How to connect the Xiaomi column to the iPhone: 3 proven ways + mistake-making

Connecting Xiaomi’s portable speaker to an iPhone seems like a simple task — but in practice, users face unexpected problems: the device does not find the speaker, the connection is interrupted or the sound is delayed. The reasons lie in the peculiarities of Bluetooth protocols, the limitations of iOS and even the firmware of the column itself. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting (including hidden functions), explain why the iPhone may not see the column, and give a checklist for troubleshooting.

It is important to understand that the connection algorithm depends on the speaker model. For example, Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker and Xiaomi Smart Speaker connect differently - the former works via standard Bluetooth. A2DP, The second one requires the Mi Home app for full functionality, and we'll look at the universal methods that will work for most models, and also point out the nuances for specific devices.

1. Preparation before connecting: what to check on iPhone and column

Before you try to connect devices, make sure both gadgets are ready to pair. On your iPhone, check:

• 📱 iOS Version: Update to the latest version in Settings → Mainstream → Older versions (below iOS 15) may not support current Bluetooth codecs.
• 🔊 Do Not Disturb Mode: Turn it off at Control Point (swipe down from the top right corner).In this mode, the iPhone restricts the connection of new devices.
• 🔄 Bluetooth: Enable it in Settings → Bluetooth or via Control Point. Make sure there are no other active devices (earphones, smartwatches) nearby that may interfere with the connection.

On the Xiaomi column, follow the following steps:

• 🔋 Battery charge: If the indicator flashes red or the column makes intermittent sounds, charge it to at least 20.
• 🔄 Pair mode: on most models (Mi Portable Speaker, Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2) hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until you hear the beep and see a flashing blue/white LED.
• 🔇 Reset: If the speaker previously connected to another device, reset it to factory settings. + Loudness+ 10 seconds (for exact combination, see the model instructions).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi speaker supports dual connectivity (e.g. Mi Smart Speaker), it can “remember” up to 8 devices. If you exceed the limit, new connections are blocked – remove unnecessary devices through the Mi Home app.

Method 1: Standard Bluetooth connection (for all models)

This is the easiest method that works for most Xiaomi speakers, including Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Redmi Speaker and Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2.

1. Activate the pairing mode on the column (see Preparation section). Make sure the indicator flashes blue or white.
2. On the iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. In the “Other Devices” list, find the name of your column (e.g, MI-PBS Or Redmi-Speaker. Press it.
4. Confirm pairing if you get a request. A sound signal from the speaker means a successful connection.

If the column is not listed:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on iPhone: Turn it off and turn it back on at Control Point.
• 📱 Remove the column from the list of “My devices” (if there is one) and repeat the search.
• 🔋 Check that the column is charged and is in pairing mode (the indicator should flash).

The column is over 20 times charged%|

The pairing mode is activated (blinking indicator)|

On the iPhone is enabled Bluetooth and disabled mode “Do not disturb»|

The column is not connected to another device (e.g. a laptop)-->

Critical feature for iPhone: if the Xiaomi speaker previously connected to the Android device, it can use the codec SBC or AAC. iOS supports AAC, But some Xiaomi models are default SBC — This causes a delay in sound. To correct, reset the column settings (see section 1).

3. Method 2: Connect via the Mi Home app (for smart speakers)

If you have a smart speaker (Mi Smart Speaker, Mi) AI Speaker or Xiaomi Smart Speaker IR Control, a standard Bluetooth connection is not enough to work properly, and these models require a connection via the Mi Home app, which allows you to use the device:

• 🎵 Control the equalizer and sound presets.
• 🔊 Set up the voice assistant Xiao AI (Available only on Chinese firmware).
• 🔄 Update the column firmware.

