Connecting AirPods to Xiaomi Phone: Full Instruction with Problem Solutions

Can I use AirPods with Xiaomi and why do I need it?

The issue of Apple AirPods compatibility with Android devices, especially Xiaomi smartphones, is a concern for many users. While the headphones were designed for the Apple ecosystem, they work perfectly with Android phones — including the Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13 and others. The main difference is that some proprietary features (such as automatic switching between devices), but the basic features — sound, microphone and touch control — are retained completely.

Why Xiaomi owners choose AirPods? First, it is one of the few wireless headphones with support for AAC codecs that provide high-quality sound on Android (unlike the SBC, which is used by default in most budget models). Second, ergonomic design and reliable ear fixation make them convenient for sports and active lifestyle. Finally, even used AirPods 2 or AirPods 3 often cost less than flagship counterparts from Sony or Samsung, while not inferior in functionality.

But there are nuances: for example, the charge indicator of the case is not displayed correctly, and you still need an iPhone to run the headphones, but these restrictions do not prevent thousands of users from successfully using AirPods with Xiaomi daily, then we will discuss how to connect the headphones correctly, configure them and solve possible problems.

Preparation for connection: what to check before pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure your AirPods and Xiaomi smartphone are ready to pair.

• 🔋 Headphone and case charge: Make sure that the case has at least 20% charge (the indicator should burn green or orange when the lid is opened). If the indicator flashes red, the headphones are discharged and will not be detected.
• 📱 Android version and MIUI: On smartphones with MIUI 12.5 and later (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Redmi Note 11 – Connection is faster thanks to the optimized Bluetooth 5.2 stack+.
• 🔄 Reset previous connections: If AirPods have already been paired with another device (like an iPhone), they need to be severed through Apple device settings or manually reset (more on that below).
• 🛠️ No interference: Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby (fitness bracelets, speakers, keyboards) to avoid pairing conflicts.

Particular attention should be paid to the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi, for example, some MIUI firmwares have enabled the "All Device Visibility" option, which can interfere with stable connectivity, to turn it off:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional.
3. Turn off Visibility for all devices (if it is active).

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t find AirPods, try rebooting your phone – sometimes it solves the Bluetooth driver problem.

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

The process of pairing AirPods with Xiaomi takes no more than a minute, if you follow the algorithm. Here is a universal guide for all models of headphones (AirPods 1/2/3, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max) and Xiaomi smartphones (including Poco and Redmi):

1. Activate pairing mode on AirPods: For AirPods 1/2: open the cover of the case and hold the button on the back for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white. For AirPods 3/Pro: just open the cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (if not connected to another device).
2. Turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen and hold the Bluetooth icon to open the settings. Or go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Find AirPods in the list of devices: Your headphones will appear on the list of available devices (for example, "AirPods Pro (John's)"). Tap it. If the name does not appear, update the list (update icon in the upper right corner).
4. Confirm pairing: A connection request will appear on the screen – press OK or Connect. AirPods Pro may require code confirmation (usually 0000 or 1234).

Once you've successfully connected, the Bluetooth settings will have a Connected icon next to the AirPods name. The headphones are now ready to use. However, for full operation, it's recommended that you make additional adjustments (about them in the next section).

Additional settings after connection

Basic pairing isn’t enough to unlock the full potential of Xiaomi’s AirPods, and this is what you should set up right after you connect:

1. Sound optimization

By default, Xiaomi uses the SBC codec, which is inferior to AAC in sound quality, to force the AAC to activate:

1. Install Developer Options (or activate Developer Mode in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version by tapping 7 times).
2. Enable the Developer Settings → Bluetooth Audio Codec → AAC.

2. Sensory control settings

The touch features on AirPods work on Android, but they can be reassigned using third-party apps like AirBattery or AndroPods. These utilities also show the charge level of the case and headphones in real time.

3. Automatic connection

To allow AirPods to connect to Xiaomi automatically when you open the cover:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Slip the gear icon next to the AirPods.
3. Enable the Auto Connection option.

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Apps like AirBattery not only show the charge, but also add notifications about the low level of the battery – this saves from a sudden turn off of the headphones.

Solving common problems

Even after successful connectivity, Xiaomi users may face typical problems, such as communication interruptions, distorted sound, or lack of microphone during calls, and we will examine the causes and ways to fix them.

1. AirPods are plugged in, but no sound

Reasons:

• 🔊 Headphones are selected as a call-only device (check in Bluetooth settings) → pin-spin → Use it for).
• 🎵 Left/right Only mode enabled (reset your headphone settings by holding the button on your case for 15 seconds).
• 🔋 One of the headphones is discharged (check in AirBattery).

2.The microphone is not working during calls

This is a common problem on Xiaomi with MIUI 13+.

• 📞 Manually select AirPods as the input device during the call (mic icon in the call interface).
• 🔄 Turn off the "Noise Reduction" function in the microphone settings (if any).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).

3. Permanent communication breakdowns

If the AirPods are turned off every 5-10 minutes, the problem may be:

• 📶 Bluetooth Energy Savings: Turn it off in Settings → Battery → Energy conservation → Energy saving Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices: Remove all unnecessary conjugate gadgets in Bluetooth settings.
• 📱 Firmware MIUI: on some versions (for example, MIUI 14.0.3 for Redmi Note 10) there are bugs with Bluetooth 5.0. Update the software or roll back to a stable version.

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If the cliffs are only in the subway or elevator, it's not the headphones that are to blame, it's interference from other devices. Try reconnecting manually.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI AirPods stopped connecting, try rolling back the firmware through Fastboot or wait for a patch. MIUI 14.0.6 for Xiaomi 12 was a bug that Apple devices were not detected.

How to Reset AirPods Before Connecting to Xiaomi

If AirPods have been paired with an iPhone or other device before, they should be reset to avoid conflict.

For AirPods 1/2 generation:

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange and then white.
3. Close the lid and open again - the headphones are ready for a new pairing.

For AirPods 3/Pro/Max:

1. Open the cover (for AirPods Max, hold the Noise Control and Digital Crown buttons at the same time).
2. Hold the button on your case (or headphones for Max) for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.
3. Confirm the reset on the iPhone screen if it’s connected (or ignore this step).

Once reset, AirPods will be removed from all previously paired devices, including iCloud.This will also solve problems with incorrect charging display or automatically connecting to older gadgets.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting the AirPods Pro also resets the noise reduction and transparency settings, which will have to be reset via iPhones or apps like AndroPods.

Apps to improve the work of AirPods on Xiaomi

The standard MIUI settings don’t allow you to take full advantage of the AirPods. Fortunately, there are third-party apps that add missing features:

For example, AirBattery not only displays the percentage of charge, but also allows you to:

• 🔔 Set up notifications when opening the cover of the case.
• 🎧 View the battery life depending on the volume level.
• 🔄 Turn on/off auto-connection when starting music.

These apps do not need root rights to install, but some features (such as gesture reassignment) may require permission to access Special Access in Android settings.

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Applications like AndroPods can conflict with MIUI's energy-saving modes. Add them to the battery setting exceptions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting AirPods to Xiaomi