How to connect Xiaomi monopod to iPhone: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomi monopods have become a popular accessory for mobile photography due to their compactness and functionality. But iPhone owners often face problems when connecting: Bluetooth does not find the device, the downhill button does not work, the application refuses to sync. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect monopods Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick, Xiaomi MiJia Extension Rod and other models with iPhones – from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple’s ecosystem is closed protocols and limited access to third-party accessories, so standard Bluetooth connectivity may not work, and bypass solutions will be required to fully control the camera. We tested all methods on the latest versions of iOS 17.4+ And they've identified those that are guaranteed to work in 2026.

Important: If your Xiaomi monopod is released before 2020 (like Mi Selfie Stick 1), you may need a Lightning adapter to connect to modern iPhones. → 3.5 mm or USB-C → 3.5 mm - more about this in the section about wired connection.

1. Compatibility of Xiaomi monopods with iPhone: which models work

Not all Xiaomi monopods interact equally well with iPhones, here is the up-to-date compatibility table for 2026:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi monopods with a Micro-USB connector (such as older versions of the Mi Selfie Stick) are physically incompatible with iPhones without an adapter. → Lightning or Micro-USB → USB-C (depending on the iPhone model).

If your model is not listed in the table, check it on the official Xiaomi website in the Device Compatibility section. Note that even with a successful connection, some features (such as zoom or camera switching) may not be available due to iOS limitations.

2. Connecting Xiaomi monopod to iPhone via Bluetooth

The most common way is wireless, but there's a nuance here: iPhones often don't see Xiaomi monopods on the list of available devices.

Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone (Settings) → Bluetooth)

Charge the monopod (the battery level should be) >30%)

Make sure the monopod is in pairing mode (blue light flashes)

Disconnect the monopod from other devices (if previously connected)-->

Step 1: Activate the monopod pairing mode:

• 🔄 For Mi Selfie Stick 1/2: Hold the power button 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
• 🔄 For MiJia Extension Rod: Double press the down button and the beep will sound.
• 🔄 For Smart Tripod: Press and Hold the button FN vibrate.

Step 2. On the iPhone, go to Settings. → Bluetooth and wait for the device to appear on the list:

• 📱 MI_Selfie (old-model)
• 📱 MiJia_XXXX (where XXXX — unique ID)
• 📱 Xiaomi_BLE (for new monopods with Bluetooth 5.0+)

Step 3. Click on the monopod name in the list and confirm pairing. PIN-code, try it:

• 🔢 0000 or 1234 (standard codes for Xiaomi)
• 🔢 Look at the code in the monopod instructions (usually a sticker on the package)

⚠️ Note: If the monopod does not appear in the Bluetooth list, try it:

Reboot your iPhone and monopod. Remove the monopod from the list of associated devices (if you have one before), update the monopod firmware through the Mi Home app (if available), try connecting from another device (Android) to check the performance of the monopod.

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If the monopod connects, but the down button does not work, try to enable the option "Use three-dimensional buttons" in the iPhone camera settings (Settings) → Camera. → Volume buttons).

3.Wired Connection: When Bluetooth is Not Working

If the wireless connection fails, you can connect the monopod to the iPhone via cable, which is more reliable, but requires adapters.

For iPhones with a Lightning connector (iPhone 8 – iPhone 14):

• 🔌 Xiaomi Mi Selfie Stick 1 (3.5mm) needs a Lightning adapter → 3.5 mm (officially from Apple or certified).
• 🔌 MiJia Extension Rod (Type-C): Lightning adapter → USB-C (for example, Apple USB-C to Lightning).

For iPhones with USB-C (iPhone 15 and newer):

• 🔌 Xiaomi Smart Tripod (USB-C): Connect directly without adapters.
• 🔌 Older models with 3.5 mm: an adapter is needed USB-C → 3.5 mm.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
2. Connect the monopod to the adapter (or directly if the connectors match).
3. Open the camera app on your iPhone.
4. Press the down button on the monopod - the shutter should work.

⚠️ Note: When wired, some features (such as zoom or camera switching) may not work.This is an iOS limitation, not a monopod. Also make sure you use certified adapters - unoriginal ones can cause an error "This accessory is not supported".

4.Configure the camera control through the monopod

Even after you successfully connect the monopod's downhill button, it might not work, because of the camera settings on your iPhone.

For the standard "Camera" annex:

1. Open the Settings. → Camera.
2. Enable the option "Use the three-dimensional buttons".
3. Make sure the monopod is connected (via Bluetooth or cable).
4. Launch the Camera app and check the button.

For third-party applications (e.g. ProCamera, Halide):

• 📷 Open the application settings and find the section "Accessories Management".

Critical: Apple's Camera app doesn't support zoom control or monopod camera switching. Use third-party apps like Camera for these features.+ 2 or ProCam 8.

If the button is running but with a delay, try:

• 🔋 Reboot the monopod (hold the power button for 10 seconds).
• 📶 Reconnect the Bluetooth device.
• 🗑️ Clear the Camera app cache (go to Settings) → Mainstream → iPhone storage → Camera. → Clear the cache).

5.Use of the Mi Home app for advanced features

For monopods Xiaomi MiJia Extension Rod, Smart Tripod and Mini Tripod 2 available additional features through the official application Mi Home. However, it does not always work correctly with iPhones. Here's how to configure:

Step 1: Installation and configuration of Mi Home:

1. Download Mi Home from the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Select the mainland region (more supported devices).
4. Press. + → Add the device → Monopod and follow the instructions.

Step 2. Available features in Mi Home:

• 🎥 Zoom control (if supported by a monopod model).
• 🔄 Switching between front and main camera.
• ⏱️ Shooting timer (delay) 3/10 seconds).
• 🔋 Checking the level of charge of the monopod battery.

⚠️ Note: The Mi Home app may not see the monopod if:

You chose the wrong region (try China or Singapore) and you have an outdated version of the app (update to the App Store) and the monopod is not updated to the latest firmware (check Mi Home in the device section).

If Mi Home is not suitable, try alternative apps:

• 📱 Xiaomi Wear (for new monopod models).
• 📱 Bluetooth Auto Connect (for forced connection).

Troubleshooting: The monopod does not connect or does not work

We'll break down the typical problems and their solutions. If your situation isn't described below, check out the section. FAQ end-of-article.

Problem 1: Monopods don’t appear in the Bluetooth list.

• 🔹 Make sure the monopod is in pairing mode (blind light flashes).
• 🔹 Reboot your iPhone and monopod.
• 🔹 Try connecting from another device (Android) to check the monopod.
• 🔹 Update your monopod firmware via Mi Home (if available).

Problem 2: The monopod is connected, but the trigger button is not working.

• 🔹 Enable the option "Use the three-dimensional buttons" in the camera settings".
• 🔹 Try another camera app (like ProCamera).
• 🔹 Check whether the monopod block the cover or bumper on the iPhone.

Problem 3: When wired, the error “Accessories not supported” appears.

• 🔹 Use the original Apple adapter.
• 🔹 Update iOS to the latest version.
• 🔹 Try connecting the monopod via another device (MacBook, iPad).

Problem 4: The monopod is rapidly discharged.

• 🔋 Turn off the Bluetooth monopod when not in use.
• 🔋 Charge only with the original cable (do not use fast charging).
• 🔋 If the battery is swelling, do not use a monopod (risk of fire).

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If the Xiaomi monopod does not connect to the iPhone, 90% of the time the problem is solved by restarting devices or changing the adapter, and only 10% of cases are related to hardware malfunctions.

7. Alternative ways to control the iPhone camera from a monopod

If the standard methods don’t work, try the workarounds:

Method 1: Using the Apple Watch

If you have an Apple Watch, you can control the iPhone's camera through it, and you can use the monopod only as a holder.

1. Open the camera app on your iPhone.
2. The Apple Watch will have a camera icon – click on it.
3. Use the screen of the watch for preview and the button on them for shooting.

Method 2: Voice control via Siri

You can run a voice shot, and you can use the monopod as a tripod.

• 🎤 "Hey Siri, take a picture"
• 🎤 "Hey Siri, start the video"
• 🎤 "Hey Siri, turn on the camera timer for 10 seconds"

Method 3: Remote management applications

Install one of these apps on your iPhone and a second device (such as an old smartphone or tablet):

• 📱 CamFi (allows you to control your iPhone camera from another device).
• 📱 DSLR Camera Remote (works via Wi-Fi).
• 📱 AirMore (control of the camera through the browser on the PC).

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications for remote camera control, turn off VPN Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and some applications may require payment for advanced features (e.g., ProRAW shooting).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi monopod to iPhone