How to connect AirPods to Xiaomi smartphone: full instructions with solutions to problems

Apple AirPods wireless headphones are no longer exclusive to the iPhone ecosystem — they can be used successfully with Android smartphones, including Xiaomi devices. However, the process of connecting and setting up here has its nuances, from the lack of automatic pairing to limited functionality compared to iOS. In this guide, we will examine not only the basic steps of connection, but also hidden features that will help improve the experience of using AirPods on Xiaomi.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi (especially the models on the platform) MIUI 14/15 Or HyperOS) can behave differently when working with Apple headphones, for example, some devices have problems with automatically reconnecting after turning off Bluetooth, and others with displaying charge levels. 14 Pro, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and POCO F6, to provide relevant data.

If you just purchased AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3 and want to connect them to Xiaomi, or have encountered pairing errors, this article will help you understand all the subtleties. We will also look at alternative ways of connecting (for example, through third-party applications) and give recommendations for audio optimization.

1. AirPods Compatibility with Xiaomi: What You Need to Know Before Connecting

Before you start pairing, make sure your AirPods and Xiaomi smartphone meet the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI/HyperOS: lower MIUI 12 (for stable operation of Bluetooth 5.0+). On older versions, there may be problems with AAC-codec.
• 🎧 AirPods: All generations (including AirPods) 1/2/3, AirPods Pro 1/2, AirPods Max are compatible, but the functionality varies.
• 🔋 Headphone charge: the battery level should be at least 20%, otherwise the pairing process may be interrupted.
• 📶 Bluetooth version: Xiaomi should have Bluetooth 4.2 or newer (ideally — 5.2/5.3 for AirPods Pro 2).

The main limitation when using AirPods with Android is the lack of support for Apple branded features, such as:

• ❌ Automatic switching between devices (e.g. from iPhone to MacBook).
• ❌ Spatial sound (for AirPods) Pro/Max) — It only works in the basic mode.
• ❌ Customize gestures through system menus (you will have to use third-party applications).
• ❌ Find My Headset (alternatively, apps like Find My Headset).

However, the basic functions — sound, microphone, touch — are stable, and with the help of additional applications (which we will discuss below), you can expand the possibilities.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) You may have a delay in sound when you're watching a video, and that's because you're not optimized. AAC-codec in budget chips. The solution is to use SBC-codec (how to do this, read the section about the sound settings).

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

The process of pairing AirPods with Xiaomi is not much different from connecting other Bluetooth headphones, but there are a few key points.

1. Open the AirPods charger case cover and make sure the headphones are inside. There should be a white light bulb on the back of the case.
2. Activate the pairing mode: For AirPods 1/2 Generations: Press and hold the button on the back of the case 5-7 It's a second before the light flashes white. 3/Pro/Max: Hold the button until the orange light flashes (then it will change to white).

On a Xiaomi smartphone

Settings → Bluetooth

AirPods

AirPods Pro (John’s)

Click on the headphone name.

Once successfully connected, the indicator on the AirPods case will turn green (for the Pro 2) or white (for other models), and the Bluetooth menu on Xiaomi will appear next to the headphone name an icon Connected.

Make sure the AirPods are charged (the indicator is green/white)

Turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi and remove old paired devices (if any)

Press and hold the button on the case until the indicator flashes

Allow all access requests (microphone, contacts)-->

If the headphones are not displayed in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module on Xiaomi: turn it off and turn it back on in the settings.
• 📱 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🎧 Reset AirPods: Press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange, then repeat pairing.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14) may need to allow manual autoconnection. After pairing, click on the gear next to the AirPods name in the Bluetooth menu and activate the Auto Connection option.

3. Connection problems and their solutions

Even after successful pairing, Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:

If your AirPods are connected but the sound is interrupted or interference is heard, try:

• 🔊 Change the audio codec: in Bluetooth settings, select SBC instead AAC (The latter may cause delays on some Qualcomm chips).
• 📶 Disable Wi-Fi during the test: sometimes interference creates a router running on the same frequency.
• 🔋 Check the case charge: if the level is below 10%, the headphones can be turned off to save energy.

Not connected at all.

They're plugging in, but there's no sound.

Constantly shutting down

The microphone is not working.

Another problem.-->

Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO X5 Pro with Snapdragon chip 778G Users note the stable operation of AirPods Pro 2 Only after disabling the dual audio function in Bluetooth settings, which may conflict with Apple's protocol. W1/H1.

