AirPods Pro and Xiaomi: how to connect headphones to Android and configure them correctly

Apple’s AirPods Pro headphones are no longer exclusive to the iPhone ecosystem, but are used by Android device owners, including Xiaomi smartphones. However, the process of connecting and setting up here has nuances, from the lack of automatic switching between devices to limited gesture functionality. In this article, we will examine all the stages of pairing, from basic Bluetooth connection to fine-tuning the sound and solving typical problems.

It is important to understand that AirPods Pro (including models) 1-go 2-Originally optimized for iOS, but this does not prevent them from functioning stably with the MIUI. The main thing is to correctly perform the initial setup and take into account the features of the Bluetooth protocol on Android. For example, Xiaomi may require manual switching of the sound profile (AAC/SBC) to improve the quality of reproduction, and the function ANC (Active noise reduction will work without restrictions.

If you have just purchased AirPods Pro or plan to use them with Redmi, POCO Or the flagship Xiaomi 14 series, this guide will help avoid common errors. We will also look at alternative ways to connect (for example, through companion apps) and explain why sometimes headphones refuse to connect to the phone after an update. MIUI.

1. Preparing AirPods Pro to connect to Xiaomi

Before pairing with an Android device, you need to reset the AirPods Pro settings if they were previously connected to an iPhone, MacBook or other gadget, this will eliminate conflicts of Bluetooth profiles and ensure that Xiaomi works correctly.

To reset, follow the following steps:

• 📦 Place the headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
• 🔄 Open the lid and hold the button on the back of the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes orange (for 1st generation models) or white (for 2nd generation models).
• 🔗 After resetting, the indicator will turn green – this means that the headphones are ready for a new connection.

If the indicator does not change color, check the charge of the case (it should be at least 20%). H2 Reset can take up to 30 seconds – don’t release the button ahead of time.

⚠️ Note: Do not use AirPods Pro with a discharged case (<10%) — This can cause the headphone firmware to fail when you connect to Xiaomi. 50% before setting up.

Also make sure that your Xiaomi:

• 📱 Bluetooth enabled (check in notification curtain or Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Other wireless devices (columns, watches, fitness bracelets) that can cause interference are disabled.
• 📲 Updated firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (relevant to Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 12 newer).

Place the headphones in the case and close the cover|

Hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes|

Check the charge of the case (minimum 20%)|

Turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi and disable other devices|

Update MIUI Up to the latest version, if available)-->

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect AirPods Pro to Xiaomi

The process of pairing the AirPods Pro with Xiaomi is not much different from connecting other Bluetooth headphones, but there are key points that will ensure stable operation.

1. Open the case cover with AirPods Pro and place it next to the smartphone (no more than 1 meter away). Headphones should automatically go into pairing mode - the indicator on the case will start flashing white.
2. On Xiaomi go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and enable device search. AirPods Pro (or AirPods Pro [Name]) will appear in the list if they were previously renamed).
3. Click on the headphone name and confirm pairing. on some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5) You may be asked to access contacts and call history, which is necessary for the microphone to function properly during conversations.
4. After successful connection, the indicator on the case will turn green, and the Connected status will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices on Xiaomi.

If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot AirPods Pro: Place them in a case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then retrieve and repeat the search.
• 📱 Reboot Xiaomi smartphone (sometimes helps with failures of the Bluetooth module).
• 🔍 Make sure the headphones aren’t connected to another device (such as a Mac or iPad).

Redmi Note 12/13|

POCO X5/F5|

Xiaomi 13/14|

Another model of Xiaomi|

Not Xiaomi (another Android)-->

On models AirPods Pro 2 with a chip H2 You may need additional confirmation on your smartphone due to the improved security protocol. If the audio is interrupted or there are delays after connecting, go to the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi and select the headphone profile "High-quality sound" (AAC).

3. Customize sound and gestures on Xiaomi

Once you connect the AirPods Pro to Xiaomi, you’ll have access to the basic features, but you’ll need additional customization to make it fully operational.

3.1 Selection of Bluetooth codecs

Default Android (including) MIUI) codec SBC — It provides a stable connection, but not the highest sound quality. AAC, Improves detail at medium and high frequencies.

To change the codec:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ near the AirPods Pro.
3. Choose Sound Quality → Codec AAC (If there is no option, your smartphone does not support it).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi 10) when selecting AAC You may have short-term breaks in sound, and then you go back to the sound. SBC or update the firmware MIUI.

Customization of gestures

Gestures on AirPods Pro (press, hold) by default are not configured via MIUI, But they can be reassigned using third-party applications, for example:

• 🎧 AirBattery – displays the charge of the headphones and allows you to adjust gestures (for example, double pressing to switch tracks).
• 🔊 MaterialPods – Adds AirPods control widget to the main screen.

Without third-party apps, only basic gestures are available:

• 🎵 One click - playback / pause.
• 🔀 Double tap – transition to the next track (configurable in iOS, but saved when connected to Android).
• 🔇 Retention – switching between noise reduction modes (ANC/transparent).

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If after connecting to Xiaomi gestures stopped working, reset the settings AirPods Pro (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds) and connect them again.

