Modern technologies allow you to easily integrate ecosystems of different manufacturers, and owning a Xiaomi smartphone does not mean abandoning premium Apple headphones. Many users face the desire to use AirPods or AirPods Pro in conjunction with devices based on MIUI or HyperOS. The pairing process is based on the standard Bluetooth protocol, which makes it technically simple, but deprives the owner of part of the “magic” of the instant opening of the case, available only on the iPhone.
But despite the lack of native support, the basic features are still fully functional, so you can listen to high-quality music, use noise cancellation (if the model supports) and make calls. It’s important to understand that full charge control and button reconfiguration will require third-party software, since the standard Android menu can’t read Apple’s chip telemetry.
In this article, we will go into detail the algorithm that ensures successful connection, and also look at methods for solving common problems with sound and microphone. The key to stable operation is to put the headphones in forced pairing mode, not just waiting for them to appear on the list. Let's start with basic equipment preparation.
Preparation of AirPods and smartphone to pair
Before starting the procedure, make sure your AirPods are charged. If your headphones have been lying idle for a long time, place them in a case and plug the charger in for 15-20 minutes. On the Xiaomi side of the smartphone, you need to activate the wireless module and make sure that it is visible to other devices. Open the settings and go to the Bluetooth section.
It is important to close all applications that may use audio output, such as YouTube, Spotify or voice recorder, to prevent audio stream conflict at the time of connection, and check if your case is connected to another Apple device right now, as automatic switching may prevent new pairing.
For successful synchronization, follow the following steps:
- 📱 Unlock your Xiaomi screen and make sure your desktop is active.
- 🎧 Place both headphones inside the charging case and leave the lid open.
- 🔘 Find a round pairing button on the back of the case (or inside, between speakers for some versions).
Now, press and hold this button. The status indicator (located inside the case or on the front side of the case) should start flashing white, which means that the device has gone into detection mode. If the indicator flashes orange, then you need to reset, which we will talk about in the troubleshooting section.
☑️ Checking before connection
Connection process via Bluetooth menu
Once the indicator on the case flashes white, pick up your smartphone. The list of available devices should show the name of your headphones, for example, "AirPods" or "AirPods Pro." Click on this name to initiate the connection. Android will request confirmation of pairing.
In some cases, especially on older versions. MIUI, You may need to manually enter PIN-The standard code for Apple devices is 0000 or 1234, enter it in the window that appears if the system requires authentication. Usually this step is skipped, and the connection is automatically done.
Once successfully connected, you’ll hear a distinctive sound in your headphones, and the phone’s status bar will display an icon for the headphone battery (although the exact percentage of charge may not be displayed without additional apps).
⚠️ Warning: If after connecting the sound is through the phone speaker, not through the headphones, open the control panel (curtain) and manually switch the audio output to the AirPods device. Sometimes Android by default does not change the output device.
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To quickly check the sound quality, run a test track with high frequencies - this will help to immediately identify problems with the balance of channels.
Setup of functions and management through applications
Android’s regular capabilities limit the functionality of AirPods. You can’t rename your headphones, check your serial number, or configure a double tap without third-party software. There are many utilities for Xiaomi and other Android smartphones that emulate the iOS settings menu.
One of the most popular and proven solutions is the MaterialPods or AirBattery app, which reads and visualizes special data packets that headphones send to even Android, and installs the software to see the exact charge of each earbud and case, and also get pop-ups when you open the lid.
Here’s what you can set up with third-party apps:
- 🔋 Accurate monitoring of each headphone’s battery separately.
- 🔊 Changing the equalizer and adjusting spatial audio (emulation).
- ⚙️ Reassignment of buttons (for example, the inclusion of noise reduction on the double tap).
- 📍 Search for headphones on the map (function "Locator" works limitedly).
Download for installation APK-A trusted application file from a trusted source or find an analogue in Google Play. Once installed, provide the necessary permissions to access Bluetooth and location. Without permission to geolocate, some device scanning features may not work correctly on new versions of Android.
