Connecting Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone 11 may seem like a trivial task, but in practice users face nuances from the lack of sound to problems with pairing over Bluetooth.The fact is that the Apple and Xiaomi ecosystems use different sound optimization protocols, and some headphone models (for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds or Redmi AirDots) require additional settings to work correctly with iOS.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, from standard pairing over Bluetooth 5.0 to using adapters for wired models with a USB-C connector or 3.5 mm. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, when the iPhone 11 “can’t see” headphones) and how to fix them. If you have already tried to connect, but the sound is interrupted or one earphone does not work, here you will find a solution.
1. Xiaomi headphone compatibility with iPhone 11: what you need to know
Before you start connecting, it’s important to make sure your Xiaomi headphone model is compatible with the iPhone 11. Most current wireless models (e.g., Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi Buds 5 or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) support the universal Bluetooth A2DP protocol, but there are key points:
- 🔹 Codecs of sound: iPhone 11 uses AAC (preferably SBC. Xiaomi headphones with support for aptX or LDAC It will work, but without the benefits of these codecs.
- 🔹 Profile HFP: The microphone requires support for the Hands-Free Profile (HFP). Clarify this in the characteristics of the model.
- 🔹 Multipoint: Some Xiaomi headphones (e.g. Buds) 3T Pro) supports connecting to two devices at the same time, but on iOS this feature may not work stable.
Wireless headphones with a 3.5mm connector connect to the iPhone 11 only through a Lightning adapter (sold separately). USB-C models (such as Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD) will require a USB-C → Lightning adapter, which is less common.
⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones with support MIUI Pop-up notifications will not display these notifications on the iPhone.This is normal – the feature only works on devices with a connection. MIUI.
2. Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones over Bluetooth
The standard way to connect is via Bluetooth. The instruction is universal for most models, but there are nuances for headphones with a pairing button (for example, Redmi AirDots 3) and for models with automatic on (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4).
Steps for connection:
- Open Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone 11 and turn on Search Mode.
- Remove the headphones from the case (if it is a TWS) or hold the power/patch button on the case (for overhead models) until the indicator blinks.
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) and tap on it.
- Confirm the pairing if a request appears.
If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try:
- 🔄 Reboot the iPhone 11 and headphones (this usually requires holding the button on the case or the headphones themselves for 10-15 seconds).
- 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates (if it was already there) and reconnect.
- 🔋 Check the charge of headphones - at a level below 10%, they may not be in pairing mode.
Headphones charged (indicator lights green/white)
Bluetooth on iPhone is enabled and is in search mode
Headphones removed from the case (for TWS) or enabled by a button
Distance between devices not more than 1 meter (for the first connection)-->
For touch-controlled models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) you may need to adjust gestures in the manufacturer’s app after you connect. However, the official Xiaomi app for iOS (Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear) often does not support headphones – in this case, you can only control standard iOS gestures.
3. Solving Connection Problems
If the iPhone 11 doesn’t see Xiaomi headphones or the connection is constantly reset, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list | Headphones are not in pairing mode | Hold the button on the case / headphones 5-10 seconds until the indicator flashes |
| The connection is interrupted after a few seconds. | Conflict with other Bluetooth devices | Disable other devices (such as smartwatches) and reconnect |
| The sound is interrupted or distorted | Low quality of Bluetooth signal | Move closer to your iPhone (within 1-2 meters) or reboot both devices |
| Only one earpiece works. | Failure of synchronization between headphones | Return both headphones to the case, wait 10 seconds and retrieve again |
A critical feature for the iPhone 11: if Xiaomi headphones were previously connected to an Android device, they can save the A2DP profile with settings not optimized for iOS. In this case, reset the headphones to factory settings (usually this is done through prolonged holding the button on the case).
⚠️ Note: If the iPhone settings display a message saying "This device is not supported" after you connect, it does not mean incompatibility. It's just that some features (such as displaying charge level) may not be available.
Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro|Redmi AirDots 3|Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2| Another model |I don't know-->
4. Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones to the iPhone 11
Since the iPhone 11 does not have a 3.5 mm connector, you will need an adapter to connect Xiaomi wired headphones.
- 🔌 Lightning → 3.5 mm: Official adapter from Apple (article) MU7E2) Or certified analogues (for example, from Belkin), suitable for models like Xiaomi Hybrid Pro. HD Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro HD.
- 🔌 USB-C → Lightning: Rare adapter, necessary for headphones with a connector USB-C (For example, Xiaomi Type-C Earphones. It is important to choose an adapter that supports audio transmission (not all). USB-C Adapters can do that!).
Instructions for connection:
- Connect the adapter to the iPhone 11.
- Put the headphones in the adapter. On the iPhone screen, you may see a request for permission to use the accessory, confirm.
- Adjust the volume with the buttons on your iPhone or (if supported) on the headphone wire.
Important: Some Xiaomi wired headphones have a built-in microphone and control buttons, but on iPhones, these buttons may not work properly (for example, do not switch tracks), due to differences in control protocols between Android and iOS.
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If the sound in the wired headphones is too quiet, check the volume limit settings in Settings → Music → Volume Limit and turn it off.
5. Customization of sound and microphone after connection
After successfully connecting Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone 11, it is recommended to adjust the sound parameters for optimal quality:
- 🎧 Equator: Go to Settings → Music. → Equalizer and select the right preset (like Bass or Rock). Xiaomi headphones often have amplified low frequencies, so preset acoustics may sound more balanced.
- 🎤 Microphone: For calls, check what is in the call settings (Settings) → Phone. → Sound and tactile signals – the headphone microphone is chosen, not the built-in microphone of the iPhone.
- 🔊 Monosound: If the sound is played in only one headphone, turn off mono mode in Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual → Monoaudio.
For active noise cancellation (ANC) models such as the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, only basic features (on/off ANC through gestures) can be controlled on the iPhone. Advanced settings (such as noise reduction level) are only available in the Xiaomi Wear app on Android.
How to check the quality of the microphone headphones?
6. Alternative ways of connecting
If standard methods don’t work, consider alternatives:
- 📱 Regime. DFU for headphones: Some models (e.g. Redmi AirDots) support forced reset via a button combination:
1. Place both headphones in the case.
2 Hold the button on the case for 20 seconds (the indicator should flash red).
3. Remove the headphones - they will be reset to factory settings.🔄 Using a middleman: If the headphones refuse to connect directly, you can use a Bluetooth transmitter (for example, Avantek). BTA-200), It connects to the iPhone through Lightning, and the headphones to the Bluetooth transmitter.
🖥️ Connecting via computer: In rare cases, it helps to connect headphones first to a Mac or Mac. PC, And then it goes to the iPhone, and it resets the cache of Bluetooth connections.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
User experience shows that most of the problems with connecting Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone 11 are due to several typical errors:
- 🚫 Ignoring updates: Outdated headphone or iOS firmware can cause conflicts.Update iPhone to latest version in Settings → Mainstream → Update: Headphone firmware can not be updated on the iPhone – this requires an Android device.
- 🔋 Low Case Charge: Even if the headphones themselves are charged, a discharged case can block the pairing mode. Charge the case to 100%.
- 📶 Interference from other devices: Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens or other Bluetooth devices (such as wireless speakers) can cause interference.
⚠️ Note: If you are using the iOS beta, some Bluetooth features may not work smoothly, in which case, roll back to the stable version or wait for the final release.
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For stable work of headphones Xiaomi with iPhone 11 is enough to follow three rules: regularly update the software, reset the headphone settings when failures and avoid simultaneous connection to several devices.