Connecting a xiaomi headset. Why don't headphones work with Xiaomi? Feedback on use
Xiaomi relatively rarely pleases us with smartphone announcements, but accessories are often released under its brand. Some of them, for example, headphones, external batteries and fitness bracelets, due to the excellent combination of price and quality, are deservedly popular even here. In addition to them, the company’s arsenal includes smart scales, air purifiers, speakers, and various small things like USB lamps and fans. If desired, a fan of the brand can even get branded sneakers. It's time to get acquainted with another new product, the Mi Bluetooth Headset mono headset.
The headset for review was provided by the online store Xiaomi.ua
Equipment and design
The headset comes in a small box along with extra earbuds, a short charging cable, and instructions (in Chinese).
Having opened the box, you immediately notice the very simple design of the Mi Headset, by the standards of headsets. There is some kind of stick or tube looking at you from the box.
The shape of the case is close to an ideal cylinder, the dimensions are similar to an AAA battery. At the back there is a traditional protruding part with a speaker protected by mesh.
There is a small slot on the front of the headset that hides the microphone(s) and activity indicator. The latter may flash blue or red, depending on the status of the device.
At the bottom there is a standard microUSB for charging, at the top there is a single control key.
As we have already noted, the earphone looks very simple, the body is plastic, painted with a special matte paint. According to the manufacturer, this coating is excellent at resisting fingerprints and is durable. We agree with the first, the headset really maintains a neat appearance, but the second is difficult to check.
The headset comes in two colors, black and white, both look good.
Functionality
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset has standard characteristics for such devices. The interface is Bluetooth 4.1, there is support for A2DP (you can listen to music), it supports working with two phones, and there is noise reduction. Weighing 6.5 grams, the headset can work up to 5 hours in talk mode and listening to music or up to 180 hours (a week) in standby mode. Charging time – 2 hours.
In progress
Control is carried out with one single key, it is standardized for all similar headsets. You can answer or end a call by simply pressing a key. Double pressing the button in standby mode – dial the last number, hold – call the voice assistant. A long press is responsible for turning it on/off and switching to pairing mode.
To connect a second phone/computer, you need to turn off Bluetooth on the first paired device, put the headset in pairing mode, connect the second device and turn on Bluetooth on the first.
If the earphone is connected to an iPhone or Meizu, the charge level is displayed in the status bar. It’s a little strange, but there is no such option on Xiaomi smartphones.
Ergonomics are good. The headset weighs little, so it is practically not felt in the ear. All earbuds have a special support for the auricle and better fixation. On earbuds of different sizes, only the size of the protruding part differs; a letter designation of the size (S/M/L) is also applied to it. The Mi Bluetooth Headset “holds on” well and does not fall out even with sudden movements.
Judging by the official images, the headset can be worn on a special chain, but it is not included in the kit and is not yet sold separately.
There are no problems with the main function (conversations). During a week of use, none of the interlocutors complained about audibility. In the opposite direction, you can also hear everything well; the speaker volume is enough for communication in the office or on a quiet street. In very noisy places, for example, in the subway or near a busy highway, you won’t be able to communicate; the open design takes its toll, and you practically can’t hear your interlocutor. This is a common problem with all in-ear headphones. In music mode, the speaker volume is higher than in talk mode. The declared operating range is 10 meters, this is a standard characteristic for any Bluetooth device. In practice, the signal is transmitted without interference if you walk around a spacious room or even go out into the next one, but in this case it is better to avoid thick walls and not go far. The actual operating time is close to the stated one.
In fact, the only drawback that was identified after a week of use was the Chinese instructions and the Chinese voice acting of the built-in voice prompts. The first makes it difficult to get to know all the functions, the second does not allow you to check the status of the headset (charge level, etc.).
Results
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset can be called a good mono headset. There are no problems with voice quality, there is excellent functionality and a simple, practical design. For a Xiaomi fan, such a device can be classified as a “must have”; it will be a good addition to your favorite smartphone. In other cases, it is worth considering the price factor (800 hryvnia), because at the time of writing the review it is comparable or higher than mid-range devices from Plantronics or Jabra.
Liked:
— Voice quality
— Bluetooth 4.1, A2DP, work with two devices
— Normal operating hours
Didn't like:
— Lack of localization
The editors would like to thank the Xiaomi.ua online store for providing the device for review.
