How to connect Xiaomi wireless headphones to iPhone: 3 working methods + error solving

Xiaomi wireless headphones are among the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and battery life. However, iPhone owners often face problems when trying to connect them: devices are not located, the connection is interrupted or the sound is distorted. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of pairing, including hidden iOS settings, and also solve typical errors that interfere with stable operation.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi optimizes its headphones primarily for the MIUI ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean they’re incompatible with Apple. The main thing is to properly customize and take into account the nuances of Bluetooth on the iPhone. We tested the instructions on models from Xiaomi AirDots 2 to Buds 4 Pro with iOS 15-17, so the solutions are relevant for most users.

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for connection

Before pairing with an iPhone, Xiaomi headphones need to be switched to search mode, a step that is often missed, which is why the devices do not appear in the list of available ones.

• 🔋 For models with a button: AirDots (1-3 generations), AirDots Pro – press the button on the headphone case for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white / red and white.
• 🖐️ For touch models: Buds 3/4, Buds Pro – touch and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously during the day 3 seconds.
• 📦 For new headphones, if you plug them in for the first time, they automatically go into search mode after you pull them out of the case. If you don't, put them back and pull them out again.

Pay attention to the charge indicators:

• 🟢 Green/White: Headphones are charged and ready to connect.
• 🔴 Red: Charge level below 20% - recharge before pairing.
• 🟡 Yellow flashing: headphones in firmware update mode - wait for the process to complete.

⚠️ Warning: If the light flashes blue, the headphones are already connected to another device. To reset the connection, press the button (or sensor) for 10-15 seconds until the white/red flashes.

Charge headphones to 50% or higher | Remove headphones from the case | Transfer to search mode (press the button / sensor) | Check the flashing of the white indicator | Remove old connections in the iPhone settings (if any)

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2. Standard Bluetooth connection on iPhone

The easiest way is to use the built-in Bluetooth feature in iOS. Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
2. Make sure that the Bluetooth slider is active (green).
3. In the list of "Other devices" look for the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).
4. Slip the name and confirm the connection.

If the headphones are not displayed:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth: Turn it off and turn it back on at Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner of the screen).
• 📱 Reboot iPhone: Sometimes it helps to completely restart the device.
• 🔌 Check the case: Some Xiaomi models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) require the case to be opened while you connect.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is interrupted or distorted after you connect, check the Bluetooth codecs in the headphone settings (if supported). AAC, not SBC or aptX that may not work smoothly.

Xiaomi AirDots (1-3 generations)|Xiaomi Buds (3/4/Pro)|Xiaomi FlipBuds| Another model |I don't know the model-->

3. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method doesn’t work, try one of these options:

Method 1: Connect via Mi Home (for older models)

Some Xiaomi models (such as AirDots 1) require pre-configuration through a proprietary app, even for iPhone:

1. Download Mi Home from the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Go to the Devices section → Add the device.
4. Select your headphone model and follow the instructions on the screen.

Method 2: Manual input PIN-code

A number of models (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots Pro) are requested PIN-code when connected. Standard combinations:

• 0000 for most Xiaomi headphones.
• 1234 is an alternative.
• 8888 for some versions of Buds.

Method 3: Resetting headphone settings

If the headphones previously connected to another device and "can't see" the iPhone, do -hard reset:

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the button (sensor) for 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicator should flash red, then white - this is a signal of a successful reset.

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If the headphones don't connect after reset, try connecting them to another device (like an Android smartphone) and then back to your iPhone, sometimes wakes up the Bluetooth module.

4.Setting up the sound and microphone after connecting

After successful pairing, check the key parameters:

• 🎧 Sound quality: Go to Settings → Bluetooth, tap the i icon next to your headphones and select Audio. Make sure High Quality Mode is enabled (available with iOS 15)+).
• 🎤 Microphone: In the same menu, check that the "Microphone" section selects "Hearphones" rather than "iPhone".
• 🔊 Volume: Xiaomi headphones have a separate volume control. Use buttons on the body or gestures (for touch models).

For models with ANC (active noise reduction) (e.g. Buds 3 Pro):

1. Hold the touchpad on one of the headphones for 2 seconds to switch modes: 🔇 ANC: noise-canceling. 🌳 Transparency: Transmission of external sounds. 🔈 Off: standard mode.

⚠️ Note: iPhones with iOS 14 and below may not work with touch-sensitive headphones Xiaomi. Update the firmware device to the latest version.

5. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, users face common errors, and we'll look at their causes and solutions.

Critical information: If your headphones stopped connecting after the iOS update, reset your network settings on your iPhone (Settings → Main → Move or Reset → Network Reset) This will remove all your stored Bluetooth devices, but often solves the compatibility problem.

6. Optimization of the work of headphones Xiaomi with iPhone

To improve connection stability and sound quality, follow these guidelines:

• 📶 Distance: Keep your iPhone and headphones no more than 10 meters away without obstacles (walls, metal objects degrade the signal).
• 🔋 Charge: Do not allow headphones to be less than 10% – this can cause malfunctions in the Bluetooth module.
• 📱 Background apps: Close programs that actively use Bluetooth (e.g. Fitbit, Garmin Connect) before connecting your headphones.
• 🔄 Auto Connection: Enable the Auto Connection option in Bluetooth settings for your headphones.

For multipoint models (simultaneous connection to two devices, such as Buds 4 Pro):

1. Connect the headphones to your iPhone.
2. Activate multipoint mode (usually triple touching the sensor).
3. Connect to a second device (such as a MacBook).
4. To switch between devices, use double touch.

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Xiaomi headphones with Bluetooth 5.2+ support (such as Buds 3 Pro) work with the iPhone more stable thanks to LE Audio technology. However, for full support, iOS 16 and newer are required.

7. Comparison of Xiaomi models on compatibility with iPhone

Not all Xiaomi headphones work equally well with iPhones, and we tested popular models and compiled a compatibility rating:

For iPhone optimal models with support for AAC - it guarantees minimal sound delay and high quality playback.Budget-versions (AirDots 2) can work unstable due to outdated Bluetooth chips.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s iPhone connection