Modern Xiaomi TVs running on the Android TV operating system allow you to significantly expand the functionality of the device by connecting wireless accessories. Bluetooth headphones are a great addition to the home theater, especially if you want to watch movies late at night without disturbing other household noise. However, Apple owners often face difficulties when trying to pair their AirPods with a TV.
The challenge is that audio protocols may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, and the Android TV settings menu is not always intuitive for beginners. In this article, we will discuss in detail the connection process, possible problems with audio delay and how to solve them, you will learn how to activate pairing mode and adjust the audio output for maximum comfort.
Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi TV is connected to the network and within reach of the headphones. It is important to understand that the stability of the connection depends on the version of the Bluetooth module in the TV and the battery charge in the case. Let's take a closer look at all the stages of the setup so that you can enjoy quality sound without undue effort.
Compatibility check and equipment preparation
The first step before you start setting up is to verify the specifications of your device. Not all Xiaomi TV models have a built-in Bluetooth module, although in the modern Mi TV and Redmi TV series this feature has become standard. You need to know exactly the specifications of your model to avoid futile attempts to connect. You can check the presence of a wireless module in the documentation or on the official website of the manufacturer.
It is also critical to update the TV software to the latest version. Developers are constantly releasing patches that improve the stability of Bluetooth protocols and eliminate pairing bugs. Old firmware may not support the codecs necessary to transmit sound to Apple headphones. The update often solves 90% of the problems with the visibility of the device in the list available.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi TV model specification does not specify Bluetooth, the built-in AirPods will not work, in which case you will need an external Bluetooth transmitter connected via optical output or 3.5 mm connector.
Make sure your AirPods are charged and in good condition. To successfully pair, the case charge must be sufficient to enter detection mode. If the headphones have previously been connected to an iPhone or iPad, they can automatically try to connect to them, making it difficult for the TV to find the device. Temporarily turn off Bluetooth on Apple mobile devices next to the TV.
Activation of the pairing mode on AirPods headphones
The most important step is to put the headphones in visibility mode for external devices. The standard procedure for AirPods and AirPods Pro is the same, but requires a certain sequence of actions. Place both headphones in the charging case and leave the lid open. Do not close the case during the setup process, otherwise the pairing mode will reset.
There's a round setting button on the back of the charger case, and you need to press and hold it for a few seconds, and the indicator inside the case (between the headphone compartments) will start flashing white, and it's the white pulsating light that signals that the device is ready to look for new gadgets.
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If the indicator flashes orange, it means a pairing error. In this case, press and hold the setting button for more than 15 seconds until the indicator flashes orange several times and then white - this will reset the headphone settings.
The AirPods Max model owners should do something different: they don't have a case, so you need to press the noise control button until the LED on the headphone bowl flashes white. Once activated, you have about two minutes to find the device in the TV menu before it goes to sleep.
Step-by-step connection instruction via Android TV settings
Xiaomi TVs may have slightly different interfaces depending on the PatchWall shell version or pure Android TV version, but the logic remains the same. You need to get to the main system settings menu. Usually, you just need to click the button with the image of the gear on the remote control or select a point in the top panel.
In the menu that opens, find the peripheral section, which is usually called Settings → Remotes & Accessories, or Settings → Remotes & Accessories, and that's where you manage all your wireless connections, including gamepads, keyboards and audio headsets.
☑️ Connection algorithm
Once you go to the Accessories Add-on menu, the TV will start scanning the airwaves, and the list of available devices should show the name of your headphones, such as "AirPods" or "Owner's Name," select the device you want with the remote control and press the confirmation button (usually the center OK button), which takes no more than 10-15 seconds.
If the connection is successful, you'll hear a distinctive beep in your headphones, and you'll see a notification on your TV, and now all system audio, including menus and app content, will be broadcast to your Bluetooth headset, and you'll just have to put your headphones in your case or turn them off through the TV menu to turn them off.
Customization of sound and elimination of delays
One of the common problems with wireless headphones with TVs is the desynchronization of audio and video, a phenomenon known as latency, which is particularly noticeable in movies and games. To minimize this effect, you need to adjust the audio output parameters in the menu of the Xiaomi TV.
Go to Settings → Sound. You should find the option for output format or digital audio. Try changing the settings from "Auto" to "PCM", as this format is often processed faster than Dolby Digital or DTS, which reduces latency. However, it is worth considering that when choosing a PCM, support for 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound may be lost.
| Setup parameter | Recommended value | Impact on sound |
|---|---|---|
| Digital exit | PCM | Reduces latency but limits stereo format |
| Equalizer mode | Standard/Film | Optimizes the frequency for dialogue |
| Adaptive sound | Off. | Removes excessive signal processing |
| Bluetooth codec | SBC / AAC | Depends on TV support |
Why is there a delay in sound?
It's also worth turning off various sound effects, such as Volume Sound or Adaptive Audio, if enabled.These features require computational resources and processing time, which increases lag. The ideal option for watching movies is to use an AAC codec that is natively supported by Apple devices and provides a balance between quality and transmission speed.
Using the Mi Remote application for management
Once headphones are connected, volume control may become obscure, as the buttons on the AirPods case do not adjust volume on third-party devices by default. Xiaomi TVs often use the standard Android TV interface to manage connected Bluetooth devices, but there are nuances.
Volume is now regulated by volume buttons on the TV remote. However, in some applications, such as YouTube or Netflix, volume can be adjusted separately within the app itself. If the sound is too quiet, check the settings in Settings → Sound → Additional settings where a volume amplifier can be available.
For more fine-tuning, you can use the Google Home or Mi Remote app on your smartphone if the TV supports control over Wi-Fi. This allows you to use the phone as an advanced remote with the ability to adjust the equalizer and channel balance, which is especially useful when listening to music over a Bluetooth connection.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be technical failures. If a Xiaomi TV doesn't see the AirPods, try rebooting both devices. Turn the TV off the socket for 30 seconds to reset the Bluetooth module cache, and reset the headphones. Often the problem lies in the overcrowded memory of the list of paired devices.
In the Remote and Accessories menu, find old or unwanted devices, select them, and click "Switch off" or "Forget the device." Make room for a new connection. Also make sure there are no powerful sources of interference, such as a running microwave or a router running at the same 2.4 GHz frequency.
⚠️ Attention: If the sound is interrupted or wheezing appears, get closer to the TV.The range of Bluetooth is limited, and walls can significantly weaken the signal.
If you have a sound that is very quiet or not in one channel, check the balance in the settings of the special features of Android TV. Sometimes after updating the firmware settings can be lost to mono mode or shifted to one channel. Also check if the mode is activated "Left only" or "right only" in the settings of the AirPods themselves through the connected iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I connect AirPods to a Xiaomi TV without a remote?
Will noise reduction and transparency work?
Why doesn’t automatic switching between Apple devices work?
What is the maximum range of AirPods with a TV?
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Connecting AirPods to a Xiaomi TV is a simple process that requires activating pairing mode on the headphones and finding the device in the Remote and Accessories menu. For better sound quality, it is recommended to use AAC codecs and minimize the number of active Bluetooth devices nearby.