AirPods on Xiaomi: how to connect, configure and use without iPhone

Apple’s wireless AirPods headphones have long been a symbol of convenience, but many owners of Xiaomi Android smartphones are wondering if they can be fully used outside the iOS ecosystem? The answer is yes, but with nuance. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of connection, from basic synchronization over Bluetooth to fine-tuning gestures and sound, and also reveal the hidden features that Apple is silent about.

Unlike the iPhone, where AirPods work out of the box with full functionality, on Xiaomi you will have to manually activate some chips — for example, transparent mode or automatic pause when removing the earphone. But don't worry, the process is easier than it seems. We tested compatibility on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 models — all work stable, albeit with limitations. The main thing is to know the right sequence of actions and avoid typical errors.

Important: This article is relevant for the 1/2/3 generation AirPods, AirPods Pro 1/2 and AirPods Max. If you have a model older than 2018, some features (such as spatial sound) may be missing. For Xiaomi owners on MIUI 14+, we have added exclusive tips for integrating with brand services.

1. Connecting AirPods to Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

So, to start with, the simplest thing is synchronizing your headphones with your smartphone, and unlike the iPhone, where you just open the case lid, on Android, it's a little bit longer, but not more complicated.

Take a case from the AirPods, make sure it has enough charge (the indicator should burn white or green).

1. Open the case cover, but don't remove the headphones.
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case (for AirPods Pro/AirPods 3 – touch zone) until the indicator starts flashing white (pairing mode).
3. On a Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
4. In the list, find your AirPods (the name will contain a model, for example, AirPods Pro (John’s)) and tap your connection.

Once successfully paired, the headphones will appear on the saved device list, and will automatically connect when you open the case lid, just like the iPhone, but there's a caveat: Android doesn't have a Quick Connect feature, so you may need to manually connect to the Bluetooth menu when you first turn on after you reboot your smartphone.

Case charged (indicator is lit white/green)

The headphones are not connected to another device.

Bluetooth and geolocation are enabled on the smartphone (for some Xiaomi models)

Version. MIUI 12.5 (for stable operation)-->

Important for AirPods Pro/AirPods 3: If the headphones are not identified, try resetting them. To do this, press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes yellow, then reconnect.

2.What AirPods features work on Xiaomi (and which ones don’t)

Despite the cross-platform Bluetooth, not all AirPods chips are available on Android. We have compiled a compatibility table for Xiaomi owners:

Critical information: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+, automatic audio profile change (e.g. when calling) is unstable. To avoid problems, manually select the "Phone Call" profile in the notification curtain when talking.

To activate the transparent mode and other “pro-chips” on AirPods Pro you will need a third-party application – read about this in the next section.

Music reproduction

Calls.

Transparent mode

Noise suppression

Other-->

3. Apps for advanced management of AirPods on Android

By default. MIUI It recognizes AirPods as normal Bluetooth headphones, taking away your control over unique functions, and specialized utilities can help fix this. 5 Apps and selected top-3:

• 🥇 MaterialPods is the best choice for AirPods Pro. Shows the charge level of the case and each earphone, controls noise cancellation, adjusts gestures.
• 🥈 AndroPods is a free analog with basic functionality. It displays charge, allows you to rename your headphones and reset settings. It's suitable for AirPods. 1/2 generation.
• 🥉 AirBattery is a minimalist battery monitoring solution that shows the percentage of charge in real time as a floating window.

Installation and configuration of MaterialPods (on the example of AirPods Pro 2):

1. Download the app from Google Play and give you Bluetooth access.
2. Open the case cover and wait until the app detects the headphones.
3. In the main menu, tap on the gear icon next to the name AirPods.
4. Activate options: Automatic Ear Detection – automatic pause; Noise Control – switching between noise reduction and transparent mode; Customize Press & Hold – setting up a long press (for example, to call a voice assistant).

Attention! Some features (such as spatial sound) may conflict with MIUI optimizations. If the sound starts to interrupt, turn off the Absolute Sound option in your Xiaomi Bluetooth settings.

4. Connection problems and their solutions

Even after successful pairing, Xiaomi users are faced with typical bugs.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or delayed: Turn off dual audio in Bluetooth settings (if other devices are connected). → Sound. → Bluetooth audio quality. If you use AirPods Pro, turn off spatial audio in the control app.
• 🔋 Does not show charge level: Install MaterialPods or AirBattery. MIUI 14: Enable the option to Show the charge level of accessories in Settings → Notifications → Additionally.
• 🎧 One earphone doesn't work: Place both earbuds in a case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then reconnect. Check if mono mode is activated (in MaterialPods or Bluetooth settings).

A critical bug for Xiaomi on Android 13+: If AirPods are no longer defined after the update, reset your smartphone’s network settings (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth) This will remove all saved devices, but solve the compatibility problem.

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If the sound in AirPods is quieter after connecting to Xiaomi, check the volume limit in Settings → Sound → Safe Volume Level. Turn off the option or increase the limit.

5.Sound Optimization: How to Improve Quality on Xiaomi

By default. MIUI standardize SBC-codec for Bluetooth audio, which limits quality. To unlock the potential of AirPods, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Cog settings next to AirPods → Sound quality.
2. Choose AAC (preferably) or aptX (if supported by your AirPods model).
3. Activate Absolute Sound (but be aware of possible lags when watching videos).

For music lovers, we recommend additionally adjusting the equalizer:

• Open the settings → Sound → Equator.
• Choose the Bass Preset or Rock for a more saturated sound.
• For AirPods Pro, turn off the equalizer in the control app – their built-in sound processing works better.

Attention! On some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 11), the aptX codec can cause extraneous noise at high volume, in which case go back to AAC.

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For better sound, disable all effects in the player (for example, in Spotify or YouTube Music). AirPods' built-in algorithms handle sound processing better than software filters.

6.How to use AirPods to make calls to Xiaomi

Many people complain that AirPods don't transmit voice or muffle the microphone, and the problem is that MIUI settings are optimized for wired headsets by default, and you can fix this by:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Tap Permissions and enable access to the microphone and Bluetooth.
3. Return to the basic Bluetooth settings, find your AirPods, and activate the Use option for calls.

If the voice of the person is still quiet:

• 📞 Turn on hands-free mode during the conversation (button in the call interface).
• 🔊 Increase the volume of media (not a call!) with physical buttons on your smartphone.
• 🎤 For AirPods Pro: In MaterialPods, turn off noise cancellation during a call – it can suppress voice.

Business lifehack: If you make frequent calls on WhatsApp or Telegram, select AirPods as your priority audio output device in the settings of these apps, which will prevent you from automatically switching to your smartphone speaker.

7. How to extend the life of the AirPods battery when used with Xiaomi

AirPods run out faster on Android than on iPhones, which is a fact, because of the lack of optimized communication protocol and background MIUI processes.

• 🔋 Turn off automatic connectivity in Bluetooth settings (Auto Connect option).Put your headphones manually when you need them.
• 📵 In MaterialPods, deactivate Automatic Ear Detection if you do not use an automatic pause.
• 🔇 Reduce auto-switch off time without activity: Settings → Connected devices → AirPods → Automation in 5 minutes.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating: Do not leave the case under direct sunlight or near heat sources (such as charging your smartphone).

Average operating time of AirPods Pro on Xiaomi:

Attention! If the AirPods case is discharged overnight, even when the headphones are not in use, check the background processes on your smartphone. In MIUI, go to Settings → Battery → Battery Use and find applications that actively consume energy via Bluetooth (for example, fitness trackers).

FAQ: Frequent questions about using AirPods on Xiaomi