How to connect headphones from iPhone to Xiaomi: all ways + frequent errors

You upgraded your smartphone to Xiaomi, but your favorite iPhone headphones — whether wireless AirPods or wired EarPods with a Lightning connector — refuse to work? This problem is familiar to many who have switched from Apple to Android. It's not about device incompatibility, but about the specifics of connection protocols and connectors. In this article, we'll go through all the possible ways to connect, including adapters, Bluetooth settings, and even the unobvious tricks for stable sound.

The main difficulty lies in the fact that Apple uses proprietary technologies: wireless headphones work on the W1/H1 protocol, and wired ones require a Lightning → 3.5 mm adapter or USB-C. Xiaomi, in turn, supports standard A2DP and AVRCP protocols, but sometimes conflicts arise. For example, AirPods Pro 2 can connect, but the microphone does not work, and EarPods with a Lightning connector are not recognized at all without an adapter.

Don't worry: 90% of problems are solved in 5 minutes, then step-by-step instructions for each type of headphone, a compatibility table, and answers to frequent questions. If you're in a hurry, use the table of contents below to jump straight to the section you want.

1. Connecting wireless headphones (AirPods, Beats) to Xiaomi via Bluetooth

Apple’s wireless headphones (AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Beats) connect to Xiaomi via Bluetooth, but there are nuances. The main thing is to use the correct version of the protocol. Modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12) support Bluetooth 5.0+, which is enough for stable operation.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your Xiaomi and enable device search.
  • 🎧 Press and hold the button on the AirPods case (or on the Beats headphones themselves) until the indicator flashes white.
  • 🔍 In the list of available devices on Xiaomi will appear the name of your headphones (for example, AirPods Pro (John's.
  • ✅ Confirm the pairing, if requested. PIN-code, try 0000 or 1234.

Check the sound quality after you've connected. If you hear any interference or delay, try:

  • 🔄 Reboot the headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out).
  • 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices that may cause interference (such as a fitness bracelet or wireless keyboard).
  • 🔧 In Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi, select Sound Quality → Priority of quality (if available).
📊 What kind of headphones are you trying to connect?
AirPods (1/2 generation)
AirPods Pro (1/2 generation)
AirPods Max
Beats (Powerbeats, Studio)
Other wired from iPhone

⚠️ Warning: AirPods Max headphones may not connect to Xiaomi based MIUI 11 and below due to lack of protocol support LE Audio. Update the firmware or use the Lightning adapter → 3.5 mm.

2. EarPods wired headphones with Lightning connector: what to do?

Wireless EarPods with Lightning connector do not connect directly to Xiaomi, as Xiaomi smartphones use USB-C or 3.5 mm. You will need an adapter.

  1. The official Apple Lightning adapter → 3.5 mm + adapter USB-C → 3.5mm (if your Xiaomi doesn’t have an audio jack). ⚡ Connect EarPods to Apple Adapter. 🔌 Connect the adapter to the adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm (e.g. Xiaomi Type-C to) 3.5mm Audio Adapter). 📱 Put the adapter in the port. USB-C smartphone.

Lightning → USB-C

Belkin

Anker

This adapter allows you to connect EarPods directly to the USB-C-Xiaomi port, but the sound may be quieter than usual due to power limitations on the output USB-C.

Important: Some adapters require the OTG mode to be enabled in Xiaomi settings.

  1. Go to Settings → Additional → OTG mode.
  2. Enable the option (if it is in your model).

Check for Lightning Adapter → 3.5mm or USB-C|

Update Xiaomi firmware to the latest version|

Enable OTG (if required) mode |

Check the cleanliness of the dust connectors-->

3.Why isn't the AirPods microphone working on Xiaomi?

A common problem: the headphones are plugged in, the sound is coming, but the microphone doesn’t work while calling or recording voice, which is because Xiaomi can default to using the smartphone’s built-in microphone instead of the headphone microphone.

How to fix it:

  1. When calling, click on the Audio icon (usually in the top right corner of the screen).
  2. In the list of devices, select your AirPods (should be specified Bluetooth headset).
  3. If the option is not available, go to Settings → Apps → Calls → Call settings → Audio device and select the headphones manually.
Can I use Siri with AirPods on Xiaomi?
No, Siri only works with Apple devices. However, you can set up Google Assistant or Yandex Alice to control music: Open Settings → Google → Assistant Settings → Voice Input. Enable the "OK, Google" Recognition option. Now you can control voice playback (e.g., "OK, Google, turn up the music").
How to reset AirPods before connecting to Xiaomi?
To avoid any conflicts when connecting, reset: Put AirPods in your case and close the lid. Wait 30 seconds, then open the lid. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange. Release the button and reconnect the headphones to Xiaomi.
Does AirPods Max work with Xiaomi at the iPhone level?
Xiaomi AirPods Max loses some of its features: 🔇 Adaptive noise reduction works worse (no dynamic adjustment to surrounding sounds). 🎚️ The equalizer is not configured via Xiaomi (only via iPhone). 🔋 Fast charging may not work (depends on the adapter), but the sound quality is still high if you use a codec. AAC.