Xiaomi’s current wireless headphones, such as the popular Redmi Buds series or the flagship Mi True Wireless, are often perceived by users as devices that are exclusively tailored to the Android ecosystem. However, the reality is that the Bluetooth protocols used by the Chinese giant are fully compatible with the iOS operating system. Many iPhone owners successfully use Xiaomi’s budget and premium headsets, enjoying high-quality audio without overpaying for the Apple brand.
Connecting devices from different ecosystems can seem challenging at first, especially if you haven’t previously encountered manual pairing. Unlike AirPods, which instantly open the settings menu when you reach your iPhone, Xiaomi headsets require a couple of extra steps to go into visibility. The key is to follow the sequence of touch panels or physical charge case buttons.
In this article, we will take a look at all the nuances of connectivity, from preparing gadgets to solving specific problems with sound and microphone. You will learn how to properly reset your headphones if they stop finding the phone, and what hidden features are available through third-party applications. Let's move on to the practical part and customize your audio device for a comfortable experience.
Preparation of devices before the start of pairing
Before trying to connect Xiaomi Earbuds to your smartphone, you need to make sure that both devices are in good condition and ready to go.First of all, check the charge level in the case and the headphones themselves, as with a low battery charge (less than 15%), the headset may not enter detection mode or quickly shut down during the setup process. Put the headphones in the case and connect it to the charger for 15-20 minutes if you are not sure of the energy balance.
The second important step is to prepare the iPhone itself. Make sure the Bluetooth module is activated and functioning correctly. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and check if the switch is green. If other audio devices that you are not currently using have been connected to the phone before, it is better to temporarily disable them or forget them in the list of devices to avoid priority conflicts when connecting.
⚠️ Note: If your iPhone is on flight mode or power saving, the process of finding new devices may be difficult.
It's also worth clearing the list of previously connected devices in the Bluetooth menu if too many have accumulated.A crowded connection cache sometimes leads to new gadgets simply not showing up in the list of available ones.Delete old or unused profiles by clicking on the blue icon (i) next to the device name and selecting the "Forget this device" option.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting the headset
The process of connecting the Xiaomi headset to the iPhone does not require special applications and is performed by standard means of the system. The main thing is to correctly put the headphones in the mode (couples). Usually, this requires removing both headphones from the case, after which they will automatically go to standby mode. If the headphone indicators do not flash, you may need to force activation.
Take both earbuds at the same time and touch touch touch areas (or physical buttons) for about 3-5 seconds.You should hear a characteristic beep or see a rapid alternation of the display colors (often white and red or just white blinking).This means that the headset is now visible to surrounding devices. Don't remove your finger too early, otherwise the voice assistant will turn on instead of pairing mode or the track will change.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
Now take your iPhone and open the Settings → Bluetooth menu. In the Other Devices section, a search will begin. In a few seconds, the name of your model should appear in the list, for example, Redmi Buds 3 or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2. Click on the name and the system will request confirmation of pairing. After a successful connection, you will hear a voice message “Connected” or similar, and the headphone battery icon will appear in the status bar (on iOS 14 and above).
Configure management and functions through applications
While basic music playback and microphone work are available immediately after you connect, full use of all the features of the Xiaomi headset requires additional software installation. The official Xiaomi Earbuds app (formerly known as Mi Buds) allows you to flexibly adjust touch controls, change the equalizer and update the device firmware. You can download it for free from the App Store by searching for your model name or simply “Xiaomi Earbuds”.
After installing the app and providing the necessary permissions (Bluetooth, notifications, microphone), open it and press the add button. the app will automatically find the connected headphones and prompt to update their software. Firmware is an important component that fixes connection errors and improves stability, so it is not recommended to ignore updates.
Inside the app, you can reassign touch actions, such as double tapping the left earphone to switch tracks, and triple tapping the right to call the Siri voice assistant. There's also a headphone search feature available: if you lose one indoors, the app will make it squeak loudly, making it much easier to find.