Instructions for connection:

1. Download the Mi Home app from the App Store and sign up (you can use Apple) ID).
2. Turn on the column and put it in pairing mode (usually hold the Mi or Bluetooth button for 5 seconds).
3. In Mi Home, click Add Device (+) → Choose the category "Audio» → Find your column model.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app may ask you to connect to Wi-Fi (for smart features) or confirm the connection via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: If after connecting via Mi Home, the speaker does not play sound from the iPhone, check the "Access Rights" section in the application settings - give permission to access Bluetooth and the Local Network.

For columns with IR-Port (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Speaker) IR Control):

4. Method 3: Connecting through NFC (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi speakers (e.g. Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker) 16W) support NFC-It's convenient if your iPhone is chipped. NFC (iPhone 7 and newer models. The algorithm is simple:

1. Make sure that NFC enabled on iPhone (Settings) → NFC).
2. Activate Bluetooth on both devices.
3. Bring the iPhone to the tag NFC on the column (usually located on the back next to the Mi logo).
4. Confirm the pairing on the iPhone screen.

Advantages NFC-connection:

• ⚡ Instant pairing without searching in the list of devices.
• 🔒 More secure connection (excludes connecting of foreign devices).

Limitations:

• 📵 It only works at a distance of up to 5 cm.
• 🔄 After the first connection, the column will appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, and re-pairing through the NFC needless.

💡

If NFC If it doesn't work, check if the case is blocking the signal, metal or thick cases can interfere with communication.

5. Compatibility table: which Xiaomi speakers work with iPhone

Not all Xiaomi speakers interact equally well with iOS, and below is a table of compatibility of popular models with the features supported:

The table shows that Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker 2 and Mi Smart Speaker are the best choice for iPhone owners thanks to codec support. AAC and minimal delays in sound. SBC (For example, Redmi Speaker can give a delay of up to 200-300 ms, which is critical for watching video.

6. Problem Solving: The column fails to connect or the sound is interrupted

If the connection fails or the sound is distorted, use this instruction:

Problem 1: iPhone can’t find a column

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth: Turn it off and on on both devices.
• 📱 Reset network settings on iPhone: Settings → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset your network settings. Warning: this will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords!
• 🔋 Check the speaker battery: at a charge level below 15%, some models (Redmi Speaker) turn off the Bluetooth module.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or delayed

• 🎵 Change the codec: if the column supports AAC, Force it to select in the settings (in some models this is done through Mi Home).
• 📶 Eliminate interference: Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets) and distance yourself from Wi-Fi sources (routers, microwaves).
• 🔄 Update the column firmware via Mi Home (if the model is supported).

Problem 3: The column is connected, but there is no sound

• 🔊 Check the volume: on iPhone and speaker (sometimes they are adjusted separately).
• 🎧 Reset the sound settings on the iPhone: Settings → Music. → equalizer → Off..
• 🔌 Reconnect the column: remove it from the list of Bluetooth devices and pair again.

⚠️ Note: If after the iOS update the column stopped connecting, check the permissions for Mi Home in Settings → Confidentiality → Bluetooth.After system updates, applications often lose access to the module.

💡

If neither method worked, try connecting the speaker to another device (Android or PC) and if the problem persists, the Bluetooth module of the speaker is faulty.

7. Additional Features: How to Get the Most from Xiaomi’s Column

After successful connection, adjust the column for optimal sound:

Equalizer setting

In the Mi Home app (for supported models), select:

• 🎶 Bass: Empower for electronic music.
• 🎵 Mid-frequency: for vocals and podcasts.
• 🔊 High Frequency: For Classical Music.

Stereo couple mode

If you have two Xiaomi speakers, you can sync them for stereo sound:

1. Connect the first column to the iPhone.
2. Turn on the second column and activate the pairing mode.
3. In the Mi Home app, select the first column. → «Settings» → «Stereo couple» → add a second column.

Voice assistant (for smart speakers)

On models with Xiao support AI (For example, Mi Smart Speaker):

• 🗣️ Activate the assistant with the phrase “Hello, Xiao” AI» (It only works on Chinese firmware).
• 🌍 For Russian, install firmware with Alice or Google Assistant support (unofficial methods).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)