Using wireless headphones with a TV is not just a tribute to fashion, but a real necessity for many users who appreciate silence in the house or want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the movie without extraneous noise. Apple owners often wonder how to integrate their favorite AirPods into the Android ecosystem installed on Xiaomi TVs. Fortunately, modern Smart TVs from this manufacturer work on the basis of the Android TV operating system, which makes the pairing process as simple and understandable as possible even for beginners.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the nuances of connectivity, possible codec and latency issues, and provide solutions for common errors. You don't need to be an expert in wireless networks to set up quality audio. You just need to follow the step-by-step instructions that will help activate a Bluetooth connection in minutes.
It's worth noting that the quality of the audio stream depends not only on the headphones, but also on the Bluetooth version of the module in the TV itself. The new Mi TV and Redmi TV models support the current standards for stable communication. However, even on older devices, you can achieve excellent results if you adjust the output parameters in the system menu correctly.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
Before you start pairing, you need to make sure your hardware is ready to go. Most modern Xiaomi TVs have a built-in Bluetooth module that can be turned off by default for energy saving. Check your device model: if it's an Android-based Smart TV, then there should be no problems.
It's also important to prepare the headphones themselves. Make sure the AirPods are charged and operational.If you've previously used them with an iPhone or iPad, they may automatically try to connect to the nearest Apple device, so temporarily turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone to avoid conflict when searching.
⚠️ Note: Some budget TVs may not have a built-in Bluetooth module, in which case you will need to purchase an external one. USB-adapter or use optical output to connect an external speaker system with Bluetooth support.
To successfully connect, make sure that the TV and headphones are no more than 1-2 meters apart, especially when the signal is not stabilized, and that obstacles such as walls or large furniture can significantly weaken the signal.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting through TV settings
The process of synchronizing devices on Xiaomi TVs is unified and similar to connecting any other Bluetooth gadget. The first thing you need to do is get to the main settings menu of the system. To do this, click the button with the image of the gear on the remote control or select the corresponding icon in the upper right corner of the start screen.
In the menu that opens, find the peripheral section. Depending on the version of MIUI for TV firmware or pure Android TV, this item can be called differently. Usually it's the Settings tab, then Remotes and Accessories, or just Bluetooth. Choose the option to add a new device.
☑️ The algorithm of connection AirPods
Now put AirPods in pairing mode. Open the case lid without removing the headphones, and press the setting button on the back of the case. The indicator inside the case should start flashing white to signal readiness for connection. On the TV screen, the list of available devices will appear the words "AirPods" or your individual name.
Select the device you find with the remote and confirm the action. The system can request permission to access contacts or microphone if the TV supports voice calls, but it is not critical to watch videos. Once you successfully connect, you will hear a characteristic sound in the headphones, and the status "Connected" will appear on the screen.
Customization of sound parameters and elimination of delays
One of the most common problems with wireless headphones with a TV is the desynchronization of audio and video, a phenomenon known as latency, which is caused by the time it takes to encode and transmit a signal. The default SBC codec often fails to deliver real-time audio for dynamic scenes.
To minimize latency, check the audio output settings. Go to the Sound or Audio section of the Settings menu, and you can find options for digital audio output. Try changing the output format from Auto to PCM, which sometimes helps stabilize the data flow.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on sound |
|---|---|---|
| Format of withdrawal | PCM | Reduces the load on the decoder, reduces latency |
| Equalizer mode | Standard/Film | Optimizes the frequency for dialogue |
| Bluetooth codec | AAC (if available) | Improves the quality and speed of transmission |
If the built-in tools can not eliminate the out-of-sync, you can use third-party applications from the Google Play store on your TV. There are utilities that allow you to manually adjust the audio delay, adjusting the sound to the video sequence with an accuracy of milliseconds.
Why is there a delay in sound?
Using third-party applications to expand functionality
The regular functionality of Android TV is sometimes limited, especially when it comes to specific devices like AirPods. If the standard menu does not see headphones or the connection is constantly breaking, specialized applications come to the rescue. One of the most popular solutions is the Bluetooth Auto Connect app or analogues.
These programs allow you to force search and connect devices without any system limitations. Once you install the app from the Play Market store on your TV, launch it and give the necessary permissions. Then put AirPods in pairing mode and press the scan button in the app.
Another useful tool is the Sound Assistant app, which allows you to fine-tune the output settings for each application separately, which is useful if you use different media players and want to have one sound through the speaker and another through Bluetooth headphones.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party apps from unknown sources (not from Google Play), be careful. APK-files from only verified resources, such as 4PDA or the official website of the developer, so as not to infect the TV with malware.
Solution: What to do if TV can't see headphones
It's not uncommon for Xiaomi TVs to detect AirPods, and most often the problem is that the headphones are not in visibility mode. Make sure the indicator on the case flashes white. If it's on green or orange, the pairing mode is not activated.
The second common reason is a crowded list of paired devices.The Bluetooth module in the TV can only store memory for a limited number of gadgets (usually 5-7). Go to Bluetooth settings, find old or unnecessary devices, and select the Forget or Delete option to make room.
It's also worth trying to reboot the TV itself. Not just turn it off with the remote, but perform a full reboot through the Settings menu → About TV → Reboot or pull the power cord out of the socket for 30 seconds. This will clear the Bluetooth module's cache and reset possible software errors.
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Try connecting AirPods to another device (like a smartphone) and play back sound, and then quickly switch them to the TV, which sometimes helps wake up the communication module.
Features of the microphone and control
It’s important to understand that when you connect AirPods to your TV, the microphone’s functionality usually doesn’t work. Android TV doesn’t support voice from voice search headphones or video calls through built-in apps. The microphone in the headphones will only be active if you plug them into your smartphone during a call.
As for the controls, basic features such as volume control and pause/playback work steadily through touch control on headphone legs or through double tapping. However, complex gestures configured in iOS (such as switching tracks or calling Siri) may not be supported or work properly.
To control playback, it is most convenient to use a TV remote or Google Home / Android TV Remote app on a smartphone, which will provide more accurate control over media processes than trying to use headphone gestures, which are primarily designed to interact with the iPhone.
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The Active Noise Cancellation function and transparency mode work autonomously on the headphones themselves and are independent of the TV settings.
Alternative ways to connect via adapters
If your Xiaomi TV is an older model or budget segment without built-in Bluetooth, don’t despair.There is a reliable hardware solution, the Bluetooth transmitter. It is a small device that connects to the optical output (Optical Out) or 3.5 mm connector (AUX) on the back of the TV.
These transmitters have their own power and Bluetooth module, taking over all the work of transmitting audio. You just need to connect the transmitter to the TV, put it in Transmission Mode (TX), and then bundle it with the AirPods just like with a regular phone. The sound quality in this case is often even better, since specialized transmitters support aptX Low Latency codecs.
When choosing an adapter, pay attention to support for the aptX LL (Low Latency) codec, which will provide minimal audio latency, which is critical when watching action movies or playing games on consoles connected to the TV. Conventional cheap adapters can give noticeable desynchronization.