How to connect AirPods to Xiaomi smartphone: all ways and solutions to errors

Apple AirPods wireless headphones have long been the standard of quality for music lovers, but their compatibility with Android devices — especially Xiaomi smartphones — is often questionable. Despite the fact that the ecosystems of Apple and Xiaomi are built on different principles, connect AirPods to Redmi, POCO or flagship models of Xiaomi 14/13 It's not only possible, it's pretty simple, and the key is to know the nuances of the setup that will provide a stable connection and full functionality.

In this article, we will discuss all current ways of connecting (including hidden functions). MIUI), We will explain why AirPods may not be defined by the system, and give recommendations for audio optimization. MIUI 14+, If you're facing a communication breakdown, poor sound quality, or headphones are refusing to connect, here's the solution.

1. Connection Preparation: What to Check Before Pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure your smartphone and headphones are ready to go, and skipping these steps often leads to errors like “Device not found” or “Disconnected.”

Requirements for the Xiaomi smartphone:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: lower MIUI 12 (old firmware may not have drivers for AirPods Pro 2 and later).
• 🔄 Bluetooth: Version 5.0+ (Redmi Note 8 and older – 4.2 can work with restrictions).
• 🔋 Headphone charge: at least 20% (at low charge, AirPods do not broadcast the name of the device).
• 🛡️ Permissions: Enable Geodata and Device Search in Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

Requirements for AirPods:

• 🎧 Resetting: If the headphones were previously paired with an iPhone, reset (click the button on the back of the case before the orange indicator flashes).
• 🔄 Pair mode: Open the case cover and hold the button on the back until white light flashes.
• 📦 Firmware: Update your headphones via iPhone (if available) – outdated firmware can cause problems with Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi smartphones with custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience) may not have support AAC-codec, which degrades the sound. Check the audio settings after you connect.

Charge AirPods up to 30%+

Update MIUI to the latest version

Reset the headphone settings (if paired with the iPhone)

Enable Bluetooth and geolocation on Xiaomi

Open the cover of the AirPods case-->

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect AirPods to Xiaomi via Bluetooth

The standard pairing method works for all AirPods models (1/2/3 Xiaomi smartphones, Pro, Max and generations. Follow the instructions carefully - skipping steps can lead to errors.

Step 1: Activate the pairing mode on AirPods

1. Place the headphones in the case and open the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case (on AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 touch button – touch and hold).
3. Wait for the white indicator to flash (search mode is activated).

Step 2. Search for a device on Xiaomi

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if disabled).
3. In the list of available devices, find AirPods [your name] (if the name doesn’t show, see the error section).
4. Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.

Step 3: Customize the sound (optional)

After connection:

• 🎵 Go to Settings → Sound → Bluetooth Sound Quality.
• 🔊 Select the Codec. AAC (is optimal for AirPods, or SBC (if there is a delay problem).
• 🎧 Turn on the absolute volume to synchronize volume between devices.

💡

If the audio is interrupted after connecting, disable the dual audio function in Bluetooth settings - it conflicts with AirPods on some firmware MIUI.

3. Alternative ways to connect (if Bluetooth does not work)

If standard pairing fails, try one of these methods. MIUI 13/14, Where there are bugs with the detection of Apple devices.

Method 1: Connect via the AirBattery application

The AirBattery app (available on Google Play) emulates iOS features for AirPods on Android:

• 📱 Displays the charge of headphones and case in real time.
• 🔧 Allows you to adjust gestures (double touch, hold).
• 🔊 Includes support LDAC (Improved sound on supported models).

How to connect:

1. Install AirBattery from Google Play.
2. Activate the pairing mode on AirPods (see step 1).
3. Open the app and follow the instructions on the screen.

Method 2: Using the Developer Mode

On some firmware, Xiaomi restricts device search over Bluetooth to remove the restriction:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Bluetooth debugging option and turn it on.
4. Reboot the smartphone and repeat the pairing.

⚠️ Attention: Turning on Bluetooth Debugging can reduce connection security. Disable it after pairing if you are not using development features.

AirPods 1/2 generation

AirPods 3

AirPods Pro 1

AirPods Pro 2

AirPods Max

Another model-->

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after successful connection, Xiaomi users often face problems: communication breaks, no sound in one earphone, or headphones refuse to connect after a restart.-5 errors and ways of correcting them.

Additional advice:

• 🔋 If AirPods are discharged quickly, turn off Device Search in geolocation settings – this reduces power consumption.
• 🎵 To improve sound, install an equalizer (Wavelet or built-in in) MIUI).
• 🔄 If the headphones are not connected after the update MIUI, perform reset of network settings.

5. Optimization of AirPods on Xiaomi: sound and gesture settings

After a successful connection, you should configure AirPods to your needs. MIUI Offers hidden features that will improve the experience, but they’re hidden in the depths of the menu.

1.Setting up Bluetooth codecs

Xiaomi is choosing a codec by default SBC, It's a stable, but not the best sound quality. AAC:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Bluetooth sound quality.
2. Choose. AAC (If there is no option, update it. MIUI).
3. Activate the Absolute Volume to synchronize volume.

2. Reassignment of gestures

On AirPods Pro and AirPods 3, you can configure actions to touch:

• 🎧 Double touch: playback / pause, next track, call voice assistant.
• 🔇 Retention: switching noise reduction modes (on Pro).

To set up:

1. Install the AirBattery or Assistant Trigger app.
2. In the app settings, select an action for each gesture.

3.Spatial Sound on Xiaomi

AirPods Pro and AirPods Max support spatial sound, but on Xiaomi it only works through third-party apps:

• 🎬 Install Dolby Atmos from Google Play.
• 🔊 Enable Spatial Sound in the App Settings.
• 🎧 Select the headphone profile for optimal effect.

💡

For stable AirPods on Xiaomi, disable the dual audio feature in Bluetooth settings – it often conflicts with Apple headphones.

6.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, Mac, or other smartphone, follow this instruction. Importantly, improperly disconnecting your headphones can cause re-pairing to malfunction.

Step 1. Correct shutdown

1. Open the Settings → Bluetooth on Xiaomi.
2. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the AirPods.
3. Select Disconnect (don’t forget if you plan to reconnect!).

Step 2: Reconnect to another device

• 📱 For iPhone/Mac: Open the AirPods case lid next to the device and follow the instructions on the screen.
• 🤖 For another Android: activate pairing mode (button on the case) and connect via Bluetooth.

Step 3: If the headphones are "hanging" when connected

Sometimes AirPods stay connected to Xiaomi even after shutdown to reset the connection:

1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (until the indicator flashes orange).
3. Connect it to the right device again.

⚠️ Warning: If you chose Forget the device in Xiaomi’s settings and then tried to connect AirPods to your iPhone, you may need to reset your headphones via iCloud (if they were tied to Apple). ID).

7.Comparison of AirPods with Xiaomi headphones: which is better for the ecosystem MIUI

If you’re choosing between AirPods and Xiaomi wireless headphones (like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5), it’s worth considering the pros and cons of each option in context. MIUI.

The conclusion: AirPods are good if you care about sound quality and you're willing to take the time to customize. Xiaomi headphones benefit from integration with the company. MIUI price, but inferior in detail to the sound (especially on bass frequencies).

AirPods (despite the complexity of the configuration)

Xiaomi Buds / Redmi Buds

Other brands (Sony, Samsung, Jabra, etc.)

I haven't decided yet.-->

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)