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Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset Black (ZBW4346GL) 280 - 806 UAH Compare prices |
| Type | Bluetooth headset |
| Headset type | mono |
| Type of earphone(s) | insert (“plugs”) |
| Mounting type | intracanal |
| Bluetooth version | 4.1 |
| Automatic volume adjustment | no data |
| Digital noise and echo reduction | + |
| Multipoint | + |
| A2DP | + |
| AVRCP | + |
| Apt-X | — |
| Type, battery capacity, mAh | no data |
| Talk/playback time, h | 5 |
| Standby time, h | 180 |
| Charging time, h | 2 |
| USB charging | + |
| Status indicator | + |
| Display | — |
| Dimensions, mm | 56×10 |
| Weight, g | 6,5 |
| Equipment | headset, attachments - 3 pcs. (S, M, L), instructions, USB cable |
| Phone ringtone | — |
| Number of microphones | 1 |
| Vibration alert | — |
| NFC | — |
| Wired connection | — |
| Connecting your headphones | — |
| Case with battery | — |
| Voice dialing/control | + |
| More | For its special design, the device received the prestigious 2015 German IF Design Award; One-piece headset body, anti-oil coating; 3 types of headsets (ear cushions) made of special medical silicone; Improved speakers, silicon microphone; High frequency headset speakers, compatible with 4G network; Silicon microphone, high noise reduction, clear voice sound; An extremely small device with a very wide range of applications; |
We finally got wireless ears from Xiaomi. But how do they play?
Have you seen the first “miband”? Surely you, a girlfriend, grandmother or friend have it. Now imagine that you have a couple of million cases for a larger version, but they are not useful for the new version?
Ok - let's make another device. Is there also a Bluetooth module? Then we’ll send a bunch of unfinished MiBands for conversion into headsets/
So we got Xiaomi Mi Sports for 1600 rubles.
Non-unique design for a consistent style
In fact, this solution perfectly combines the new Mi Sports headset with the older Xiaomi fitness tracker. An interesting move, but we expect more.
However, externally the headset was a success. Although it looks like 2 “mibands” connected by a cord, it looks good. 
The speaker is placed in a “fairing”, thanks to which the musical part is separated from the digital filling. The headphones are in-ear, using regular Xiaomi ear pads. 
The headset is designed to be behind-the-ear. The earphone capsule continues with a solid earhook. The design is rigid and does not bend. 
The wire has a durable rubber (?) braid without memory effect. Doesn't get tangled or twisted. Excess can be removed using a tiny logo holder. 
A one-button remote control with a microphone is located asymmetrically on the wire. Barely larger than a holder, practically weightless.
Controls: simplicity without complication
The headset is controlled using two buttons on the right earpiece (volume “+”, “-”) and a button on the remote control. With the help of the latter you can: accept, reject or end a call, turn on the player or pause the music.
Connecting Mi Sports to your smartphone is done by long pressing the button on the remote control.
In the case of the new sports headset, Xiaomi somehow managed without any applications and “smart” functions. It's simple - turn on Bluetooth on your phone, hold down the button on the remote control.
Then you need to find several hieroglyphs in the list of available devices and connect it. And here, too, there are no innovations - the headphones work with any sound sources: iOS and Android devices, laptops and even Smart TV.
Disappointment for audiophiles and luck for Apple fans
Xiaomi Mi Sports works using the Bluetooth 4.1 protocol, but provides connection to most modern devices - version 3.0 and higher is sufficient.
Why has Mi Sports become a disappointment for audiophiles, you ask? It's simple - no aptX support. None at all. Accordingly, you can forget about a more or less “fat” audio stream.
Strictly speaking - nothing surprising. The presence of aptX support does not yet mean that you can listen to music with a 320 kbps stream without reducing quality, not to mention losseless formats.
Should we care? It’s unlikely, because the iPhone doesn’t support it anyway. But owners of other equipment will be disappointed. But there are no problems with connection: Mi Sports work with anything, both in conversation mode and for listening to music.
Testing the sound:
Xiaomi Mi Sports provides loud, clear, fairly balanced sound. The low frequencies are clearly overestimated - to please the mass user, nothing more.
The sound of the headset is tailored precisely so that the average buyer will turn it on in a crowded place immediately after purchase, smile, and go about his business.
I'll like this approach to sound and bassheads - but you'll have to work a little with the equalizer.
