How AirPods Pro works with Xiaomi phones: full instructions

Many Xiaomi smartphone owners are wondering how effectively Apple’s premium headphones work in conjunction with the Android shell MIUI or HyperOS. AirPods Pro is not just a headset, but a complex device with active noise cancellation and spatial sound, which creates certain nuances when used outside the Apple ecosystem.

When first contacted, users often face the lack of a branded pop-up that appears on the iPhone. Xiaomi, like other Android-based manufacturers, does not have access to the proprietary W1/H1 chip-pairing protocol in full. However, the standard Bluetooth protocol allows you to successfully connect devices in seconds without losing the quality of codecs.

The main task when setting up is to activate the pairing mode correctly and make sure that the phone sees the device. The Bluetooth module in modern Xiaomi flagships works stably, but sometimes requires manual intervention to properly operate the microphone or switch between the ears. In this guide, we will discuss all aspects of integration.

The process of primary connection and pairing

You start by putting the headphones in visibility mode. Put the AirPods Pro in the case, leaving the lid open. There's a round setting button on the back of the charger case that you need to pinch and hold for 3-5 seconds.

The indicator inside the case (or on the front panel in the new versions) should start flashing white. This is a signal that the device is ready for detection by external gadgets. On a Xiaomi smartphone, go to the Settings → Bluetooth menu and activate the search for new devices.

The list of available gadgets will show a record "AirPods Pro." Click on it to initiate a connection. The system can request confirmation of the access code or simply notify you of a successful pairing.

⚠️ Note: If the indicator flashes in amber (orange) instead of white, this means a pairing error, in which case you need to reset the headphones to the factory, holding the button on the case for 15 seconds.

Once successfully connected, Android will recognize the device as a stereo headset, but standard MIUI may not be enough to fully manage functionality such as switching noise reduction modes.

Using third-party software for advanced management

Since Apple AirPods is not officially available on the Google Play Store for Android, users have to resort to third-party solutions, the most popular and functional application today is MaterialPods or AndroPods, which emulate the iOS interface, allowing you to see the charge of each headphone and case.

Installing these programs requires special permissions, including access to location and background work so that the widget can update the data in real time, without which battery monitoring will not work, and you will not know about the discharge of the device in time.

With third-party software, you can also configure the action with double-pressing the headphone leg, although the functionality is limited to the basic commands: play/pause or call the assistant. More complex settings, such as adaptive equalizer gain, remain unavailable without jailbreaking or emulation iOS.

• 🎧 The ability to see the exact percentage of charge of the left and right earphone separately.
• 🔔 Set up notifications about forgotten headphones (works unstable on Android).
• ⚙️ Access to the headphone firmware update (only when connected to an Apple device).
• 🎚️ Basic setting of the equalizer through Xiaomi system tools.

Active noise reduction and transparency

One of the key features of the Pro is the Active Noise Reduction (ANC) system. Unlike the iPhone, where mode switching is implemented through the Control Point, on Xiaomi this process depends on a physical button or third-party applications.

There are three basic states of algorithms: total noise reduction, transparency mode, and shutdown. In transparency mode, external microphones broadcast ambient noise inwards, which is useful for communicating or controlling traffic situations. Adaptive equalizer algorithms adjust frequencies based on the density of the fittings.

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For better noise reduction, make sure you use the right sized silicone nozzles. The loose fit drastically reduces the efficiency of ANC.

It’s worth noting that without native OS support, some fine-tuning, such as wind suppression, may not be available. However, the basic functionality works at the hardware level of the headphones themselves, so the sound quality remains high.

Codecs and quality of transmitted sound

When connecting to Android smartphones, including Xiaomi devices, a standard set of codecs is used, usually AAC or SBC. Advanced codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive, which support some Android headphones, do not apply here, because Apple uses its proprietary compression standards.

Despite the lack of high-resolution codecs, the sound remains detailed thanks to quality drivers inside the case. The frequency balance is maintained, the bass remains deep, and high frequencies do not cut the hearing. However, audiophiles may notice a slight compression when listening to (lossless) tracks.

In Bluetooth settings, you can sometimes find the “Sound Quality” option on your phone or codec choice. If your Xiaomi offers a choice, try switching between the available options, although the system often automatically selects the most stable communication protocol.

Typical problems and ways to solve them

In the process of operation, you can experience situations when one of the headphones stops playing or the microphone is not working correctly, often due to desynchronization of the channels. To solve the problem, place both earphones in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds, then open and reconnect.

Another common problem is intermittent sound or delays in games, which is due to the nature of the Android Bluetooth stack, and the latency of audio in games can be noticeable. This is usually compensated for by software for watching videos, but in shooters it can interfere.

• 📉 Quiet sound: check if the speakers' nets are contaminated with earwax.
• 🔌 Charging problems: wipe contacts on headphones and inside the case with a dry cotton swab.
• 📶 Communication breaks: make sure the phone is not in a pocket with metal fittings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to charge the AirPods Pro case with powerful chargers with unoriginal fast charging protocols (for example, some modes). 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge.Use certified cables USB-C or wireless charging standard Qi.

Authentication of the device

The market is full of copies that look indistinguishable from the original, but have cheap stuffing inside. When connected to Xiaomi, you can conduct a primary diagnosis. The original headphones have a unique serial number that can be found on the box, on the inside of the case lid and in Bluetooth settings (sometimes displayed).

Chinese copies often have a static serial number that can be easily broken into Apple’s database and seen already used thousands of times, and the copies often lack the spatial audio and gyroscope features to track head movements, even if the app promises it will.

Also worth noting is the weight of the device: the originals have a specific mass, if the headphones seem too light or heavy, it's a reason to doubt their authenticity, the plastic of the original is matte and pleasant to the touch, without gaps.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions