Connecting Xiaomi headphones to iPhone: full instruction with problem solving

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular accessory among iPhone owners, but their connection does not always go smoothly. Unlike AirPods, which sync with iOS in seconds, Mi, Redmi or Poco gadgets can require additional manipulations, from resetting settings to manually selecting a codec profile. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting, including hidden iOS functions, and also solve typical problems from lack of sound to permanent communication breaks.

Feature of the combination Xiaomi + iPhone is that manufacturers use different wireless transmission standards. Apple is betting on a proprietary chip W1/H1 and codecs AAC, Xiaomi often implements aptX or LDAC (This can lead to delays, distortions, or even complete incompatibility, but don't rush to return your headphones to the store. 90% In some cases, the problem can be solved programmatically.

In the article you will find:

• 🔹 Step-by-step instructions for all Xiaomi headphone models (from budget Redmi Buds to flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro)
• 🔹 Hidden iOS settings that will improve sound quality
• 🔹 Table of compatibility of codecs with different versions of the iPhone

1. Preparation of Xiaomi headphones to pair with the iPhone

Before you plug in your headphones, make sure they're ready to search. Many users miss this step, which is why the iPhone just can't see the device.

• 🔋 Charge the headphones to at least 30%. Discharged gadgets may not be included in pairing mode. Check the indicator: on most Xiaomi models, it should flash white or red (depending on the model).
• 🔄 Reset if the headphones have already been connected to another device. To do this, press the button on the body (or touchpad) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (Redmi Buds 3 Pro) or the voice message “Cleared” (Xiaomi Buds 4) sounds).
• 📱 Turn off the headphones from other devices. Even if they're not active, the iPhone may not see them on the list of available ones. → Bluetooth and press "Forget the device".

If your headphones support multi-point connectivity (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pro, you can pair them with your iPhone and your MacBook, but for the first pairing, you'd better turn off all the other devices.

Charge headphones to 30%|

Reset the settings (click the button for 10-15 seconds)|

Disconnect from other devices in Bluetooth|

Place the headphones in the case and open the lid (for models with auto-adjoints)-->

Important: Some models (like the Redmi Buds 4 Active) have a hidden pairing mode. To activate it, you need to press the left-earphone touchpad three times for 2 seconds.

2. Step-by-step connection via Bluetooth

Now, the interface process itself, which is universal for all iPhone models (from iPhone 8 to iPhone 15 Pro Max), but there are nuances for different versions of iOS. If you have iOS 16 or newer, watch for pop-up prompts, the system will offer the best settings.

1. Open the case cover (if the headphones are in the case) or turn them on with a long press of a button. Make sure the indicator flashes white/blue.
2. On iPhone go to Settings → Bluetooth and switch on. Wait for the name of your headphones to appear in the "Other Devices" list (e.g., "Redmi Buds 3 Lite" or "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2").
3. Tap the headphone name. If you request a code confirmation, type 0000 or 1234 (standard). PIN-Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) do not require code.
4. Wait for the message "Connected." In some cases, the iPhone may offer to download the firmware for the headphones — agree, this will improve compatibility.

If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot iPhone (sometimes helps with the glitches of the Bluetooth module).

Redmi Buds (any model) |

Xiaomi Buds (3/4/Pro)|

Poco Buds|

Another model |

I don't know the name.-->

3. Customize sound and codecs for better quality

By default, the iPhone uses codecs AAC or SBC It's a stable connection, but not always the best quality, if your headphones support aptX or LDAC, You can try to force them to turn them on - but there are pitfalls here.

How to check the current codec:

1. Connect the headphones to your iPhone.
2. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and click on the "i" icon next to the headphone name.
3. Look at the line "Audio codec." If there's one. SBC, The sound quality will be worse than when AAC.

How to force codec change (for advanced users only):

There is no direct option for choosing a codec in iOS, but you can use a workaround through the developer:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → Confidentiality and security → Analytics and improvements → Analytics data and click on "Developer Mode" (if not, tap 5 times on the build number in Settings) → Mainstream → About the programme).
2. Back to Settings → Developer mode → Bluetooth and enable the option "Enable high bit rate audio codecs".
3. Turn off and reconnect the headphones.

Critical nuance: on the iPhone with a chip A12 and older (iPhone) XS The aptX Adaptive codec works correctly, and on older models it can cause artifacts of sound.

4. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

🔊 No sound in the headphones.

• 🔇 Check the volume regulator on your iPhone – sometimes it resets after you plug in.
• 🔄 Reboot the headphones: Put them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out.
• 📱 B Settings → Bluetooth press the "i" next to the headphones and select "Forget this device", then connect again.
• 🎵 Make sure the sound is not redirected to the phone speaker. To do this, while playing music, tap the AirPlay icon in the control panel and select your headphones.

🎵 The sound is interrupted or slowed down.

This is most often due to Bluetooth interference or suboptimal codec.

• 📶 Get away from sources of interference: Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, other Bluetooth devices.
• 🔋 Charge headphones to 100% – at low charge they automatically reduce bitrate.
• 🔄 Manually switch the codec (see section 3).
• 📱 Disable background app updates in Settings → Main → Content updates.

💡

If the sound is only slowing down in a particular app (like YouTube or TikTok), try clearing its cache.

🔋 Headphones are discharged fast.

