Using wireless headphones with a TV is not just a tribute to fashion, but a real necessity for those who appreciate silence in the house or want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the film without extraneous noise. With modern equipment from Xiaomi, running on the Android TV operating system, many users are wondering about the possibility of using the popular headset from Apple. Despite belonging to different ecosystems, the Bluetooth technology standard allows you to successfully combine these devices.
The connection process may seem obscure due to the lack of a proprietary W1 or H1 chip in the TV that provides instant pairing in Apple products. However, the standard audio protocol works consistently if you know the correct sequence of actions. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of configuration, possible nuances of codecs and methods for solving common problems.
Before you start setting up, it’s important to understand that latency can vary depending on the TV model and Bluetooth version. Some users may notice audio and video desynchronization, but the current Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV models are equipped with sufficiently powerful modules to minimize this effect. Let’s get to the practical part and consider the preparation of equipment.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
The first step before trying to pair is to make sure your hardware is technically ready to work wirelessly. Xiaomi TVs are usually equipped with a built-in Bluetooth module, however, in some budget models or older versions of firmware, this feature may be hidden or require activation through additional settings. Software version verification is a critical step, since older Android TV builds may have restrictions on the number of devices connected or profile support.
AirPods headphones need to be charged and in good working order. To successfully connect to a third-party device outside the Apple ecosystem, the headset needs to be forced to pair. This is different from the usual opening of the case cover next to the iPhone. You will need to press the setting button on the back of the case until the indicator starts flashing white, signaling visibility to external devices.
Also, pay attention to the distance between devices. For initial settings, it is recommended to keep the headphones and TV remote control at a distance of no more than 1-2 meters. This will provide a stable signal and prevent search errors. If you have an external sound bar installed through the optical output, make sure that you plan to output the sound to the TV, not to external acoustics, since simultaneous transmission to two Bluetooth devices is often impossible without special adapters.
It’s important to note that the AAC codec that AirPods use is supported by most modern Xiaomi TVs, but the decoding quality can vary. Unlike the aptX codec that is often used in Android headphones to reduce latency, AAC focuses on sound quality, which can lead to slightly more, but often invisible latency. Understanding these technical details will help you correctly evaluate the result of the connection.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting via Bluetooth settings
The main method of connection involves using the standard interface of the Android TV operating system. This method is the most stable and does not require the installation of additional software. First, take the remote control and go to the main menu. Find the gear icon that indicates the Settings section. Depending on the version of the PatchWall shell or pure Android, the location of the elements may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same.
In the settings menu, you need to find the peripheral section, usually called Devices and Accessories or Bluetooth. Once you log in, the system will prompt you to turn on the wireless module if it's turned off. Once activated, select Add Device or Find Device. The TV will start scanning the airwaves, and in a few seconds the name of your headphones, such as AirPods or AirPods Pro, should appear on the list of available gadgets.
☑️ The interface algorithm
When you see your headset name on the list, select it with the remote and press the confirmation button (usually the central button with a house or OK). The screen may show a request for confirmation of pairing or an access code that, in the case of AirPods, you do not need to enter - the process is automatic. After a successful connection, the status will change to Connected, and the sound from the TV should switch to headphones.
If you don't see headphones on the device list, make sure they're not connected to your iPhone or iPad at this point. Connection priority is often given to Apple's last active device. In that case, temporarily turn off Bluetooth on your phone or select another audio output device from the phone's Bluetooth menu to free up the channel for the TV.
Using third-party applications to improve compatibility
In some cases, Android TVs may not work well or see the headset because of the manufacturer's Bluetooth stack implementation. If the standard method failed, you can use specialized apps from the Google Play Store available on your TV. One of the most effective solutions is the Bluetooth Auto Connect app or analogues that force the search and connection of devices.
Installing these gates allows you to gain extended control over the pairing process. MAC-Headphone address (if the app allows you to scan) or set up automatic reconnect when you turn on the TV. This is especially true if the TV "forgets" the device after turning off the socket, which happens to some Xiaomi models when you start quickly.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party applications from unknown sources or even from an official store, be careful with permissions. Some utilities may request access to system files or a microphone, which is not required for simple audio transmission. Use only proven high-ranking apps.
