Connecting Xiaomi headphones to iPhone: a complete guide to problem solving

The compatibility of gadgets from different ecosystems is often a question for users, especially when it comes to connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones to iPhones, devices with fundamentally different operating systems, but in practice, the pairing process is easier than it seems: Most Xiaomi models (from budget Redmi AirDots to flagship FlipBuds Pro) support universal Bluetooth 5.0 protocol.+, It works well with iOS 12 and newer.

However, users are faced with nuances, from the lack of sound in one earphone to problems with automatic connection. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, including hidden functions (for example, using Mi Home for firmware), as well as give specific recommendations for adjusting sound and eliminating typical errors. If you have just unpacked a new headset and see on the iPhone screen the inscription "Can not connect accessory" - do not rush to return the purchase. 90% In some cases, the problem is solved for 2-3 step.

First, decide what your headphone model is, and the functions available depend on it:

• 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots (1/2/3 gen), Redmi Buds - basic models with support AAC (iPhone codec and touch control.
• 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, Buds 4 Pro – flagships with ANC, LDAC (It doesn’t work on iPhone! and multi-connection.
• 🎧 Xiaomi Earbuds S, Lite – simplified versions for calls, without advanced codecs.

1. Preparing headphones and iPhone before connecting

Before pairing, make sure both devices are ready to connect. On your iPhone, check:

• 📱 iOS version is not lower than 12.0 (optimum - 15.0)+). You can check the settings. → Mainstream → About this device.
• 🔄 Bluetooth is on and is in search mode. Activated in Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner) or via Settings. → Bluetooth.
• 🔋 Headphones charge at least 30%, and at low levels, they may not appear in the list of devices.

For Xiaomi headphones, do:

1. Remove both headphones from the case - they should automatically turn on.
2. If the indicators do not flash white/red, reset the settings: press the touchpad on both headphones on the headphones. 10-15 seconds until you hear the reset beep.
3. For models with a button (e.g. Redmi AirDots S), hold it for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes alternately red and white.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones were previously connected to an Android device, they may automatically try to connect to it.In this case, turn off Bluetooth on the old device or reset the headset settings.

Headphones charged and removed from the case|

Bluetooth on iPhone is enabled and visible for other devices |

On the headset activated pairing mode (blinking indicator)|

On older devices, Bluetooth is disabled (if the headphones were paired earlier)-->

2. Standard Bluetooth connection

This is the main method that works for all Xiaomi models.

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
2. Make sure that the Bluetooth slider is active (green).
3. In the list of "Other devices" find the name of your headphones. It can look like: Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (for AirDots 2) Redmi Buds 3 Lite Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Tapping the name will start the pairing process. Confirm the connection if a pop-up appears.

Once successfully connected, the headphones will appear in the "My Devices" section marked "Connected" and will now automatically connect to the iPhone when removed from the case (if Bluetooth is on).

Important: iPhone does not support codec LHDC and LDAC, The models used in Xiaomi’s flagship models for high-quality audio will be automatically selected on iOS. AAC — It doesn’t make the sound worse, but it does not make Hi-Res Audio any better.

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If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try turning off and re-enable Bluetooth on your iPhone, then re-activate the pairing mode on the headset (sensor clamping for 3 seconds).

Connect via the Mi Home app (for advanced features)

While Mi Home doesn’t officially support iOS for headphone management, it can be used to:

• 🔄 Firmware updates (if available for your model).
• 🎛️ Settings of touch gestures (on some models).
• 📊 Viewing the charge level of the case and headphones.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi Home from the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in via your Xiaomi account (you can use Google or Apple ID).
3. Connect your headphones to your iPhone via Bluetooth (as described above).
4. In Mi Home, tap "Add device" → Choose the category "Audio" → Find your own model.

⚠️ Note: Not all app features will be available on iOS, such as equalizer and customization ANC They only work on Android, but you can update your firmware through Mi Home, which sometimes solves your connection problems.

