How to connect EarPods to Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways + error solving

Apple’s wired EarPods have long been the standard for many users, but what if you have a Xiaomi smartphone? Despite different ecosystems, you can connect headphones to a device from Mi, Redmi or POCO in several ways – both by wire through an adapter and Bluetooth (if you have AirPods or wireless EarPods).

The main problem that users face is the incompatibility of connectors: classic EarPods have a Lightning plug or 3.5 mm, whereas modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with a USB-C port. Fortunately, there is a solution: from adapters to software settings. We will also look at why the phone can not see the headphones, and how to fix typical connection errors.

1. Connect wired EarPods to Xiaomi via adapter

If you have an EarPods with a Lightning connector (for example, from the iPhone 7 and later) or a classic 3.5 mm jack, you will need an adapter to connect to Xiaomi.

• 🔌 Lightning → USB-C: Apple's official adapter (article) MMX62) or certified analogues (e.g. from Anker or Baseus).
• 🎧 3.5 mm → USB-C: Any high-quality adapter with support CTIA/OMTP (Google recommends USB-C to 3.5mm or Xiaomi Type-C to 3.5mm).
• ⚡ USB-C Hub: if you need to connect headphones and charge your phone at the same time (for example, Baseus) 3-in-1 Hub).

After purchasing the adapter, proceed as follows:

1. Connect the adapter to the USB-C port on your Xiaomi phone.
2. Insert EarPods into the adapter connector (Lightning may require you to confirm trust in the device).
3. The phone will display a notification that the audio device is connected, and if there is no sound, check the volume level or restart the phone.

The adapter supports audio transmission (not all USB-C hubs work with headphones).

The adapter connector matches your EarPods (Lightning or 3.5mm).

Adapter manufacturer certified (avoid no-name cheap models)

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Important! Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10 or POCO X3) may not have a microphone when connected via an adapter, due to the limitations of the USB-C Audio protocol, the solution is to use EarPods with a 3.5 mm connector or wireless headphones.

2. Connect wireless EarPods (AirPods) to Xiaomi via Bluetooth

If you have AirPods (1st, 2nd, 3rd generation) or wireless EarPods, the connection to Xiaomi is over Bluetooth, but with nuances. Unlike the iPhone, on Android (including MIUI), some features may not work correctly - for example, automatic device switching or displaying charge levels.

Instructions for connection:

1. Open the AirPods case cover (don't take your headphones out!).
2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case until the indicator starts flashing white.
3. On Xiaomi phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
4. In the list, find AirPods (the name will appear as AirPods [your name]) and tap to connect.

After connecting, check:

• 🔊 The sound is played in both headphones (if not, reset AirPods settings via Bluetooth Settings). → ⚙️ → Forget the device).
• 🎤 The microphone is working (calling another phone and checking if the person you are listening to hear you).
• 🔋 Does the charge level appear in the status bar (on some firmware) MIUI This requires the installation of a third-party application, such as AirBattery).

AirPods (any generation)

Wireless EarPods with an adapter

Wireless EarPods (not AirPods)

Other headphones

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Is it a problem with audio delay? on Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors (like Xiaomi 13 or Redmi) K60) Lag is minimal, but on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) The solution can be up to 200-300 ms. the solution is to enable Low Lag in Bluetooth settings (available on the Internet). MIUI 13 and newer).

Why Xiaomi doesn’t see EarPods: Typical Mistakes and Solutions

If the phone doesn't recognize the headphones, the reasons can be both hardware and software.

Critical information: Xiaomi phones with MediaTek processor (such as Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) may not support AAC and aptX codecs for AirPods, which worsens the sound quality. The solution is to manually select the SBC codec in the developer settings (path: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 5 times tap → Developers → Bluetooth Codec).

Another common problem is that EarPods are connected, but only sound is in one earpiece.

• 🧹 Polluting the speaker mesh (clean with a soft brush).
• 🔧 Failure of the headphone firmware (reset settings via Bluetooth Settings) → ⚙️ → Forget the device).
• 📱 Xiaomi Sound Settings (check the balance in Settings) → Sound. → Stereo balance).

4.Setting up the sound for EarPods on Xiaomi: improving the quality

Even after a successful connection, the sound of EarPods on Xiaomi may be different from the iPhone, due to different audio profiles and codec support.

1. Selection of Bluetooth codec (for AirPods):

By default, MIUI uses an SBC codec that provides an average quality. To enable AAC (optimum for AirPods):

1. Activate the developer mode (see spoiler above).
2. Go to Settings → For developers → Bluetooth codec.
3. Choose AAC (if available) or aptX (for supported headphones).

Equalizer setting:

MIUI has a built-in equalizer that can be configured for EarPods:

1. Open the settings → Sound → Equator.
2. Choose Preset Pop or Rock (they are better suited for EarPods).
3. Manually adjust sliders: increase the low frequencies (60-250 Hz) and high (8-16 kHz) for a larger sound.

💡

If the EarPods are connected to the sound is quieter than the phone speaker, check the volume limit in Settings → Sound → Safe Volume. Turn off this option if it is active.

Microphone problems:

If you don’t hear well through EarPods, try:

• 🎤 Turn off noise reduction in Settings → Sound. → Improving voice.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones (sometimes the microphone is activated only after re-pairing).
• 📱 Use the phone microphone instead of headphones (in some instant messengers, such as WhatsApp, you can choose the sound source manually).

5. Alternative Ways: How to Use EarPods Without an Adapter

If you don't have an adapter, but you have EarPods with a 3.5mm connector, you can connect them to Xiaomi via a USB-C hub with access to the audio port. For example, the Baseus 5-in-1 hub allows you to simultaneously:

• 🔌 Connect EarPods in 3.5mm.
• ⚡ Charge the phone.
• 🖥️ Connect the flash drive or OTG-device.

Another option is to use a Bluetooth wireless transmitter (like the Avantek WTA-06), which connects to a 3.5 mm EarPods connector and transmits Bluetooth audio to your phone, and this solution is suitable for:

• 🎮 Games (minimizes the delay of sound).
• 📺 Watching videos (no wires).
• 🏃 Sports activities (headphones will not fall out).

💡

A wireless transmitter is the best option for older Xiaomi models without USB-C (such as the Redmi 5 or Mi A2), where adapters are unstable.

The downside of this approach is the additional sound delay (~100-150 ms), but for music or calls it is not critical.

6. Compatibility of EarPods with different Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones work equally well with EarPods.

Features for flagships: On Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor AirPods work almost perfectly - AAC codec and aptX Adaptive are supported, the delay is minimal. On budget models (for example, Redmi 9C) there may be problems with connection due to a weak Bluetooth module.

For older models: If you have a Xiaomi Mi A1 or Redmi 4X with a Micro-USB connector, you will need a Micro-USB → 3.5 mm adapter or a Micro-USB → USB-C + standard adapter for EarPods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting EarPods to Xiaomi

If neither of these methods worked, it could be the EarPods themselves, so check them on another device (like an iPhone or a MacBook).