Connecting Apple AirPods headphones to Xiaomi smartphone: full instruction with problem solving

The combination of technology from different ecosystems — Apple and Xiaomi — often raises questions among users. Although both brands use the Bluetooth standard, connecting AirPods (including the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max models) to Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones can be nuanced, problems arise due to the features of the W1/H1 protocol (in Apple headphones) and the optimization of MIUI for devices of its own ecosystem.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of AirPods (1-3 generations, Pro, Max), including solutions to typical errors: no sound, interruption of communication or inability to connect. We will also discuss how to improve connection stability and what MIUI settings should be changed for comfortable use. If you first encounter AirPods on Xiaomi, start with a basic connection. Advanced settings and a compatibility table will come in handy for advanced users.

Basic AirPods Connection to Xiaomi: Step-by-step

The process of pairing AirPods with Xiaomi is not much different from the standard Bluetooth devices, but there are key points.

  1. Charge your headphones. Make sure the AirPods are at least 20 percent charged. The status indicator on the case should be green or orange (red is discharged).
  2. Reset (if the headphones have already been connected to another device) To do this, press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case (or the button on the AirPods Max case) for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange and then white.
  3. Activate the pairing mode. Open the case cover (for AirPods Max - switch to Bluetooth position) and hold the button on the back until the white indicator flashes.

Now, let’s move on to the smartphone:

  • 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your Xiaomi.
  • 🔍 Enable device search (slider at the top of the screen).
  • 🎧 In the list of available devices, find AirPods (the name will appear as AirPods [your name] or AirPods Pro).
  • 🔗 Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.

Once successfully connected, the Bluetooth menu will have a Connected status. Importantly, Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ may require additional permission to access contacts and microphone – provide it to avoid sound problems during calls.

Charge AirPods up to 20%+

Reset your headphone settings (if used previously)

Activate the pairing mode (blinking white indicator)

Turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi and allow device search

Confirm pairing in the Bluetooth menu-->

MIUI settings for stable operation of AirPods

MIUI has a number of optimizations that can interfere with the correct operation of AirPods. After connecting, we recommend changing the following settings:

  1. Turn off Double Audio (unless you use two devices at the same time): Go to Settings → Bluetooth → Settings (⚙️) → Dual audio and deactivate the option, which will prevent accidental switching of sound between devices.
  2. Set up the Bluetooth codec: By default, MIUI can use AAC or SBC. AirPods are optimized for AAC (provides better sound quality). To change the codec: Settings → Bluetooth → [Click on AirPods] → Audio Codec → Select AAC
  3. Turn off Absolute Volume: This feature synchronizes volume levels on headphones and phone, but often doesn’t work correctly with AirPods. Turn it off in Settings → Bluetooth → [AirPods] → Absolute Volume.

Also check the Bluetooth permissions:

  • 🔒 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Bluetooth.
  • 📋 Make sure microphone, contact and storage permissions are enabled (for cache).
  • 🔄 If permissions have been disabled, restart your phone after activation.

AirPods 1/2 generation

AirPods 3 generations

AirPods Pro (1 or 2nd generation)

AirPods Max

Another model-->

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi users may encounter common errors, which can be broken down in order:

1. AirPods are plugged in, but no sound

Causes and solutions:

  • 🔊 Wrong Bluetooth profile.AirPods can connect as a device for calling, not for playing music.To fix: Forget the device in Settings → Bluetooth. Reboot your phone. Reconnect your headphones and select "Use for Media" when you request it.

Conflict with other devices

AirPods

Mac

iPhone

Codec failure

SBC

2. Permanent communication breakdowns

If the sound is interrupted or the headphones are turned off:

  • 📶 Interference from Wi-Fi. AirPods and Xiaomi can conflict at 2.4GHz. Switch to 5GHz router or turn off Wi-Fi while listening.
  • 🔋 Low headphone charge, charge below 10%, and the connection becomes unstable.
  • 📱 Optimization MIUI. Enable Bluetooth High Performance Mode: Settings → Battery and performance → Performance mode → Select "High"
Why does the AirPods Max work poorly with Xiaomi?
AirPods Max use a unique H1 chip optimized for Apple devices. When connected to Android (including Xiaomi), there may be audio delays of up to 200 ms and microphone problems. Solutions two: 1. Use headphones in low latency (in games or video). 2. Connect via a 3.5 mm adapter (buyed separately) if the sound quality is critical.

3. The microphone is not working.

If the person cannot hear you during the call:

  • 🎤 Check that AirPods are selected as the input device in the call settings. To do this, tap the speaker icon during the call and select the headphones.
  • 🔄 Reconnect your headphones, forget them in the Bluetooth menu.
  • 📞 Install Bluetooth Auto Connect from Google Play – it forcibly assigns AirPods as a call device.