Most high-quality wired plugs sound richer. However, if we compare Xiaomi Mi Sports with popular models of wired “senheisers”, ordinary Sony ones for 1500 rubles or Piston, beloved by Russian users, Mi Sports sound louder, richer, brighter.
In the battle with any cheap multi-driver headsets, of which there are a lot on the market, the new Xiaomi product certainly loses.
Long-lived among headphones
One of the big advantages of Xiaomi Mi Sports, otherwise known as Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headphones, is their good battery life. The company pays significant attention to this parameter in its smartphones, and has begun to transfer this experience to accessories.
Due to the large dimensions and weight of each of the headphones that make up the headset, the total operating time of Mi Sports can reach 7.5 hours. True, at a volume slightly below average.
The average level with ideal connection with a smartphone allows you to listen to music for 6-7 hours.
Maximum volume or the presence of serious interference (however, the system unit or a pair of servers nearby are not such for the headset under test) reduces this parameter to 5 hours. But you won't listen so loudly.
Personal experience: two sleepless weeks with Mi Sports
It so happened that testing the new Xiaomi headset coincided with a very busy work and school period. I literally had to live through this time with her, using Mi Sports as my main headphones.
Despite the serious dimensions by earplug standards, the headphones fit perfectly without causing discomfort. This is largely due to the behind-the-ear fit. The design of the earhook is well thought out, although when running you want to press it tighter.
The battery works out its values fairly, and, if necessary, is quickly replenished using most portable batteries - any source with an output of 5V, 1 A will do. If the headset is connected but inactive, the charge is practically not wasted.
The volume is sufficient in all cases. Speech is intelligible in both directions – even in high noise environments.
A noticeable drawback of Mi Sports is complete sound insulation. This is very good for regular headphones, but when playing sports, driving a car and some situations that require increased attention, you have to turn off the music or put the headphone over your ear (just behind the ear).
Was I comfortable? Yes. Was it difficult to manage? No. Perhaps, as an additional wireless accessory, hand-free for certain cases, I will get this one for myself. As always, Xiaomi is cheap, high quality and convenient.
Should you run or listen to music?
Xiaomi positions its devices very clearly. We all know that there are only two categories out of three that can be combined: cheap, high quality, convenient.
In the case of her first Bluetooth headset, she reduced the cost as much as possible and ensured ease of use. The catch is hidden in the sound quality.
I won't say that Mi Sports sound bad. The Meizu EP-51 headset, which has already gained popularity on the Russian market, sounds frankly worse to the ear of a music lover. But the conditions for using a wireless headset suggest slightly different usage scenarios. 
For Xiaomi, the production of sports accessories is becoming an increasingly important aspect of its activities. We already know about Xiaomi Mi Sport Shoes Smart Edition sneakers, sportswear and fitness trackers from Xiaomi. Now a Bluetooth headset has appeared on the market, called Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth. We will devote today's review to this new product, and in the end you will be able to decide whether you need Xiaomi Sport headphones.
The appearance and ergonomics of the earphone evoke only enthusiastic exclamations. From a design point of view, these are two capsules, between which there is a rubberized wire for connection. The holder with the company logo makes it easy to remove excess wire. Although the memory effect is present, the wire will not tan or crack in the cold. In general, for a budget device, this gadget is made of excellent materials.
On the right side of the wire there is a one-button remote control on which a microphone is attached. Using it, you can accept and reject calls, as well as control your audio player. The capsules have a metal insert for decorative purposes, very reminiscent of the one used in the first Mi Band. One of these capsules has a similar LED. For Xiaomi Mi Sports Bluetooth Headset, it serves as an indicator that the headset is connected to a mobile device.
Compared to the first Mi Band, each capsule weighs a little more, but it is worth recognizing that the dimensions of the device in this case have significantly increased. On the side of the ear there are thickenings - an audio system. Inside the capsules themselves there is a battery and an electronic smart component.
The right capsule contains volume buttons, as well as a microUSB port. To increase the protection of these elements, a rubber plug is provided.
Xiaomi wireless headphones are supposed to be worn behind the ear. The ear hook is quite rigid; it is made of unbendable plastic. The acoustic chamber allows for the greatest possible contact with the ear. If not for this element, the headphones would simply hang on the ear pads. But this option is also provided by the manufacturer. The ear pads on the Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth White are 2 times longer than the standard ones used on the Hybrid or Piston.
