How to connect headphones Apple AirPods to the smartphone Xiaomi: full instruction

Why AirPods and Xiaomi are not always friends out of the box

Apple AirPods (any model from the first AirPods 1 to AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Max) were created for the iPhone ecosystem, but technically they support the Bluetooth 4.2+ standard, which allows you to connect them to Android devices - including Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. However, in practice, users face problems: headphones are not located, connect only as monophones, sound is lost or delays.

The reason lies in communication and optimization protocols: Apple uses proprietary W1/H1 chips that work best only with iOS. On Android (including MIUI and HyperOS), some features are lost: for example, automatic switching between devices and spatial sound Dolby Atmos work only on the iPhone. But the basic functions - listening to music, calling and gesture control - are available on Xiaomi.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, including bypassing typical errors, and also explain how to return “lost” functions (for example, displaying battery power). MIUI 14/15 HyperOS and Xiaomi models 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 etc.).

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection

It is a versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version. Suitable for all AirPods models, including AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your Xiaomi and enable the module.
• 🎧 Open the cover of the AirPods case (for AirPods Max – hold the power button for 5 seconds).
• 🔄 On the back of the case, press and hold the sync button (round button under the cover) until the indicator starts flashing white (about 10 seconds).
• 🔍 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 a request appears.

Turn off Bluetooth and turn it back on.|Reboot your smartphone|Reset AirPods settings (press the button on the case 15 seconds)|Check the charge of the case (the indicator should burn)|Update Xiaomi's firmware-->

Once successfully connected, the headphones will automatically be identified as a stereo device (if sound is only going to one earphone – see the Problem Solving section). In some cases, Xiaomi may offer to install additional software to improve compatibility – agree, it is safe.

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If you’re connecting AirPods for the first time, close all background apps on Xiaomi (especially instant messengers and games) – this will speed up the pairing process.

Method 2: Use of applications for advanced functions

Standard Bluetooth connectivity provides only basic features to unlock additional features (charge display, gesture customization, EQ-settings), you will need third-party apps. Best options for Xiaomi:

Example of settings in MaterialPods:

1. Install the app and give you access to Bluetooth.
2. Open the app and it will automatically detect the AirPods connected.
3. In the Battery section, you will see the percentage of charge of each headphone and case.
4. In Gestures, you can reassign tapu actions (for example, allow a pause on a double touch instead of calling Siri).

Displaying charge in status bar|Automatic switching between devices|Spatial sound|Setting up EQ|Nothing is necessary.-->

⚠️ Note: Apps like Podroid may require permission to change system settings. Don't install them from unverified sources - use the official Google Play or Aurora Store.

Method 3: Connecting through Developer Mode (for experienced)

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted or there are delays (especially in games), the problem may be Bluetooth codecs. Xiaomi uses SBC, a universal but not the most efficient codec, by default. To force AAC (optimized for Apple), you need to activate the developer mode.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone and tap 7 times on the item MIUI version (the notification “You became a developer”) will appear.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Bluetooth section and select the Audio Codec.
4. Set the AAC value (if it’s not on the list, your smartphone doesn’t support this codec).
5. Reconnect the AirPods.

⚠️ Note: Changes to codecs can lead to a deterioration of sound on some AirPods models (for example, AirPods Max is optimized for Apple Lossless, which is not supported on Android). If artifacts appeared after changing the codecs - return the settings to the factory settings.

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even after successful pairing, Xiaomi users often encounter bugs, and let’s look at the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: The sound only goes to one headphone

Reason: AirPods are defined as a monophone device (for example, for calls).

• 🔄 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth, tap the gear icon next to the AirPods.
• 🎵 Select Audio Profile → stereo (A2DP).
• 🔋 Reboot the headphones: Put them in a case for 10 seconds, then pull out.

Problem 2: Constant communication breakdowns

Reason: conflict with other Bluetooth devices or weak signal.

• 📵 Disable all other Bluetooth gadgets (fitness bracelets, speakers, smart watches).
• 📶 Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks and enable 4G instead 5G (If available, it will reduce interference.
• 🔄 In Bluetooth Settings, delete AirPods and connect again.

Problem 3: The microphone is not working during calls

Reason: Xiaomi can default to using the smartphone's built-in microphone.

• 📞 During the call, tap the audio icon and select Bluetooth headphones.
• 🔧 In AirPods settings (via MaterialPods) enable the option to Use the headphone microphone.

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If the problems persist after all the manipulations, try resetting the network settings to Xiaomi: Settings → System → Reset → Resetting the settings of Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. This will remove all the saved devices, but often solves system bugs.

How to Improve Sound Quality on Xiaomi with AirPods

Even if you successfully connect, the sound on Android's AirPods can play the iPhone in clarity and bass. Here's how to fix this:

1. Equalizer adjustment

In the firmware MIUI/HyperOS There's a built-in equalizer:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Equator.
2. Choose Bass preset or Rock for a more saturated sound.
3. For AirPods Pro, preset Pop is recommended - it emphasizes the average frequencies.

2. Use of LDAC (for advanced models only)

If your Xiaomi supports LDAC codec (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F4 GT), you can try to force it to include:

• 🔧 Activate Developer Mode (see section above).
• 🎵 In the developer settings, find Bluetooth Audio Codec and select LDAC.
• ⚠️ Please note that AirPods are not optimized for LDAC, There may be delays, therefore.

3. Sound enhancement applications

Third-party utilities will help fine-tune the audio:

• 🎛️ Wavelet – allows you to use custom EQ-prefix.
• 🔊 ViPER4Android — Advanced audio processing (requires root on some devices).

⚠️ Attention: When in use ViPER4Android HyperOS may have a conflict with the system DSP. Before installation, make a backup of the sound settings in Settings → System system → Backup.

Comparing AirPods with Xiaomi headphones: what is better for the ecosystem

If you use a Xiaomi smartphone, it is logical to consider branded headphones - for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5. Let's compare them with the AirPods Pro 2 on key parameters:

Bottom Line: AirPods Pro 2 win in sound quality and noise reduction, but lose some of the features on Xiaomi. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro offer better integration with the ecosystem (for example, automatic switching between Xiaomi devices) and a lower price. Redmi Buds 5 is a budget option with decent sound, but without top features.

If you already own AirPods and do not want to spend money on new headphones, it makes sense to configure them according to the instructions above. 4 Pro as the best option for the ecosystem MIUI/HyperOS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting AirPods to Xiaomi