If Xiaomi discharges in 1-2 hours instead of the 5-6, the problem may be:

• 🔊Too high volume (over 80% reduces operating time by 30-40%).
• 📶 Constantly search for devices (turn off Bluetooth on your iPhone when not using headphones).
• 🔄 Use of the codec LDAC — It consumes 25% more energy than AAC.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are discharged even in a case, check the charging contacts. Often they are oxidized - wipe them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

🎧 One earpiece is down.

This is one of the most common problems.

• 🔄 Reset the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds).
• 🧲 Check if a metal object (coin, key) has stuck to the earpiece - this can block the Hall sensor.
• 🔧 Manually reset the settings (see Section 1).
• 📱 Update your headphone firmware through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (if it’s available for your model).

🔄 Constantly disconnect from the iPhone

If the headphones break the connection every 5-10 minutes:

• 📱 Turn off automatic sound switching in Settings → Bluetooth → i (earphones) → Switch automatically.
• 🔄 Update iOS – in the old versions was a bug with Bluetooth LE.
• 📡 Check if the iPhone is enabled with the “Low energy consumption” mode (it limits the Bluetooth operation).

💡

If the headphones are turned off during calls, the problem may be in the phone settings. → Phone. → Sounds and tactile signals and disable the "Bluetooth as Headset" option (if any).

5. Additional settings in iOS to improve the work

iPhone offers a few hidden features that can dramatically improve the wireless headphone experience, most of which are hidden in the developer’s special features or settings menu.

🎛 Optimizing the sound to your ear

In iOS, there is a built-in audiometer that adjusts the sound to your perception:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Audiovisual content → Audio settings.
2. Select “Tune audio” and follow the instructions (need a quiet room).
3. Turn on the "Sound Equalizer" option and select the preset "Bases" or "Voice" depending on your preferences.

🔇 Noise reduction adjustment

If your headphones support ANC (active noise reduction, in iOS you can fine-tune its work:

• 🎧 In the control panel (swipe down from the top right corner) press and hold the volume slider.
• 🔊 Touch the "Noise Reduction" icon (will appear after connecting the headphones).
• 🔄 Select the mode: "Noise Reduction", "Transparency" or "Off.".

On some Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) noise reduction works better if the Bluetooth settings turn off the option "Auto-Setting" ANC" (if there is).

🔋 Savings in headphone charge

To extend the working hours:

• 📵 Turn off battery discharge notifications in Settings → Bluetooth → i (earphones) → Battery notifications.
• 🔕 Reduce the frequency of sensor surveys: in Settings → Developer mode → Bluetooth → Select the frequency of the survey "Low".
• 🎵 Use the codec. AAC instead aptX/LDAC (see section 3).

⚠️ Warning: If you use headphones for calls, turn off the "High Quality Audio for Calls" option in Bluetooth settings. It improves sound but reduces uptime by 20-30%.

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If Bluetooth stubbornly refuses to work, you can try alternative methods, which are less convenient, but sometimes save in critical situations.

🔌 Connection via adapter (for models with connector)

Some Xiaomi headphones (for example, Xiaomi Hybrid Pro) HD) support a wired connection through 3.5 mm or USB-C. It's gonna take a while:

• 🔌 Lightning Transmitter → 3.5mm (official from Apple or certified MFi).
• 🎧 Cable with the appropriate connector (comprised with headphones).

Connect the headphones to the adapter and the headphone to the iPhone, and the sound will go automatically, but the microphone may not work (depending on the model).

📡 Using headphones as headsets for calls

If the headphones are connected but do not work during calls:

1. Go to Settings. → Phone. → Sounds and tactile signals.
2. In the Audio Drive section, select your headphones.
3. Make sure the “Bluetooth as Headset” option is enabled.

🖥 Connection via Mac or iPad

Sometimes it’s easier to connect headphones to a MacBook or iPad and then use the Handoff feature to automatically switch to your iPhone:

1. Connect the headphones to your Mac or iPad via Bluetooth.
2. Make sure that all devices have iCloud and Handoff enabled (Settings) → Mainstream → AirPlay and Handoff).
3. On the iPhone, open the control panel and click on the “AirPlay” icon – your headphones should appear in the list.

7. Update to the headphone firmware

Many connectivity and sound issues are solved by a firmware update. Xiaomi regularly releases patches to improve iOS compatibility, but doesn't always notify users.

How to update firmware:

1. Download the official Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app from the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the iPhone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and find your headphones in the list of devices.
4. If an update is available, a firmware update notification will appear – follow the instructions.

Important: During the update:

• 🔋 Don’t turn off your iPhone headphones.
• 📶 Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi (update can weigh up to 10-15 MB).
• 🔌 Don’t close the Xiaomi Wear app.

⚠️ Note: If during the update there is a failure (for example, the battery on the headphones will die), they may stop turning on. In this case, contact the Xiaomi service center - independent firmware repair is almost impossible.

After the update, the headphones will automatically restart. Check the firmware version in the app - it must match the latest on the official Xiaomi website.

8. Comparison of Xiaomi models on compatibility with iPhone

Not all Xiaomi headphones work equally well with iPhones, and we tested popular models and ranked them in key parameters:

The best choice for iPhone:

• 💰 Budget: Redmi Buds 4 Active – easy connection, stable operation, but mediocre sound.
• 🎵 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro – the best sound thanks to the LDAC, But there may be problems with stability.
• ⚡ Wagon: Xiaomi Buds 4 - a balanced option in all parameters.

💡

If you want stability of communication (for example, for calls), choose models with a Qualcomm chip. QCC3040 or newer (e.g. Poco Buds) X1). They are better optimized to work with iOS.

FAQ: Frequent questions