How to connect AirPods to Xiaomi Mi TV: full instructions with solutions

Apple AirPods wireless headphones have become an integral part of the ecosystem for many users, but their compatibility with other brands — especially Xiaomi Mi TVs — is often questionable. Although both devices support Bluetooth, the connection process is not always intuitive. In this article, we will discuss all working ways of synchronization, including hidden settings Mi TV, using adapters and integration through Mi Home.

The main problem is that Xiaomi optimizes its TVs primarily for its own accessories (such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds), and the Bluetooth protocol in AirPods has specific features. However, you can connect them - and we will show you how to do this without loss of sound quality or delays.

1. AirPods Compatibility with Xiaomi Mi TVs: What You Need to Know

Before you start connecting, it’s important to understand whether your Xiaomi TV supports AirPods at the hardware level.Most Mi TV models since 2018 have a Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0 module, but there are nuances:

• 📺 Mi TV 4S/4A/4C (2018–2020): Bluetooth is available, but you may need a firmware update to work with AirPods.
• 📺 Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV 5/5 Pro: Full Bluetooth support 5.0 profile A2DP (necessary for the transmission of sound).
• 📺 Mi TV P1, Mi TV 6: The most modern models with improved compatibility, but there may be delays in sound.
• ⚠️ Mi TV 3S, Mi TV 4 (early versions): Bluetooth is missing or unstable – an external adapter will be required.

Even if your TV is on the supported list, AirPods can connect in "phone headset" (HSP) mode rather than as full-fledged headphones (A2DP), which means lower sound quality and possible microphone problems. To avoid this, follow the instructions in the following sections.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9.0 and below may not be able to manually add Bluetooth devices. In this case, use the Mi Home method (Section 3).

Method 1: Direct Bluetooth connection (for Mi TV with Android TV 10+)

This is the easiest method, but it only works on TVs with Android TV 10 or later (e.g. Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV 5 Pro).

1. Open your TV settings, go to Devices → Bluetooth and remote devices.
2. Activate Bluetooth (slider in the upper right corner).
3. Open the AirPods case cover and press the button on the back until the indicator starts flashing white (pairing mode).
4. In the list of available devices on your TV, select AirPods [your name].
5. Confirm the connection on the TV (entry may be required) PIN-code - usually 0000 or 1234).

If AirPods don’t appear on the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the TV and headphones.
• 📱 Disable AirPods from other devices (iPhone, Macbook) via Bluetooth settings.
• 🔧 Update the TV firmware (Settings section) → On TV. → Updating the system).

Are AirPods disconnected from other devices?

Has the Mi TV firmware been updated to the latest version?

Is the TV within 1 meter of the headphones?

Is the pairing mode on AirPods (blinking white light) activated)?-->

Once successfully connected, the sound from the TV will automatically be transmitted to AirPods. However, some users note a delay of up to 200-300 ms. To reduce it, go to Settings → Sound → Audio Lag and select 0 ms (if available).

Method 2: Connect via the Mi Home app (for older models)

If your TV is running Android TV 9.0 or older, the standard Bluetooth menu may not support AirPods. In this case, the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) will help. This method is also useful if the TV does not see headphones in the list of devices.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Home app on your smartphone and log in to your Xiaomi account.
2. Connect the TV to the app: click Add Device → TV and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. After syncing, go to the TV control section and select Settings → Bluetooth.
4. Activate the pairing mode on AirPods (as in method 1) and wait for them to appear in the list.
5. Confirm the connection via the application.

The advantage of this method is that you can control connected devices remotely, but there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ The sound may be delayed due to double broadcasting (TV) → attachment → headphones).
• 🔋 The battery consumption of the smartphone increases, as it acts as an intermediate link.

Method 3: Using a Bluetooth adapter (for non-Bluetooth TVs)

If your Xiaomi Mi TV isn’t equipped with a Bluetooth module (like the Mi TV 3S or early Mi TV 4), the only reliable way to connect AirPods is to use an external Bluetooth transmitter.

To connect:

1. Choose an adapter with the right connector (optical or 3.5 mm).
2. Connect it to your TV (for example, to the Optical Out or AUX port).
3. Turn the adapter in the socket (if power is required).
4. Activate pairing mode on AirPods and connect them to the adapter.
5. On the TV, select the sound source: Settings → Sound. → Exit → Optical/AUX.

⚠️ Note: Cheap adapters (priced below 1,500) ₽) often A2DP and transmit sound in format SBC, This reduces the quality and increases the latency to 300 ms. For movies, choose models with aptX Low Latency.

💡

If the adapter is only connected to the TV, check the Sound → Audio Out → External speakers and choose Bluetooth or Optical depending on the connection type.

5. Problem Solving: AirPods are connected but not working

Even after successful pairing, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The sound is delayed (lag)

Reasons:

• 🎵 Codec is used. SBC instead AAC or.
• 📶 Bluetooth signal passes through walls or other interference.
• 🔋 Low AirPods battery (less than 20%).

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones by holding the button on the case for 15 seconds (reset settings).
• 📱 In the settings of the TV, select Settings → Sound. → Audio format → AAC (if available).
• 📡 Reduce the distance between TV and headphones to 1-2 meters.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or lost

Possible causes:

• 📵 Interference from other wireless devices (routers, microwaves).
• 🔋 Discharged battery of AirPods or adapter.
• 📱 Outdated firmware of a TV or adapter.

Decisions:

• 🔌 Reboot the TV and AirPods.
• 📶 Switch the router to a 5GHz channel (if it runs at 2.4GHz).
• 🔧 Update the adapter firmware (if externally used).

Problem 3: AirPods microphone is not working

Xiaomi Mi TV does not support the use of AirPods microphone for voice input (for example, for Google Assistant).This is a limitation of the HFP (Hands-Free Profile) protocol, which Xiaomi TVs do not use. To silence the microphone and avoid noise, turn it off in the settings of the headphones on the iPhone:

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
2. Click on the i icon next to the AirPods.
3. Select the microphone. → Always left/right or never.

💡

If the TV doesn’t see AirPods after a few attempts, reset your Bluetooth settings on your TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Three dots (menu) → Reset settings.

6. Alternative methods: if nothing works

If all of these methods have failed, consider alternative options:

Option 1: Apple TV as a mediator

If you have an Apple TV, connect it to the Xiaomi Mi TV via HDMI and use AirPods as the main headphones for the Apple TV.The sound will be transmitted without delay, but an additional device will be required.

Option 2: Analog audio transmitter

For TVs without Bluetooth and optical output can be used FM-transmitter (e.g. Nulaxy) KM18), It's a 3.5mm connector that connects to the AirPods and broadcasts the sound to the AirPods through the radio frequency, and the sound quality is going to be worse, but it's a working version for older models.

Option 3: Synchronization applications

Some Android TV apps (like SoundAssistant or Bluetooth Auto Connect) let you manually manage Bluetooth connections. Install them via Google Play on your TV and try connecting AirPods through them.

If you're willing to spend time experimenting, you can also try reflashing the TV to custom firmware (like LineageOS for TV), but it's risky and unwarranted, and we recommend this method only to power users.

7. Comparison with other wireless headphones

If AirPods cause too many problems, it may be worth considering alternative headphones that are better compatible with Xiaomi Mi TV:

As you can see from the table, headphones from Xiaomi or Redmi provide better compatibility and minimal latency. If you care about sound quality and stability, consider these options instead of AirPods.

FAQ: Frequent questions