Why isn't noise reduction working?
Comparison of functionality: iOS vs Android on Xiaomi
It’s important for users to understand the difference in experience, and if you go from iPhone to Xiaomi, you’ll notice that there are some “chips” missing. However, the basic functionality remains high. Below is a table showing the differences in the way the headphones work across platforms.
| Function | iOS (iPhone/iPad) | Android (Xiaomi) |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic pairing | Instant (animation) | Through the Bluetooth menu |
| Battery charge | In the widget and status bar | Only through third-party applications |
| Headphone search | Full (Locator) | Limited or absent |
| Autopause. | Got it (ear sensors) | It's not stable. |
| Firmware update | Automatic. | Requires an Apple device |
Despite the limitations, the sound quality remains identical. Data codecs like AAC are supported by both devices. Xiaomi with its powerful processors and quality Bluetooth modules provides stable connection without the latency characteristic of budget smartphones.
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The main difference is the lack of system integration, but the quality of audio streaming and connection stability on Xiaomi remain high.
Solution: if the headphones are not connected
Sometimes the pairing process can go awry. A smartphone can see a device but not connect, or the sound will be intermittent. Often the problem lies in the Bluetooth cache or residual connection profiles. If Xiaomi can't see the headphones, try turning off and turning on Bluetooth first.
A more radical but effective method is to completely reset your headphones. Place them in a case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds. Then open the lid and press the reset button on the back for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes in amber and then white, which will clear the memory of the headphones from all previous connections.
It’s also worth checking the MIUI power saving settings. Aggressive battery optimization can “kill” Bluetooth background processes. Go to Settings → Battery → Settings and make sure there are no restrictions on Bluetooth system services. In some cases, cleaning the cache of the Bluetooth module itself through the developer menu helps.
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones don't work after reset, check the case charge. A discharged case may not signal readiness to pair, even if the headphones have a charge.
Another cause of problems could be interference on the air. If you're near a powerful Wi-Fi signal source or microwave oven, try to move to another room. Bluetooth protocol operates at 2.4 GHz, which is often congested in apartment buildings.
Features of using the microphone and calls
Voice quality is important. On Xiaomi devices, AirPods microphones work normally, but voice noise reduction algorithms may behave differently than on iPhones. People can hear you a little quieter or with little distortion in windy weather.
To improve communication, check the permissions of the Phone and Contacts app. Make sure that access to the microphone is always allowed. Also, in the Bluetooth settings of a particular device (click on the gear next to the headphone name in the Bluetooth list), sometimes you can find the Incoming Calls option - it should be active.
If the sound becomes intermittent during a conversation, it may be due to profile switching. Android tries to balance between a high-quality sound profile (A2DP) and a headset profile (HFP). When the microphone is activated, the quality of the music drops, this is normal protocol behavior, independent of the smartphone brand.
For business calls and conferences, AirPods Pro performs well with its three-mic system. On Xiaomi, they also effectively cut off background noise, although not as aggressively as in conjunction with iOS. For video calls in Zoom or Skype via Chrome on Android, the microphone is also stable.
Update the firmware headphones without iPhone
One of the most painful questions for Android owners is how to update the firmware of headphones? Apple does not release an Android app that would allow it to do so. The firmware updates automatically only when you connect to an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac) with the Internet.
If you have friends or relatives with an iPhone, you can ask them to connect your AirPods for 10-15 minutes. If an update is available, it will install in the background.
There are informal methods and iOS emulators on PCs, but they are extremely difficult to set up, require a powerful computer and often do not see the Bluetooth adapter correctly. So you should not rely on them. Regular use with an iPhone at least once a month will ensure the relevance of the software.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to use questionable APK-AirPods Updater for Android files found on the Internet may contain malicious code, as there is no official Apple Android software.