Modern users often find themselves in a situation where they want to use Apple headphones with Android devices. Especially relevant is the question of how to connect AirPods to a Xiaomi smartphone if you do not have the original, but a quality replica or model from a third party. Contrary to popular misconception, the Apple ecosystem does not block the work of accessories with other operating systems at the basic level. Bluetooth Protocol is a universal standard that allows you to transfer audio stream between any compatible devices, regardless of the logo on the case.
However, the pairing process can have its nuances, especially when it comes to copies of AirPods that emulate the behavior of the originals. Owners of Redmi, Poco and Mi phones may encounter features of the MIUI or HyperOS shell that require a specific approach to configuration. In this article, we will discuss in detail the mechanics of connectivity, consider software solutions for advanced functionality and eliminate typical problems with sound.
The challenge is to ensure that the microphone is connected and works properly, which is often a stumbling block for non-original devices. We go from first activating the pairing mode to fine-tuning the equalizer. Even if your headphones are an exact copy of the 2nd generation AirPods Pro, their Android algorithm is based on standard A2DP and HFP profiles, which makes the procedure predictable.
Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to interact. Xiaomi smartphones have an aggressive energy saving system that can prevent new gadgets from being discovered. Make sure that Bluetooth is activated and visible to other devices. To do this, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the slider.
Headphones, especially non-original ones, require a special detection mode. Unlike the originals, where the process is often automated, copies may require holding a button on the case for a longer time. Usually the indicator should flash white or orange, signaling readiness for (mating).
⚠️ Note: If your headphones have previously been connected to an iPhone, they can automatically try to connect to it when you open a case. For a successful connection to Xiaomi, temporarily turn off Bluetooth on Apple devices or forget the device in their settings.
It is also important to check the charge of both devices. Low case charge can lead to intermittent signal and inability to complete the mating procedure. Put the headphones in the case, close the lid, wait 5 seconds and open again to reset the internal controller.
Step-by-step: Connecting through a standard interface
Connecting to Xiaomi phones with MIUI or HyperOS shells is standard, but requires careful consideration when selecting a device from the list. After the preparation described above, follow the following steps to establish a connection.
☑️ Connection algorithm
Go to the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone and click Device Search. The list of available gadgets should show a name that matches the model of your headphones. This can be AirPods, i12 TWS, Lenovo LP40 or another name that depends on the manufacturer of the copy.
Click on the device name. The system can request a pairing confirmation or enter PIN-99 percent of the time, for non-original models, the code is 0000 or 1234. Once you've entered it, you'll hear a distinctive beep in your headphones, confirming the success of the operation.
- 🎧 Make sure that the status of the connected devices has changed to “Connected” for both media and phone calls.
- 📱 Check if there is a pop-up with a suggestion to install an app for managing headphones (relevant for some branded Chinese counterparts).
- 🔋 Pay attention to the display of the charge level in the notification curtain – on non-originals this widget is often missing or shows incorrect data.
If the connection is successful but the sound is missing, check the media settings. Android sometimes requires manually switching the audio output to the headset after pairing. tap the speaker icon in the notification curtain and select your headphones instead of the phone speakers.
Use of specialized applications for Xiaomi
Standard Android functionality is often not enough to work with Apple headphones, even their copies. For Xiaomi owners, there are a number of applications that allow you to unlock the potential of the headset by emulating the work of the W1/H1 chip. These tools allow you to see the charge of each headphone separately, adjust the equalizer and control touch control.
One of the most popular solutions is the MaterialPods or AndPods app, which is available on Google Play and requires permission to access location and Bluetooth. Once installed, the app will automatically detect open headphones and display a beautiful window with animations similar to the original on iOS.
Why do applications request geolocation?
Also worth considering is the Xiaomi Earbuds app (unofficial), which is specifically sharpened to the MIUI shell. It allows you to reassign tap actions, which is critical for non-originals, where by default the sensors may not work correctly, you can set up a double touch to switch tracks or call Google Assistant.
