Combining different brands is common, but sometimes it leads to unexpected complications. AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max from Apple work perfectly with the iPhone, but when trying to connect them to a Xiaomi smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 13), users face synchronization errors, audio breaks or the lack of ANC. In this article, we will analyze all working ways of connecting, including hidden MIUI settings, and also solve typical problems – from the lack of sound to the inability to find headphones in the list of devices.
It’s important to understand that Xiaomi and Apple use different wireless protocols (Bluetooth 5.2/5.3 for Xiaomi vs. Apple’s proprietary W1/H1 chip), which can affect connection stability. However, with the right settings, even the AirPods Max will work almost as well with Xiaomi as with the iPhone — except for some features like automatic switching between devices.
1.Preparation: What to check before connecting
Before trying to pair AirPods with Xiaomi, make sure both devices are ready to sync. Skipping these steps is the main reason for failure.
On the headphone side:
- 🔋 Charge: AirPods must be charged at least 20% (the indicator on the case is lit green or orange.
- 🔄 Reset: If the headphones have already been connected to another device (especially the iPhone), reset: press the button on the back of the case 15 seconds until the indicator flashes yellow (for AirPods Pro) 2) or white (for AirPods) 1/2 generation).
- 📦 Case: Make sure the headphones are in the case - otherwise they will not go into pairing mode.
On the phone side of Xiaomi:
- 📱 Bluetooth: Enable it in the notification curtain or through Settings → Connections → Bluetooth on some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) Developer Mode may need to be activated for stable operation.
- 🔄 Reboot: If Bluetooth has previously been bugged, reboot your phone - it will reset the module's cache.
- 📋 Free memory: Headphones may not connect if the system has less than 500 MB of free space (check in Settings). → The phone. → Warehouse).
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi is working on MIUI 12 or older, update the firmware to MIUI 14/15 Or HyperOS. There's a codec bug in the older versions. AAC, This can cause the sound in the AirPods to be interrupted. 2. Standard Bluetooth connection is a basic method that works in 90% Follow the instructions carefully, an error at any stage will cause a failure. Open the AirPods case and make sure the indicator flashes white (pair mode). If not, press and hold the button on the back of the case. 5–10 On Xiaomi phone, go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and turn on device search. In the list, find your AirPods (the name will be AirPods Pro or AirPods Max). Click on them. Confirm the pairing on your phone. The headphones will connect automatically. If the device is not displayed in the list: 🔄 Reboot the phone’s Bluetooth module: Turn it off and back on in the curtain. 📱 Try connecting from another phone (even Android from another brand) to check the headphones' performance. 🔧 Reset your network settings on Xiaomi: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset network settings. Make sure the headphones are charged Reset AirPods (press the button on the case) Turn on Bluetooth on Xiaomi Reboot phone if necessary Check the free space in memory--> ⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) AirPods Pro 2 can only be connected in Low Energy Audio mode (LE Audio), which degrades sound quality. To avoid this, disable the option in Bluetooth settings Low-energy audio mode (if any). 3. Alternative ways to connect If the standard method did not work, try these options. They are especially useful for older Xiaomi models or headphones with custom firmware. Method 1: Through the AirBattery app (to display charge), the AirBattery app (available on Google Play) lets you not only connect AirPods, but also display the charge level of the case and each headphone separately – a feature that is not in the standard. MIUI. Instructions: Download and install AirBattery. Open the app and allow Bluetooth and notifications. Click Connect new devices and select your AirPods. Once connected in the notification curtain, there will be a charge-level widget. Method 2: Using Developer Mode On Some Firmware MIUI Bluetooth connection is limited by default. To remove restrictions: Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and tap on the version MIUI 7 times. Go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers. Find the Bluetooth debugging option and turn it on. Also turn on the absolute volume level (this will improve the balance of sound between the headphones). What if AirPods are connected, but the sound is only in one earphone? This problem most often arises from a synchronization failure between the left and right earbuds.Solution: 1. Place both earbuds in the case and close it. 2. Wait 30 seconds, then open the case. 3. On the Xiaomi phone, forget the device (Settings) → Bluetooth → Click on AirPods → Forget it. 4. Repeat the connection procedure again. If it doesn't work, reset your headphones (press the button on the case for 15 seconds) and try again. Method 3: Connect via iPhone (if available) If you have access to an iPhone, you can "unlock" AirPods to further connect to Xiaomi: Connect AirPods to your iPhone and wait for the setup to be completed. Problem Possible cause AirPods solution not displayed in Bluetooth list Headphones not in pairing mode or firmware conflict Reset AirPods (button on case 15 seconds), reboot Xiaomi Sound interrupted or stuttered Interference from other devices or suboptimal codec In settings Bluetooth select the codec AAC (if available) or SBC Only one headphone works Synchronization failure between left and right earphone Place both headphones in the case, forget the device on the phone, plug in again Low volume Limitation MIUI Bluetooth devices Enable the absolute volume level in developer mode ANC (Noise reduction) does not work Xiaomi does not support proprietary Apple features Use third-party apps like Wavelet to simulate ANC ⚠️ Warning: If after connecting AirPods Max to Xiaomi, the sound is distorted at high frequencies, turn off in the settings Open the case and put the headphones in pairing mode (press the button on the case). On Xiaomi, turn on Bluetooth and find AirPods in the list of devices. Connect - now the headphones must work stably. 