Apple’s premium acoustics with Android devices, particularly Xiaomi smartphones, have become commonplace. Despite ecosystem constraints, the basic functionality of the AirPods is fully preserved, allowing you to enjoy quality audio without overpaying for branded Android headphones. The pairing process is as simple as possible and takes only a few seconds if you know the right sequence of actions.
Xiaomi owners often question compatibility, fearing that headphones will not be determined by the system.It is a misconception: Bluetooth is a universal standard that works correctly between different electronics manufacturers. You do not need to install complex drivers or obtain root rights to get started.
The only thing to come to terms with is the lack of some “magical” features, such as automatic switching between Apple devices or an accurate battery widget in the notification curtain without third-party software. However, the stability of the connection and the quality of the audio stream remain at a high level, which makes this bundle quite viable for daily use.
Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing
Before you start searching for devices, you need to make sure that both gadgets are ready to connect. It is critical for AirPods that they are charged, as in deep discharge mode, the Bluetooth module can work unstable or not turn on at all. Put your headphones in the case and make sure that the indicator is on, or connect the charge for 15-20 minutes.
On the Xiaomi smartphone side (regardless of the MIUI shell or HyperOS), you should check the status of the Bluetooth module. Even if it is on, sometimes you need to restart the service to correctly detect new devices. Open the notification curtain and make sure that the Bluetooth icon is active and the phone itself is not in "Invisible to Others" mode.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure your AirPods are not currently connected to another Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac) in range.Priority is often given to the latest active device in the Apple ecosystem, which can block pairing with Xiaomi.
It’s also worth checking if the list of previously connected devices in your phone settings is full. If you have more than 10 to 15 old gadgets in your smartphone’s memory, the system can slowly respond to requests for new connections.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting via Bluetooth
The most reliable and versatile method of connection is to use the standard Bluetooth menu in Android settings. This method ensures stable operation without freezes and conflicts of software. Follow the algorithm to activate the pairing mode on the headphones.
To put AirPods in visibility mode, open the case lid without removing the headphones. On the back of the charger case, locate a round setting button. Press and hold it until the LED indicator (located inside the case or in the front, depending on the model) flashes white, which means that the device is searchable.
☑️ Checking before connection
Now go to your Xiaomi smartphone settings. Open the Settings → Bluetooth menu or search at the top of the settings screen by typing the word "Bluetooth." The list of available devices should show the name of your headphones, such as "AirPods" or "AirPods Pro." Click on it to complete the pairing.
Once the connection is successful, the device status will be marked "Connected" (or "Connected"), and the device type will be labeled "Audio." If the pairing request does not appear, close the Bluetooth menu, turn it off and turn it on again on the phone, then repeat the procedure with the button on the case.
Use of third-party applications for advanced functionality
While basic audio playback works right away, many users want to see the charge level of each earbud and case separately, and customize touch management. For this, Google Play Market has a number of dedicated utilities that emulate the work of Apple’s original Android software.
One of the most popular and time-tested applications is MaterialPods or AndPods. Once installed and given the necessary permissions (Bluetooth access and geolocation), these programs automatically open a pop-up window when you open the AirPods case next to the phone. The interface completely copies the original, showing the percentages of charge of the left, right earphone and case itself.
| Function | No app. | With the application (AndPods/MaterialPods) |
|---|---|---|
| Charge mapping | Only the general level in the curtain. | Exact % for each headphone and case |
| Touch settings | Unavailable | Complete reconfiguration of action |
| Headphone search | Unavailable. | Reproduction of sound for search |
| Transparency regime | Switching button | Switching through the interface |
It’s important to understand that third-party apps run in the background and can consume an extra battery charge on your smartphone. Some of them contain ads in the free version that can be disabled with a paid subscription. For most users, the free version is enough to monitor the battery status.
Security of Third Party Applications
Sound tuning and control in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi shells have advanced sound settings that can conflict or improve the performance of third-party headphones. First of all, you should pay attention to the Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality and effects. Here you can activate the visualizer or choose an equalizer suitable for the genre of music.
For users of the AirPods Pro and newer models, the problem of no noise reduction switching (ANC) and transparency through the standard Android menu is relevant. In native form on Xiaomi, this only works through the physical clamping of the headphone leg. However, in some versions of MIUI, a system notification about changing the mode may appear when you connect if the Android version is sufficiently fresh (Android 12+).
⚠️ Warning: Do not simultaneously turn on system sound "improvers" (for example, Mi Sound Enhancer) and equalizer in a third-party headphone application. This can lead to audio distortion, wheezing or complete disappearance of the sound.
Also, in the Bluetooth settings of each connected device (you need to click on the gear next to the AirPods name in the Bluetooth list), you can find the option "Absolute Volume Level." If you notice that the volume of the headphones and phone is adjustable separately or jumps, try to switch this setting. This synchronizes the volume crawl of the Android system with the hardware volume of the AirPods.
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For better sound quality in Bluetooth Developer Options settings, you can try changing the codec to AAC if it is available, as AirPods use it to transfer audio.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, there are sometimes crashes, and the most common problem is that the phone sees the device, but the connection does not occur, or the headphones are constantly turned off, and in 90% of cases this is solved by completely resetting the headphones to the factory.
To reset the AirPods, place them in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid without removing the headphones, and press the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds. The indicator should flash yellow and then white. After that, remove the device from the Bluetooth list on Xiaomi ("Forget the device") and perform the pairing again.
Another problem is the quiet sound or lack of it in one of the headphones. This is often related to the balance settings in the special Android features. Check the Settings path → Advanced Settings → Special. features → Hearing (the path may differ depending on the version of MIUI). Make sure that the balance slider is strictly in the center.
- 📶 Problem: Headphones aren't visible in search Solution: Reboot your smartphone and make sure the headphones aren't connected to another gadget.
- 🔇 Problem: The interviewer can't hear you when calling Solution: Check the permissions for the Phone app in the privacy settings and make sure the microphone isn't locked by system restrictions.
- 🔋 Problem: Fast Discharge Solution: Turn off ear autodetection in third-party apps if it doesn't work properly and update your headphone firmware through your Apple device.
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If the software reset doesn’t help, the problem may be in the phone’s Bluetooth module hardware or the strong battery drain of the headphone case.