The integration of accessories from the Android ecosystem into Apple’s environment is often a question for users, especially when it comes to wireless headphones. Xiaomi and Redmi offer a wide range of audio devices, from budget models to flagship FlipBuds, which are technically compatible with iOS. However, the lack of a native iPhone app creates certain nuances in the initial setup and function management process.
Unlike Android smartphones, where pairing is almost instantaneous thanks to proprietary protocols, the iPhone requires a standard procedure for finding devices via Bluetooth.This means that some advanced features, such as changing the equalizer or adjusting gestures, may not be available immediately after purchase without using third-party solutions or workarounds.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions necessary for a stable connection of gadgets, and also consider ways to activate hidden capabilities. You will learn how to correctly enter pairing mode on different models and what to do if Apple’s smartphone “cannot see” the headset. The critical point is the correct sequence of clicks on the touch panels of headphones, since it differs from standard Android logic.
Preparation of equipment and resetting of settings
Before you start pairing, make sure both devices are ready to interact. Charge your headphone case and make sure your iPhone is powered up with Bluetooth. Often, problems arise when the headset tries to automatically connect to the last Android device in range.
If the headphones have been used with another phone before, it is highly recommended to perform a factory reset, which will clear the device’s memory of old profiles and make it visible for new connections. For most Xiaomi and Redmi models, the procedure is as follows:
- 🔌 Place both headphones in the charging case and leave the lid open.
- 🖐️ Press and hold the touch zones on both headphones simultaneously. 10-15 seconds.
- 💡 Wait until the indicator on the case lights up in orange (or starts flashing white, depending on the model).
- 📱 Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your old phone if it’s still there.
Once you do this, the headphones will go into active search mode, and you can now go directly to the settings on your Apple device.
⚠️ Warning: Do not close the case cover during the reset or pairing process.In some Xiaomi models, closing the cover interrupts the (pairing) mode and returns the device to sleep mode.
Step-by-step instructions for pairing with iOS
The process of connecting Xiaomi headphones to iPhone is based on the standard Bluetooth protocol, so it does not require installing additional drivers. Open your smartphone settings and go to the appropriate menu. Make sure that the Bluetooth slider is active and lit in green.
Next, you need to remove the headphones from the case. Unlike some other brands, you don't need to hold the buttons for long periods of time when you remove them -- you just need to get them out if they've been pre-reset. The smartphone will start scanning the available devices. The name of your model should appear on the "Other Devices" list, for example, Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2.
Click on the device name in the list. The system can request confirmation of action through a pop-up with a code or simply suggest the "Connect" button. Once the connection is successful, the status will change to "Connected", and the headphone battery icon will appear at the top of the screen (depending on the iOS version and model).
What to do if the device is not found?
If the iPhone doesn't see the headphones, try rebooting Bluetooth on the phone (turn off and on).Also make sure the headphones aren't connected to another device nearby, as they can automatically reconnect to it as a priority.> To check the quality of the connection, play any audio track. If there is sound in only one earphone, put both in the case, close the lid for 5 seconds and open again - they should sync with each other (TWS-Use of the Xiaomi Earbuds app for iOS Although the basic connection works without additional software, it is recommended to use a specialized application to fully unlock the potential of the headset. The official Xiaomi Earbuds app for iOS may not be in your regional App Store, however, there are proven analogues such as Xiaomi Earbuds (from third-party developers) or Mi Buds. M8, Installing an application like this allows you to access advanced settings that are hidden in the standard Bluetooth menu: 🎚️ Set up equalizer and sound profiles. 🎮 Activation of low delay mode (Game Mode). 🖱️ Reassignment of actions when touching the touch panel. 🔋 Exactly monitor the charge of each earphone and case. Once installed, launch the app and provide the necessary Bluetooth and geolocation permissions. Geolocation is required by iOS to run the Bluetooth scanner, even if the app does not use maps. In the main menu, click the device search button (usually the icon"+") One of the common problems with using Xiaomi headphones with iPhones is the microphone malfunctioning, and interviewees may complain about a quiet voice or lack thereof. This is due to differences in codecs and voice protocols between Android and iOS. In most cases, the iPhone automatically selects the correct audio channel. However, if you are in a noisy room, the system can switch to the phone's microphone. To check and set priorities, go to Settings → Universal access → Audio visualization. You can activate the "Mophone" function, which allows you to use the microphone of only one (left or right) earphone, which sometimes improves the quality of communication. Standard gestures such as double-touching to respond or long-term retention to deflect must work out of the box. If this does not happen, you may need to reconfigure through the intermediary app mentioned earlier. In some models of Redmi and Xiaomi, the touch sequence for iOS may differ from the one stated in the instructions for Android. The function (standard) Nuance on iOS 1 touch Start/Stop music Works stably 2 touches The call response may require app 3 touch The next track Often does not work without the Hold Call / Siri If the microphone works quietly, the device can be checked for dust, the object should be significantly reduced by sensitivity. Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may face technical difficulties, the most common problem is the desynchronization of sound in the left and right earphones or periodic breaks in the connection. Often this is solved by restarting the Bluetooth module on the iPhone through the Settings menu. → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset the network settings. ⚠️ Attention: Resetting the network settings will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings. Make sure you remember passwords from important networks before performing this operation. Another cause of instability may be signal interference. If you are in a place with a large concentration of Wi-Fi routers or other Bluetooth devices, the quality of communication may fall. In such cases, try to move away from the source of interference or switch the frequency of the Wi-Fi router to 5 GHz, if possible. 📊 What problem do you most often encounter?Do not see headphones Quiet microphoneRassinchron left and right Quickly sit down If the sound has become monophonic (plays only in one ear), and the reboot does not help, try to "forget" the device in the Bluetooth settings, then perform a complete reset of the headphones (as described in the first section) and re-create the pair. This solves 90% of the software pairing errors. + Android smartphones often support advanced codecs like LDAC, LHDC Or a proprietary codec from Qualcomm (aptX Adaptive). AAC, It's different from compression and data transfer algorithms. When you connect to an iPhone, Xiaomi earphones automatically switch to codec. AAC. This means you won’t be able to take advantage of the maximum bitrate available with Android flagships, but for most users, the difference in audio quality will be minimal or subtle, because the difference in audio quality is very small. AAC For audiophiles using Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro-level models, it is worth noting that noise reduction modes are used (ANC) They may operate in less efficient mode or have fewer adjustment steps without the native application. 💡Automatic switching to codec AAC It provides stable work, but disables support for Hi-Res audio, available only in conjunction with Android. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Update Xiaomi Headphone Firmware with an iPhone? Officially No. The firmware is only updated through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app on Android. However, there are third-party apps in the App Store that emulate this process, but their use is at your own risk, as there is a possibility of “bricking” the device. Why doesn’t the automatic pause work when removing the headphone? In-ear detection sensors on Xiaomi headphones often depend on proprietary Android drivers. On iOS, this feature may not work at all or work unstable, as Apple does not provide full access to these sensors for third-party Bluetooth devices without a certified chip. H1/W1. How to verify the authenticity of headphones when connecting to iOS? Unlike AirPods, Xiaomi does not have a pop-up with animation and authentication on the iPhone. You need to verify the authenticity by external signs, build quality and through the official application on the Android device, which will accurately determine the originality of the gadget. Yes, Siri voice assistant is activated in the standard way (usually by long pressing or by using the "Hey Siri" command on the phone). AI The iPhone will not work through the headphones.