Modern smartphones of the Redmi i Xiaomi series have powerful functionality that is fully revealed using wireless peripherals. Refusal of wires gives freedom of movement, allows you to conveniently listen to music in the gym or conduct negotiations without being distracted from other matters. However, the process of pairing devices sometimes raises questions among users, especially during the first setup or after updating the system MIUI.
The process of connecting the phone and headset is based on a standard protocol Bluetooth, but the Xiaomi shell has its own nuances of displaying menus and managing connections. In this article, we'll go through each step in detail, from activating search mode on your headphones to fine-tuning audio codecs for maximum sound quality. You will learn not only how to quickly start using the accessory, but also how to eliminate typical synchronization errors.
Before moving on to the smartphone settings, you need to make sure that your headphones are in the correct condition. Most models require manual switching to (pairing) mode, especially if they were previously connected to another device. Ignoring this step is the most common reason why the phone does not see the headset, although the indicators are on.
Preparing the wireless headset for pairing
The first and most important step is to put your headphones into discovery mode. Many users mistakenly believe that simply turning on a device makes it visible to the phone, but this is not the case. To get started, you need to activate a special mode, which is usually signaled by a flashing indicator.
If you have full-size headphones or a model with a neckband, find the power button. Press and hold it longer than it usually takes to turn it on - about 5-7 seconds. You should hear a voice prompt "Pairing" or see the LED rapidly flash red and blue (or white). It is this signal that means that the headset module is open for external connections. Bluetooth The headset is open for external connections.
For owners of completely wireless headphones (TWS), the algorithm may differ depending on the manufacturer of the accessory. Typically, you need to remove both headphones from the case and press the touchpads on both devices at the same time. In some models, such as Apple AirPods or Xiaomi Buds, simply open the lid of the charging case next to the unlocked phone, and the system will offer pairing automatically.
⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the headphones is constantly on and does not blink, then they are trying to connect to the last saved device. In this case, you need to go to the Bluetooth settings on your old phone and click “Forget device” or turn off Bluetooth there to free up the communication channel.
Make sure your headphones are sufficiently charged before starting the procedure. A low battery level may cause the device to exit pairing mode prematurely or become unstable immediately after connection. The optimal charge level for setup is at least 30-40%.
Activating Bluetooth in the MIUI interface
After preparing the headset, go to the smartphone settings. In the shell MIUI, which is installed on all phones Xiaomi i Redmi, control of wireless modules is placed in a convenient notification center, but for detailed settings it is better to use the full menu.
Open the application Settings on the home screen or in the application menu. Find the Bluetoothsection, which is usually located at the top of the list or inside the "Connect and Share" category. Move the switch to the active position. If you are doing this for the first time, the system will ask you to confirm the device name - this is the name that other gadgets will see when searching for your phone.
An alternative and faster way is to use the notification curtain. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the control panel. Find the icon Bluetooth and click on it. To go to the list of available devices, you need to click not on the icon itself, but hold your finger on it for about a second or click on the arrow next to it, depending on your firmware version.
Turn on the "Visibility for all devices" function in the Bluetooth menu if your phone does not appear in the search list on other gadgets, although the search itself works correctly.
After activating the module, the phone will start automatically scanning space within a radius of 10 meters. This process usually takes from 3 to 10 seconds. At this time, you should not actively move with the phone in your hands so as not to interrupt the search for a signal. The list of found devices will be updated in real time.
Device pairing process and confirmation
As soon as your smartphone detects the headset, it will appear in the "Available devices" list. The name usually corresponds to the brand or model of headphones, for example JBL Tune or Haylou GT1. Click on the device name to initiate the connection procedure.
In most cases, the connection occurs instantly and without additional confirmation. However, if you connect an older model of headset or specific equipment, you may be asked to enter a PIN code on the screens of both devices. The standard code for most devices is 0000 or 1234. Enter it on your phone if the appropriate field appears.
Successful connection is confirmed by changing the device status in the list. The inscription "Available" will change to "Connected" or "Connected (media, phone)". Also, a headphone battery icon (on new versions of Android) or simply a headset icon will appear in the phone’s status bar. The sound of system notifications should now be played through the headphones.
☑️ Checking a successful connection
Sometimes it happens that the phone shows the “Connected” status, but there is no sound. In this case, check your audio output settings. Click on the gear or arrow next to the name of the connected headphones in the Bluetooth menu. Make sure the “Audio” and “Phone” checkboxes are checked. If the "Audio" item is disabled, media content will play through the smartphone's speaker.
Setting sound quality and codecs
For users who value high audio quality, standard settings may not be enough. Smartphones Xiaomi support various audio codecs that affect the clarity and detail of the sound. Switching to a more advanced codec can significantly improve your music listening experience.