4. Sound tuning and gesture control

By default, AirPods on Android support basic gestures (like double-tapping for pause), but advanced settings (like iOS) are not available.

First, check the current sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality.
2. Choose a Bluetooth audio codec and try the options: AAC — It is better for music (but can be laid on video). SBC — Universal, but with a smaller bitrate. aptX – optimal for Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2+ (if maintained).

Absolute volume.

For advanced gesture management, we recommend applications:

• 🎛️ AirBattery - shows the charge level of the case and headphones in real time, allows you to assign actions to touch (for example, switching tracks).
• 🔊 MaterialPods – an alternative with support for spatial sound (emulation) and equalizer setting.
• 🔍 Find My Headset – helps you find lost AirPods at the last connection location (similar to Find My from Apple).

💡

If you lose noise cancellation after connecting the AirPods Pro 2 to Xiaomi, try manually turning on Transparency Mode while holding the sensor on the headphone. On Android, this does not always work, but sometimes helps reset the audio settings.

For owners of AirPods Max on Xiaomi, there is a special nuance: these headphones require connection via cable for the first activation, after which they can be used over Bluetooth, but without support for Digital Crown (volume control wheel will work only in basic mode).

5. Battery optimization and autoconnection

One of the most common complaints of Xiaomi users is that AirPods do not automatically connect after being removed from the case. MIUI/HyperOS. To correct:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System Applications.
2. Find Bluetooth and select Battery Limitations → No restrictions.
3. Do the same for the Settings app (sometimes it blocks Bluetooth background processes).
4. B Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Find Bluetooth and Settings, then select Not Optimize.

To extend the operating time of AirPods on Android:

• 🔋 Disable unnecessary features: In Bluetooth settings, deactivate Double Audio and Absolute Volume (they increase battery consumption).
• 📴 Use power saving mode on Xiaomi, but add Bluetooth to exceptions.
• 🔄 Regularly reset your network settings: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset (this helps with frequent connection breaks).

If the AirPods are discharged too quickly, check:

• 🔍 Background apps: Some programs (such as Spotify or YouTube Music) can keep a Bluetooth connection active even after closing.
• 📡 Signal strength: In a weak Bluetooth field (such as the subway), headphones spend more energy on maintaining communication.
• 🔊 Volume: at the maximum level AirPods Pro 2 discharge 3-4 hourly, 70% — work out 6 hours.

💡

On Xiaomi with HyperOS, the automatic connection of AirPods works more stable if you activate the Connection Priority option for your headphones in Bluetooth settings.

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If standard pairing doesn't work, you can try alternative methods. They're also useful for advanced tuning:

Method 1: via the AirBattery application

This app not only shows the charge level, but also makes it easier to connect:

1. Download AirBattery from Google Play.
2. Open the AirPods case cover and click Connect in the app.
3. Allow all requests for notifications and Bluetooth.
4. After connecting to AirBattery, a control panel will appear with a charge display and buttons to reset the connection.

Method 2: Through ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If AirPods are connected but permanently disabled, you can manually prioritize Bluetooth connections:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_audio_codec_priority aac,ldac,aptx,sbc


adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_disabled 0

These teams are forced to prioritize AAC-codecs and include hardware audio acceleration:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Xiaomi (7 times click on Version) MIUI phone-setting).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to your PC, install ADB and execute the commands above.

Method 3: via Bluetooth Auto Connect

This application automates the connection of AirPods when you open the case cover:

• Download Bluetooth Auto Connect from Google Play.
• Add AirPods to your list of trusted devices.
• Activate the Automatic Connection option upon detection.
• In the application settings, turn off Energy Saving for Bluetooth.

7. Comparison of AirPods on Xiaomi and iPhone

To understand what to expect from AirPods on Android, compare the key features on Xiaomi and iPhone:

Despite the limitations, Xiaomi’s AirPods remain one of the best options for wireless audio thanks to:

• 🎵 High quality microphones (especially AirPods Pro 2) – ideal for WhatsApp or Zoom calls.
• 🔋 Long run time: up to 6 hours on AirPods 3 and up to 8 hours on AirPods Pro 2 (with noise cancellation turned off).
• 🏃 Wearability: Ergonomic design and low weight (e.g. AirPods 3 weigh only 4.2 grams).

If you’re critically interested in spatial sound or smooth switching between devices, consider alternatives from Sony (WF-1000XM5) or Samsung (Galaxy) Buds2 Pros, which are better optimized for Android, but in terms of price and quality, AirPods remain one of the best choices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting AirPods to Xiaomi