- 🛠 Allows you to update the firmware of the headphones if the manufacturer of the copy has issued a patch.
- 🎚 Gives access to the setting of noise reduction modes (ANC) on models where it is hidden by default.
- 📊 Shows detailed usage statistics and battery life.
⚠️ Note: Only download apps from trusted sources, such as Google Play Store.Install APK-Files from third-party sites can lead to malware infection of the smartphone, especially given the need to provide broad permissions.
Customizing the sound and eliminating delays in games
One of the main problems when connecting AirPods to Android, especially on Xiaomi, is latency. The default codecs use SBC, which provides compatibility but does not guarantee synchronization of video and audio. To watch movies and games, you need to activate more advanced codecs if your headphone model supports them.
Go to Settings → Bluetooth, click on the gear icon next to the connected headphones. Find Bluetooth Codec. If available, select aptX or aptX Low Latency. This will significantly improve the quality of the transmission and reduce latency.
Also, in the developer settings (which you need to activate by seven times clicking on the build number in About Phone), you can find the option to turn off the absolute volume level. Experiment with this setting: on some Redmi models, its inclusion allows you to unlock the maximum volume, which on non-original AirPods is often limited by software.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codec | SBC | aptX / AAC | Sound quality and delay |
| Absolute volume. | Included. | Switched off (experimentally) | Maximum volume level |
| Bluetooth version | Automobile | 5.0+ | Stability of connection |
| LDAC | Off. | Included (if supported) | Hi-Res audio |
Remember that non-original headphones may not physically support high bitrates. If the sound is lost or wheezing after switching the codec, return the settings to the SBC value for maximum compatibility.
Solving problems with microphone and calls
A common complaint of users who have connected copies of AirPods to Xiaomi is that they can’t hear them, or the sound resembles a “robot.” This is due to the conflict of profiles HFP (Hands-Free Profile) and HSP (Headset Profile). Android may try to use a high-quality profile for music, blocking the channel for the microphone.
To solve the problem, go to Bluetooth settings, select your headphones and make sure that the phone call tick is active. If the problem persists, try in the call app (such as Google Phone) in the settings to select the audio output device manually during a conversation.
In some cases, clearing the cache of the system's Bluetooth services helps. Go to Settings → Apps → Show All → Bluetooth (may need to enable system process display) and click Clear cache. This will not remove the paired devices, but will reset protocol errors.
- 🎙 Check if the microphone holes on the legs of the headphones are covered with protective film or gray (a frequent problem of new copies).
- 📞 Make sure that the Android privacy settings allow the phone app to use the microphone.
- 🔄 If the microphone wheezes only in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), check the settings inside the applications themselves, there may be your choice of recording device.
⚠️ Note: If the microphone only works on one headphone (usually the right one), this is standard behavior for many budget-friendly devices. TWS-The second headphone in them doesn't have a microphone, it just relays the signal.
Resetting settings and reconnecting when errors occur
If none of these methods worked, or the headphones are unstable, you need to perform a full reset. For non-original models, the procedure may be different from the original. Most often, you need to hold the button on the case (or the touch zones on the headphones themselves) for 15-20 seconds before changing the color of the indicator.
After reset, be sure to go to Bluetooth on your Xiaomi, find the device in the list of previously connected and click Forget the device or Unpair. Only after that repeat the connection procedure again.
💡
Completely resetting headphones and removing the profile from the phone’s memory is a solution to 90% of problems with desynchronization of the left and right channels.
In the rare cases where the headphones are no longer visible to the phone at all, it may be necessary to completely discharge them. Leave the case open until the battery is completely exhausted, then put it on charge for 10 minutes and try to connect again. This helps to restart the power controller.
Remember that the quality of communication also depends on the version of Bluetooth in the smartphone. Older Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 8 and below) may have problems with connection stability with newer versions of Bluetooth protocols used in fresh copies of AirPods.