Why Xiaomi Headphones May Not Connect to iPhones the First Time
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic is a budget-friendly but functional solution for music lovers that is compatible not only with Android devices but also with iPhones. However, many users face difficulties when pairing first: headphones do not show up in the list of devices, connection is interrupted or the sound is interrupted, the reason lies in the features of the Bluetooth protocol (version 5.0 in these headphones) and the limitations of iOS that block the connection of “uncertified” accessories.
In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step connection algorithm, including headphone preparation, iPhone setup and solving 90% of common errors. We will focus on the hidden function of resetting headphones through a button combination that is not written about in the official instructions, and you will learn how to check the compatibility of your iPhone model with Mi True Wireless 2 Basic and optimize the sound for listening to music or calls.
Specifications Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic: what is important for connecting to the iPhone
Before pairing, make sure your iPhone supports key headphone settings, including basic technical data that affect compatibility:
- 🔵 Bluetooth version: 5.0 (backward compatibility with 4.2, but feature limitations are possible).
- 🎵 Codecs of sound: SBC, AAC (It is important for iPhones because they do not support AptX).
- 🔋 Working time: up to 5 hours on one charge (with a case - up to 20 hours).
- 📱 Profile HFP: 1.7 (for calls), A2DP 1.3 (for music).
- 🛡️ Protection: IPX4 (from splashes, but not for immersion in water.
Critical: iPhone older than the 6S model (released in 2015) may experience connection problems due to the outdated version of Bluetooth 4.2. In this case, the headphones will connect, but there may be audio delays (latency up to 200 ms) and communication interruptions. Owners of iPhone SE (1st generation) or iPhone 6/6 Plus are recommended to upgrade to the latest version of iOS 15.8 - this partially solves the problem.
| Model iPhone | Bluetooth version | Compatible with Mi True Wireless 2 Basic | Possible challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15/14/13/12/11 Pro Max | 5.3 / 5.2 / 5.0 | ✅ Complete. | No. |
| iPhone SE (2/3 generation), XR, XS | 5.0 | ✅ Complete. | Excessive shutdowns with weak signal |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus, 7/7 Plus | 4.2 / 5.0 | ⚠️ Partial | Latency of sound in games |
| iPhone 6S/6S Plus, SE (1st) | 4.2 | ❌ Limited. | Communication interruptions, poor quality of calls |
⚠️ Warning: If your iPhone doesn't see headphones in the list of devices, check if they're connected to another gadget (like a laptop or tablet). Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 Basic supports simultaneous connection to only one device.
How to connect Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic to iPhone
The pairing process takes no more than 2 minutes if the headphones are new and have not been connected to other devices before.
- Remove the headphones from the case. They will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicator on the case will flash white and red).
- Activate Bluetooth on your iPhone: Open Settings → Bluetooth. Switch the slider to On. (green).
- Find the headphones in the list: In the "Other devices" section, the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic (or LE-BH...) item will appear. Click on it and wait for the "Connected" message.
Check the sound.
- Start music or video – the sound should be automatically transmitted to the headphones.
- If there is no sound, tap the AirPlay icon in the control panel and select Mi True Wireless.
If the headphones are not displayed in the list, perform a forced reboot:
1. Place both headphones in the case.
2. Close the case lid.
3. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator flashes red).
4. Reconnect the connection.Headphones charged (indicator on the case burns white)|
Bluetooth on iPhone is enabled and visible for other devices |
Headphones are not connected to another gadget |
Distance between iPhone and headphones ≤ 1 metre-->
⚠️ Note: After the first connection, the iPhone may request access to contacts and a microphone for headphones. Allow access if you plan to use them for calls, otherwise the microphone will not work.
Problem Solving: Headphones are not connected or turned off
If Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 Basic doesn’t want to connect to your iPhone, check out the following points:
- 🔋 Discharged case or headphones: Charge the case through USB-C (Minimum 30 minutes. The indicator should burn red while charging.
- 📱 Conflict with other devices: Headphones remember the last connected device. To reset the list, hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator flashes red 3 times).
- 🔄 Firmware failure: Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app (available for Android, but iPhone can use them after the update).
- 🛡️ Limitations of iOS: In Settings → Bluetooth disable the Notify of New Devices option and reboot your iPhone.
To diagnose the problem, use the developer mode on the iPhone:
1. Open Settings → Main → Software → Assembly Number (click 5 times).
2. Return to Settings → Developer → Bluetooth.
3. Turn on the Bluetooth Log and try to reconnect.
4. Check the log in Settings → Privacy → Analytics → Logs.In the log, look for errors such as Connection timeout or Unsupported feature.
What to do if one earphone is not working?
Sound optimization: iPhone settings for better playback
By default, the iPhone uses the AAC codec to transmit audio to the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 Basic, which provides acceptable quality.
- Turn off "Improving Talk Sound": Go to Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual Content. Turn off the "Improving Talk Sound" option, which will reduce delays when listening to music.
- Set up the equalizer: Open Settings → Music → Equalizer. For bass, choose Bass, for vocals, for vocals, for classics, choose Acoustics.
Activate Transparent Mode
- In Settings → Bluetooth, click on the "i" icon next to Mi True Wireless.
- Turn on "Transparent mode" - this will improve the audibility of the interlocutor in noisy places.
Once reset, all previous pairings will be removed and the headphones will return to factory settings.This also solves the problem when the iPhone "sees" the headphones but can't connect ("Device failed to connect").
⚠️ Warning: Resetting does not solve hardware problems such as damage to the speaker or battery discharge.If the headphones still don't work after reset, check them on another device (such as an Android smartphone or PC).
Comparison with other models Xiaomi: whether to choose Mi True Wireless 2 Basic for iPhone
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic is the most affordable model in the lineup, but it has limitations when used with the iPhone.
| Model | Price (2026) | Codecs. | Latency with iPhone | Time to work. | Support for iOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless 2 Basic | ~1 500 ₽ | SBC, AAC | 120-150 ms | 5 h/20 h/ | ✅ Partial |
| Redmi Buds 4 Lite | ~2 000 ₽ | SBC, AAC, LC3 | 100-120 ms | 6 h/24 h/ | ✅ Complete. |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | ~6 000 ₽ | SBC, AAC, LHDC | 80-100 ms. | 9 h/36 h/ | ✅ Complete. + spatial |
| Mi True Wireless 3 | ~4 500 ₽ | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | 90-110 ms. | 7 h/30 h/ | ⚠️ AptX doesn’t work with iPhone |
Bottom Line: Mi True Wireless 2 Basic is good for basic use (music, calls), but if you care about low ping in games or high sound quality, consider Redmi Buds 4 Lite or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. The latter also support transparent mode for calls and active noise cancellation (ANC), which is not in 2 Basic.
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For iPhones, the best choice is models with AAC codec support and low latency (up to 100 ms). Mi True Wireless 2 Basic are suitable for budget use, but not for professional sound.