To change codec settings, you must activate the developer menu. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item MIUI version. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu, select Advanced → For developers.
In the "Network" section, find the item Bluetooth Audio Codec. Click on it and select the available option. If your headphones support technology aptX, LDAC or LC3, select the appropriate item in the list. This will ensure sound transmission with minimal losses and high bitrate.
| Codec | Bitrate (kbit/s) | Latency (ms) | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | 328 | 220+ | All devices |
| aptX | 352 | 100-150 | Android, Qualcomm |
| LDAC | 990 | 150-200 | Android 8.0+, Sony |
| AAC | 256 | 100+ | iOS, Android |
It is worth considering that the choice of codec depends on the capabilities of both the smartphone and the headphones themselves. If you select LDAC and the headset does not support it, the connection will either fail or automatically fall back to standard SBC. Experiment with the settings to find a balance between sound quality and connection stability.
What is audio latency (Latency)?
Audio latency is the time between the audio signal being sent from the phone and it being played in the headphones. High latency is critical in games and when watching videos, as the sound may lag behind the picture. The aptX Low Latency and LC3 codecs are specially designed to minimize this effect.
Managing multiple devices and profiles
Modern versions of Android and MIUI allow you to connect several Bluetooth devices at the same time. You can use a headset for music and a smartwatch for notifications, or even broadcast audio to two pairs of headphones simultaneously (Dual Audio function).
To manage active connections, go to the Bluetooth menu and click on the settings icon next to the connected device. Here you can rename the headset for convenience, disable contact transfer, or disable the use of media audio, leaving only speakerphone mode. This is useful if you want to listen to music through a speaker and receive calls through headphones.
The automatic switching function does not always work correctly. Sometimes the phone continues to output sound to the speaker even if headphones are connected. In this case, use the music control widget or volume panel: click on the audio output icon (triangle with circles) and manually select your headphones from the list of available output paths.
If you plan to use the phone with several pairs of headphones in turn, It is not necessary to perform the pairing procedure again every time. You just need to connect the device once, and it will be saved in the phone's memory. In the future, the connection will occur automatically when you turn on the headset, if it is within range.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the well-functioning technology, users may encounter difficulties. The most common problem is that the phone does not see the headphones, although they are turned on. In 90% of cases, this is solved by rebooting the Bluetooth module: turn it off in the settings, wait 5 seconds and turn it on again. Rebooting the smartphone itself also helps.
Another situation: the sound is interrupted or a crackling sound appears. This may be caused by interference from Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, or other powerful transmitters operating at the 2.4 GHz frequency. Try moving away from the source of interference or switching the Wi-Fi frequency to 5 GHz in the router settings, if possible.
If the headphones connect, but the other person can’t hear you during a call, check the permissions for the Phone application. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Phone → Permissions and make sure that access to the microphone is allowed. Sometimes the system blocks access to the headset microphone for security reasons.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI settings interface may differ slightly on different Redmi and Xiaomi models, as well as depending on the Android version (11, 12, 13, 14). The location of menu items may change, but the operating logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem.
In the event of a complete failure of Bluetooth operation, when the icon becomes gray and cannot be pressed, you may need to reset the network settings. This action will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, but often restores the functionality of the module. Path to reset: Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
If all else fails, perform a full reset of the headphones to factory settings (usually by holding the volume and power buttons switched off state), and then remove the device from the phone's memory before pairing again.
Why does the phone not see the new headphones?
Most likely, the headphones are not in pairing mode. Simply turning it on is not enough. You need to hold down the power button or touchpads until the indicator blinks quickly. Also check if they are connected to another phone at this moment.
How to improve the sound quality on Xiaomi?
Enable developer mode, select a high-quality codec (aptX or LDAC) and adjust the equalizer in the Music application or a third-party player. Also make sure that the absolute volume limit is disabled in the Bluetooth settings if the sound is too quiet.
Is it possible to connect two pairs of headphones to one phone?
Yes, many modern Xiaomi models support the Dual Audio function. Connect the first pair, then the second. In the audio settings or through the media control panel, you can choose to output audio to both devices simultaneously.
What to do if the audio lags behind the video?
This is a latency problem. Try changing the audio codec to aptX Low Latency in the developer menu. If this does not help, use video players with the function of manually synchronizing audio and video tracks.
Why does my phone battery drain quickly when using headphones?
The active Bluetooth module consumes energy, especially when transmitting high-quality audio. To save money, turn off Bluetooth when you are not using the headset, and avoid being in areas with a lot of noise where the phone has to strengthen the signal.