially useful for models without automatic shutdown when placed in the case.
Remember to check the Software Update section of the app regularly. Xiaomi engineers periodically release patches that improve connection stability and eliminate audio delays in games. The headphone firmware is updated only when they are in the case and charged more than 20%.
Compatibility table and model codes
When searching for a device on the list of available, you can sometimes get confused in the names, as the same headphones can be sold under different names for the global market and China.
| Marking on the box | Name in Bluetooth. | Type of device | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic | Mi True Wireless EBs_Basic_R | TWS | It is necessary to connect the left and right channel |
| Redmi AirDots 3 | Redmi AirDots 3 | TWS | Support for aptX Adaptive |
| Mi Neckband Pro | Mi Neckband Pro | Necks. | Active noise cancellation by ANC |
| Mi Headphones 3.5mm | Not applicable. | Wired | Connection via 3.5 mm connector |
| Mi True Wireless Earphones 2s | Mi TW 2s | TWS | Support for wireless charging |
Note that the " L" and " R" suffixes in the device names mean left and right earphone respectively. TWS-You can see two devices, and you can pick one of them (usually the right one) and it automatically pulls the second one.
If you see a device on the list called "BT-Audio" or a similar generic name, but you don't see your Xiaomi model, maybe the headphones are in standby or discharged. Try putting them in the case for charging and repeat the procedure for entering pairing mode.
Problem Solving: The headset is not connected
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical failures, and the most common problem is that the phone sees the device but writes "Plug error" or just turns the boot indicator, in which case the first thing you need to do is remove the device from the list of previously connected devices ("Forget the device") and try again.
If the problem is not solved, do a full reset of Bluetooth settings on your smartphone. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth, click three dots in the corner and select Reset Bluetooth Settings. This will not delete your data, but will clear the connection cache.
☑️ Diagnosing Connection Problems
For TWS-Xiaomi headphones there is a universal method of hard reset: place the headphones in the case, open the lid and press the buttons on the headphones themselves (or the button on the case) on the case. 20-30 seconds until the indicator flashes orange or red several times.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your headphone settings, all the saved pairs will be deleted. You will have to re-pair with all the devices you previously used this headset.
It's also worth checking if the paired devices on the earbud are full. Some models only remember the last 3-5 devices. If you change phones often, old records can interfere with new connections and need to be cleared through reset.