Connecting AirPods to Xiaomi: 3 proven ways + error solving

Why are Xiaomi and AirPods sometimes not friends?

Apple AirPods (all generations including AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max) are technically compatible with any Android device, including Xiaomi smartphones. However, users often face problems: headphones are not determined, sound is interrupted or there are no functions like automatic switching devices, the reason lies in the differences between Bluetooth protocols and proprietary Apple chips.

This article presents unique ways to connect AirPods to Xiaomi that work even if standard pairing doesn’t work, as well as solutions to common bugs. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) on MIUI 12–14 and HyperOS.

⚠️ Important: If your AirPods were previously paired with an iPhone, you must first “forget” them in the settings of the Apple device.

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection

This is a basic method that works 80 percent of the time, and it works for all versions of AirPods (except AirPods Max, which require a separate algorithm).

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your Xiaomi and enable the adapter.
• 🎧 Open the AirPods case cover and press the button on the back (for AirPods) 1/2) Hold the touch button (for example, for Pro/3-generation) before the white indicator flashes.
• 🔍 The list of available devices will show the name of your headphones (for example, AirPods Pro (John's.
• ✅ Confirm pairing. If you request access to contacts/microphones, allow (this is not necessary, but will improve functionality).

Reboot your Xiaomi smartphone

Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings)

Try connecting in Safe Mode (hold the power button → Safe Mode)

Update the firmware MIUI/HyperOS-->

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ It can trigger a bug when AirPods are connected as a "call device" rather than as headphones:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Put the badge on. ⚙️ near the AirPods.
3. Select your Media Audio profile (or A2DP).

Method 2: Connect via AirBattery (for advanced features)

The standard connection only gives you basic sound. To access the charge level, gesture control and other chips, install the third-party AirBattery app (available on Google Play).

Advantages:

• 🔋 Displaying the charge of headphones and case in real time.
• 🎛️ Customizing gestures (for example, double touching to switch tracks).
• 🔊 Optimizing Bluetooth codecs for better sound.
• 🔄 Automatic reconnect when opening the case cover.

Instructions:

1. Download AirBattery from Google Play.
2. Connect AirPods to Xiaomi in the standard way (see Method 1).
3. Open the app and provide all the permissions requested (access to Bluetooth, notifications, auto-run).
4. In the main menu tap Connect – the application will automatically determine the model of headphones.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS, the app may not show headphone charge if battery optimization is enabled:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → AirBattery → Battery and select Without Limits.

Method 3: Manually connect via Developer Mode (for AirPods Max and older Xiaomi)

If the first two methods didn’t work (especially for AirPods Max or Xiaomi smartphones on Android 10 and below), try forced pairing via ADB.

It will require:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📲 Developer Mode on Xiaomi (7 times tap on the version) MIUI phone-setting).
• 🔌 USB-cable.

Steps:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command line (cmd) and type: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_disabled 1 This command disables Bluetooth hardware acceleration, which sometimes solves compatibility issues.
3. Reboot your smartphone and try connecting AirPods again.

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_aac_bitrate 256

It'll force you to set the bitrate. AAC 256 kbps for better quality.-->

AirPods 1/2

AirPods Pro 1/2

AirPods 3

AirPods Max

Another model-->

Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, bugs can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

🔊 The sound is interrupted or distorted

• 📶 The problem is often Bluetooth interference:
• 🔧 If the distortion is permanent, reset your AirPods settings:

🎵 No sound in apps (YouTube, Spotify, etc.)

The problem is caused by a conflict of audio routes.

1. Open a problem app (like YouTube).
2. During the video playback, swipe down the notification panel.
3. Tap the Media badge. → Select AirPods manually.

🔋 Fast discharge of the AirPods battery

On Xiaomi, headphones can discharge faster due to background processes.

• 🚫 Turn off Device Search in AirPods settings (if enabled via AirBattery).
• 🔄 Enable Adaptive Bluetooth in Settings → Battery → Battery mode.
• ⚡ Use only the original case to charge (Chinese analogues can damage the battery).

💡

After the update MIUI/HyperOS AirPods stopped connecting – reset your phone’s network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings).

How to Improve Sound Quality on Xiaomi

By default, AirPods on Android use the SBC (low quality) or AAC (medium) codec to improve sound:

1. Install the Bluetooth Audio Codec app.

2. Select the AAC codec (if available) or aptX (if your Xiaomi supports).

3. In Xiaomi's audio settings (Settings → Sound) enable:

• 🎶 MI Sound Enhancer (improves bass and high frequencies).
• 🔊 Adaptive sound (automatically adjusts the equalizer).
• 🎧 Spatial sound (only available with AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 You may experience latency when using the aptX codec. AAC.

Xiaomi AirPods comparison: Which is better for the ecosystem?

If you use a Xiaomi smartphone, is it worth buying AirPods or better to take headphones of the same brand (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5)?

AirPods should only be purchased if you:

• 🍎 Also, you use it. iPhone/Mac And you want universal headphones.
• 🎵 Appreciate sound and are willing to put up with limited functionality on Android.
• 💰 Not budget-bound.

In all other cases, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 will be the more logical choice.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting AirPods to Xiaomi