How to Make a Pair Between iPhone and Xiaomi Headphones: A Complete 2026 Guide

Pairing Xiaomi headphones with iPhones is a task that seems simple at first glance, but often raises questions among users. Despite the fact that both devices support Bluetooth 5.0+, firmware features and proprietary technologies (for example, Mi TrueWireless or Apple W1/H1) can create nuances when connecting. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic connection process, but also consider the typical problems: why the iPhone does not see the headphones, how to reset the headset, and what to do if the sound is interrupted.

It’s important to understand that the connection algorithm may vary slightly depending on the headphone model — whether it’s Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2, Redmi Buds 4 or Mi TrueWireless Earphones 3. However, the general logic remains the same: activate pairing mode on the headset and search for the device through the iOS menu. If you’ve previously used headphones with Android devices, some steps may seem unobvious — for example, not having to install the branded Mi Home app for a basic connection.

This article will be useful for both beginners and experienced users who are faced with unusual situations, and we also touch on the issues of protocol compatibility (AAC, SBC), audio optimization and power consumption when using Xiaomi headsets with iPhone.

1.Preparation for pairing: what to check before connecting

Before you start connecting devices, make sure that the basic conditions are met, which will eliminate most of the problems in the search for headphones.

• 🔋 Headphone and case charge: Charge level should be at least 30%. With low charge, the headset may not enter pairing mode or turn off during the process. Check the indicators on the case - if they flash red, connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes.
• 📱 iOS Version: Upgrade your iPhone to the latest stable version (at 2026: iOS 17.4)+). Older versions may not support protocols LE Audio or have bugs with Xiaomi devices.
• 🔄 Reset previous connections: If the headphones have previously been paired with another device (especially on Android), they need to be reset. To do this, place the headphones in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
• 🛡️ Shutdown VPN/Filters: Some applications to block ads or VPN They can interfere with Bluetooth. Temporarily turn them off in Settings. → VPN and control.

Pay special attention to the item on resetting headphones. Many users miss this step, causing the iPhone to not see the device or connect to only one earpiece. For example, in Redmi Buds 3 Pro models, the reset is performed by triple tapping on the earphone touchpad for 5 seconds, a nuance often overlooked.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi headphones with Dual Device Connection (simultaneous connection to two devices), before pairing with the iPhone, disconnect them from the second gadget. Otherwise, there may be a conflict of Bluetooth profiles, and the sound will be transmitted with a delay.

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

Now, to the process of pairing, the instructions are universal for most models, but we'll show you the features for popular headsets.

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones: Take the headphones out of the case - they must automatically turn on. Press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the indicators start flashing white (for AirDots) or blue-red (for Redmi Buds). For models with a button on the case (for example, Mi TrueWireless Earphones 2), hold it for 5 seconds.
2. Search for iPhone: Open Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure the Bluetooth switch is active (green). In the list of Other devices, the name of your headphones (e.g., Redmi Buds 4 or Mi TrueWireless) will appear.

Confirmation of connection

• On the iPhone may appear a notification “Connect to this iPhone?” – click Connect.
• If requested PIN-Enter the standard code for Xiaomi devices: 0000 or 1234.

After successful connection in the Bluetooth menu next to the headphones will be the inscription Connected, and in the status bar of the iPhone will display the icon of the headphones. To check the performance, run any audio file or video.

Make sure your headphones are charged | Turn off your headphones from other devices | Activate pairing mode (blinking indicator) | Turn on Bluetooth on iPhone | Confirm the connection in the settings menu-->

3. Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have failures, and let's look at the most common scenarios and how to fix them.

If the problem persists, try "forgetting the device" in the Bluetooth menu and repeat pairing again. To do this, tap the i icon next to the headphone name and select Forget this device.

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi models with support LC3 (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro may experience a delay in sound when watching a video. LE Audio on iOS. The solution is to manually switch the codec to iOS. AAC Developer Options (developer mode activation required).

iPhone doesn't see headphones|Only one headphone is connected.|The sound is interrupted.|Other|There was no problem.-->

4. Sound and energy optimization

After a successful connection, you should adjust the settings for better sound and autonomy. iOS automatically chooses the optimal settings, but they can be adjusted manually.