Why do you need a firmware update?
Compatibility table and connection characteristics
Not all headphone models support the same set of codecs and features when working with iOS. It is important to understand the differences so as not to expect flagship functionality from a budget model. Below is a comparison table of popular models and their capabilities in conjunction with the iPhone.
| Model headphones | Bluetooth version | Codecs (iOS) | Annex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | 5.2 | AAC, SBC | Xiaomi Earbuds |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | 5.0 | AAC, SBC, LHDC | Mi Buds |
| Redmi AirDots 2 | 5.0 | SBC, AAC | Not required |
| Mi FlipBuds Pro | 5.2 | AAC, SBC, LHDC | Xiaomi Earbuds |
Note that the LHDC codec that some models support won't work on the iPhone because Apple uses its own protocol. However, the AAC codec that is the standard for Apple delivers excellent sound quality on all of these models. The difference in sound between SBC and AAC on mid-range wireless headphones is often almost unheard without special hardware.
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For maximum sound quality on your iPhone, make sure that Bluetooth settings (via blue icon (i)) select High in the Sound Quality section, although iOS itself selects the optimal codec automatically.
Solution: Headphones are not connected
Sometimes the pairing process can go wrong: the phone can’t see the headphones, the connection is cut off immediately after the start, or the sound is played in only one ear. The most common reason is that the headphones “remember” the previous device and try to connect to it, ignoring the iPhone, in which case you need to perform a complete reset of the headset settings.
To reset, place both headphones in the case, leaving the lid open. Press and hold the function button on the case (or touch the touch zones of both headphones simultaneously) for 10-15 seconds. The indicator should light up in red or orange, which signals a factory reset. After that, remove the device from the Bluetooth list on the iPhone (Forget the device) and repeat the connection procedure again.
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are still not visible to the phone after reset, try "forgetting" the device on all other gadgets (tablets, laptops) where they were previously authorized.Automatically reconnecting to a known device can block visibility for iPhones.
Another challenge is to desynchronize your left and right earphone when they're working as two separate devices, and the solution is to re-synchronize: put both earphones in your case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then open and press the pairing buttons. Wait until the lights start flashing in sync, which means combining into a stereo pair.
Features of the microphone and calls
The quality of voice transmission when talking through Xiaomi headsets on iPhone may differ from the regular EarPods. This is due to the peculiarities of implementing the HFP protocol (Hands-Free Profile). During a conversation, the quality of music may temporarily decrease as the channel goes into mono mode for voice transmission. This is normal behavior for all Bluetooth devices, not only Xiaomi.
If someone complains of a quiet voice or noise, check the microphone settings. In some headphone models, you can choose which headphone will be used as the main microphone (left, right or both), this setting is available in the Xiaomi Earbuds app. It is also worth noting that when using Siri, the voice assistant can be activated incorrectly if the appropriate action on the touch panel is not assigned.
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To improve the quality of calls, try not to cover the bottom of the headphone (where the microphone is located) with your fingers or the collar of your clothes. Even a slight shift can drastically reduce the intelligibility of your speech to the interlocutor.
In high wind conditions, some Xiaomi models include wind noise-cancellation algorithms that can distort the voice, making it "robotic." If you're outdoors and the quality of communication has dropped, try switching to the phone's microphone by pressing the appropriate button while ringing on the iPhone screen.
Additional Operational Advice
To extend the battery life, the lithium-ion batteries in headphones should not be discharged "to zero" too often. Try to put the case on charge when the indicator shows about 20-30%. Deep discharge can lead to degradation of the capacity and reduce battery life. Also, keep the headphones in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Regularly clean the mesh of speakers from earwax and dust using a dry soft brush or cotton swab slightly soaked in alcohol (do not allow fluid to enter). Clogged mesh is a common cause of quiet sound and noise reduction problems. Do this carefully so as not to damage the membrane of the speaker.