In a word, the Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth White design is comfortable to wear in any format and with any ear size. Due to the fact that the kit comes with three sizes of ear pads, Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth White is suitable for both men and women. An original option is to wear the earphone not completely inserted into the ear canal. This will allow you to hear surrounding sounds while enjoying music or having a conversation on the phone.
Well, if you want to completely ignore the environment, then insert the Xiaomi Mi Sport headphones tightly into your ears - maximum sound insulation is guaranteed. The product feels soft but durable. The structure is pleasant and rough, which at the same time creates a disadvantage in the form of accumulation of dirt on the surface and the appearance of problems with cleaning.
We give gifts
Sound quality
Even compared to flagships, the sound quality in the Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth headphones seems very good. Of course, we won’t compare them with wired Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth headphones - they’re just different devices. But in terms of the combination of ease of use and sound quality, Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth White has very few competitors. This accessory will be an excellent addition to your outdoor activities, will help with sports, or simply provide distraction during monotonous work or travel on public transport.
One of the main advantages of Xiaomi Mi Sport Bluetooth White is that the volume level is incredibly high. Even if there is a lot of noise around you, headphones will allow you to distract yourself from what is happening without the slightest problem. Communicating on the phone using a headset is also very convenient, since sound transmission is good in both directions, regardless of the scenario in which the device is used.
If we highlight the shortcomings of the sound, then it is worth mentioning the tendency towards bass to the detriment of high frequencies. The equalizer settings help somewhat, but the overall impression is still a little off.
Comparing the gadget with its competitor Meizu EP-51, we note that Xiaomi has better sound quality. And the main advantage is that thanks to the classic seating option, you can feel the music without any problems, fully enjoying it. Let us remind you that the headset from Meizu is made somewhat non-standardly, which is why during listening it creates interference in the ear canal, as if distancing the sound.
Autonomy
According to the manufacturer, the device can work on a single charge for 7 hours straight. But the mode of use of the headset is not indicated. During testing, we were able to obtain the following indicators:
- In standby mode, the device holds a charge for 10 hours straight;
- At low playback volume, suitable for a quiet room - 7 hours;
- At medium volume (in the office, in the gym) - 6 hours;
- At high volume in a noisy place - 5 hours.
Telephone conversations using a headset have virtually no effect on preserving battery life.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The gadget works with any device that has Bluetooth. The protocol of the headset itself complies with version 4.1, but due to backward compatibility, optional use with lower versions is ensured. There are also no restrictions on the hardware platform. You can connect the headset to both iOS and Android devices. It is also possible to connect to Windows computers and laptops.
Conclusions
In general, the Mi Sports headset turned out to be very successful. Here you will find a thoughtful, comfortable design, an attractive design, and a very comfortable fit. The autonomy of the device is also sufficient for you to safely leave the house and not carry a charger with you everywhere.
I decided to purchase a Xiaomi Headset Bluetooth headset to replace a Chinese unnamed one, which after a month of operation stopped connecting to the phone. As a result, the choice fell on Xiaomi to replenish my collection of devices from this company. As it turned out, having ordered headset on Herbest I didn’t make a mistake - but let’s take it in order.
Xiaomi headset kit
The Xiaomi Mi Headset wireless headset comes in a branded white box that is significantly larger in size. On the reverse side there is a security code to verify the authenticity of the headset on the manufacturer’s official website - everything is like an adult!
Inside except for the headset itself
- we find instructions in Chinese,
- small USB charging cable
- and a set of spare rubber inserts.
Appearance of Xiaomi Mi Headset
The headset body is made of one-piece molded plastic with a rounded shape and a soft-touch coating - pleasant to both the eye and the touch. It is no larger than your index finger
At the bottom there is a microUSB connector for charging
And at the top is a function button.
There is also a small blue light on the case - red during charging and blue when communication is established.
Connecting Xiaomi Mi Headset to your phone
Connecting a headset to the phone is simply indecent. Press the function key on the headset so that the blue light flashes. Next, turn on Bluetooth on the phone, go to its settings and see a new device made of Chinese characters
We connect to it - after which a pleasant female voice in Chinese will report a successful connection. After this, when making a call from your phone, the program will prompt you to choose what to use during the conversation - a speaker or a headset.
