Technology is blurring the boundaries between ecosystems, allowing users to freely combine devices from different manufacturers. Many owners of Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco smartphones are wondering about the possibility of using premium acoustics from Apple. Fortunately, Bluetooth wireless is a universal language that both devices understand.
The synchronization process does not require complex manipulation or installation of third-party software, although some nuances do exist. The basic functionality of the sound playback and microphone operation is maintained completely regardless of the phone brand. However, additional actions may be required to access advanced settings such as checking battery charge or controlling noise cancellation.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm for successful connection, look at typical connection errors and suggest ways to fix them. You will learn how to maximize the potential of your headphones in conjunction with an Android device and what applications will help improve the experience.
Preparation of devices for pairing
Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to establish communication.The Xiaomi smartphone should have a wireless module on and be visible to other gadgets.
AirPods also require pre-preparedness. If they were previously used with an iPhone, it is better to first reset the settings to avoid address conflicts. To do this, place the headphones in the case, press the button on the back and hold until the indicator flashes white.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the case with the headphones is charged. If the indicator inside the case does not light up when the cover is opened, first put them on charge, otherwise the pairing mode will not activate.
It's important to keep the devices within a meter of each other, which ensures a stable signal when you first shake hands with the protocols, and the absence of metal barriers between the phone and the case also allows for faster detection.
Step-by-step instruction for connecting via Bluetooth
The basic method of connection is standard for any wireless headset. You don't need special codes or PIN-combinations, as modern devices use secure pairing protocols.
First, unlock your Xiaomi smartphone screen and go to the main menu. Find the settings icon, which usually looks like a gear, and click on it. In the list of options that opens, we are interested in the section responsible for wireless connections.
☑️ Connection algorithm
In the Bluetooth menu, turn on the switch if it is in the off position. The phone will automatically search for available devices within range. At this point, open the case lid with the headphones without removing them, and press the pairing button on the back.
The indicator between the headphone compartments should start flashing white lights, signaling readiness for connection. In a few seconds, the list of available devices on the smartphone screen will show the words AirPods or AirPods Pro. Click on the headset name to start the communication.
Once the connection is successful, the system will issue a status notification "Connected." Now you can play music or video, the sound will be broadcast through the headphones. If the connection did not happen the first time, close the Bluetooth menu and repeat the search procedure.
Use the Mi Buds M8 app for advanced features
While basic connectivity works immediately, the native Android interface doesn’t display the charge level of each earphone separately and doesn’t allow for flexible touch controls. To address this problem, enthusiasts have developed a dedicated Mi Buds M8 app that emulates iOS functionality.
The installation file (APK) must be downloaded from a reliable source, since the official Google Play store does not have this application. Once installed and provided the necessary permissions, the program will automatically detect the connected Apple headphones and display their status.
- 📱 Charge visualization: A precise display of the battery percentage of the left, right earphone and the case itself in real time.
- 🎛️ Control setting: Ability to reassign actions when double or triple tapping on the headphone leg.
- 🔍 Headphone Search: A feature that allows you to play back sound to find lost AirPods within a room.
- 🔄 Update firmware: Verification of the relevance of the version of the headset software and the possibility of updating it through an Android smartphone.
The app's interface is intuitive and fully translated into Russian, and it consumes minimal resources in the background without affecting the autonomy of the smartphone, and it's the best way to get a user experience close to the Apple ecosystem.
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When installing third-party applications from unknown sources, MIUI may block the installation. Allow installation in the security settings for a particular browser or file manager.
Customization of sound and elimination of delays
One of the common problems with using third-party Android headphones is the desynchronization of audio and video streams, especially when watching videos on social networks or games. Standard codecs may not provide sufficient data transfer speeds.
To minimize delays, it is recommended to activate the developer mode in Xiaomi system, you need to click on the build number several times in the About Phone section. Once the corresponding notification appears in the settings menu, a hidden section for engineers will appear.
Inside the developer menu, find the Bluetooth Audio Codec option. The default option is either automatic or SBC. Try switching the codec to AAC or aptX if your smartphone and headphones support these formats. This often improves sound quality and connection stability.
| Codec | Sound quality | Delay (MS) | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | Basic | High (200+) | Universal. |
| AAC | High. | Medium (150) | Apple / Android |
| aptX | HD Quality | Low (40-80) | Android (Qualcomm) |
| LDAC | Hi-Res | Variable | Android (Sony) |
You should also turn off the "Absolute Volume Level" feature in the same developer menu if you see volume surges or quiet sound. After changing the settings, you need to restart the smartphone to apply the changes.
Solving Typical Connection Problems
Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be technical failures. Often the problem lies in the cache of Bluetooth services or the conflict of profiles. If the phone sees the headphones but does not connect, or the connection is constantly breaking, follow these steps.
First, try forgetting your device. Go to Bluetooth settings, click on the gear next to the AirPods name, and select "Delete" or "Forget device." Then repeat the pairing procedure from scratch, resetting the headphones themselves.
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones do not go into pairing mode after reset (flashing white) but flash orange, the reset process is not complete. 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes white 3 once.
Another reason could be a crowded list of stored devices: remove old, unused gadgets from the phone's memory, and check if the headphones are currently connected to another device, such as an iPad or MacBook, as they can intercept the connection.
In rare cases, clearing the cache of the Bluetooth system service helps. To do this, in the Applications section, find the Bluetooth system process, go to the storage and click Clear the cache. Don't confuse it with clearing the data, although this is also safe in this case, but you will need to re-enter passwords for all devices.
Features of the microphone and control
When using AirPods with Xiaomi, it is important to consider the limitations of the voice protocol. During a conversation, sound quality can switch to mono mode with lowered bitrate to ensure the stability of voice transmission.
Playback control (pause, track switching) works normally through double tapping, but calling the voice assistant by double tap will activate Google Assistant or Mi AI, not Siri, since deep integration with Apple's voice assistant is impossible on Android.
Can I use Siri on Xiaomi?
The automatic wear detection function (autopause when removing the earphone) is unstable or does not work at all without the use of third-party emulator applications, such as the Mi Buds M8, discussed above. In normal mode, the sound can continue to play even after the headset is removed from the ears.
The AirPods microphone performs well for calls, the wind and ambient noise reduction systems are hardware-based and independent of your smartphone, and the interviewer will hear you clearly if you are not in the zone of strong electromagnetic noise.
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For full operation of all functions, including autopause and equalizer setting, installation of a third-party emulator application is almost mandatory.