4. Solving connection problems Even after successful pairing, errors can occur. We'll take a look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them: Bluetooth option Double audio (if it's active) This feature creates a conflict with the codec. AAC, 5 Sound optimization: How to improve quality By default, AirPods on Android (including Xiaomi) work with limited settings. But there are ways to improve sound. MIUI codec SBC, It's a medium-quality sound system. AAC (AirPods optimal: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open your settings. → Connections → Bluetooth. Click on the gear icon next to the AirPods. AAC Audio codec (if not available, update firmware) Sound enhancement apps Third-party utilities help compensate for the lack of native Apple features: 🎧 Wavelet: Allows you to configure the equalizer for AirPods, simulate ANC and improve bass. 🔊 PowerAmp: Music player with Hi-Res Audio support and fine-tuning of sound. 📊 Developer Options: Turn off the absolute volume level if the sound is too quiet. 💡If the sound is flat after connecting AirPods Pro 2 to Xiaomi, try turning off Dynamic Sound Quality in Bluetooth settings, which automatically lowers bitrate, which makes music perception worse. By default, AirPods on Android can use the microphone only in mode HFP (for calls), which impairs the quality of voice recording. To fix: Install the Bluetooth Auto Connect app. In the app settings, select Priority A2DP (for music) and use the microphone HFP Just for calls.Reset the phone. 6. Not all Xiaomi smartphones work equally well with AirPods. Here's what you need to know about specific series: Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X4/X5 These models use a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip that is better compatible with AirPods than MediaTek. However, there may be a delay in audio when watching video. Solution: Enable Low Lag (if available) in Bluetooth settings. Use players with manual synchronization adjustment (for example, VLC). Xiaomi 12/13, Mix 4 Flagship models support Bluetooth 5.3 codec LC3, But it can conflict with AirPods Pro. 2 because of different standards LE Audio. To avoid problems: Turn off the developer mode option Enable LE Audio.Update firmware to the latest version of HyperOS.Redmi 9/10, POCO M3/M4 Budget models with MediaTek Helio chips often have problems connecting AirPods Max. If the headphones connect but the sound is interrupted: Reduce the distance between the phone and the headphones (keep Xiaomi in your pocket). Turn off Wi-Fi while listening to music (interference from the phone and headphones). 2.4 GHz networks). 💡On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek chips (for example, Redmi) 9) AirPods can run unstable due to the hardware limitations of the Bluetooth module, in which case only a replacement phone or the use of wired headphones will help. 7. Frequent Errors and How to Avoid Them Many problems arise from non-obvious nuances. Here's what you can't do when connecting AirPods to Xiaomi: 🚫 Connect headphones to multiple devices at the same time. AirPods do not work well in multipoint mode with Android – the sound will be interrupted. 🚫 Use a third-party case. Non-crowd cases can block the Bluetooth signal or reset button. 🚫 Update AirPods firmware via Xiaomi.Apple headphone updates are only installed via iPhone/iPad. 🚫 Turn off Bluetooth in the curtain without breaking the connection. This can cause the headphones to sync to fail: 🔋 Discharge AirPods to 0% — This can knock off the pairing settings. 📵 Connect headphones in areas with severe interference (for example, near the microwave or router) 2.4 GHz). 🔄 Reconnecting AirPods to different devices often leads to Bluetooth profile conflicts. 8. FAQ: Answers to popular questions Can you connect AirPods Max to Xiaomi? AirPods Max is compatible with Xiaomi, but with limitations: 🎧 Sound will be transmitted over Bluetooth, not Apple’s proprietary protocol. 🔕 Features like Spatial Audio or Automatic Switching won’t work. 🔋 Charge level is displayed only through third-party applications (e.g. AirBattery). Use the standard method via Bluetooth to connect (see section 2). Why are AirPods connected but no sound? Causes and solutions: 🔈 Incorrect Bluetooth profile: In Xiaomi settings, select a profile for AirPods A2DP (for music, not HFP (call-in). 📱 Conflict with another device: Headphones may be tied to another gadget.Dump them (button on case 15 seconds). 🔊 System Disabled: Check volume slider and settings Don't disturb. How to turn on noise cancellation (ANC) Xiaomi? Xiaomi does not support native noise cancellation AirPods Pro/Max, But there are workarounds: Install Wavelet from Google Play. Select in the settings ANC-You can use a tight-fitting headphone to get the best effect. Notice that this is a software simulation, not a real one. ANC. Can you update your AirPods firmware through Xiaomi? No, you can only update your AirPods firmware through your Apple device (iPhone, iPad or Mac), and you can try to do that through Xiaomi or Android, and you can make a mistake, and you can check the current firmware version. Connect AirPods to your iPhone (borrow from a friend or Apple salon). → Bluetooth and tap the i icon next to the headphones. The firmware version will be listed in the Version. Why AirPods are fast discharged on Xiaomi? This is normal behavior due to the Bluetooth connection: 🔋 Apple optimized AirPods for working with iPhone, where power consumption is lower. 📶 On Android, headphones scan the surrounding space more often to find other Apple devices. 🎵 Use of a codec AAC instead SBC To extend the battery life: Turn off the device search function in Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi. Use monosound (one earphone) if you don't need a stereo.