Apple’s AirPods have long been popular not only with iPhone owners but also with Android users, but connecting them to Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often raises questions about why the sound is interrupted, how gestures are activated, or why the headphones are not defined by the system. In this article, we will examine all the stages of connection, from basic synchronization to fine-tuning for maximum comfort.
The main problem is that AirPods are optimized for the Apple ecosystem, and MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) doesn't always recognize their functions correctly, but with the right settings, you'll get stable connectivity, AAC support, and even partial sensor performance. We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10 and POCO X5 Pro models — all the steps are relevant for MIUI 14 and later.
Preparation before connecting: what to check on Xiaomi Redmi
Before you connect AirPods to your phone, make sure your Redmi is ready for it, often because of outdated software or conflicting settings.
First, update your firmware: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If a new version of MIUI is available, install it. Second, check Bluetooth: AirPods 2 and newer versions require Bluetooth 5.0 or higher. You can find out the version in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional (or through the AIDA64 app).
- 📱 Version. MIUI: Must be at least 12.5 (optimum 14)+).
- 🔵 Bluetooth: Minimum Bluetooth 4.2, but AirPods Pro 2 requires 5.2+.
- 🔋 Headphone charge: Make sure that the case has at least 20% charge (the indicator is white/green).
- 🚫 Conflicting devices: Turn off other headphones or speakers in the Bluetooth menu.
A critical nuance: if your Redmi supports Dual Bluetooth (simultaneous connection to two devices), disable this feature before pairing with AirPods. It can cause audio delays. Find it in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional settings.
Step-by-step: how to connect AirPods to Xiaomi Redmi
The pairing process takes less than a minute, but it requires precise steps, and we'll break it down into steps with explanations for each AirPods model.
- Open the case cover and make sure the headphones are inside. A white light bulb should light up on the back of the case (if it flashes orange, it is discharged).
- Activate pairing mode: For AirPods 1/2 and AirPods Pro 1: press and hold the button on the back of the case for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes white. For AirPods 3/Pro 2/Max: hold the button until white flashing (about 3 seconds) appears.
At Xiaomi Redmi.
Settings → Connections → Bluetooth
AirPods
Click on the headphone name.
Once successfully connected, the indicator on the case will be solid white, and Redmi's Bluetooth menu will have the status "Connected." To check the sound, turn on music or video - audio must automatically switch to headphones.
☑️ Checklist before connection
Customizing Sound and Gestures: What Works on Android
Unlike the iPhone, not all AirPods features are available out of the box on Xiaomi Redmi, but the basic settings can be optimized.
Sound quality: By default, Android uses an SBC codec that is inferior to AAC (supported by AirPods).To enable AAC:
- Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
- Press the badge. ⚙️ near the connected AirPods.
- Select "Sound Quality" or "Audio Codec" (the names may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
- Install AAC instead of SBC.
Control gestures: Only basic gestures work on Android:
- 🎧 AirPods 1/2: Double-touch playback/pause (configured via apps like AirBattery).
- 🎧 AirPods Pro/3: stem compression for track switching (requires additional applications).
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) codec AAC If the sound is interrupted, go back to the SBC.
| Function | It works on Android? | How to turn it on |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic switching between devices | ❌ No. | Only manually via Bluetooth menu |
| Transparent mode (AirPods Pro) | ⚠️ Partially. | Through AirBattery or AndroPods applications |
| Wear sensor (pause when removed) | ❌ No. | Alternative: Use Apps with Approximation Sensor |
| Spatial sound | ❌ No. | Only on iOS. |
| Case charge mapping | ✅ Yes. | In Bluetooth widget or via AirBattery |
Connection problems and their solutions
Even after successful pairing, there can be failures, and we've collected the most common errors and ways to fix them.
1. AirPods are not in the list of devices:
- 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on Redmi: Turn it off/on in settings.
- 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
- 🔋 Check the case charge: if the indicator flashes orange, recharge for 10-15 minutes.
The sound is interrupted or delayed:
- 🎵 Change the audio codec to SBC (if AAC).
- 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi or go to 5 GHz (2.4 GHz can cause interference).
- 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: forget the device in the Bluetooth menu and mate again.
The microphone is not working during calls:
- 🎤 In Bluetooth settings for AirPods, enable the option "Use for calls".
- 📞 Check the permissions: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Microphone.
- 🔄 Reboot your phone and reconnect your headphones.
⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI AirPods are no longer connected, reset their settings. To do this, hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange, then white.
What if the AirPods are connected but there is no sound?
Applications for advanced management of AirPods on Android
Standard settings MIUI They limit the functionality of AirPods, but third-party applications will help to unlock their potential.-3 Utilities for Xiaomi Redmi.
1. AirBattery (free, with purchases):
- 🔋 Shows the charge of the case and each headphone in real time.
- 🎧 Adjusts gestures (double touch, hold).
- 🔊 Includes transparent mode for AirPods Pro.
Minus.
2. AndroPods (paid, ~200 rubles):
- 🎛 Complete customization of gestures (e.g. triple touching for voice assistant).
- 🔇 Automatically shutting down the sound when removing one headphone.
- 📊 Usage statistics (listening time, charge consumption).
Minus.
3. MaterialPods (free, open source):
- 🎨 Minimalist interface with widget for the main screen.
- 🔄 Quick switching between codecs (SBC/AAC).
- 🛠 Lightweight (does not load the system).
Minus.
To install any of these apps, download them from Google Play or APKMirror (if not in your area). After installation, provide all the permissions requested (access to Bluetooth, notifications and microphone).
💡
If the gestures don’t work after installing the app, reconnect AirPods: forget them in the Bluetooth menu and pair them again.
AirPods vs Xiaomi alternatives: Should you buy?
If you haven’t bought AirPods yet and are wondering if you should buy them for Xiaomi Redmi, compare them to popular alternatives from Xiaomi and other brands.
| Characteristics | AirPods Pro 2 | Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2026) | ~20 000 ₽ | ~12 000 ₽ | ~25 000 ₽ |
| AAC support for Android | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes, but better. LDAC) | ✅ Yes (LDAC preferably) |
| Noise suppression | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (adaptive) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Good, but inferior to Sony) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (class-leader) |
| Autonomy (with case) | ~30 hours. | ~38 hours | ~24 hours |
| Compatibility with MIUI | ⚠️ Limited (Applications required) | ✅ Full (all functions are working) | ✅ Complete (but no gestures for) MIUI) |
AirPods should be purchased for Xiaomi Redmi if:
- 🍎 You have other Apple devices (like MacBooks or iPads) that will automatically switch.
- 🎧 You care about compactness and design.
- 💰 The budget allows you to spend 15-20 thousand. ₽ headphone.
If you only use Android devices, consider Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5 – they offer better MIUI integration and a more stable connection.
💡
AirPods on Android are a compromise between style and functionality, and if you want all the chips (transparent mode, wear sensor), you’ll have to install third-party apps.