Many users are wondering whether it is possible to fully use Apple’s premium headphones on Android devices, in particular on Xiaomi smartphones. The answer is unequivocal: yes, it is possible. Bluetooth protocol used in AirPods Pro is a universal standard, which allows you to successfully pair with any gadget that has the appropriate communication module.
However, the connection process has its own nuances that set it apart from the Apple ecosystem: Owner Xiaomi will get basic functionality such as sound playback and noise control, but access to hidden settings will require the installation of additional software. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of the setup in detail.
It should be noted that Xiaomi and Apple have different approaches to implementing wireless interfaces, but the basic audio profiles (A2DP, HSP, HFP) work correctly. You don’t need to be an IT expert to set up devices in a few minutes.
Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to establish a connection. First of all, check the battery charge in the AirPods Pro case. If the indicator is green, then there is enough energy to conduct the adjustment.
On Xiaomi smartphone, you need to activate the Bluetooth module. To do this, lower the notification curtain and click on the appropriate icon, or go to the Settings → Bluetooth menu. Make sure that the activation slider is in the "On" position.
It is important that the smartphone screen is unlocked and you are in the immediate vicinity of the case, the distance between the devices should not exceed one meter during the initial pairing, to avoid loss of data packets.
It’s also worth turning off Bluetooth on other nearby Apple devices if they’re nearby, which will prevent the headphones from automatically switching to your iPad or MacBook at the most inopportune time, which can sometimes confuse the search process.
Connecting AirPods Pro to MIUI and HyperOS
The main stage of the setup starts with the headphones in visibility mode. Open the charge case cover without removing the headphones themselves. There's a round tuning button on the back of the case.
Press and hold this button until the status indicator flashes white, which means that the pairing mode is activated and the device broadcasts the signal for search.
At that point, your Xiaomi screen should show a list of available devices. Search the list of AirPods Pro and tap the name. The system will request confirmation of the pair.
Once confirmed, an animation that simulates the opening of a case may appear on the screen, although it is different from the original one. Connection status will appear at the top status bar next to the battery icon.
Use of third-party applications for advanced functionality
Android's standard tools can only play audio. To access the noise reduction, transparent mode and charge check of each headphone separately, you will need third-party software. The most popular solution is the MaterialPods or AndPods application.
Once you install this app and grant the permissions you need, you'll see on the screen an exact copy of the interface that iPhone users see, and it shows the percentage of charge on the left, right earphone and case.
In addition, specialized software allows you to reassign the touch functions. You can set up double-press or long-hold to switch tracks, call the voice assistant Google Assistant or activate noise cancellation.
Security of Third Party Applications
Analog apps don't transfer your personal data to Apple servers. They only read standard Bluetooth signals that the headphone broadcasts to the air to display status. Some features, such as Find My, won't work because they're tied to iCloud. However, basic audio quality and mode control will be available in full. The Android Feature Compatibility Table To give you an idea of what to expect from the Xiaomi and AirPods Pro bundle, we've prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the functionality loss compared to Apple's use in the ecosystem. iPhone/iPad Xiaomi (No Software) Xiaomi (With MaterialPods) Sound playback Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Noise Reduction (ANC) Switch Fixed Charge Indication Full Total Automatic Switch Yes No Spatial Audio Yes No No No As seen from the table, the lack of certain features does not make the use of headphones meaningless. Sound quality and noise reduction efficiency remain high regardless of the platform. The setting of touch control and gestures is controlled through touch pads on the legs. By default, the settings may not match your habits of the assistants, especially if you can change the action mode of the app. This allows you to adapt the device flexibly to suit yourself, and it is worth noting that latency in games can be noticeable, since the codec is very useful. AAC, The default one is not the fastest. It's software-compensated to watch videos, but in shooters, you can feel a delay. Solving connection problems and errors Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the headphones are not visible in the list or communication is constantly interrupted. Most often, the problem is in the cache of the Bluetooth module of the smartphone. Try to go to the Bluetooth settings, find the previously connected devices in the list, click on the gear next to the AirPods and select "Forget the device." After that, you need to re-interface the pairing procedure. ⚠️ Note: If the headphones are connected but no sound, check in the audio settings whether AirPods Pro is selected as the default output device. Sometimes Xiaomi's system continues to inertia the sound on the phone speaker. Another common problem is desynchronization of channels when the sound comes from only one earbud, in which case resetting the headphone settings to factory parameters through the button on the case will help. 💡Resetting headphones is performed for a long time (15-20 Holding the button on the case until the indicator flashes amber, and then white. Features of codecs and sound quality Xiaomi smartphones usually support codecs SBC, AAC AirPods Pro works mainly with codec. AAC. This provides good quality, but not maximum, and in the developer settings (if you decide to go there), you can try to force the choice of the device to be used. AAC, Although the system usually chooses the best option, the difference in bitrate can only be seen on very high-quality audio files. For regular music streaming services, the difference between native work on the iPhone and Xiaomi will be minimal. 💡To improve connection stability, disable the "Absolute Volume" option in Bluetooth settings if the sound seems too quiet or distorted. Device care and extended service life To keep the headphones on for a long time, keep the speaker grids clean. Earwax can clog holes, which will lead to lower volume and sound quality. Use soft dry cloth or cotton swab to clean. Don't let lithium-ion batteries run full. If you don't plan on using headphones for a long time, charge them to the top. 50-60% Turn off Bluetooth on your phone to avoid background connections. ⚠️ Note: Do not use headphones in extremely low temperatures. Cold can temporarily reduce battery capacity, and the device will shut down faster than usual. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Will the AirPods Pro run on Xiaomi without installing apps? Yes, basic audio and microphone functions will work immediately after pairing. However, you will not be able to switch noise reduction modes without third-party software or using regular buttons if they are configured. Can you update the AirPods firmware via Android? No, the update is only possible when you connect to Apple devices (iPhone firm, iPad, Mac). On Android, it may not work smoothly or even without a special app that emulates that signal. Are AirPods Pro compatible with MIUI 14 and HyperOS? Yes, Xiaomi's operating shells, including the latest versions, are fully compatible with the Bluetooth standards used in Apple products. There should be no connection issues.