Connecting Xiaomi’s wireless headphones to the iPhone 12 seems like a simple task, but in practice users face unexpected difficulties: devices can’t find each other, connections are constantly interrupted or sound is distorted. The problem is compounded by the fact that the Apple and Xiaomi ecosystems use different Bluetooth optimization protocols, which sometimes leads to conflicts. In this article, we will examine not only the standard way of connecting, but also alternative methods, as well as the diagnosis of typical errors – from resetting headphones to updating firmware.
The iPhone 12 is Bluetooth 5.0-enabled, but not all of its features are compatible with Xiaomi’s budget headphones (e.g., Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2). This can affect connection stability and sound quality. If you’ve already tried to connect and got a “Device Failed to Connect” error, don’t blame the tech — 80% of the time, the problem is solved by settings or resets.
1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for connection
Before you pair your headphones with your iPhone 12, make sure they are ready to pair. Most Xiaomi models (such as the Mi Air 2 Pro or Redmi Buds 3) automatically go into search mode when you first turn on, but after previous connections to other devices, this mode can be turned off.
To activate the pairing mode:
- 🔋 Charging headphones: Make sure that the charge level of each earphone is not lower than 30%. Low charge can interrupt the connection process. Check the indicators on the case - if they flash red, recharge the device for 10-15 minutes.
- 🎧 Case extraction: Take both earbuds out of the charge case and wait until they flash white or red-blue light (depending on the model.
- 🔄 Reset: If the headphones have previously connected to another device, reset.For most Xiaomi models, you need to press and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing quickly red and white.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi headphones don’t respond to a reset, check to see if Low Latency is activated in the Mi Home app.This mode can block pairing with Apple devices.
Some models (such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) require pre-activation through the branded Mi Home app even for a basic connection. If you have this model, download the app from the App Store and follow the instructions for initial setup.
2. Standard Bluetooth connection on iPhone 12
When the headphones are ready, we move to the iPhone 12 connection, which is simple, but there are nuances that affect the success of the operation:
- Open Settings on iPhone 12 and go to Bluetooth.
If the headphones are not displayed in the list, follow the following steps:
- 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again in iPhone settings.
- 📱 Reboot devices: Turn off and turn on the headphones (put them back in the case and get them out again), and reboot the iPhone 12.
- 📡 Check for interference: Make sure there are no other interference devices nearby (e.g. microwaves or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers).
Headphones are charged by more than 30%
Bluetooth on iPhone is on
Headphones removed from the case and flashing the indicator
There are no sources of interference nearby (other Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi routers)
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⚠️ Note: On iPhone 12 with iOS version below 14.5, there may be an error "Device not supported" when connecting Xiaomi headphones with a Qualcomm chip QCC3040 (For example, Mi Air 2 SE). Update iOS to the latest version through Settings → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
3. Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard method didn't work, try alternatives, which are especially useful for older headphone models or firmware conflicts.
Method 1: Connect via the Mi Home app
Some Xiaomi models (such as FlipBuds Pro or Air 2 Pro) require pre-activation through the proprietary app:
- Download Mi Home from the App Store (make sure the app version is at least 6.0).
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (you can use Google or Apple ID).
- In the main menu of the application, click "+" → "Add device" → select the category "Hearbursts".
- Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm the connection by clicking on the touch panel of the headphones).
After the successful addition to Mi Home, the headphones will automatically appear in the Bluetooth list on the iPhone 12.
Method 2: Manual addition of the device
If the headphones don’t appear on the list but you’re sure they’re in pairing mode, try adding them manually:
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone.
- Click "Other Devices" → "Add Bluetooth Device" (if there is no such option, then your version of iOS does not support it).
- Enter. MAC-Headphone address (it can be found on the sticker under the case cover or in the documentation).
Redmi AirDots (1/2/3 generation)
Mi True Wireless Earphones (1/2)
Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
Redmi Buds 3/4
Another model
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Method 3: Use the "All Devices" mode
Some Xiaomi headphones have a hidden compatibility mode that is enabled by a special combination:
- Put both earbuds in the case.
- Press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing purple (in some models - green).