You can also control the call using the button on the headset itself. To accept a call, press once, to hang up, press twice. If you press the button twice in the standby state, the last number dialed will begin to be dialed. By the way, when there is an incoming call, the girl on the phone diligently pronounces the subscriber’s phone number - in Chinese 😉
Feedback on use
I have almost no complaints regarding use - the connection does not fall off, the sound is excellent and the charge holds for a long time. The exception is adjusting the speaker volume - it can only be controlled from the phone, since there are no keys on the case that are responsible for this function. This is not very convenient when, for example, you need to turn down the volume while driving, but you can’t do it with one hand without taking your eyes off the road.
I also didn’t quite like the type of fastening. This rubber loop, designed to spring into the ear, thereby holding the headset, actually strives to push it out of the ear hole. To securely fasten it, you will have to look for its best position. More practical in this regard is a mount in the form of a loop that clings to the ear.
Otherwise, it’s an excellent device that justifies the money spent on it.
It's rare to see a person walking down the street talking into a wireless headset, even today. I admit, I myself have not used this miracle of technology. And very much in vain. It’s a useful thing and I think everyone can afford it. During long conversations, you do not need to hold the phone in a raised hand, pressing it to your ear until it hurts. There is no need to take out your smartphone in the cold and take off your glove to take a call. This is also convenient for housewives who love and can talk for hours with their girlfriends while cooking something delicious. Oh yes, I forgot about those who really need a wireless headset - drivers. Who better than them needs to have their hands free while talking on the phone.
Well, let's look at one such headset from the popular Chinese brand Xiaomi, which has established itself as a manufacturer of good gadgets at an affordable price. It's called Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset. Below are its specifications:
- Bluetooth chip: CSR 8610
- Bluetooth Version: V4.1
- Bluetooth protocol: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
- Working distance: up to 10m
- Weight: 6.5 g
- Size: 5.6x1.0x0.8 cm
- Interface: Micro-USB
- Talk time: 5 hours
- Standby time: up to 180 hours
- Charging time: about 2 hours
- Permissible temperature: from -20 to +70
Equipment
The headset is packed in a thick white cardboard box. The manufacturer's logo is modestly located on the top of the box. If you turn the packaging over, you will see a badge indicating that the headset has received the 2015 iF Design Award. The specifications of the gadget, a barcode and a protective sticker confirming that it is original are also written down there.
The kit includes:
- headset
- 3 ear tips (S/M/L)
- manual in Chinese
- USB cable
Appearance
Design is, of course, a subjective thing, but it is still worth noting the fact that the Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset was awarded a prestigious award. It is available in three colors: white, black and dark blue. I got the dark blue one. On the top edge of the wireless headset there is a call acceptance button, and on the bottom there is a Micro-USB connector, which is used for charging. There is also an LED indicator located at the bottom.
Functionality and ease of use
Unfortunately, the instructions are only in Chinese, so I had to figure it out without it. As stated at the beginning of the article, a wireless headset is quite a useful thing. With one click of a button, you can accept a call or end a conversation. You can also use this action to stop the player or continue playing music. If you double press the button, the call that was last in the call list will be made. You can turn Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset on or off by pressing the button, and turning it on/off is accompanied by sound. When you receive a call, the headset reports this, albeit in Chinese.
When the headset is turned off, to connect the Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset with your smartphone, you need to long press the button, after which you can find it in the list of detected devices. In order for the connection to succeed, you need to confirm it by briefly pressing the button on the headset.
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset worked for me for 3.5 days. Of course, I turned it off at night. I think it's a good result. The headset was loaded with several calls, but was also used as headphones for multimedia purposes, because I wore it all day. During charging, the indicator light turns red and blue when the headset is charged. I would like to note the good sound quality even during music playback. The quality of the connection is good, but I can’t say it’s ideal based on how I could hear my interlocutor and how he could hear me. The headset has a large volume reserve. I used the volume at a lower than average level.
The headset fits in the ear quite comfortably and there is no discomfort. At the same time, it does not try to fall out even if you shake your head well.
Results
Summing up, I would like to once again note the benefits of a wireless headset, because I forgot to mention one more case for its use - playing sports, for example, jogging.
Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Headset is a strong player in the wireless headsets market, as it has the characteristics of expensive models and a price typical of budget ones. It fits comfortably in the ear, has good volume and good battery life. She received an award in the field of design; her appearance is undoubtedly successful. Oh yeah, I forgot to say that it costs just over $15. The purchase link is below.