How to connect AirPods to Xiaomi phone: full instructions with solutions

Apple’s AirPods are no longer exclusive to iPhone owners, and can be used successfully with any Android device, including Xiaomi smartphones. However, the process of connecting and setting up has its nuances, from the lack of automatic switching between devices to problems with sound quality. In this article, we will discuss all the ways AirPods pair with Xiaomi (including Redmi models, POCO and flagship series), as well as how to solve typical errors and optimize the work of headphones.

It's important to understand that AirPods were originally designed for the Apple ecosystem, so on Android, some of the features (such as automatic ear detection or Siri activation) will not be available, but the basic features - listening to music, receiving calls and managing gestures - work without restrictions. The main thing is to correctly connect and adjust the sound parameters in MIUI.

Which AirPods are compatible with Xiaomi?

All generations of AirPods (including AirPods 1/2/3, AirPods Pro 1/2 and AirPods Max) are physically compatible with Xiaomi phones, as they use standard Bluetooth protocol.

• 🎧 AirPods 1/2 Generations: Working through AAC or SBC. No support for aptX, which may affect the sound quality of some Xiaomi models.
• 🎧 AirPods 3: Spatial audio support added, but limited on Android (requires Apple Music app).
• 🎧 AirPods Pro (1/2 Generations: Support active noise cancellation, but it can only be set up on Xiaomi through third-party apps.
• 🎧 AirPods Max: Connect to Xiaomi, but due to the large size and orientation to iOS, there may be problems with the microphone during calls.

Important: AirPods Pro 2 headphones with an H2 chip require Bluetooth 5.3 to work properly. Make sure your Xiaomi supports this version (e.g. Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

Preparing for Connection: What to Do on Xiaomi

Before pairing AirPods with a Xiaomi phone, follow a few preliminary steps to avoid the typical mistakes:

1. Update your firmware. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and install the latest version of MIUI. This will eliminate possible Bluetooth bugs.
2. Reset the headphone settings (if they have already been connected to another device). To do this: Place AirPods in the case and close the lid. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.

Bluetooth

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth

If your Xiaomi has previously had problems connecting wireless headphones, reset the Bluetooth module:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points (menu) → Show system → Bluetooth → Storage → Clear data

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If the audio is interrupted after you connect, try disabling the dual audio feature in the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi. It may conflict with AirPods.

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

The pairing process takes no more than 1-2 minutes, if you follow the algorithm:

1. Open the case cover with AirPods and make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator inside the case should be green or white).

Once paired successfully, AirPods will appear on the list of connected devices, now you can use them to listen to music or call, but to work properly, it is recommended to perform additional settings.

Make sure AirPods are charged (green/white indicator)|

Update MIUI to the latest version|

Reset Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi (if you had any problems) |

Disconnect other wireless headphones from your phone-->

Customization of sound and control on Xiaomi

By default, AirPods on Android are operating in basic mode, but you can optimize sound and control:

1.Selection of Bluetooth codec

Xiaomi has SBC, AAC and (on some models) aptX codecs available. AAC is optimal for AirPods:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth → Cog next to AirPods → Audio Codec → Select AAC

2. Customization of gestures

Double-touch (for AirPods 1/2) or compression (for AirPods Pro) functions are configured via the following applications:

• 📱 AndroPods (for AirPods) 1/2/3): allows you to assign a double touch to play/pause, the next track or call voice assistant.
• 📱 AirBattery (for AirPods Pro): Adds a charge level widget and noise reduction control.

3. Sound optimization in MIUI

Turn on the sound amplifier and equalizer:

Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality → Sound amplifier (turn on) → Equator (select the Bass or Bright profile)

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi users may face a number of problems, including the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If AirPods Pro doesn't switch noise reduction modes, install the AirBattery app and manually activate the feature in its interface. MIUI They do not support the management of this option.

How to Disable AirPods from Xiaomi and Connect to Another Device

If you need to temporarily turn off your headphones or reconnect them to your iPhone or other phone, follow these steps:

1. Open Bluetooth on Xiaomi and tap the gear icon next to the AirPods.
2. Select Disable (earphones will remain in the device’s memory) or Forget (complete removal from the list of associated devices).
3. To connect to another device: Place AirPods in the case and close the lid. Press the button on the back of the case until the indicator flashes white. Connect via Bluetooth on the new device.

If AirPods don’t want to connect to an iPhone after using Xiaomi, reset their settings (see Preparation) and re-pair with an Apple device.

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To avoid problems when reconnecting, always disable Xiaomi’s AirPods via the Bluetooth menu, rather than simply turning off Bluetooth on your phone.

Third-party apps for advanced AirPods management on Xiaomi

Standard MIUI capabilities are limited, but with the help of third-party applications you can expand the functionality:

• 🔹 AndroPods: Shows the charge level of the case and each earpiece. Allows you to set up a double touch (playback, next track, assistant call.
• 🔹 AirBattery (for AirPods Pro): Control of noise reduction modes (ANC/Transparency). Widget for quick access to settings. Support for mode change notifications.
• 🔹 MaterialPods: Minimalist interface with support for dark theme, shows battery life in real time.

Apps are available on Google Play, but some features (such as managing ANC) may require root rights or special permissions. Check reviews before installing - some apps may not work properly on the latest versions of MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Apps like AndroPods request notifications and Bluetooth access. Do not provide additional permissions (such as access to contacts or location) unless required for basic features.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting AirPods to Xiaomi