Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Delay on Earbuds Fix

Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Delay on Earbuds Fix – UK Guide

If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO earbuds have noticeable audio delay (lip-sync lag) during videos, games, or voice calls, this guide covers the most common causes and how to fix them.

Quick Answer:
If your Bluetooth earbuds have audio delay, first make sure both earbuds are sufficiently charged. Then check your phone's Bluetooth codec settings: Settings → Additional settings → Developer options → Bluetooth audio codec → try switching to AAC or SBC depending on your earbuds. Also ensure the Xiaomi Earbuds app and earbuds firmware are updated. To reduce latency, enable Low latency or Game mode in the app if available, and test the earbuds on another device to isolate the issue.

Why Does Bluetooth Audio Delay Happen?

Bluetooth earbuds transmit audio wirelessly, which requires compression, transmission, and decompression—this naturally creates a small delay. However, excessive delay is usually caused by:

  • Incorrect Bluetooth codec – Some codecs (like LDAC or aptX HD) prioritise sound quality over low latency.
  • Interference – Multiple Bluetooth or Wi-Fi devices nearby can cause interference.
  • Outdated firmware – Earbuds or phone software may not be optimised.
  • Distance or obstacles – Bluetooth typically works reliably within about 10 metres in open space. Walls, your body, vehicles and other obstacles can reduce this distance significantly.
  • App-specific issues – Some video players handle audio differently.
  • Multipoint connection – Switching between two connected devices can introduce delays or brief interruptions.
  • Battery Saver mode – Power saving features can reduce Bluetooth performance on some devices.

🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table

What you seeWhat it usually means
Audio delay only in games/videosLow latency mode or codec issue
Audio delay all the timeCodec, interference, or distance issue
Delay only in one appApp-specific audio sync problem
Delay got worse after an updateFirmware or codec changed
Delay only in one earBluetooth connection issue

🔍 Quick Start – Find Your Path

SymptomMost Likely CauseGo To
Delay in games or videosLow latency mode or codec issueSection 1
Delay all the timeCodec or interference issueSection 2
Delay in one ear onlyConnection or reset issueSection 3
Delay worse after updateFirmware or codec resetSection 4
Delay only in one appApp-specific issueSection 5

Section 1 – Delay in Games or Videos (Low Latency Mode)

If audio lags behind video in games or streaming apps, the most effective fix is enabling Low latency or Game mode on your earbuds, and adjusting the Bluetooth codec.

Try these in order:

  1. Make sure both earbuds are sufficiently charged – A very low battery level can reduce connection stability and increase audio interruptions.
  2. Enable low latency mode – In the Xiaomi Earbuds app, check if your model supports Low latency or Game mode. Enable it for reduced lag during gaming or video. Low latency mode reduces delay but may increase battery consumption.
  3. Check your Bluetooth codec – Go to Settings → Additional settings → Developer options → Bluetooth audio codec. Try the codec recommended by your earbuds manufacturer. If no recommendation is available, test AAC and SBC individually to see which provides lower latency on your device. If your earbuds support LHDC Low Latency or LC3 (if both your phone and earbuds support Bluetooth LE Audio), use those first if available.
  4. Test the earbuds on another device – If delay appears on every device, the problem is likely the earbuds. If only on your Xiaomi, the problem is the phone/software.
  5. Check for firmware updates – Open the Xiaomi Earbuds app and check if any firmware updates are available for your earbuds. Keep the charging case above 50% battery during the firmware update, leave both earbuds in the charging case, and avoid interrupting the process.

Section 2 – Delay All the Time (Codec or Interference)

If audio delay occurs constantly regardless of the app, the issue is usually Bluetooth codec, interference, or distance. If your earbuds also disconnect randomly, see our Xiaomi Bluetooth Keeps Disconnecting – UK Fix guide.

Try these in order:

  1. Change Bluetooth audio codec – Settings → Additional settings → Developer options → Bluetooth audio codec. Try the codec recommended by your earbuds manufacturer, or test AAC and SBC individually. If your earbuds support LHDC Low Latency or LC3 (if both your phone and earbuds support Bluetooth LE Audio), enable that option if available.
  2. Reduce interference – Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby (e.g., smartwatches, other headphones). If multiple routers or Bluetooth devices are used around the earbuds at the same time, it will cause varying degrees of interference.
  3. Keep the phone close – Bluetooth typically works reliably within about 10 metres in open space. Keeping your phone in a pocket, backpack, or behind your body can weaken the Bluetooth signal, especially in crowded wireless environments. Human body tissue absorbs Bluetooth signals, which can slightly reduce signal quality.
  4. Disable multipoint connection – If your earbuds support dual-device (multipoint) connection, disable it temporarily. Switching between two connected devices can introduce delays or brief interruptions.
  5. Reset your earbuds – Place both earbuds back into the charging case, close the lid for 5 seconds, then open the lid and reconnect them to your phone. Or use the reset function in the Xiaomi Earbuds app.
  6. Check for firmware updates – Ensure both the earbuds' firmware and the Xiaomi Earbuds app are updated to the latest version.

