Connecting AirPods 2 to Xiaomi: Full Instruction with Typical Error Solutions

Apple's AirPods 2 headphones remain among the most popular wireless headsets, despite the release of new generations. -- Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi models and the likes of the two). POCO) And unlike the iPhone ecosystem, where the connection is automatic, Android devices require manual adjustments.

In this article, we will analyze not only the standard pairing process, but also reveal the nuances of AirPods 2 with firmware. MIUI You'll learn how to avoid connection problems, adjust control gestures and optimize sound quality, and focus on the typical errors that occur when you first connect and how to fix them without resetting the settings.

Preparation for connection: what to check before pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure your AirPods 2 and Xiaomi smartphone are ready to go.Never minding these steps often leads to malfunctions in the pairing process.

Start with the headphones, they need to be charged (the indicator inside the case is green or orange) and searchable. Open the case lid and hold the button on the back until the indicator flashes white. On iPhone, this process takes seconds, but on Android it can take up to 10-15 seconds.

From the side of the Xiaomi smartphone, check:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Post-update MIUI 12 improved support for AirPods, but even on the MIUI 14 may cause bugs. Check firmware relevance in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔊 Bluetooth: Enable the module in the notification panel or through Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth. Make sure your smartphone is not connected to other devices (such as smartwatches or speakers).
• 🔋 Battery charge: If the smartphone’s charge level is below 15%, MIUI can automatically disable power-intensive functions, including finding new devices.

Important: If you have previously connected AirPods 2 to another device (such as an iPad or MacBook), reset their settings. To do this, press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes yellow and then white.

Step-by-step: how to connect AirPods 2 to Xiaomi

The pairing process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, if you follow the algorithm, we will break it down into steps with explanations for each Xiaomi model.

Step 1: Activate Search Mode on AirPods

1. Open the AirPods 2 case cover (earphones must stay inside).
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case (located under the cover) for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white.

Step 2. Search for a device on Xiaomi

1. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Click Device Search (or Add a new device in older versions of MIUI).
3. In the list, look for AirPods (can appear as AirPods if you have previously used with an iPhone).

Step 3: Confirmation of connection

1. Tap the name AirPods 2 in the list. The system can request code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234).
2. After successful pairing, the indicator on the case will light up green, and the Connected status will appear in the list of devices.

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) when connected, a notification of headphone permissions may appear, allow access to Contacts and Microphone if you plan to use AirPods 2 for calls.

Opened case cover AirPods 2|

The indicator flashes white|

Bluetooth is enabled on Xiaomi|

AirPods are not connected to other devices|

Headphone charge > 20%-->

Customization of sound and control: optimization for Xiaomi

By default, the AirPods 2 connects to Xiaomi as a standard Bluetooth headset, but additional configuration is required to be fully used.

1.Selection of Bluetooth codecs

Xiaomi smartphones support several audio codecs that affect sound quality:

• 🎵 AAC — The best option for AirPods 2. provides a balance between quality and stability of the connection.
• 🔊 SBC — It's universal, but it's the worst sound, and it's the default one. AAC not available.
• 🚫 aptX – not supported by AirPods 2, despite the fact that some Xiaomi models (eg Black Shark) offer it.

To change the codec:

1. Connect AirPods 2 to your smartphone.
2. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the AirPods.
4. Select the Audio Codec and install it AAC.

2. Customization of gestures

AirPods 2 supports double-touch playback control, but Android is limited.

• ⏯️ Reproduction/pause – double touch on any earpiece.
• 📞 Reply/Complete Call – Double Touch.
• 🔊 Calling voice assistant – works only with Google Assistant (on iPhone – with Siri).

To change the way we do things:

1. Open the case cover and bring the smartphone.
2. In the connection notification, click Setup (will appear only when you first connect).
3. Choose the action for the left and right earphone.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) gesture settings can be reset after the smartphone is restarted, in which case repeat the procedure or update the firmware.

💡

If the sound in AirPods 2 is interrupted while watching video, turn off the Absolute Volume option in Bluetooth settings, which synchronizes the volume levels between your smartphone and your headphones.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi users may encounter bugs, and we have collected the most common bugs and ways to fix them.

