How to connect Xiaomi headphones to iPhone: a complete guide with error solutions

Xiaomi headphones are a popular accessory among iPhone users, but their connection does not always go smoothly. Despite cross-platform support for Bluetooth 5.0+, owners face pairing problems, communication interruptions or lack of sound. In this article, we will analyze all working ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth to using adapters for wired models, and also solve typical errors.

The key to connecting Xiaomi and Apple is the different protocols: iOS uses AAC for high-quality audio transmission, while many Xiaomi headphones are default to SBC or aptX (the latter is not supported by the iPhone), which can affect the sound quality, but not the connection itself.

1. Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones to iPhone over Bluetooth

The standard Bluetooth pairing method is suitable for most models: Xiaomi AirDots, Redmi Buds, Xiaomi FlipBuds and others. The process takes no more than 30 seconds if the headphones are fully charged and are in search mode.

Here is the general guide for iOS 15-17:

• 🔋 Make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator should flash white/red at low charge).
• 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on iPhone and turn on the module.
• 🎧 Put the headphones in pairing mode: For Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2: hold the button on the case of the charging case for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white. For Redmi Buds 3 Pro: press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 3 seconds.
• 🔍 The list of available devices on the iPhone will show the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones.

If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try:

1. Reboot your iPhone (hold the power button + any of the volume buttons).
2. Reset network settings: Settings → Basic → iPhone port or reset → Reset → Reset network settings.
3. Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app (if supported).

Headphones charged (>30%)

Bluetooth is enabled on iPhone

Headphones in pairing mode (blinking indicator)

Distance between devices < 1 metre-->

2. Connection problems and their solutions

Even after successful pairing, users are faced with common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones were previously connected to an Android device, reset their settings. To do this, hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red (for most models).

Xiaomi AirDots (any version)

Redmi Buds (any version)

Xiaomi FlipBuds

Another model

I don't know the name.-->

3. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones to iPhone

Xiaomi’s wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones or Redmi Hi-Res Audio) connect to the iPhone via a Lightning port or USB-C (for models starting in 2023).

• 🔌 iPhone to iPhone 14 Requires Lightning Adapter → 3.5 mm (sold separately).
• 🔗 iPhone 15/15 Pro is being used USB-C, But standard headphones Xiaomi with 3.5 Incompatible with an adapter without an adapter.
• 🎵 For Type-C models (e.g. Xiaomi Hybrid Pro) HD) need an adapter USB-C → Lightning (rarely available on sale).

Instructions for connection via adapter:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPhone.
2. Insert the headphone plug into the adapter.
3. If there is no sound, check: Clean connector (dust or oxidation can block contact). Sound settings: Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual content → Monoaudio (should be off).

⚠️ Attention: Adapters are not all universal; cheap Chinese adapters may not support a microphone or control buttons. For full functionality, choose certified Apple or Belkin adapters.

💡

If the sound in the headphones is quiet, check the volume limit in Settings → Music → Volume Limit. Turn it off or set a maximum limit.

4. Features of connecting specific models

Some Xiaomi headphones have unique nuances pairing with the iPhone. Consider the most popular models.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 / 3

These headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 and LC3-codecs, but the iPhone will work only through SBC (base protocol) To activate the pairing mode:

• Get the headphones out of the case.
• Hold the touchpad on both headphones for 5 seconds until you hear the voice message "Pairing mode".

Redmi Buds 4 / 4 Pro

Models with ANC (active noise cancellation) may conflict with iOS due to energy-saving algorithms.

1. Turn off the ANC manually (double tap on the earpiece).
2. In Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone tap the icon “i” next to the headphone name and select “Forget this device”, then connect again.

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

This model requires a firmware update via Mi Home to work with the iPhone. Without an update, you can have microphone problems during calls. Download Mi Home from the App Store, even if you don't have other Xiaomi devices.

5 Why iPhone doesn’t see Xiaomi headphones: a deep analysis

If the headphones don’t appear in the list of available devices, the problem may lie in:

• 🔋 A discharged battery of a case or headphones (even with a burning indicator, the charge level can be critically low).
• 📡 Interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 GHz, microwaves, wireless mice).
• 🛠️ Software limitations of iOS (for example, if there were more than 15 connected devices previously, the system can block new connections).
• 🔄 Firmware conflict (earphones with outdated firmware are not compatible with the latest versions of iOS).

Diagnostic algorithm:

1. Check the headphones on another device (like an Android smartphone or a MacBook), and if they don't connect anywhere, the problem is with the headphones themselves.
2. Reset your network settings on your iPhone (see Section 1).

💡

If Xiaomi headphones do not connect to the iPhone after all the manipulations, try resetting them to the factory settings. To do this, hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator goes out and blinks again.

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If Bluetooth refuses to work, consider alternatives:

🔊 Connection through USB Bluetooth adapter

For iPhones with Lightning or USB-C, there are external Bluetooth adapters (such as Avantek USB Bluetooth 5.0) that connect through the corresponding port and create a separate Bluetooth module. Minus: the adapter will take up the port, but will solve compatibility problems.

🎵 Using a Bluetooth transmitter for an audio system

If you need to connect your headphones to your iPhone to listen to music through a speaker or car radio, use a Bluetooth transmitter (like the 1Mii B06 Pro).It connects to your iPhone through 3.5mm or Lightning, and then broadcasts the sound to your headphones.

🔌 Wired connection through USB-C/Lightning → 3.5 mm

For models with a USB-C connector (such as the Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD), you can use a USB-C → Lightning cable with audio transmission. Importantly, not all cables support sound - look for the label "Audio Supported".

7. Sound optimization after connection

Even after successful pairing, the sound may not be perfect. Here's how to improve the quality of the sound:

• 🎛️ Set up the equalizer: Use apps like Equalizer Fx or Boom 3D frequency-adjustment.
• 🔊 Turn on spatial sound: Settings → Music. → Spatial sound (only works with supported headphones).
• 📶 Turn off sound compression for calls: Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual content → Telephone sound compression → Off.

For models with aptX (e.g. Xiaomi ANC Type-C):

⚠️ Note: iPhone does not support aptX, so the sound will be transmitted via the SBC or AAC. To forcedly get the headphones to use AAC, Reset their settings and connect again.

💡

If you hear a hissing background in the headphones, try turning off Wi-Fi on your iPhone – sometimes interference occurs due to a conflict of wireless modules.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s iPhone connection