The integration of the Android and macOS ecosystem is often a question for users, especially when it comes to peripherals. Xiaomi or Redmi headphones, popular for their excellent value for money, are easy to make friends with an Apple laptop if you know the right sequence of actions. Despite the fact that operating systems are different, the Bluetooth standard works universally, providing a stable connection for listening to music and calls.
However, the process is not always smooth: there may be delays, microphone problems or difficulties with reconnecting. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic pairing algorithm, but also delve into the technical nuances of audio codecs in the macOS environment. You will learn how to activate advanced functions and eliminate typical errors that prevent you from enjoying quality sound.
To start, make sure your MacBook is equipped with a Bluetooth module (all modern models have it built-in) and that the operating system is updated to the current version. Older versions of macOS may not work properly with the new encryption protocols used in the latest Xiaomi headphone models.
⚠️ Warning: Before pairing, make sure the headphones are at least 20% charged. Low battery power can cause the Bluetooth module to work unstable and interrupt the connection process.
Preparation of Xiaomi headphones for pairing mode
The first and most critical step is to put the headset in visibility mode. Many users make the mistake of simply turning on the device, but the first time you connect to a new gadget (in this case, a MacBook) you need to activate Pairing Mode. Depending on the form factor of your headphones — whether it is AirDots, Buds or full-size model Mi Headphones — the procedure can be slightly different.
For fully wireless models (TWS), it is usually necessary to remove both headphones from the case. If this is the first turn on, they often go into search mode. If the headphones were previously connected to the phone, they must be forced to pair them. Most often, this requires (hold) the touch zones on both earphones for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white or blue. On some models, such as the Redmi Buds 3 Pro, you need to hold the function button on the charging case itself.
Full-size models, such as the Mi Wireless Headphones, require holding the power button. Once the voice assistant or the beep is turned on, the button should continue to hold for a few more seconds. The LED indicator should start flashing quickly, signaling that the device is broadcasting a signal for search.
What to do if the indicator does not flash?
It is important to understand that the flashing mode of the indicator is the only sure sign of a device’s readiness to connect. If the indicator is on with a steady light or flashing slowly, the computer will not see the device in the list of available ones.
Connection process through macOS system settings
Once Xiaomi headphones have gone into visibility mode, you need to switch to the MacBook interface. macOS has centralized wireless connection management. Open the Apple menu (the Apple logo in the upper left corner) and select System Settings or System Preferences in older versions of the OS.
In the window that opens, look for the Bluetooth partition. Make sure the Bluetooth switch is activated. If the module is turned off, turn it on and wait a few seconds for the system to scan the surrounding space. The list of "Devices" or "My devices" should show the name of your headset, for example, Mi True Wireless EBs Basic or Xiaomi Wireless Headphones.
Click the Connect button next to the device name. The system can request confirmation or show a pairing code, although this is rare for audio devices. The process of installing drivers and profiles will take a few seconds. Once successfully completed, the device name will be next to the Connected status, and the menu bar (at the top of the screen) will display a Bluetooth icon with a battery level.
System settings
Bluetooth
🔍 Find the name of your Xiaomi headphones in the list of available devices.
Connect
☑️ Checking a successful connection
Setting up the output of sound and microphone
After technical pairing, it's often the case that the sound continues to go through the speakers on the laptop, which is normal for the system to not always automatically switch the output profile to the new device, and to correct the situation, you have to manually select the playback source.
The quickest way is to click on the Control Center icon in the top right corner of the screen (the dual-switch icon) and select the Sound section. In the Output drop-down list, select your Xiaomi headphones. If you plan to use the headset for video calls, remember to also check the Input tab by selecting the headphone microphone there.
To fine tune it, open System Settings → Sound. Balance and volume sliders are available. that when you switch to Hands-Free mode, music playback can be reduced by limiting the bandwidth of the Bluetooth protocol, a technical feature, not a defect.
⚠️ Note: When using a headphone microphone in apps like Zoom or Skype, macOS automatically switches the codec to narrowband. To listen to high-quality music, turn off the microphone in the app settings or use an external microphone.
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Use the Option + Click key combination on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar to quickly see technical information about the connected device, including signal level and codec type.
Working with audio codecs and sound quality
One of the main features of the Apple ecosystem is the use of proprietary AAC codec. Xiaomi headphones running on Android often support SBC, AAC and sometimes aptX or LDAC codecs. When connecting to a MacBook, priority is given to AAC, which provides good sound quality, but may differ from what you heard on an Android smartphone.
The macOS system does not allow the user to manually select a codec (for example, switch to aptX if the headphones support it), as some third-party players on Android do. The choice of codec is automatically when handshake devices. If the headphones support AAC, the connection will be established through it, providing a stable bitrate.
It's important for audiophiles to know that if you're using an LDAC-enabled model, you can't take full advantage of this on a Mac, because macOS doesn't support the codec natively. However, the quality of AAC on a poppy is usually very well implemented, and the difference can only be noticeable on a very expensive audio system or critical listening.
| Parameter | Description | Support for macOS |
|---|---|---|
| SBC | Basic codec, mandatory for all devices | Complete. |
| AAC | Apple's core codec, good quality | Full (Priority) |
| aptX | Qualcomm Codec for Android | No (System rolls back to SBC/AAC) |
| LDAC | Sony's high resolution | No. |
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macOS compulsorily uses the AAC codec for compatible devices, ignoring aptX and LDAC, so there is no point in looking for codec switching settings in the system.
Battery management and charge level widget
One of the nice things about integrating Xiaomi and Apple is that it can track the level of charge. Although there is no native pop-up window, like the iPhone, on macOS, the battery level of the connected headphones is displayed in the Bluetooth widget.
To see the exact percentage, click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. The list of devices next to your Mi True Wireless or Redmi Buds name will show the percentage of remaining charge, which allows you to schedule the charging time of the case and avoid the situation when the music stops at the most inopportune moment.
Note that the display of charge may not work instantly. Sometimes it takes the system a few seconds after you connect to request and update the data from the headset. If the percentage is not displayed for a long time, try to turn off and reconnect the device.
Solving common problems and malfunctions
Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be technical failures, most often users experience the MacBook not seeing the headphones or the sound is interrupted. If the device does not appear in the list, try removing it from the list of known devices on the Mac (click the Forget this device button) and pairing again.
Sound problems, such as cracking or delays, are often associated with signal interference. Bluetooth operates at 2.4 GHz, just like Wi-Fi. If the router is close to the laptop, this can cause interference. Try switching Wi-Fi to a 5 GHz network or pushing the router away.
Also a common problem is the desynchronization of left and right headphones in the TWS-This is done by completely resetting the headphones to the factory settings, usually by putting the headphones in the case and holding the reset button (or sensors) for a period of time. 10-15 seconds before the color change of the indicator.
- 🔇 The sound is interrupted: check the distance to the device and the presence of interference from Wi-Fi routers.
- 🔇 No sound: check in System settings → Sound, whether the headphones are selected by the output device.
- 🔇 Microphone not working: make sure the correct input source is selected in the call app.
- 🔇 Headphones not visible: remove the device from the Bluetooth list and reset the headset.
⚠️ Warning: If after reset, the headphones continue to work incorrectly only with the Mac, but normal with the phone, try updating the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Earbuds on your smartphone, and then connect again to the laptop.