How to connect AirPods to Xiaomi smartphone: full instructions with nuances

Apple’s wireless AirPods have long been a standard accessory not only for iPhone owners, but also for Android users — including Xiaomi smartphones. However, connecting them to MIUI-based phones has its own peculiarities, from the lack of automatic switching between devices to problems with displaying charge levels. In this article, we will discuss all ways of synchronizing (by Bluetooth, through companion apps and even using iCloud), as well as recommendations for adjusting the sound and eliminating typical errors.

It's important to understand that AirPods are initially optimized for the Apple ecosystem, so some of the features (like Automatic Switching or Spatial Audio) won't work on Xiaomi, but the basic features -- listening to music, talking on the phone, and activating the voice assistant -- are available in full, and the key is to get the initial setup right.

1. Preparation before connection

Before you start syncing, make sure your AirPods and Xiaomi smartphone are ready to connect.

• 🔋 Headphone charge: Battery level should be at least 20%. If the indicator on the case flashes orange, connect it to charge for 10-15 minutes.
• 📱 Version. MIUI: On smartphones with MIUI 12 and newer connection is more stable. Check the relevance of the firmware in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Reset previous connections: If AirPods have already been paired with another device (for example, iPhone), they need to “forget” in the settings of that gadget or reset the headphones themselves (instruction below).
• 🎧 Pair mode: Open the case cover and hold the button on the back until the indicator starts flashing white.

If you’re connecting AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3, note that they support Bluetooth 5.2 Low Power Protocol (LE Audio). For full operation, it’s recommended to use a Xiaomi smartphone no older than 2021 (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+, Xiaomi 12 or later), as older models may not support all the features.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi previously connected to AirPods via third-party apps (such as AirBattery), delete them from Bluetooth memory before re-synchronizing: → Bluetooth → Settings (⚙️) → Delete all devices.

2. Standard Bluetooth connection

This is the easiest and most versatile way to work on all Xiaomi models, regardless of the MIUI version.

1. Open Bluetooth settings on your smartphone: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off and click Device Search.
3. Open the AirPods case cover and hold the button on the back for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes white.
4. In the list of available devices, the name of your headphones (for example, AirPods Pro (John's)) will appear.
5. Confirm the pairing if a request appears on the smartphone.

Once successfully connected, two devices will be displayed in the Bluetooth settings: the AirPods themselves and their case (such as the AirPods Pro Case).

Opened case cover AirPods

The indicator flashes white (pair mode)

Bluetooth on Xiaomi is enabled and visible for other devices

Old AirPods connections removed (if any)

Headphone charge of at least 20%-->

If the headphones don’t appear in the list of devices, try the following steps:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off and turn on again).
• 📱 Reboot the phone itself.
• 🎧 Reset AirPods to factory settings (instructions in the next section).

3.Reset AirPods to factory settings

If the AirPods were previously paired with an iPhone or other device and refuse to connect to Xiaomi, they should be reset, which will remove all saved connections and return the headphones to their original settings.

Instructions for all models (including AirPods 1/2/3, AirPods Pro 1/2 and AirPods Max):

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid.
3. On the back of the case, find the setting button (located under the cover of the AirPods Max).
4. Hold it for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange and then white.
5. Release the button, reset complete.

After the reset, the AirPods will be ready for a new connection. If the indicator does not flash white, repeat the procedure or check the charge of the case.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3 can take up to 20 seconds.Do not release the button ahead of time, even if the indicator has changed color.

4.Use of applications for advanced functions

By default, Xiaomi does not display the charge level of AirPods and does not support control gestures (for example, changing tracks with double touch).

For example, AirBattery shows the charge level right in the notification bar, and MaterialPods allows you to assign a double tap to a track change or call a voice assistant. Install the application, open it and follow the instructions on the screen to pair with AirPods.

Important: AndroPods-like applications require constant access to notifications and location, and disabling these permissions can cause disruptions.

AirBattery

MaterialPods

AndroPods

I don't use the apps.

Other-->

5. Sound and microphone tuning

After connecting AirPods to Xiaomi, you may need to adjust the audio, especially if you use headphones to make calls or listen to music in noisy conditions.

• 🎵 Sound quality: Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Bluetooth Sound Quality and Choose High (AAC) or SBC (stability).
• 🎤 Microphone: In the same audio settings, enable the option to Use AirPods as a headset (if available).
• 🔊 Noise Reduction: On AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, enable Active Noise Reduction via a companion app (e.g. MaterialPods).
• 🔄 Auto Connection: In Bluetooth settings, mark AirPods as a Priority Device.

If the sound is interrupted or there is interference, try:

• Turn off Absolute Volume in Settings → System → For Developers → Turn off Absolute Volume Bluetooth.
• Switch the audio codec from AAC to SBC (or vice versa).
• Remove AirPods from Bluetooth memory and reconnect.

💡

If AirPods Pro doesn't have noise cancellation, upgrade your headphone firmware via a friend's iPhone or Apple Service Center. You can't update AirPods software on Android.

Resolving typical problems

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi users may face a number of problems, including the most common and ways to solve them:

If AirPods are turned off after a few minutes of inactivity, check the power saving settings on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
2. Find the Bluetooth app (or AirBattery if installed) and select Unlimited.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3) There's a bug that only makes AirPods connect in mono mode. MIUI Up to the latest version or use the MaterialPods application.

7. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method via Bluetooth does not work, you can try alternative options:

• 🍎 Through iCloud (for iPhone owners): If you have an iPhone, connect AirPods to it, then log in to iCloud on Xiaomi via your browser.This sometimes helps to sync devices.
• 🔌 Through Bluetooth adapter: For older Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 4X) You can use an external Bluetooth 5.0 adapter connected via USB-C.
• 🤖 Through Developer Mode: Activate Developer Mode on Xiaomi and enable Bluetooth Debugging option in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times).

To connect via iCloud:

1. On iPhone, open Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud and make sure AirPods are tied to your Apple ID.
2. On Xiaomi, open your browser and go to iCloud.com.
3. Log in and check if AirPods are displayed in the Find iPhone section.

This method doesn’t guarantee 100% results, but in some cases it helps wake up headphones to connect to Android.

💡

If neither of these methods worked, check the AirPods on another device (like an iPad or Mac) and if they don’t work there, it’s the headphones themselves, not the Xiaomi smartphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions