How to connect headphones from iPhone (AirPods, EarPods) to the Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

You’ve become a lucky owner of a Xiaomi smartphone (whether it’s a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or the flagship Mi 14), but the usual headphones from the iPhone refuse to be friends with him? The situation is familiar to many: the Apple ecosystem and Android often conflict, especially when it comes to wireless AirPods or wired EarPods with a Lightning connector. In this article, we will analyze all possible connection scenarios – from standard Bluetooth pairing to the use of adapters and software tricks.

The difficulty begins at the stage of finding a device: Xiaomi may simply “not see” your AirPods, or if it does, the sound will be intermittent or monophonic. The reasons lie in different communication protocols (AAC vs SBC), Apple’s restrictions on connecting to “alien” devices, and even in versions of MIUI. But don’t rush to buy new headphones: 90% of the time, the problem can be solved in 5-10 minutes, following our instructions.

It's important to understand that connecting AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 3 to Xiaomi on MIUI 14+ requires manually configuring the Bluetooth codec before you get low-quality audio or permanent communication interruptions. And owners of wired EarPods with Lightning will have to deal with adapters or wireless modules. Next are step-by-step guides for each case, including solving typical errors.

1. Connecting AirPods to Xiaomi over Bluetooth: the basic method

The most obvious way is to pair via Bluetooth, but there are some nuances: Apple uses a proprietary W1/H1 chip that doesn't always work correctly with Android devices. To minimize problems, follow this algorithm:

1. Open the cover of the AirPods case and make sure the headphones are charged (the indicator inside should burn white or green).
2. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Bluetooth and activate the search.
3. Press the button on the back of the AirPods case for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white (pairing mode).
4. In the list of available devices on Xiaomi will appear AirPods [your name] — click on it.
5. Confirm the connection (if you need to enter a PIN, leave the field empty or specify 0000).

After successful pairing, check the sound quality:

• 🎧 Stereo sound works? If the sound is only in one headphone, go to Bluetooth Settings → Sound settings → Codec and select AAC (the default can be SBC, which does not support stereo for AirPods).
• 🔊 Sound interrupted? Turn off Absolute Volume in Android settings (see Section 3).
• 🔋 Fast discharge? Xiaomi can constantly poll the headphones for charge level - turn off battery notifications in the settings MIUI.

Headphones charged (green/white indicator)

Bluetooth on Xiaomi is enabled and visible for other devices

The button on the AirPods case is held until the indicator flashes

In the settings Xiaomi turned off power saving mode for Bluetooth-->

If AirPods don’t appear on the list of devices, try:

1. Reboot both devices.
2. Reset your network settings to Xiaomi (Settings → Memory and Network → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
3. Update the MIUI firmware to the latest version (old versions had bugs with AAC).

2. Solution to Sound Problems: Codecs, Delays, Monophony

Even if AirPods are connected to Xiaomi, the sound may not work properly.

For manual codec change:

1. Connect AirPods to Xiaomi.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth and tap the gear icon next to the AirPods.
3. Select the audio settings → Codec and set AAC.
4. If AAC is not listed, update your MIUI or use the Developer Options app to force you to turn it on.

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g., Redmi 9A) may not have the AAC codec because of an outdated Bluetooth chip, in which case only replacing the headphones or using an adapter will help.

If the sound has improved after changing the codec, but there is a delay, try turning off the Absolute Volume function:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → additionally.
2. Find the option to turn off absolute volume and activate it.
3. Reconnect the AirPods.

💡

If the sound disappears after 5-10 seconds after connecting AirPods to Xiaomi, check if the Low Lag mode in the game settings is activated. This mode can conflict with Bluetooth headphones.

3. Connecting wired EarPods (Lightning) to Xiaomi: adapters and adapters

Wireless EarPods with a Lightning connector can not be directly connected to Xiaomi - you will need an adapter.

• ⚡ Lightning → 3.5 mm Adapter: Official from Apple (about 1 000 ₽) or analogues from Baseus/UGREEN (300–500 ₽). Suitable for Xiaomi models with a 3.5 mm connector (Redmi Note 10, POCO M4 Pro).
• 🔌 Lightning → USB-C Adapter: Needed for Xiaomi without audio output (e.g. Mi 11, Redmi K50). Costs from 500 ₽.
• 🎧 Wireless: Devices like the Twelve South AirFly (3000 ₽) convert wired EarPods into Bluetooth headphones, which is good if you don't want to mess with wires.

Instructions for Lightning adapter → 3.5 mm:

1. Connect the adapter to EarPods.
2. Insert the second end into the Xiaomi audio jack.
3. If there's no sound, check: Clean connector (dust and dirt are a common cause of no contact). Sound settings: go to Settings → Sound → Sound Quality and select High. Adapter performance on another device.

⚠️ Warning: Cheap adapters (< 300 ₽) often don't support the microphone and control buttons on EarPods. If you care about calls, take certified models with an Apple MFi chip.

For the Lightning → USB-C adapter, additional configuration may be required:

1. Connect the adapter to Xiaomi.
2. In the window that appears, select the Audio Device (not Charging!).
3. If there is no sound, go to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Turn off the absolute USB volume.

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Lightning → USB-C adapters often require power from the phone.If the sound is interrupted, connect the charger to Xiaomi while using the headphones.

4. Alternative methods: applications and engineering menu

If standard methods don’t work, try specialized apps or hidden MIUI settings.

Method 1: AirBattery application (for AirPods)

The app shows the charge level of the AirPods and allows you to fine-tune the connection:

1. Download AirBattery from Google Play.
2. Connect AirPods to Xiaomi.
3. Open the app and press Connect.
4. In the application settings, activate Force AAC Codec.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

Through the engineering menu, you can forcibly enable AAC support:

1. Activate Developer Mode (see spoiler above).
2. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
3. Go to Phone Information → Bluetooth.
4. Find the AAC string and set the value of On.
5. Reconnect the AirPods.

Method 3: Reset Bluetooth settings

If the AirPods are connected but permanently disabled:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Slip the gear icon next to the AirPods and select Forget the device.
3. Open Settings → Memory and Network → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
4. After resetting, repeat the pairing (see Section 1).

To avoid conflict:

1. On iPhone, turn off the option of Automatic Switch in AirPods settings.
2. On Xiaomi, turn off Visibility for all devices in Bluetooth settings after you connect.
3. Use the AirBattery app to manually manage the connection.

If AirPods refuse to connect to Xiaomi after using the iPhone:

1. Forget the device on both phones.
2. Reset AirPods: Press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange.
3. Connect first to Xiaomi and then to the iPhone.

7 Model Compatibility: Which AirPods Work Best With Xiaomi

Not all AirPods models work equally well with Android, and here's the compatibility table:

For Xiaomi owners, the best choice is AirPods 2 or AirPods Pro 1. These models work consistently with AAC, have good autonomy and minimal latency. AirPods 3 and later require additional settings, and AirPods Max is not recommended for Android at all.

If you are just planning to buy, consider alternatives:

• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro: Full compatibility with MIUI, support for LDHC and aptX.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions