How to connect Xiaomi Earphones 2 to iPhone: instruction + error solving

Xiaomi Earphones 2 wireless headphones (TWS2) are popular for their price-performance balance, but their iPhone connection sometimes raises questions. Unlike Apple devices (such as AirPods), which are integrated into the iOS ecosystem, Xiaomi headphones require manual tuning through the Bluetooth menu. In this article, we will examine not only the standard pairing procedure, but also the nuances that are often missed: from turning on search mode to solving problems with automatic reconnection after iOS updates.

It’s important to consider that Xiaomi Earphones 2 supports A2DP (for audio) and AVRCP (for playback control) profiles, but there may be limitations when working with codecs — for example, the iPhone does not fully support AAC for third-party devices. This affects the sound quality, especially when listening to music through Apple Music or Spotify.

Preparation of headphones Xiaomi Earphones 2 to connect

Before pairing with an iPhone, make sure that the Xiaomi Earphones 2 headphones are fully charged and in good working order.The minimum charge level for a successful connection is 30%.

1. Place the headphones in the case and open the lid.
2. Press the button on the case once – the indicator will show the current level of charge: 🔴 Red - less than 30% 🟡 Yellow - 30-70% 🟢 Green: over 70%

If the indicator is not on, plug the case into the power supply for 10-15 minutes. Xiaomi Earphones 2 use a USB-C connector to charge, so you can use the charger from the iPhone 15 or MacBook.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones were previously paired with another device (such as an Android smartphone), they must be reset. To do this, hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting to the iPhone

The process of pairing Xiaomi Earphones 2 with the iPhone takes no more than a minute, if you follow the algorithm:

1. Activate the search mode on the headphones: Take both earphones out of the case. Hold the button on the case for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes white.
2. Open Bluetooth settings on your iPhone: Go to Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth slider is on (green).
3. Find the headphones in the list: In the Other Devices section, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (or Xiaomi TWS2) will appear.

Once successfully paired, the headphones will appear in the My Devices section marked Connected. They will now automatically reconnect when removed from the case (if the iPhone is in Bluetooth range).

Solving Connection Problems

If Xiaomi Earphones 2 is not defined by iPhone or connects with errors, check the following points:

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings on your iPhone:

Settings → Main → iPhone transfer or reset → Reset → Network settings

This operation will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, but will not affect personal data.

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If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is only in one channel, check the audio balance in the iPhone settings: Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual Content → Stereo Balance. The slider should be in the middle.

Sound and control setting

After connecting Xiaomi Earphones 2 to the iPhone, you can configure sound settings and control gestures. By default, the headphones support:

• 🎵 Double-touch playback/pause (both headphones) or call a voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant, depending on the last connected device).
• 🔊 Triple touch – move to the next track (right earpiece) or the previous one (left-handed).
• 📞 Holding 1 second – Acceptance/rejection of a call.

To change the purpose of gestures (e.g., set up a double touch to call Siri):

1. Open the Mi Home app (if installed) or use the standard iPhone settings.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth, tap the i icon next to Xiaomi Earphones 2.
3. In the Management section, select the desired action for each gesture.

⚠️ Note: The Mi Home app may not show a full list of settings for iPhone due to iOS limitations. In this case, use standard system tools or install third-party software, such as HeadsetButton Controller (available from the App Store).

Optimizing the sound quality on the iPhone

Xiaomi Earphones 2 supports codecs SBC and AAC, But the iPhone is default. SBC for third-party devices, which may impair sound quality, to force on AAC:

1. Connect the headphones to your iPhone.
2. Open a music playback app (like Apple Music or Spotify).
3. Start playing the track and check the current codec: In Apple Music: Go to Now Playing → Track Information → Codec. In Spotify: Enable Debugging Mode via Settings → Playback → Show Codec.

If the codec is displayed as SBC, follow the following steps:

Settings → Bluetooth → Tap on the “i” next to Xiaomi Earphones 2 → Forget this device


Then reconnect the headphones.

This method often helps iOS switch to AAC, especially after a system update.

Automatic reconnection and multi-purpose use

One of the common problems when using Xiaomi Earphones 2 with iPhone is the lack of automatic reconnection after the first pairing.This is due to the peculiarities of the Bluetooth LE protocol in iOS.

• 🔄 Enable Auto Connection: Go to Settings → Slip on the i icon next to the Xiaomi Earphones 2. Activate the option to Connect automatically.
• 📱 Reset your network settings (if the automatic connection doesn’t work): Settings → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset the network settings

If you use headphones with multiple devices (such as iPhone and MacBook), remember: Xiaomi Earphones 2 supports multi-profile connectivity, but only to two devices at once.

1. Disconnect the headphones from the current device (for example, via the Bluetooth panel on the Mac).
2. Activate the search mode on the headphones (hold the button on the case for 3 seconds).
3. Connect to another device manually.

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For a stable automatic connection, keep Xiaomi Earphones 2 within a 10 meter radius of your iPhone and don’t manually disable Bluetooth via the control panel.

Update the firmware headphones through the iPhone

Xiaomi periodically releases firmware updates for Earphones 2, which improve connection stability and sound quality. However, the official Mi Home app does not always work correctly with iOS.

1. Install the Mi Fit or Xiaomi Wear app from the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to your iPhone and open the app.
3. Go to Profile → My Devices → Xiaomi Earphones 2.
4. If an update is available, a notification will appear with the Update button.

Important: Updating your firmware through your iPhone can take up to 15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process or close the app, otherwise the headphones may stop turning on. After a successful upgrade, restart your iPhone and reconnect your headphones.

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If the app doesn’t find updates, try connecting the headphones to an Android device with Mi Home installed. Update firmware is only possible through official Xiaomi apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Earphones 2 and iPhone