Section 3 – Delay in One Ear Only (Connection or Reset Issue)

If only one earbud has audio delay, the issue is likely a Bluetooth connection or pairing issue.

Try these in order:

  1. Reset the earbuds – Place both earbuds back into the charging case, close the lid for 5 seconds, then open the lid and reconnect them to your phone.
  2. Forget and re-pair – Settings → Connection & sharing → Bluetooth → find your earbuds → select "Forget" or "Unpair". Then place the earbuds back into pairing mode and connect them again.
  3. Fully charge both earbuds – Low battery on one earbud can cause performance issues.

Section 4 – Delay Worse After Update (Firmware or Codec Reset)

If audio delay started after a system or firmware update, the update may have changed codec settings or introduced a bug.

Try these in order:

  1. Check Bluetooth codec – Section 2. Updates often reset this to default.
  2. Check for another update – Sometimes a follow-up patch fixes issues introduced by the previous update.
  3. Restart both your phone and the earbuds – After the update has completed, restart both devices.
  4. Reset earbuds – Section 2.
  5. Test with a different device – If the delay persists on another phone, the issue is with the earbuds. If not, the issue is your Xiaomi.

Section 5 – Delay Only in One App (App-Specific Issue)

If audio delay only happens in one specific app, the issue is likely the app's audio handling.

Try these in order:

  1. Check the app's audio sync settings – Some third-party media players include an audio delay or lip-sync adjustment. If the issue only occurs in one app, check whether that app provides audio synchronisation settings.
  2. Try a different video player – Test the same video in a different app to see if the issue persists.
  3. Clear app cache – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → select the app → Storage → Clear cache.
  4. Update the app – Update through the Play Store.

Why Does Bluetooth Audio Delay Happen on Xiaomi Earbuds?

  • Bluetooth codec (most common) – Some codecs prioritise sound quality over low latency.
  • Interference – Multiple routers or Bluetooth devices used around the earbuds at the same time cause varying degrees of interference.
  • Low latency mode off – Game mode or low latency mode may be disabled.
  • Distance – Bluetooth typically works reliably within about 10 metres in open space. Walls, your body, vehicles and other obstacles can reduce this distance significantly.
  • Outdated firmware – Updates can improve latency.
  • App-specific – Different apps handle audio differently.
  • Multipoint connection – Switching between two connected devices can introduce delays or brief interruptions.
  • Battery Saver mode – Power saving features can reduce Bluetooth performance on some devices.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • Don't force LDAC or aptX HD for gaming – These codecs prioritise quality over speed.
  • Don't ignore app-specific settings – Some apps have built-in audio sync controls.
  • Don't assume all earbuds have zero latency – Bluetooth always has a slight delay.

Quick Questions

Why is my Xiaomi Bluetooth audio delayed?
Most commonly, the Bluetooth codec is set to a high-latency codec (LDAC, aptX HD), or low latency mode is off. Try switching to AAC or SBC in Developer Options.

How do I reduce Bluetooth latency on Xiaomi?
Enable low latency or game mode in the Xiaomi Earbuds app, switch to AAC or SBC in Developer Options, and keep your phone close to the earbuds.

Which Bluetooth codec gives the lowest latency?
Try the codec recommended by your earbuds manufacturer. If no recommendation is available, test AAC and SBC individually on your device. If your earbuds support LHDC Low Latency or LC3 (with LE Audio), use those first.

Can Wi-Fi or other devices cause Bluetooth delay?
Yes. If multiple routers or Bluetooth devices are used around the earbuds at the same time, it will cause varying degrees of interference. Turn off other Bluetooth devices and move away from your Wi-Fi router.

Why is audio delay worse after an update?
Updates can reset codec settings or introduce bugs. Check the Bluetooth codec and reset your earbuds. Also check the Xiaomi Earbuds app for firmware updates for the earbuds themselves.

Why does one earbud have more delay than the other?
This is usually a connection or pairing issue. Reset the earbuds and re-pair them. Ensure both earbuds are fully charged.

Does Bluetooth multipoint cause audio delay?
Yes. Switching between two connected devices can introduce delays or brief interruptions. Disable multipoint temporarily if your earbuds support it.

Why is Bluetooth audio delayed only on YouTube?
YouTube itself usually compensates for normal Bluetooth latency. If delay only occurs in YouTube, clear the app cache, update the app, and test another video to rule out encoding issues.

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