The integration of the Apple ecosystem with Android devices has always raised questions among users. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often aim to use premium AirPods headphones without buying an iPhone. Fortunately, the basic Bluetooth technology allows you to create a connection between these devices without much difficulty, albeit with some functional limitations.
The pairing process is not much different from connecting any other Bluetooth headset. However, to achieve stable operation and minimize delays, you need to take into account the specifics of the MIUI or HyperOS shell. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions, how to expand functionality through third-party software and methods for eliminating typical communication errors.
Despite the lack of native support for the H1/W1 protocol in Android, the basic audio playback functions work steadily. You don't need to be an expert in network configuration to perform primary pairing, just follow a clear algorithm, which we will describe below, and take into account the features of your smartphone menu.
Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing
Before starting the procedure, make sure your AirPods (regardless of the Pro, 2, 3 or Max model) have sufficient battery power.Discharged headphones may not go into detection mode or break the connection immediately after you connect. Also check that the Bluetooth module is on on the Xiaomi smartphone and it is visible for other devices.
It’s important to clear the list of previously connected devices if the headphones have been used with an iPhone or other gadget before, which will eliminate addressing conflicts and speed up the search process. If you plan to use multi-device headphones, remember that automatically switching between them will not work — you will have to reconnect manually.
☑️ Connection readiness
There is a nuance that is often overlooked: if the headphones were paired with an Apple device, they may try to automatically connect to it when detected.To avoid this, temporarily turn off Bluetooth on all Apple devices within range or reset the headphones before connecting to Android.
Step-by-step instruction for connecting via Bluetooth
The basic method of connecting is universal for all versions of MIUI. First, open the charge case cover without removing the headphones themselves. On the back of the case (or on the end of the AirPods Max model) there is a round setting button, you need to press and hold it until the status indicator starts flashing white.
When the indicator is flashed, take a Xiaomi smartphone. Go to the Settings → Bluetooth menu or use the top notification curtain for quick access. Press the search button for new devices. The name of your headphones should appear on the list of available gadgets, for example, AirPods Pro or AirPods.
⚠️ Note: If two devices with a similar name appear on the list (for example, one for the left, one for the right channel), do not try to connect them separately. Wait for the appearance of a single name or reset headphones, holding the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator blinks in amber color.
Tap the name of the device in the list on the smartphone screen. The system can request confirmation of pairing — press OK or Connect. Once you successfully set up the connection, you will hear a characteristic beep in the headphones, and the status bar of the phone will appear in the icon of the battery headphones (basic indication).
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If the smartphone does not see the headphones for a long time, put them in a case, close the lid, wait 5 seconds and repeat the procedure of entering the pairing mode.
Expanding functionality with third-party applications
With standard Android, you'll only get basic sound. To access smart features like displaying the exact charge of each earphone, adjusting noise cancellation or controlling gestures, you'll need to install specialized software. The most popular and stable solution is the MaterialPods or Capod app.
After installing the application from Google Play or APK-In the case of a file, you need to give it a number of permissions, in particular, you need access to the location (necessary for the Bluetooth scanner in Android) and background work. Without background work, the charge widget may stop updating when folded applications.
- 🎧 Exact display of the percentage of charge of the left, right earphone and case in the widget.
- 🔇 Possibility of switching noise reduction modes (ANC) and transparency right from the lock screen.
- 🔍 Search function "Find My" with playback of the sound signal.
- ⚙️ Customize double tap and other control gestures not available in the standard menu.
It’s worth noting that some features, such as automatic wear detection (proximation sensors), may not work properly or at all, as they are tied to proprietary iOS drivers. However, assistant apps significantly improve the user experience, making using AirPods on Xiaomi more comfortable.
Customization of sound and elimination of delays
One of the common problems when using AirPods with Android is desynchronization of audio and video (lip-sync issue). This is due to codecs and buffering. To minimize delays in games or when watching videos, it is recommended to activate the "Game" mode in the MIUI shell, if available, or use video players with manual audio delay settings.
Also worth paying attention to the settings of the codecs. Although AirPods use the AAC codec, which is supported by Android, the transmission quality can vary depending on the version of Bluetooth and the drivers of the smartphone. In the Settings → Bluetooth → menu (cog next to the device), you can try to change the profile (for example, switch from HD Audio to standard if you see wheezing).
| Parameter | Standard value | Recommended for games | Recommended for music |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codec | AAC / SBC | SBC (less latency) | AAC (better quality) |
| Bluetooth mode | Normal. | Low delay | Sound quality |
| equalizer | Flat | Off | To taste. |
| Dolby Atmos | Off | Off (may glitch) | VL (experimental) |
For advanced users, there is the possibility of customization through the engineering menu or ADB-In most cases, it is enough to choose the right profile in the standard Bluetooth settings of your Xiaomi.
Secret code for checking codecs
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Users often experience a situation where the sound comes from only one headphone or the microphone is jammed. 90% of the time, this is solved by completely resetting the headphone settings. To do this, place them in a case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then open the lid and press the reset button for 15 seconds before flashing orange and then white.
Another common problem is quiet sound. Xiaomi smartphones have separate volume control for media and Bluetooth devices. Make sure that the Settings → Sound and Vibration menu has Bluetooth volume sliders twisted to maximum. Also check if the Monoaudio mode is on special features that can add channels incorrectly.
⚠️ Note: If the AirPods microphone is extremely quiet or noiseless when calling via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), try turning off the Voice Call option for headphones in Bluetooth settings, leaving only Multimedia. The sound will go through the microphone of the phone, which is often better in the conditions of a poor signal.
An unstable connection can be caused by interference from 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers. If you are at home and communication is interrupted, try switching Wi-Fi to 5GHz or stepping away from the router. Also make sure that the case on the smartphone does not block the Bluetooth antenna.
Comparison of work on iOS and Android
Despite all the efforts to adapt, Android users face a number of limitations compared to iPhone users, and understanding these differences will help to create realistic expectations for the device.
- 🚫 Spatial audio: On Android, dynamic head tracking doesn’t work, only static surround sound is available (if supported by a player).
- 🚫 Siri: Apple voice assistant is not activated, instead you can configure the launch of Google Assistant, but the functionality will be limited.
- ✅ Autopause: Approximation sensors work in most third-party apps, pausing music when the earphone is removed.
- ❌ Firmware update: Headphones won't update automatically.Firmware updates will have to find a device with iOS.
Sound quality, ease of landing and uptime remain high regardless of platform, and for many users, the trade-off of installing an assistant app is acceptable.
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The main disadvantage of using AirPods with Android is the inability to update the firmware of headphones without an Apple device. It is recommended to periodically check them through friends with the iPhone.