Connecting AirPods to Xiaomi Redmi: Full instructions with solutions to typical problems

Are AirPods compatible with Xiaomi Android smartphones?

The issue of Apple AirPods compatibility with Android devices is one of the most popular among owners of Xiaomi Redmi. Despite the fact that the headphones were developed for the Apple ecosystem, they work perfectly with other gadgets thanks to the support of Bluetooth 4.2+. However, the functionality will be limited: for example, there will be no automatic switching between devices or the “Find my AirPods” feature.

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi (including models Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10, Redmi A2 and others) support Bluetooth 5.0/5.2, which provides a stable connection to AirPods of any generation - from the first AirPods 1 to AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max. The main difference from connecting to the iPhone - the absence of branded chips like Hey Siri or automatic pause when removing the earphone from the ear.

In this article, we'll look at not only basic connectivity, but also audio optimization, latency issues, touch gesture tuning, and even alternative ways to control through apps. If you just bought AirPods and want to use them with Redmi, you're in the right place.

Step-by-step: how to connect AirPods to Xiaomi Redmi

The process of pairing AirPods with Xiaomi Redmi takes no more than a minute, but there are nuances that affect the stability of the connection.

1. Open the cover of the AirPods case and make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator inside should burn white or green).
2. On Redmi, go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
3. Press the button on the back of the case (for AirPods 1/2) or the touchpad (for AirPods 3/Pro) for 5-10 seconds until the indicator flashes white.
4. In the list of available devices on Redmi will appear the name of your headphones (for example, AirPods Pro (John's)).
5. Confirm the pairing if a request appears.

Once successfully connected, AirPods will automatically be identified as “Hearbursts” in your Bluetooth profile. Please note that if you’ve previously connected them to your iPhone, you may need to reset your headphones (see the Problem Solving section for more).

Charge AirPods up to 50%+

Update Redmi to the latest version

Disconnect Headphones from Other Devices

Stay within a radius of 1 meter from the smartphone

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Customization of sound and gesture control on Xiaomi Redmi

By default, the Android AirPods are in base mode: audio is transmitted, but touch gestures (like double-touching) may not work or work correctly.

1. Install the AirBattery app (free on Google Play: 🔋 Headphone charge indicator and case in the status bar. 🎧 Customization of gestures (double/triple touch, retention). 🔊 Adjustment of noise reduction level (for AirPods) Pro/Max).

Settings → Sound → Sound quality

Redmi

"High quality (AAC)"

AirPods

If the sound is interrupted or there is interference, try:

• 📵 Disable Wi-Fi while listening (sometimes interferes with 2.4 GHz frequency).
• 🔄 Reboot AirPods by putting them in a case for 15 seconds.
• 📱 Reset your network settings to Redmi (Settings) → SIM-maps and networks → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth).

💡

If the sound is only in one headphone after connecting, check the audio balance in the availability settings (Settings → Special. capabilities → Mono-sound balance).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi Redmi users may face typical problems.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI AirPods are no longer connected, try removing them from the list of associated devices and adding them again, MIUI 14.0.3) Conflicts with codecs arise SBC/AAC.

How to Reset AirPods Settings Before Connecting to Xiaomi

If AirPods have previously been paired with an iPhone or other device, their settings may conflict with Android.

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
3. On the back of the case, find the reset button (for AirPods 1/2) or the touchpad (for Pro/3).
4. Hold it for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange and then white.
5. The headphones are now ready for a new pairing.

After resetting, all personal settings (such as your assigned name or gesture settings) will be deleted, and if you used AirPods from iCloud, you will also need to delete them from your Apple account:

1. On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings → [Your name] → iCloud → Find an iPhone.
2. Select AirPods from the list of devices and click "Delete from your account".

Optimizing the work of AirPods on Xiaomi: Bluetooth codec and MIUI settings

By default, Xiaomi Redmi uses the SBC codec for AirPods, which provides average sound quality.

1. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Cog settings next to AirPods → Sound quality.
2. Select "AAC" - this codec is supported by AirPods and provides better detail.
3. Turn off the absolute volume (if any) to avoid distortion.

For Redmi models with MIUI 13/14, additional settings are available:

• 🎛 Equator: Go to Settings → Sound. → Equalizer and choose Preset "Bases" or "Jazz" for a more saturated sound.
• 🔊 Reinforce the bass: activate Mi Sound Enhancer in the same settings.
• 📡 Connection Stability: Turn off dual Bluetooth connection (Settings) → Bluetooth → Additionally) if you only use AirPods.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.2) codec AAC If the sound starts to break, switch to SBC or update the firmware.

💡

Use of a codec AAC instead SBC Improves sound quality by 20–30%, but can increase latency by 50–100 ms. SBC.

Alternative applications for managing AirPods on Android

The standard Android settings don’t allow you to take full advantage of the AirPods. Fortunately, there are third-party apps that add missing features:

To install these applications:

1. Download them from Google Play.
2. Connect the AirPods to Redmi.
3. Launch the app and give you access to Bluetooth and Notifications.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to adjust gestures and display charge.

Note: Some features (like spatial sound) will not be available even with these apps – they require support at the iOS level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting AirPods to Xiaomi Redmi