- Remove the headphones from the case – they should appear in the Bluetooth list on the iPhone as “LE-device”.
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If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Auto Sound Switch function in the iPhone settings (Settings → Bluetooth → “i” next to the headphones → Turn off automatic switching).
4. Solving typical connection problems
Even after successful pairing, users are faced with errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list | Firmware conflict, low charge, interference | Reset your headphones, reboot your iPhone, check your charge |
| The connection is interrupted every 5-10 seconds | Active mode of energy saving on iPhone or headphones | Turn off Low Power Mode in iPhone Settings and Reset Your Headphones |
| The sound is distorted or stuttered | Low quality codec (SBC instead of AAC) | In Bluetooth settings on iPhone, select “Sound Quality Priority” (if available) |
| Only one headphone is connected. | Failure of synchronization between headphones | Return both headphones to the case, pull out and reconnect. |
Critical information: Xiaomi headphones with a Realtek chip (such as Redmi AirDots 2) can conflict with the iPhone 12 due to the incompatibility of the aptX codec. In this case, sound will be transmitted through SBC, which degrades quality. The solution is no - it is a hardware limitation.
Error: "The device is not supported"
This error occurs if:
- 📱 iOS version is outdated (below 14.5).
- 🔧 Headphones require firmware updates (check in Mi Home).
- 🛡️ “For Xiaomi Devices Only” mode is activated (disables via Mi Home).
To update the headphone firmware:
- Connect your headphones to your Android device (if possible).
- Open Mi Home, go to the headphone settings.
- If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
What if the headphones are connected, but there is no sound?
5. Sound optimization and connection stability
Once the connection is successful, you have to adjust the sound and ensure a stable connection.
Customization of the sound codec
By default, the iPhone 12 uses AAC or SBC codecs to transmit sound.
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Find your headphones in the list and click on the "i" icon next to the title.
- If the "Sound Quality" option is available, select "High" (this will force AAC to activate).
Disabling functions that create interference
Some iPhone features can interfere with the stable operation of Bluetooth:
- 🔋 Low Power Mode: Turn it off in Settings → Battery.
- 📶 Automatic Sound Switching: Turn off in Bluetooth settings next to the headphone name.
- 🎵 Sound effects: In Settings → Music. → Select the equalizer "Off" to avoid distortion.
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For maximum connection stability, keep your iPhone 12 and Xiaomi headphones at a distance of no more than 10 meters without obstacles (walls, furniture). Bluetooth 5.0 supports a range of up to 40 meters, but the sound quality deteriorates after 15 meters.
Using applications for fine-tuning
If the standard settings are not satisfied, try third-party applications:
- 🎛️ Equalizer+: Allows you to set up an equalizer for headphones.
- 🔊 Bluetooth Auto Connect: Automatically restores connection when broken.
- 📊 Battery HD+: Shows the exact charge level of the headphones (for models that support this function).
Frequent questions and answers
Can you connect Xiaomi headphones to iPhone 12 without the Mi Home app?
Why Xiaomi headphones connect to iPhone, but the sound goes only in one headphone?
How to check the firmware version of Xiaomi headphones?
Can I use Xiaomi headphones to make calls to iPhone 12?
What if the iPhone 12 does not remember Xiaomi headphones after the reboot?
7 Conclusion: Which is the most reliable way to connect?
Based on the analysis of user reviews and tests, we can distinguish:
- 🥇 Most universal method: Standard connection via Settings → Bluetooth (works for 90% of models).
- 🥈 For advanced models: Connect via Mi Home (required for FlipBuds Pro or Air 2 Pro).
- 🥉 If nothing helps: Reset your headphones and iPhone with a subsequent retry.
If you are facing a unique problem not described in the article, check:
- 📋 Compatible with the iPhone 12 headphone model (for example, some Chinese versions of Xiaomi work only with Android).
- 🔄 iOS updates (new versions fix Bluetooth errors).
- 🛠️ Physical condition of headphones (check contacts in the case, if there is damage).
In most cases, problems are solved in 5-10 minutes, if you follow the instructions, and if the headphones do not connect, this is an occasion to contact Xiaomi support or check them on another device for a malfunction diagnosis.