4. Solving typical connection problems

If the headphones don’t connect or work incorrectly, check the following points:

🔴 Problem: Headphones don't appear in the Bluetooth list

• ✅ Make sure the headset is in pairing mode (flashing indicator).
• ✅ Reboot your iPhone and headphones (put them in your case for 10 seconds, then pull them out).
• ✅ Check if the headphones are connected to another device (turn off Bluetooth on it).
• ✅ Update iOS to the latest version (Settings) → Mainstream → Update of the PO).

🎧 Problem: The sound is only in one headphone

• ✅ Take both earbuds out of the case and wait until they sync (indicators should blink the same way).
• ✅ B Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone forget the device (slip on the "i" next to the name) → "Forget this device”), then reconnect.
• ✅ Check if the contacts in the case are not contaminated (wipe them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol).

🔊 Problem: Low quality of sound or interruption

• ✅ Make sure the headphones are within 10 meters of the iPhone without obstruction (walls, metal objects degrade the signal).
• ✅ Disable other Bluetooth devices (such as smartwatches) that may interfere with your device.
• ✅ B Settings → Music Turn off "Equalizer" and "Limiting Volume".
• ✅ Switch the codec manually (if available): forget the device in Bluetooth and connect again – iOS will automatically choose the best option (usually). AAC).

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If the problems persist after all the manipulations, try resetting the network settings on the iPhone: → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Network resets: This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices, but often resolves system conflicts.

5. Sound tuning and gesture control

After the connection, it is recommended to optimize the sound and control parameters:

🎵 Optimizing sound

iPhone automatically selects the codec AAC for Xiaomi headphones, which provides good quality:

• 🔊 Enable Equalizer in the Music or Spotify app (e.g. Bass or Rock mode").
• 🔇 Turn off "volume limitation" in Settings → Music. → Volume limitation.
• 🎧 For models with ANC (For example, FlipBuds Pro) enable noise cancellation via Mi Home (if available on iOS).

✋ Setting up sensory gestures

The control depends on the model, but the standard gestures are:

• 🎵 Twice tap: playback/pause (on most models).
• 📞 THREE TICKS: Calling the Voice Assistant (Siri).
• 🔊 Touch with retention: track switching (left/right headphone).

For models with Mi Home support (such as Buds 4 Pro), you can reassign gestures through the app:

1. Open Mi Home → pick out the headphones.
2. Go to "Control Settings."
3. Select an action for each gesture (e.g., disable). ANC double-touch).

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If Bluetooth doesn’t work or you want to use headphones in non-standard scenarios, consider these options:

🔗 Connection through NFC (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi headphones (such as FlipBuds Pro) support NFC But on the iPhone, this function is limited:

• 📱 iPhone can only read the text NFC-tags, but do not initialize the connection (unlike Android).
• 🔄 To connect through NFC: Activate Bluetooth on your iPhone. Bring the case with your headphones to the top of the iPhone (where it is located). NFC-Wait for the connection notification (not all models work).

🖥️ Connecting to iPhone via adapter (for wired models)

If you have Xiaomi wired headphones (such as Mi Hybrid Pro) with a connector USB-C lightning:

• 🔌 For USB-C Use an adapter USB-C → Lightning (for example, from Apple or Anker).
• ⚡ 3.5mm Lightning adapter required → 3.5mm (included in some iPhones).
• ⚠️ Note that this connection will not work microphone and control buttons (if the adapter does not support). CTIA/OMTP).

🎮 Use of the game controller mode (for low latency)

For games or watching videos, you can reduce the sound delay:

• 🎮 Enable "Low Delay Mode" in Bluetooth headphone settings (if available in Mi Home).
• 📱 B Settings → Mainstream → Universal access → Audiovisual effects disable "Subtitles and closed subtitles" (sometimes they create a delay).

7. Android Connection Comparison: What Is the iPhone Losing?

While Xiaomi’s headphones are fully compatible with the iPhone, some features remain unavailable:

However, the sound quality on the iPhone is not inferior to Android due to the optimized codec. AAC, Connection stability is often higher thanks to better Bluetooth implementation in iOS.

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If you have critical functions like LDAC or an extended equalizer, consider alternative headphones with iOS support (such as AirPods or Sony). WF-1000XM5). For most users, the difference in sound between AAC and LDAC Xiaomi will be the minimum.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)