Problem: AirPods are connected, but immediately shut down

This error often occurs on smartphones with MIUI 13 and related to energy saving:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Find Bluetooth in the list and install it without restrictions.
3. Reboot your smartphone and reconnect.

Problem: No sound in games or videos

Some applications (e.g, PUBG Mobile or YouTube can ignore Bluetooth devices:

• 🎮 In the game settings, turn on the output of sound on Bluetooth headphones.
• 📺 On YouTube, turn off the option Battery Optimization for the app.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI AirPods 2 stopped connecting, try removing them from the Bluetooth list of devices and doing pairing again. 80 percent of the time, that solves the problem.

Additional Features: What Works and What Doesn't

AirPods 2 was developed for iOS, so on Android (and so on). MIUI We tested the features on different Xiaomi models and made a compatibility table.

Important: On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Xiaomi 13) Connection stability with AirPods 2 higher thanks to an improved Bluetooth module. On budget smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 10A) There may be periodic communication breaks.

How to check the version of the Bluetooth chip on Xiaomi:

1. Install the AIDA64 app from Google Play.
2. Go to the System section → Iron.
3. Find the Bluetooth bar and the version will be specified there (e.g. Bluetooth 5.2).

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone supports Bluetooth 5.0 or later, but AirPods 2 is unstable, try disabling Dual Audio in Bluetooth settings.This option may conflict with Apple's headphones.

Battery Optimization: How to Extend AirPods 2 Life on Xiaomi

On Android devices, AirPods 2 discharges faster than on iPhones because of the Bluetooth protocol, but there are ways to increase battery life.

1. Disabling unnecessary functions

• 🔇 Automatic ear detection: On iPhones, headphones stop playback when you retrieve it, but on Android, it's unstable and it consumes a charge. You can't turn it off, but you can minimize the impact without having to remove the headphones.
• 📡 Constant Device Search: In Bluetooth Settings (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth → Additionally) disable Visibility for all devices.

2. Energy saving adjustment

Firmware MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, which can interrupt the connection to AirPods 2:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Find Bluetooth and set up No Limits mode.
3. For apps that use headphones (like Spotify or YouTube Music), also turn off optimization.

3. Volume control

High volume reduces the running time of AirPods 2 by 20-30%.

• 🔊 Use the volume level not higher than 70-80%.
• 🎶 In apps (like Spotify), turn off Volume Normalization, which increases the load on your headphones.

The average running time of AirPods 2 on Xiaomi:

• 🎵 Music playback: 4-4.5 hours (vs. 5 hours on iPhone).
• 📞 Telephone conversations: 2.5-3 hours.
• 🔋 Standby: up to 24 hours (with case).

💡

Disabling the Absolute Volume function in Bluetooth settings not only improves sound stability, but also reduces power consumption by 5-10% due to optimizing data transfer.

Alternative ways to connect: if the standard method does not work

In rare cases, AirPods 2 refuses to connect to Xiaomi via a standard interface.

1. Connection through a third-party developer application

Applications like AirBattery or AssistantTrigger allow you to:

• 🔋 Display the charge level of each earpiece (not just the case).
• 🎧 Customize gestures more flexibly (e.g. triple touching).
• 🔄 Automatically reconnect AirPods after communication break.

Instructions for setting up AirBattery:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Connect AirPods 2 to your smartphone.
3. Open AirBattery and give you access to notifications.
4. In the application settings, turn on the option to Show the charge of headphones.

2.Use of the Developer Mode

On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13, you can manually prioritize AirPods 2:

1. Activate Developer Mode by tapping 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find audio via Bluetooth and set audio quality (AAC).
4. Turn on Bluetooth debugging (reboot may be required).

⚠️ Attention: Turning on developer mode and changing Bluetooth settings can lead to unstable operation of other wireless devices (for example, Mi Band fitness bracelets). After setting up AirPods 2, it is recommended to disable Bluetooth debugging.

3. Resetting network settings

If AirPods 2 previously connected to a smartphone, but now not determined, try resetting the network settings:

Settings → System → Additional → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth

After resetting, all stored Bluetooth devices will be removed and you will need to reconnect AirPods 2.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions