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

Apple AirPods are no longer exclusive to the iPhone ecosystem, and can be used successfully with Android devices including Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO. However, the process of connecting and setting up here has nuances, from the lack of automatic switching between devices to limited gesture functionality. In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions on pairing AirPods (including Pro, 2nd and 3rd generation models) with smartphones on MIUI, as well as solving typical problems from the lack of sound to the fast discharge of headphones.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi doesn’t optimize its firmware specifically for Apple devices, so some features (such as spatial sound or automatic ear detection) may not work properly, but you will get high-quality sound, easy control and the ability to use AirPods as a full headset for calls. We tested the instructions on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 models – the process is the same for all Android 11+ devices.

Preparation for connection: what to do before pairing

Before you start connecting, make sure your AirPods and Xiaomi smartphone are ready to go.

• 🔋 Charging headphones: Make sure the AirPods charge level is at least 20%.If the indicator on the case flashes red, plug it into charging for 10-15 minutes.
• 📱 Update MIUI: Check the firmware on your smartphone. Go to Settings → The phone. → System Update: Older versions of Android may not support Bluetooth 5.0+, Which will cause communication problems.
• 🔄 Reset previous connections: If AirPods have already been paired with another device (like an iPhone), reset. To do this, press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.
• 🎧 Compatibility check: All AirPods models (including AirPods Max) are compatible with Android, but functionality depends on the version. For example, AirPods Pro 2 supports transparent mode, but you will have to manually enable it.

Pay special attention to the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi. By default, MIUI can turn on power saving mode for wireless devices, which leads to audio delays of up to 300 ms (critical for games and video). To avoid this, after connecting, go to Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth Settings → Additional and turn off the option "Battery Savings for Headsets".

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

The pairing process takes no more than 2 minutes, if you follow the algorithm. Importantly, AirPods should be in search mode, and on Xiaomi smartphone should be enabled Bluetooth and geolocation (the latter is necessary for the correct operation of some functions, for example, automatic switching between devices).

1. Open the case cover with AirPods and make sure the headphones are inside.The indicator on the front should flash white (if flashing green - the headphones are already connected to another device, reset as described above).
2. Activate Bluetooth on Xiaomi: Swipe your finger down the screen to open the Quick Settings Panel, and click on the Bluetooth icon. Or go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Start your device search by clicking on Add New Device (or Device Search in older versions of MIUI) and your AirPods model will appear on the list of devices you find (e.g., AirPods Pro (John's)).
4. Confirm pairing: Click on the headphone name in the list. In 5-10 seconds, the notification "Connected to media audio" will appear. PIN-Enter 0000 (standard code for all AirPods).

Once you've successfully connected, check the sound quality: run music or video. If the sound is interrupted or interference is heard, go to the AirPods settings on your smartphone (click on the gear next to the device name in the Bluetooth list) and select "Sound Quality Priority" instead of "Connect Stability Priority."

Customization of sound and control: how to use AirPods to the fullest

By default, AirPods on Android are in base mode: audio is transmitted, but many functions (for example, automatic pause when removing the earphone) are disabled. To unlock the potential of the device, perform additional settings.

1.Changing Bluetooth codecs for better sound

Xiaomi defaults to SBC codecs, which are versatile but not as high as possible. For AirPods, you’d better choose AAC (supported by all models) or aptX (only for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max on Android 12+).

1. Go to Settings. → Connected devices.
2. Click on the gear icon next to the AirPods.
3. Select "Sound quality" → "Bluetooth codec".
4. Set AAC (Priority) or AptX (if available).

2. Adjustment of control gestures

Gestures on AirPods on Android work differently than on iPhone.

• 🎵 Double touch (any headphone): playback / pause.
• 📞 Triple touch (left earphone): Calling the voice assistant (on Xiaomi it's Google Assistant).
• 🔇 Press the sensor (on AirPods Pro): switch between noise reduction modes.

To reassign gestures, install the AirBattery app (available on Google Play).

• Set up actions for single/double/triple touch.
• Display the level of charge of the headphones in real time.
• Turn on/off transparent mode (for AirPods Pro).

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If the video or video sound is behind, turn on the Low Latency option in Bluetooth settings, which will reduce the lag to 100-150 ms.

Solving the problem: what to do if AirPods are not connected to Xiaomi

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can get errors.-5 Problems and solutions based on Xiaomi user reviews:

If none of the solutions worked, try an alternative way to connect via the Apple Music app (yes, it works on Android!).

1. Install Apple Music from Google Play.
2. Open the app and allow access to Bluetooth.
3. Bring AirPods to your smartphone – the app can initiate re-pairing.

How to check the charge of AirPods on Xiaomi: hidden features

On iPhones, the AirPods charge level is automatically displayed when you open your case. On Android, you have to manually search for this information. Here are 4 ways to find out the charge:

1. Through the battery widget: Install the AirBattery app or Pods Battery. They show the charge of each headphone and case in real time, as well as battery life.
2. In Bluetooth settings: On some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 14), the charge is displayed next to the AirPods name in the list of connected devices.
3. Through notification: Open the case lid next to your smartphone – some Xiaomi models will have a pop-up with a percentage of charge.
4. Sound signal: AirPods Pro and AirPods 3, when the charge is low, you hear a beep. To hear it, remove the earphone from the case.

Note: If the AirPods charge drops too quickly (e.g., from 100% to 20% per hour), the problem may be in the background processes of Android.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Bluetooth.
2. Turn off access for unnecessary apps (such as fitness trackers or games).

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Apps like AirBattery not only show charge, but also allow you to customize gestures, turn on a transparent mode and track the loss of headphones through cards.

Comparing AirPods with Xiaomi headphones: what is better for the MIUI ecosystem

If you’re choosing between AirPods and Xiaomi wireless headphones (like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5), there are 5 key differences to consider:

The choice depends on your priorities:

• 🎶 For music and calls: AirPods give cleaner sound and better microphone, but require manual tuning.
• 🤳 Xiaomi Buds offer more out-of-the-box features (e.g. automatic ear detection).
• 💰 Budget option: Redmi Buds 5 cheaper 2-3 times, but lose in noise reduction.

If you have already purchased AirPods and are using them with Xiaomi, we recommend you install the MaterialPods app (an alternative to AirBattery).

• Set the headphones to a uniform charge (so that both discharge equally).
• Turn on the mode of one headphone (useful for saving charge).
• Track your connection history (to understand which devices are stealing your AirPods).

Security: How to protect AirPods from theft or loss

AirPods are some of the most "stealing" gadgets, especially in public places. Android doesn't have the built-in search feature on the iPhone (Find My), but there are alternative ways to protect:

1. Google Account Link: In Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi, find AirPods and enable the option “Save as a trusted device.” This won’t protect you from theft, but it will help you connect faster after you lose communication.
2. Tracking apps: Install AirBattery or Finder for AirPods. They record the last known location of the headphones (if they were connected to a phone) up to 10 meters accurate.
3. Engraving: On Apple's official website, you can order an engraving on a case (such as your phone number) that will not prevent a thief, but will increase the chances of returning the headphones when found.
4. Disable Automatic Connection: In Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi, disable the Auto Connection option for AirPods.This will prevent unauthorized use if the headphones fall into the wrong hands.

If you lose your AirPods, act quickly:

1. Check the latest location in the tracker app.
2. Mark your headphones as lost in Apple ID (if they were previously linked to your iCloud account).
3. Contact the police with the IMEI case (it can be found on the box or in the check).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions