How to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to iPhone: full instructions with solutions to problems

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are a popular accessory among iPhone owners, despite the brand’s specialization in technology for the Android ecosystem. Many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the invisibility of the device in the Bluetooth list, problems with sound or automatic reconnection. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic settings to solving rare bugs.

The main difficulty lies in the differences between Bluetooth protocols between iOS and Xiaomi devices. For example, headphones Redmi Airdots or Xiaomi Buds may require a special pairing mode, which is not in the standard menu of the iPhone. We will look at universal methods for all models (including Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5 and older versions of Airdots), and give recommendations for audio optimization for the Apple ecosystem.

1. Xiaomi headphone compatibility with iPhone: what you need to know before connecting

Not all Xiaomi models work equally well with iPhones, but the main factors that affect compatibility are:

• 🔹 Bluetooth Version: Headphones with Bluetooth 5.0+ (For example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) connect more stable than legacy Airdots with Bluetooth 4.2.
• 🔹 Sound Profiles: iPhone does not support codec AAC Fully for Xiaomi devices, which can degrade sound quality.
• 🔹 Corporate functions: Opportunities like ANC (Active noise reduction or Transparency Mode may not work properly.
• 🔹 iOS version: On devices with iOS 14 and below, there may be problems with automatic reconnection.

Before buying, check the model specifications on Xiaomi’s official website. For example, Redmi Buds 4 Active have an iOS compatibility note in the description, while budget Airdots 2 are not marked with this mark. This does not mean that they will not work, but the connection quality may vary.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Xiaomi headphones to iPhone

The pairing process depends on the headphone model, but the general scheme looks like this:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones. For most Xiaomi models, you need to hold the power button for 5-10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white (or just white).
2. Open Bluetooth settings on your iPhone: go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on the feature.
3. Find the headphones on the list. They should show up as Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds or similar (name depends on the model).
4. Confirm the connection. On the iPhone, a notification will appear, click "Connect".

Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) may require installing the proprietary Mi Home app, even on the iPhone.The app allows you to update the firmware of the headphones, which often solves connection problems.

Make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator is green)

Disconnect them from other devices (Android, PC)

Turn Bluetooth on your iPhone in advance

Close the background apps that use sound (Spotify, YouTube)-->

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones have already been connected to an Android device, you need to reset them to the factory settings. To do this, hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red 3 times.

3. Solving problems: Xiaomi headphones don't connect to iPhones

If the device doesn’t appear in the Bluetooth list or connects with an error, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot your headphones and iPhone. Turn off and turn on both devices.
• 📱 Update iOS. Older versions (below iOS 15) have Bluetooth bugs LE Audio.
• 🔌 Check the headphones' charge. At a battery level below 10%, they may not be in pairing mode.
• 🚫 Remove old connections. In Settings → Bluetooth press the "i" next to the headphone name and select "Forget this device".

Redmi Airdots 2/3 models have a problem when the right earbud doesn't connect, because the main Bluetooth module is in the right body.

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Take out the right one and try connecting it separately.
3. After successful pairing, pull out the left one - it should connect automatically.

4.Sound Optimization: Settings for Better Quality on iPhone

By default, the iPhone uses the AAC codec to transmit sound, but with Xiaomi headphones, it doesn't always provide the best quality.

• 🎧 Turn off “Sound Improvement” in iPhone settings: Settings → Music. → EQ → Off.
• 📊 Activate High Quality Mode in Apps (Spotify, Apple Music).
• 🔊 Set up your stereo balance: Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual content → Stereo balance.
• 🔇 Check tightness: tight fit of earpieces improves bass frequencies.

For models with ANC (such as Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) on the iPhone, only basic noise reduction settings are available.

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Touch and hold the touchpad on one of the headphones (usually 2 seconds).
3. Wait for an audible signal (squeak or voice notification).

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If the sound is interrupted while watching the video, turn on the Play Background option in YouTube settings (Premium subscription required) to reduce the Bluetooth load.

5. Automatic Connection: How to Teach iPhones to Quickly Find Xiaomi Headphones

By default, the iPhone should automatically connect to the headphones when you open the case cover.

1. Make sure that the Auto Connection feature is enabled in Bluetooth settings (click on the "i" next to the headphone name).
2. Update the firmware of the headphones through the Mi Home app (even on iPhone, it is possible).
3. Reset network settings on iPhone: Settings → Basic → Move or Reset → Reset → Reset network settings.

For Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, the Quick Switch between devices is available.

1. Connect your headphones to your iPhone and Mac (or other device).
2. Open Control Center on your iPhone and hold the Bluetooth panel.
3. Select headphones from the list – they will connect to the current device.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones are connected to both iPhone and Android devices at the same time, microphone problems may occur during calls.

Resetting and flashing: extreme measures to solve problems

If Xiaomi headphones are unstable (frequent cliffs, distorted sound), you may need to completely reset or update the firmware.

• 🔧 Reset to factory settings: Put the headphones in the case. Hold the button on the case 15-20 seconds (indicator flashes red) 3 Connect it again via Bluetooth.

Firmware update

1. Install the Mi Home app from the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to your iPhone.
3. In the app, go to the device section and check for updates.

For models Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and newer firmware update via the iPhone may not be available – requires a device on Android 8.0+. In this case, you can use the services of a service center or borrow a smartphone from friends.

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If the headphones stop turning on after reset, wait 5 minutes and repeat the procedure. Sometimes the Bluetooth module freezes and takes time to restart.

7. Alternative ways to connect: if Bluetooth does not work

In rare cases, Bluetooth on an iPhone can be damaged (for example, after a fall or update), then you can use Xiaomi to connect your headphones:

• 🔌 Bluetooth adapter (e.g. Avantek) USB-C). Connects via Lightning port and creates a separate communication channel.
• 🎵 3.5mm audio splitter (for wired-enabled models, such as Xiaomi Hybrid Pro).
• 💻 Connect via Mac. If the headphones are visible on the MacBook, they can be used for Continuity calls.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s iPhone connection