Xiaomi Buds 3 and iPhone: how to connect, configure and fix errors

Xiaomi Buds 3 is a popular solution for music lovers that combines sound quality, convenience and affordable price. However, many iPhone users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: devices do not find each other, sound is interrupted or there are no controls. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic pairing to fine-tuning for iOS.

Unlike AirPods, where the iPhone is automatically bundled with a W1/H1 chip, Xiaomi Buds 3 requires manual tuning via Bluetooth, and when connected properly, the headphones support most of the features: touch controls, music playback, and even work with Siri (with limitations).

Important: the instruction is relevant for all versions of the series - Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, Buds 3 Lite and Buds 3 SE. The differences in functionality will be noted separately.

1. Preparation of headphones and iPhone to connect

Before pairing, make sure both devices are ready to go. For Xiaomi Buds 3, the availability of charge in the case and the headphones themselves is critical - at a level below 20%, there can be a connection failure. On iPhone, check:

• 📱 iOS version: iOS 12 is minimally required, but iOS 15 is recommended for stable operation+. You can check the version in Settings → Mainstream → About this device.
• 🔄 Bluetooth: must be enabled (Icon to Control Point or Settings) → Bluetooth).
• 🎧 Compatibility: Buds 3 supports profiles A2DP, AVRCP and HFP, What is enough to work with the iPhone.

If the headphones have already been connected to another device (for example, an Android smartphone), they must be reset.

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (Buds 3 Pro – only white).
3. Open the lid - the headphones will go into pairing mode (the indicator flashes white).

⚠️ Warning: If the indicator doesn't flash after reset, check the case charge. connect it to the charger for 5-10 minutes - sometimes low charge blocks the pairing mode.

2. Step-by-step connection instruction

The process of pairing Xiaomi Buds 3 with the iPhone takes no more than a minute, if you follow the algorithm:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones: Take both earphones out of the case (they will automatically turn on). Press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 3 seconds until you hear a voice message "Ready to pair" (Buds 3 Lite has no audio confirmation - focus on the flashing indicator).

Connect to your iPhone.

• Open Settings → Bluetooth.
• In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2 (for Buds 3), Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro (for Buds 3 Pro) or a similar name.
• Slip the name and confirm the connection.

After successfully pairing the Bluetooth menu, the headphones will be “Connected” next to the name, and will now automatically connect to the iPhone when removed from the case (if Bluetooth is on).

Headphones charged (>20%)|Bluetooth on iPhone is on|Headphones in pairing mode (flashing the indicator)|Previous connections reset (if any)-->

3. Customization of control and sound on the iPhone

By default, Xiaomi Buds 3 supports basic gestures on the iPhone, but they can be reconfigured via the Mi Home app (although it's not officially optimized for iOS).

To improve sound quality:

• 🎛️ Enable Equalizer in the Apple Music app (Settings) → Reproduction → Equator) and select Preset Basic Booster or Electronics».
• 🔊 Turn off low quality audio in Settings → Music. → Mobile network data if you use streaming.
• 📶 For Buds 3 Pro, activate the mode LDAC (You need to install Wavelet application from AltStore).

⚠️ Attention: On the iPhone codec AAC It is used by default, which provides a balanced sound quality. the aptX codec (available on Android) is not supported by iOS - it is a hardware limitation.

💡

If the sound is interrupted, try turning off Wi-Fi Assist in Settings → Cellular.This feature can create conflicts with Bluetooth streams.

4. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after a successful connection, users face common bugs, and here's how to fix them:

🔴 Headphones are not on the list of Bluetooth devices

• 🔋 Check the charge of the case and headphones (the indicator should burn white when opening the lid).
• 🔄 Reboot your iPhone and repeat the search.
• 📱 Remove all previously saved Xiaomi devices in Settings → Bluetooth (slip on the “i” next to the name and select “Forget this device»).

🎵 The sound is interrupted or stuttering.

• 📶 Reduce the distance between your iPhone and headphones (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔌 Disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, speakers).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings on iPhone: Settings → Mainstream → Transfer or discharge → Reset → Reset the network settings.

🎧 Only one earpiece works.

• 🔄 Place both headphones in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull them out again.
• 🧲 Check the magnetic contacts in the case - they should be clean (wipe with an alcohol napkin).
• 🔋 If the problem persists, discharge the headphones to 0% and charge to 100% - this resets the temporary controller errors.

5 Additional functions: noise reduction, Siri and others

Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro is equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), but on the iPhone its setting is limited.

• 🔇 Inclusion ANC: It's activated by default by holding the touchpad on any headphone. To turn it off, repeat the hold.
• 🎧 Transparency mode: only available through the Mi Home app (requires Android device for initial setup).
• 🗣️ Siri: Voice assistant activated with double touch (configured in Settings) → However, Xiaomi Buds 3 does not support automatic switching to Siri when extracted from the ear (unlike AirPods).

For owners of Buds 3 Lite/SE, only the basic functions are available: music playback and call reception. ANC and transparent mode are not available in these models.

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On the iPhone, the noise cancellation in the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro works, but its intensity cannot be adjusted - only on / off.

6. How to update the firmware of headphones through the iPhone

Xiaomi does not officially provide a way to update Buds 3 firmware via iPhone, but there is a workaround:

1. Install the Mi Home app from the App Store (it’s not optimized for headphones, but it can show a firmware version).
2. Connect your headphones to your Android device (borrow from friends or use an emulator), upgrade your firmware through Mi Home.
3. Return the headphones to the iPhone – new features will be available.

Up-to-date firmware versions for Buds 3 (June 2026):

• Buds 3: 2.7.1.0 (fixed connection issues with iOS 17)
• Buds 3 Pro: 3.5.8.0 (improved noise reduction)
• Buds 3 Lite/SE: 1.4.0.0 (basic fixes)

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the firmware update process, this may cause the headphones to lose communication. If they stop turning on after the update, reset (see Section 1).

7. AirPods Comparison: Which Is Best for iPhone?

Many iPhone users are doubtful whether to choose Xiaomi Buds 3 instead of AirPods.

Xiaomi Buds 3 wins in price/quality ratio, but loses in ecosystem integration.

• 💰 Budget and sound → Choose Xiaomi.
• 🍎 Maximum compatibility with iPhone → AirPods.
• 🎧 Noise suppression → Buds 3 Pro or AirPods Pro 2.

FAQ: Frequent questions