There are also Bluetooth amplifiers that try to change the priority of codecs or buffering, but their effectiveness depends heavily on the hardware of a particular TV. In most cases, if the regular connection does not work, the problem lies not in the lack of smart features, but in driver compatibility, which is rarely software corrected, in such situations, it is better to consider the use of an external Bluetooth transmitter.
Why can't the app work?
Customization of sound parameters and elimination of delays
Once connected successfully, you may find sound falling behind the image, especially when watching dynamic scenes or playing a game. This phenomenon is called desynchronization. To combat it, Xiaomi TV settings often include Game Mode or Low Latency Mode. Enabling this mode in the image and sound settings reduces the response time of the matrix and audio track, which can have a positive effect on synchronization with Bluetooth headphones.
Another important parameter is the choice of sound format. In the section "Sound settings -> Digital output or format try to change the value from Auto or Dolby Digital to PCM. The PCM format is uncompressed and requires less CPU resources to decode the TV before sending over Bluetooth, which often eliminates the lags. However, in this mode may not work 5.1 surround sound, and the sound will become stereo.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on AirPods |
|---|---|---|
| Sound format | PCM | Reduces latency, removes lags |
| Image mode | Game/Sports | Reduces post-processing of the frame |
| Improvement of sound | Off | Reduces the load on the processor |
| Bluetooth Audio Codec | SBC / AAC | Depends on TV support |
And don't forget the software settings of the video apps themselves: YouTube, Netflix or Kinopoisk on Android. TV Check if the "Volume Sound" or "Dolby Atmos" option is enabled if your AirPods don't support these formats (the base models don't), it can cause distortion or silence. AirPods Pro and Max are better, but switching to stereo is better.-PCM Often the most reliable solution.
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If the delay in sound persists, try restarting the TV with a full cycle: turn it off the socket for 30 seconds, then turn it on again. This will clear the Bluetooth module buffer.
Alternative methods: Bluetooth transmitters
If your Xiaomi TV’s built-in Bluetooth module is unstable, has weak signal power or is not present at all (in very old models), the ideal solution is an external Bluetooth transmitter.This is a small device that connects to the TV via optical output (S/PDIF), a 3.5 mm connector (AUX) or USB (for power and audio transmission).
When choosing a transmitter for AirPods, it is critical to look for models that support the AAC codec and, preferably, low latency. Transmitters that only support the SBC codec will give tangible desynchronization. Connecting is as follows: the transmitter is inserted into the TV port, put into mode, after which you connect the AirPods to the transmitter as a normal signal source. For a TV, this will look like connecting conventional wired speakers.
The advantage of this method is stability. You get a separate device that can be reconfigured or reconnected without affecting the system settings of Android TV. In addition, many transmitters allow you to connect two pairs of headphones at the same time, which allows you to watch a movie together using two pairs of AirPods, which is extremely difficult or impossible to do with the built-in TV.
⚠️ Note: When using a transmitter via optical output (Toslink), make sure that the output format is selected in the TV sound settings. PCM Stereo, as many low-cost transmitters don’t know how to decode a multi-channel Dolby Digital and will only produce noise or crackling.
Solving common problems and errors
In the process of operation, users can face a number of typical problems. One of the most common is that the TV sees the device, but writes "Connection error" or "Unable to hide." In this case, try to clear the list of paired devices on the TV (forget all devices) and on the AirPods themselves (reset the headphone settings by holding the button on the case for up to 15 seconds until the indicator flashes amber and then white).
Another problem is intermittent sound or crackling. This can be caused by interference from a Wi-Fi router that runs at the same 2.4 GHz frequency. Try moving the router away from the TV or switching the Wi-Fi network to 5 GHz, freeing up the air for Bluetooth.
If you have a sound but it's very quiet, check the volume settings in the Android TV itself. Sometimes the system volume and volume of the Bluetooth device are not synchronized. Try to increase the volume with the TV remote to maximum, and then adjust the level already on the headphones (if the model allows) or through the sound control app. In rare cases, updating the TV firmware through Settings -> About TV -> System Update helps.
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Resetting your network and Bluetooth settings on your TV often solves 90% of connection problems if rebooting your device doesn’t help.