How to connect AirPods to Xiaomi TV: 5 working ways + problem solving

Apple AirPods wireless headphones have become an integral part of the ecosystem of many users, but their compatibility with other brands — for example, with Xiaomi TVs — is often questionable. Unlike smartphones, where the connection is made in a couple of clicks, set-top boxes and smart TVs require more complex setup. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to sync AirPods with Xiaomi TVs (including Mi models). TV 4S/5/5X/Q1/Q2/A2), and also solve typical problems: sound delay, communication breaks and lack of sound in one headphone.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi TVs support Bluetooth 5.0+, which is necessary for the stable operation of the AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods Max. If your model is released before 2020, you will most likely need an external adapter. We tested all methods on TVs with MIUI TV 3.0 and later – the results are summarized in the compatibility table below.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 AirPods charge (at least 20% for stable connection)
• 📺 TV firmware version (update may add support for new codecs)
• 🎧 Compatibility of headphone models (e.g., 1st generation AirPods do not work with the LC3-codec)

1. AirPods connection via built-in Bluetooth (for models with MIUI TV 3.0+)

The easiest way is to use a built-in Bluetooth module, if you have one on your TV. Supported on all Xiaomi models starting with the Mi. TV 4S 2020 And it's newer. It's relevant to the AirPods. 2/3, Pro 1/2, Max.

Steps for connection:

1. Open the AirPods case cover and hold the button on the back until the indicator flashes white (pairing mode).
2. On the Xiaomi remote, click Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. In the list of available devices, select your AirPods (the name will appear as AirPods [your name]).
4. Confirm the connection on the TV and wait for the message "Connected".

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV 2.0 (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 2018 may not be supported AAC-codec, which will cause a delay of up to 300 ms. in this case, use the methods from section 3 or 4.

2.Use of Bluetooth adapter for older Xiaomi models

If your TV is not equipped with Bluetooth (for example, Mi TV 3S or Mi TV 4 2017), you will need an external adapter. We recommend models on the CSR8510 or Broadcom BCM20702 chip, as they are best compatible with AirPods.

Step-by-step:

• 🔌 Connect the Bluetooth adapter to USB-TV port (use the port) USB 2.0 if you have a choice).
• 📱 Put AirPods in pairing mode (as in Section 1).
• 🖥️ On the TV, select the external device as the sound source. → [Adapter name].
• 🔊 In sound settings (Settings) → Sound. → Exit) set the format PCM minimally.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap adapters on the Realtek chip RTL8761 (price ₽) Often causes communication interruptions when watching Dolby Atmos movies. If your budget is tight, choose Avantek. APA-BT500 — It's optimized for MIUI TV.

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If the sound is interrupted after connecting the adapter, try turning off the Bluetooth Energy Saving function in the settings of the TV (Settings → System → Energy Saving).

3. Connect via Apple TV (better sound quality)

If you have an Apple TV 4K (2022 or later), this is the most reliable way to connect AirPods to a Xiaomi TV without delay.The method works via HDMI ARC/eARC and ensures that the sound is synchronized with the image.

Instructions:

1. Connect Apple. TV TV-to-TV HDMI-port ARC (usually marked HDMI 1 (ARC)).
2. In the Apple TV settings, go to Settings → Video and Sound → Audio Drive and select AirPods.
3. On Xiaomi TV, set the sound source: Settings → Sound → HDMI ARC.
4. Enable Low Latency mode in the Apple TV settings (Settings → Video and Sound → TV compatibility).

This method is the only one that supports Dolby Atmos spatial sound on the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Max when connected to a Xiaomi TV, but requires the TV to support eARC (e.g. Mi TV Q2 2023).

4. Alternative methods: AUX-advancer and TV-boxes

If Bluetooth is not available and you don’t want to buy an Apple TV, there are two ways around it:

• 🎵 Bluetooth transmitter AUX-Input: Connect the transmitter (e.g. TaoTronics) TT-BA07) Put the AirPods in pairing mode and connect to the transmitter. SBC (Minimum delay for Xiaomi).
• 📺 Android TV-console (Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box S): Connect the console to the TV through HDMI. In the set-top box settings, activate Bluetooth and connect AirPods. On the TV, select the sound source. HDMI (not ARC!).

⚠️ Attention: When in use AUX-Adapter switch off the built-in TV speakers (Settings) → Sound. → Dynamics → OFF, otherwise the sound will be duplicated with a delay.

5. Problem Solving: No sound, cliffs, delay

Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems, and here's how to fix them:

If the problem is not resolved, reset your Bluetooth settings on your TV:

Settings → System → Reset → Reset Network and Bluetooth settings

Then reconnect AirPods from scratch.

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For Xiaomi models on Android TV 9+ (Mi TV Q1/Q2), upgrade to the latest version of the firmware – the March 2026 update added support for the LC3 codec, which reduces latency to 50 ms.

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of connection depends on the TV model and the sound quality requirements.

For most users, an external Bluetooth adapter (such as the 1Mii B06 Plus) is the best solution – it provides an acceptable latency and does not require a large investment. If you want theatrical sound without compromise, consider buying an Apple TV 4K.

FAQ: Frequent questions