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

Why are Xiaomi and AirPods not an obvious pair?

Apple AirPods and Xiaomi smartphones work on different ecosystems: the first are optimized for iOS, the second for Android with a proprietary shell MIUI or HyperOS. However, their compatibility is possible, although it requires some tricks. Many users face problems when they first connect: headphones are not defined, sound is interrupted or functions like automatic pause do not work. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances from basic pairing to fine tuning for stable operation.

It’s important to understand that AirPods (including the Pro 2, 3rd generation and Max models) support the Bluetooth 5.0+ standard that has been in all Xiaomi since the Redmi Note 8 Pro (2019).However, to fully work, you may need to install additional applications or manually configure codecs. For example, Xiaomi uses SBC or AAC codecs by default, while AirPods sound better with AAC at high bitrates.

If you’ve just purchased AirPods and are trying to connect them to the Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi K60 or POCO F5, this will help you avoid common errors. And if the headphones were already paired with the iPhone, you first need to “forget” them in the Apple settings, otherwise Xiaomi may not see the device.

Preparation before connection: 3 mandatory steps

Before you start pairing, do these actions – they will save time and eliminate problems:

• 🔋 Charging headphones and case: Make sure the charge level of the AirPods and case is not lower than 30%. At low charge, the connection process can be interrupted, and the headphones can turn off at the most inopportune moment.
• 📱 Update of the smartphone software: Check the relevance of Xiaomi firmware in the Settings menu → The phone. → System updates, on version MIUI 14 and newer (or HyperOS) pairing is more stable.
• 🔄 Reset AirPods: If the headphones have already been connected to another device (especially the iPhone), reset: press the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.

Pay special attention to the reset item. Many users skip this step and then wonder why Xiaomi doesn't see AirPods on the list of available devices. The fact is that Apple defaults to block fast reconnection to Android devices if the headphones have previously been paired with an iPhone or Mac.

⚠️ Note: If you are using AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Max, you may need to reset the Active Noise Cancelling feature after the reset (ANC) via Apple's proprietary app (but it's only possible on iOS). ANC It will work, but without the ability to adjust the noise reduction levels.

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

Now, the interface process itself. The instruction is universal for all AirPods models (including the 1st, 2nd generation, Pro, 3rd generation and Max) and Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12 and later (or HyperOS).

1. Open the cover of the AirPods case and make sure the headphones are inside. On the back of the case, press the setting button (located under the cover) for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes white.
2. On a Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Connection & Sharing → Bluetooth (or just swipe down and hold the Bluetooth icon in the notification bar).
3. Turn on Bluetooth and wait until your AirPods model (like the AirPods Pro (John's)) appears on the list of available devices.
4. Confirm pairing if a request appears. Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12) may require input PIN-code - default is 0000.
5. After successful connection, the indicator on the AirPods case will turn green (or go out), and the Connected status will appear in the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi.

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

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on Xiaomi (disable/enable).
• 📱 Reboot the smartphone itself.
• 🔋 Check the charge of AirPods (at a charge below 10%, they may not be displayed).

AirPods Charge >30%

Bluetooth on Xiaomi is enabled

The button on the case was held until flashing white.

AirPods are not connected to another device

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Customize sound and codecs for better quality

Xiaomi defaults to connecting AirPods with an SBC codec, which provides a stable connection but not the highest audio quality. To improve audio, it is recommended to manually select the AAC or aptX codecs (if supported).

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Find your AirPods in the list of connected devices and tap the icon ⚙️ (junction.
3. Select Sound Settings → Sound Quality (or Audio Codecs depending on the version of MIUI/HyperOS).
4. In the list of available codecs, select AAC (Priority) or aptX (if supported).
5. Save the settings and reconnect the headphones.

The AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max also have a spatial audio feature, but it will require a third-party app like AirBattery to activate it on Xiaomi (discussed below).

⚠️ Note: If after changing the codec, the sound begins to interrupt or there are interference, return to the codec. SBC. This may be due to unstable Bluetooth connection or interference from other devices (e.g., a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router).

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To reduce the latency of audio when watching a video, turn on the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version, tap 7 times) option to Turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth. This will allow you to adjust the volume directly on the headphones.

Additional annexes for extended functions

Xiaomi’s standard settings do not allow you to fully use the capabilities of AirPods, such as:

• 🔋 Displaying the level of charge of the case and headphones.
• 🎧 Switching noise reduction modes (ANC/Transparency).
• 🔄 Automatic pause when removing the earpiece from the ear.
• ⚙️ Customization of gestures (double touch, retention).

There are third-party apps for that. The most popular ones are:

1. AirBattery (free, with in-app purchases): Shows the charge level of the case and each headphone separately. Manages ANC/Transparency modes (on supported models); Displays notifications when connected/disconnected; downloadable from Google Play.
2. AndroPods (free): Allows you to customize gestures (double-touch, triple-touch). Shows real-time connection status. Supports AirPods 1/2/3, Pro and Max.

Download: Google Play.

MaterialPods (paid, ~200₽):

• Minimalist interface with support for dark theme.
• Quick switching between devices.
• Set up an automatic pause.

When you first run any of these applications, you will need to provide permissions to access Bluetooth and notifications, without which functionality will be limited.

AirBattery

AndroPods

MaterialPods

I do not use third-party applications

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Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi users may face a number of problems, including the most common and ways to fix them.

1. AirPods are plugged in, but no sound

Causes and solutions:

• 🔇 Headphones in Monosound mode: Press the button on the case for 5 seconds to reset the settings, or check the sound balance in the Xiaomi settings (Settings) → Sound. → Balance).
• 📞 Sound redirected to speaker: During a call or media playback, check that AirPods is selected as the output device in the notification panel, not Speaker or Phone.
• 🔧 Bluetooth crash: Disable Bluetooth, reboot your smartphone and connect your headphones again.

Permanent breaks of connection

If the sound is interrupted or the headphones go off after a few minutes, try:

• 📶 Change Wi-Fi range: If the router is running at 2.4 GHz, switch to 5 GHz – this will reduce interference for Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving Apps, Find Bluetooth and Turn Off Optimization.
• 📱 Reset network settings: In the Settings menu → Connection and sharing → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

3. The microphone is not working.

If the person does not hear you during the call:

• 🎤 Select AirPods as the input device: During the call, tap the microphone icon in the interface and select AirPods.

⚠️ Note: If the microphone problem only occurs in Discord or Zoom, check the permissions of these apps in the Settings menu. → Annexes → Permits → Microphone. Sometimes, after the app updates, the microphone gets reset.

Comparing AirPods with Xiaomi Alternatives

If you haven't bought AirPods yet, it's worth considering alternatives optimized for Android and Xiaomi. They're often cheaper and offer more features out of the box.

An important nuance: if you use a Xiaomi smartphone on HyperOS, then Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 Pro headphones will automatically switch between devices (for example, from phone to Xiaomi laptop), whereas AirPods will require a manual connection every time.

The choice between AirPods and alternatives depends on your priorities:

• 🎵 Best sound and ANC → Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2.
• 💰 Price/quality ratio → Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.
• 🔄 Maximum integration with Xiaomi → Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
• 🍎 If there are other Apple devices → AirPods (despite restrictions).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

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If you switch between iPhone and Xiaomi frequently, keep AirPods in "forgotten device" mode on one of your smartphones, which will save you from having problems automatically connecting to the wrong device.