Activation of noise cancellation (ANC) and transparent regime

Functions ANC (Active noise cancellation and transparent mode on AirPods Pro work on Xiaomi without restrictions, but they can be controlled only through gestures:

• 🔇 Hold the pressing force sensor on the headphone leg to switch between modes.
• 🎧 AirPods Pro 2 is available in adaptive mode ANC, which automatically regulates the noise reduction level.

If ANC left out:

• Check that the headphones are tightly seated in the ears (wear sensors should work).
• Update the AirPods Pro firmware via your iPhone or iPad (if you have access to an Apple device).

4. Problems with connecting AirPods Pro to Xiaomi and their solutions

Even after successful pairing, Xiaomi users may face typical problems: audio breaks, no connection after the update. MIUI, Or the inability to activate the microphone, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

4.1. AirPods Pro not connected to Xiaomi

If the headphones are not displayed in the list of Bluetooth devices:

If the problem persists, try removing AirPods Pro from the list of associated devices on Xiaomi and reconnect them.

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Press on. ⚙️ Next to AirPods Pro and select Forget Device.
3. Perform a reset of headphones (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds) and repeat pairing.

The sound is interrupted or distorted

Sound problems on Xiaomi are usually related to:

• 📶 Interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves, other Bluetooth gadgets).
• 🔊 Non-optimal codec (e.g, SBC instead AAC).
• 📱 Energy-saving settings MIUI, Limiting the work of Bluetooth.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Switch to codec. AAC Bluetooth.
• 📵 Turn off power saving mode for Bluetooth: Settings → Battery → Energy saving regime → Additionally. → Turn off for Bluetooth.
• 📡 Move closer to the router (if you use AirPods Pro near the Wi-Fi point).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may experience a conflict between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6E. In this case, temporarily turn off Wi-Fi or switch to the 2.4 GHz band.

4.3 The microphone is not working.

If the person cannot hear you during the call:

• Check that AirPods Pro is selected as the input device in the call settings.
• Clean the microphone grilles on the headphones (clogging can worsen sensitivity).
• Turn off the noise reduction function during a conversation (hold the sensor on the headphone leg).

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 11), the AirPods Pro microphone may not work due to limitations. MIUI for third-party Bluetooth headsets:

1. Install the SoundAssistant app from Google Play.
2. In the application settings, select AirPods Pro as the primary input device.

5.Apps for advanced management of AirPods Pro on Android

Standard settings MIUI They don't allow you to take full advantage of the AirPods Pro features, such as adjusting gestures or tracking the charge level of each headphone individually.

5.1. AirBattery

One of the most popular AirPods management apps on Android.

• 🔋 Displaying the charge of the case and each headphone in real time.
• 🎧 Customization of gestures (double/triple pressing).
• 🔍 Notifications of loss of headphones (if they are out of range of Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Automatic codec switching for better sound.

Download: AirBattery on Google Play.

5.2. MaterialPods

Minimalist application with support for widgets:

• 📊 Widget for the main screen with charge information and current mode (ANC/transparent).
• 🔗 Quick switching between devices (if AirPods Pro is connected to multiple gadgets).
• 🎨 Dark theme and adaptive design under MIUI.

Download MaterialPods on Google Play.

5.3. AssistantTrigger

Allows you to activate Google Assistant or XiaoAI (XiaoAI voice assistant) by holding the sensor on the AirPods Pro:

• 🗣️ Launching the voice assistant with double press.
• 🔍 It works even on a locked screen.

⚠️ Note: Apps like AirBattery require enabled permissions to notify and access Bluetooth. MIUI 14 These permissions may be reset after the update – check them in Settings → Annexes → Permits.

6. How to update the firmware AirPods Pro without iPhone

The AirPods Pro firmware is only updated via Apple devices (iPhone, iPad or Mac), which cannot be updated on Android, including Xiaomi, but there are workarounds if you don't have access to the Apple ecosystem:

• 🍎 Ask a friend with an iPhone to temporarily connect your AirPods Pro and update the firmware through Settings → Mainstream → About this device. → AirPods.
• 🖥️ Use your Mac (such as in the Apple Store or service center) to update.
• 📦 If the firmware is very outdated, contact an authorized Apple service center – they will update it for free.

Up-to-date firmware versions for AirPods Pro (June 2026):

• AirPods Pro 1st generation: 6A300 (last-last stable).
• AirPods Pro 2nd generation: 6F8 (adaptive ANC).

To check the current version of the firmware:

1. Connect AirPods Pro to your iPhone or iPad.
2. Go to Settings. → Bluetooth and press on ⓘ near the AirPods Pro.
3. Scroll down to the version.

7.Comparing AirPods Pro with Xiaomi Alternatives

If you’re considering AirPods Pro for use with Xiaomi, it’s worth comparing them to popular alternatives optimized for Android:

When to choose AirPods Pro for Xiaomi:

• 🎧 You need compactness and ease of wearing.
• 🔊 You prefer a balanced sound with an emphasis on the medium frequencies.
• 🍎 In the future, you plan to use headphones with Apple devices.

When to choose an alternative:

• 🎵 You need Hi-Res Audio (for example, to listen to the audio) FLAC).
• 🔋 Maximum autonomy is important.
• 📱 You want to be fully integrated with MIUI (Automatic switching between Xiaomi devices).

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AirPods Pro is a great choice for Xiaomi if you are satisfied with the restrictions on customizing gestures and codecs. For a full Android experience, you should consider Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Sony. WF-1000XM5.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)