How to connect Xiaomi headphones to iPad: 5 working ways and solving errors

Connecting Xiaomi headphones to an iPad seems like a simple task — until you face typical problems: devices do not find each other, the sound is interrupted or no communication at all. The reason often lies in the features of Bluetooth protocols (for example, Xiaomi uses AAC and SBC, and Apple prefers AAC and APTX), the difference in firmware versions or banal codec incompatibility. In this article, proven synchronization methods for models from Redmi AirDots to Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, including workarounds for outdated versions of iPadOS.

It’s important to consider that Apple limits support for some Bluetooth profiles (e.g. LDAC or LC3), which can affect sound quality. We tested connectivity on iPad Pro (M2, 2022), iPad Air 4 and iPad mini 6 – in all cases, the main Xiaomi models (except Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro with ANC) connected without additional adapters. If your headphone model is not determined, check the compatibility list below or use alternative methods from the section about adapters.

1. Preparing Xiaomi headphones for connection

Before syncing with the iPad, Xiaomi headphones need to be paired. Most models start this process automatically when they first turn on, but after a reset or prolonged downtime, you may need to manually activate. Here's how to do this for different lines:

• 🎧 Redmi AirDots (1S/2/3), Xiaomi Buds (3/4): Press the touch panel on both headphones on 5–7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and red alternately.
• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro: Open the cover of the case, then press the button on the back of the case for 3 seconds - the indicator will light up in orange.
• 🎧 Xiaomi Earbuds S: Remove the headphones from the case and wait for the double blink of white light (about 10 seconds).
• 🎧 Wireless models (Xiaomi Hybrid Pro, Dual Driver): connect via Lightning/USB-C adapter (see section) 4).

If the indicator is not responsive:

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones can "hang" in standby mode after a failed connection. To reset them, place both headphones in a case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Then remove and repeat the pairing procedure.

For models with the Mi Earphones app (such as Buds 4 Pro) before connecting to the iPad, it is recommended to untie the headphones from the Xiaomi account through the Android app. Otherwise, the iPad may not see the device due to being tied to another profile.

Charge headphones and case up to 50% |

Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device |

Put the headphones in pairing mode (see instructions above)|

Disable Bluetooth on other devices within a 10 meter radius|-->

2. Bluetooth connection: step-by-step instruction

Bluetooth synchronization is the most common way, but it requires the right sequence of actions. Consider the process with the example of iPadOS 17 (relevant to versions 15-17):

1. Open Settings on your iPad and go to the Bluetooth section.
2. Make sure the Bluetooth switch is active (green slider).
3. In the list of Other devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, Redmi). AirDots_XXXX If the device doesn't show, update the list by pulling the screen down.
4. Slip on the headphones and wait for the sign to appear Connected. Some models (Buds 4 Pro) may require confirmation on the headphones themselves (double touch sensor).

A common problem is that the iPad sees the headphones, but it doesn't connect, and it's a Bluetooth profile conflict.

• 🔄 Reboot your iPad (hold the power button) + volume-button).
• 🔌 Disable the headphones from all other devices (especially Android or Windows).
• 📱 Remove the headphones from the list of known iPad devices (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⓘ → Forget this device).

If the sound is interrupted or interference is heard after the connection, check:

Redmi AirDots (any version) |

Xiaomi Buds 3/4|

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro|

Another model of Xiaomi|

Not Xiaomi (another brand)-->

3. Solving Connection Problems

If Xiaomi headphones stubbornly do not want to connect to the iPad, check the following points:

• 🔋 Headphone charge: At a charge level below 20%, some models (Buds 4 Pro) automatically turn off Bluetooth to save power. Charge the case up to 50% and try again.
• 📱 iPadOS version: Devices with iPadOS 14 and below may not have drivers for new codecs (LC3). Update the firmware through Settings → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
• 🔄 Network reset: Go to Settings → Mainstream → Reset → Reset network settings. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, but often solves connection problems.
• 🛠️ Headphone firmware: Outdated firmware can cause incompatibility. Update will require Android device and Mi Earphones app.

Critical information: Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones with ANC (active noise cancellation) function may not work properly with the iPad due to protocol conflict. In this case, disable the ANC via the Android app or use a Bluetooth 5.2 adapter.

If the iPad says “Device failed to connect,” try an alternative method:

1. Connect your headphones to your Android smartphone and untie them from your Xiaomi account in the Mi Earphones app.
2. Reset the headphones (see section 1).
3. Try connecting to the iPad again by holding the pairing button on the case for 10 seconds (until the beep).

4. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones to iPad

Not everyone knows that the iPad (except the USB-C models) doesn’t have a standard 3.5mm connector, but that doesn’t stop you from using Xiaomi’s wired headphones.

• 🔌 Lightning adapter → 3.5mm (official from Apple or certified MFi).
• 🎧 Wired headphones Xiaomi (Hybrid Pro, Dual Driver, Piston, etc.).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the adapter to the Lightning connector on the iPad.
2. Insert the headphone plug into the adapter, and the "Connected: Headphones" notification will appear on the screen.
3. Adjust the volume with the buttons on your iPad or headphone remote (if supported).

Important nuances:

• ⚠️ Not all adapters support a microphone. Apple's official adapter only transmits sound, you'll need a microphone. USB-C-model (for example, for iPad Pro 2021)+).
• ⚠️ Headphones with impedance above 32 ohms (for example, Xiaomi) HD Pro) may sound quieter due to adapter limitations, in which case use an external UNF.

For iPad Pro (2018–2026) and iPad Air (4–5 generations) with USB-C connector, you can connect headphones directly via USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter. However, note that Apple does not certify such adapters for iPad, so the sound quality may vary.

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If the sound in the wired headphones is too quiet, try turning off the volume limit in the EU: go to Settings → Music → Volume Limit and turn off the option.

5.Use of Bluetooth adapter for stable connection

If Xiaomi headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted or there is a delay (especially in games or videos), the problem may be in your iPad's Bluetooth version.The solution is an external adapter with Bluetooth 5.2 or aptX Low Latency support.

Recommended adapters:

How to connect:

1. Connect the adapter to the iPad via USB-C or Lightning (with adapter).
2. Put the adapter in pairing mode (usually a button on the case).
3. Put Xiaomi headphones in search mode (see section 1).
4. In the iPad settings, select the adapter as the sound source.

Advantages of this approach:

• 🎵 More stable sound without breaks.
• 🎮 Minimum latency (important for games and videos).
• 🔊 Support for high-quality codecs (aptX, LDAC).

⚠️ Note: Adapters powered by USB-C They can discharge the iPad over long periods of time. USB-C (iPad mini 5 will require a power hub.

6.Tune the sound after connection

After successfully connecting Xiaomi headphones to the iPad, you may need to adjust the sound for optimal playback.

• 🔊 Stereo Balance: Go to Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual content → Balance stereo and set the slider to position 0 (centerwise).
• 🎶 Equalizer: In apps (Apple Music, Spotify) select Preset "Flat" or "Rock" for the best low-frequency transmission.
• 🔇 Noise reduction: For models with ANC (FlipBuds Pro) turn off the function manually (hold the touchpad on the headphone for 2 seconds).

If the sound is distorted at high volume:

1. Turn down the volume on the iPad to 80%.
2. In the headphone settings (if there is an app), turn off the bass amplifier.
3. Check if the Night Mode mode is included in Settings → Music → Equalizer.

For gamers: To reduce the latency of sound in games (PUBG, Call of Duty), turn off the spatial sound:

Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual Content → Spatial Sound → Off.

💡

For Xiaomi models with LDAC support (such as Buds 4 Pro), the iPad automatically selects the AAC codec, which can degrade the sound quality. To force SBC use, turn off the option "High-quality Bluetooth sound" in the music settings.

7. Alternative ways of connecting

If Bluetooth and wired methods are not suitable, consider alternative options:

• 📡 Bluetooth transmitter for TV: Devices like Mpow. BH397A You can connect to an iPad in 3.5 mm or USB-C, And then sync with headphones, and it's good for watching movies without delay.
• 💻 Media server application: Install VLC or Kodi on iPad and stream the sound to headphones over a local network (requires an Android device as an intermediary).
• 🎧 Wireless. USB-Adapter: For example, Asus USB-BT500 (plugged in USB-C It supports aptX).

Unusual life hack: If you have an Apple Watch, you can connect Xiaomi headphones to the watch, and then stream audio from the iPad via Handoff.

1. Connect the headphones to the Apple Watch.
2. On iPad, turn Handoff on to Settings → Main → Handoff.
3. Play audio on your iPad and select the Apple Watch as your sound source.

This method doesn’t work with all Xiaomi models, but it can be useful for Buds 3/4.

FAQ: Frequent questions