How to connect Xiaomi headphones to iPhone 11: all ways and solutions to problems

Why is it that connecting Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone 11 can cause difficulties?

Compatibility of devices from different brands is one of the most common problems among users. Xiaomi and Apple use different wireless protocols, which sometimes leads to connection problems. For example, Xiaomi wireless headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds or Redmi AirDots) are optimized for working with Android devices that support the AAC and SBC codec, but do not always interact with iOS.

In addition, the iPhone 11 does not support the aptX codec that is often used in Xiaomi’s premium headphones, which can lead to poor audio quality or periodic communication interruptions. In this article, we will explore all possible ways to connect, from a standard Bluetooth connection to the use of adapters for wired models, and solve typical problems that users face.

If you’ve never connected a Xiaomi headphone to an iPhone before, don’t worry: it takes less than 5 minutes to process, and our instructions will help you avoid common mistakes.

Method 1: Connecting Xiaomi wireless headphones over Bluetooth

This is the most versatile method that works for most models, from the budget Redmi Buds to the flagship Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro. However, there are nuances: some headphones may not appear in the list of available devices or connect with a delay.

First, make sure that the headphones are charged (the indicator should flash white or blue) and are in pairing mode.

• 🔋 Remove the headphones from the case and wait until they automatically turn on (usually accompanied by an audible beep).
• 📱 Hold the button on the headphone case (or touchpad) for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing quickly (this means activating search mode).
• 🔄 If the headphones have already been connected to another device, reset their settings: press the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator changes color (usually red, then white).

Now we move on to the settings of the iPhone 11:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it is turned off).
3. In the list of Other devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2).
4. Slip the name and wait for the sign to appear.

Turn off and turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone again

Reboot the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out)

Make sure the headphones are not connected to another device

Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app (if available)-->

If the connection is successful but the sound is interrupted or distorted, try the following:

• 🔊 Go to Settings. → Universal access → Audiovisual effects and disable the Speech Improvement option (it may conflict with the codec) AAC).
• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the iPhone and the headphones (walls, metal objects).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: forget the device in the Bluetooth settings and pair again.

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If your headphones support the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app, install it on your Android device to update your firmware.This could solve iPhone compatibility issues.

Method 2: Connecting Xiaomi wired headphones through Lightning

If you have Xiaomi wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones or Redmi Hi-Res Audio), you will need an adapter to connect to the iPhone 11, because Apple has abandoned the 3.5 mm jack in favor of Lightning, and Xiaomi headphones usually come with a standard plug.

You will need one of the following adapters:

Instructions for connection:

1. Connect the adapter to the Lightning port on the iPhone 11.
2. Insert the headphone plug into the 3.5 mm adapter connector.
3. If there is no sound, check the volume and cleanness of the connectors (dust or oxidation may interfere with contact).
4. To activate the microphone, you may need to confirm in the settings: Settings → Privacy → Microphone.

The important thing is, if you're using a non-original adapter, your iPhone can give you a warning about an uncertified accessory, and in most cases, it doesn't interfere with your work, but the sound quality can deteriorate, and some adapters don't support the control buttons on the headphone wire.

Method 3: Using an application to improve compatibility

If Xiaomi headphones connect to the iPhone 11 but the sound is interrupted or there is no bass, the problem could be with Bluetooth codecs. By default, iOS uses AAC, which doesn't always work optimally with Xiaomi devices.

Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t allow you to manually select codecs, but there are workarounds:

• 🎧 Install the Equalizer app+ boom 3D from the App Store to customize the sound profile for your headphones.
• 🔄 Switch the headphones to low latency (if supported). This usually requires three taps on the touchpad.
• 📱 Update your headphone firmware through your Android device (if an update is available).

For some models (such as Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), there is an unofficial Mi Earphones app for iOS that allows you to:

• 🎛️ Set up the equaliser.
• 🔋 Check the charge level of headphones and case.
• 🔄 Update the firmware (limited).

Redmi AirDots (1/2/3 generation)

Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds

Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro

Another model

Wired headphones Xiaomi-->

Important: Xiaomi headphone customization apps on iOS often have limited functionality compared to Android versions. For example, firmware updates may not be available.

Problem Solving: Headphones are connected but not working

Even if the headphones are successfully paired with the iPhone 11, the following problems may occur:

⚠️ Warning: If the sound is distorted or interrupted, check if the Low Power Quality mode is on in the Bluetooth settings.

Let’s look at typical faults and ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Main → Reset or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
2. Confirm the action (all stored Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices will be deleted).
3. Reboot the phone and reconnect the headphones.

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Resetting the network is a last resort, and only use it if other methods have not worked, because you will have to re-enter the Wi-Fi passwords.

Alternative ways to connect: when Bluetooth is not working

If wireless connectivity is not possible (for example, due to incompatibility or failure of the Bluetooth module), consider alternative options:

• 🎵 Audio for Lightning: Allows you to charge your phone and connect wired headphones at the same time. Example: Belkin RockStar.
• 📡 Bluetooth transmitter for wired headphones: Devices like Avantek APT-Low Latency convert a 3.5mm signal to Bluetooth, making any wired headphones wireless.
• 💻 Connection through USB-C (iPhone 15 and later: If you have a Lightning adapter → USB-C, You can use headphones with a connector. USB-C (For example, Xiaomi Type-C Earphones).

To connect via Bluetooth transmitter:

1. Connect the transmitter to the headphones in 3.5 mm.
2. Enable the transmitter in pairing mode (usually by holding the button).
3. On your iPhone, find the transmitter in the list of Bluetooth devices and connect.

This method is especially useful if you have an older Xiaomi headphone model without AAC or SBC support. However, note that the audio delay can increase to 100-200 ms, which is critical for gaming or watching videos.

Comparison of headphones Xiaomi on compatibility with the iPhone 11

Not all Xiaomi headphones work equally well with iPhones, and we tested several popular options and compiled a compatibility table:

If you’re just planning to buy Xiaomi headphones for the iPhone 11, look for models that support AAC or SBC. For example, the FlipBuds Pro or Mi True Wireless Earbuds 3 show the best results for stability and sound quality.

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Before buying, check on the manufacturer’s website if the headphone model supports AAC codec. This ensures minimal compatibility issues.

Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone 11