• 🎧 Choice of codecs: by default, the iPhone uses AAC This codec provides good quality, but it can cause delays. SBC (More stable but with less bitrate, disable Settings → Music. → High quality codecs.
• 🔊 Equator: In the Apple Music app or Settings → Music. → Choose Preset Bass Booster or Electronic Music for a more intense sound (relevant for models with 10-12 mm speakers, for example, Redmi Buds 4 Active).
• 📉 Energy saving: Turn off settings → Bluetooth → Allow devices to connect automatically if you don't use the fast connection feature, which will extend the headphone life by 10-15%.

For models with support for ANC (active noise cancellation), such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, it is recommended to calibrate microphones in a quiet room.

1. Put your headphones on.
2. Go to Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual effects → Noise reduction settings.
3. Follow the system's voice instructions.

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If the sound is quiet after you connect, check the volume limit in Settings → Music → Volume Limit. Reset it or turn it off completely.

5. Features of connecting specific models

Some Xiaomi headsets have unique nuances when pairing with an iPhone. Consider the most popular models.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 / Redmi AirDots 3 Pro

These headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 and AAC, but can conflict with iOS due to the Dual Mode feature.

• Before connecting to your iPhone, disconnect them from your Android device via the Bluetooth menu.
• If the sound is interrupted, turn off Dual Mode in the Mi Home app (requires a temporary connection to Android).

Mi TrueWireless Earphones 3

It's a model that supports LDAC (high-quality codec), but the iPhone doesn't support it, and when you connect, you automatically select AAC.

• Turn off LDAC in the headphone settings (if previously used with Android).
• Update the firmware of the headphones through Mi Home (you will need an Android device).

Redmi Buds 4 / Buds 4 Pro

These models have Hybrid ANC technology, which can conflict with iOS, and if noise cancellation is not working properly,

• Reset the headphone settings (5-fold tap on the touch panel in the case).
• Turn off the ANC manually through the touch combination (see model instruction).

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method didn't work, try alternatives, which are especially useful for older headphone models or iPhones with unstable Bluetooth modules.

Method 1: Connect via Mi Home (for some models)

While Mi Home doesn’t officially support iOS for headphone management, some features are available:

1. Install Mi Home from the App Store.
2. Select China Mainland region when you first launch.
3. Manually add the device through Add the device → Headphones.

Note: This method doesn’t work for all models and may require you to create a Xiaomi account.

Method 2: Using the Developer Mode

For experienced users, you can set up Bluetooth profiles through a hidden menu:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → Basic → Assembly Number (tap 5 times).
2. Go to Settings → Developer → Bluetooth Network Interaction.
3. Choose AAC or SBC manually for your headphones.

⚠️ Warning: Changing your settings in developer mode can cause Bluetooth to work unstable. It is not recommended to change settings if you do not understand their purpose.

Method 3: Connect via Android device (to reset settings)

If the headphones are “hung” and do not respond to reset, connect them to an Android smartphone, reset through Mi Home, and then repeat pairing with the iPhone.

7. Frequent Questions and Myths About Compatibility

There are many myths surrounding the connection of Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone. Let's take a look at the most common ones.

Myth 1: “Xiaomi headphones are not designed for iPhones”

All modern Xiaomi models are certified to work with iOS and support standard Bluetooth profiles (A2DP, AVRCP, HFP). However, some features (such as Mi AI Assistant or Game Mode) may not be available.

Myth 2: “You need to install special applications to connect”

No applications are required for basic pairing, except for branded chip models (such as Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro with adaptive ANC), where you may need Mi Home to customize additional features.

Myth 3: “The sound on the iPhone will be worse than on Android”

The sound quality depends on the codec you choose. iPhone uses AAC, which provides good quality, but does not support aptX or LDAC. The difference will only be noticed by audiophiles when listening to high-bitrate tracks.

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The main problem when connecting Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone is the conflict of Bluetooth profiles, not hardware incompatibility. 90% of the time, it helps to reset the headphones and re-pair.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions