How to connect Xiaomi headphones to iPad: the full guide

Modern wireless headphones from the Chinese manufacturer have become the standard of quality in the budget and mid-range segment, but their integration with the Apple ecosystem sometimes raises questions among users. The pairing of devices from different brands usually goes smoothly, but there are nuances that are important to know before using. iPad owners often face the need to quickly set up audio devices for work, games or viewing content.

The connection process does not require deep technical knowledge, but the correct execution of the sequence of actions guarantees a stable signal and high sound quality. Xiaomi uses the standard Bluetooth protocol, which makes them compatible with almost any gadget, including products of Cupertinos company. However, to unlock the full potential of the headset, it is worth paying attention to some hidden settings and features of the interaction of operating systems.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the steps of connecting, from activating pairing mode to solving common driver or A2DP profile issues. You’ll learn how to properly reset your headset if it’s no longer defined, and how to optimize power consumption. Let’s move on to practical steps to help you enjoy your favorite music without delays and connection breaks.

Preparation of devices for pairing

Before starting the procedure, make sure that both devices are ready to work. The headphone battery should be sufficiently charged so that they do not turn off at the most inopportune moment. If the headset is new, it is recommended to first fully charge the case and sambuses, since during prolonged storage the battery could run out to zero.

You should check the status of the Bluetooth module on the tablet. Go to the settings and make sure the switch is activated. Sometimes the iPadOS system may temporarily block the search for new devices if the module is frozen, so a useful step is to briefly turn off and re-enable Bluetooth.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure the headphones are in close proximity to the tablet (no more than 1 meter) during primary pairing. Wall obstructions or a running microwave can cause interference in the 2.4 GHz range.

It's also worth checking if your Xiaomi Earbuds are connected to another phone right now.Many models automatically try to reconnect with the last active device, which can prevent the tablet from detecting: Turn off Bluetooth on the smartphone or turn off the headset in its settings.

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If you’ve previously connected headphones to other Apple devices, use the Quick Connect feature via iCloud if the model supports a Fast Pair chip, although manual search is more often required for Xiaomi.

Activation of the pairing mode on headphones

The key step is to put the headset in visibility mode. This process may differ from Xiaomi to model. In most cases, if you use the headphones for the first time, they go into pairing mode automatically as soon as they are removed from the case, the indicator on the case will flash white or blue, signaling readiness.

If the device has been previously connected to another gadget, the automatic transition may not occur, in this case, you need to pinch the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds. Some models, such as Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, require prolonged pressing on the functional button located on the back of the charging case.

  • 🎧 Remove both headphones from the case and wait for the indicator to blink.
  • ⏱ Press the touch zones for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes more often.
  • πŸ”‹ For models with a button on the case, hold it until the light indication appears.
  • πŸ“± Make sure the indicator flashes intermittently, which means search mode.

It's important to remember when the light changes the blinking frequency, and it's in this short period of time that the device is most actively looking for a partner, and if you don't have time to search on the tablet, the mode can deactivate after 1-2 minutes to save energy.

β˜‘οΈ Interconnection mode

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Search and Connect via iPad Settings

After you've prepared the headset, you go to the tablet. Open the Settings app and select the Bluetooth section. The Other Devices list should have a new object. The name usually contains a model, like the Mi True Wireless EBs Basic or Xiaomi Redmi Buds.

Click on the device name. The system will try to establish a connection, at which point a request for confirmation of pairing with the code or just a notification "Connect." Confirm the action. The process takes no more than 10-15 seconds with a stable signal.

If the headset doesn't appear on the list of devices, click on the list update icon or temporarily turn off Bluetooth again. Sometimes it helps to reboot the tablet itself, especially if it hasn't turned off for a long time. Also make sure that the iPad has an up-to-date version of iPadOS installed, as older versions may have driver conflicts with new Bluetooth 5.0 and higher protocols.

Model headphonesIndication of regimeAction for dischargeFeature
Mi True Wireless 2White flashing10 seconds in the caseAuto-connection
Redmi Buds 3Orange blinkingThe button on the caseLow delay
Xiaomi FlipBudsBlue flashing15 seconds of sensorsNoise suppression
Air 2 SEWhite/Red5 seconds of sensorsBudget segment
πŸ“Š What kind of headphones Xiaomi you have?
Mi True Wireless
Redmi Buds
Xiaomi FlipBuds
Another model

Sound tuning and control

Once the audio profile is successfully connected, it switches automatically. However, standard iOS/iPadOS settings may limit functionality. For example, the equalizer can be configured through the built-in system: go to Settings β†’ Music β†’ Equalizer. Select the appropriate preset, such as Late Night or Acoustics, to improve the sound.

Playback control (track switching, pause) works through the touch areas of the headphones, but gesture settings often depend on the specific application. In a standard Apple player, double tap usually pauses, and triple taps the track. To change the logic of the sensors, you may need to install a third-party app from the App Store, since the official Xiaomi Earbuds app for iOS does not exist.

⚠️ Attention: Active noise reduction function (ANC) On some models, Xiaomi may not switch through sensors when working with the iPad. Mode can be fixed in the last state set when connecting to an Android smartphone.

It's important for gamers to check for latency. There's no special game mode in the Bluetooth settings on the iPad, but some headphone models automatically activate low latency when you start video content. If you notice a desynchronization, try turning off the headphones and reconnect them without removing them from the case.

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For full control of equalizer settings and updates of headphone firmware Xiaomi is more convenient to use Android-smartphone with the Mi Home application, and then return to use with the iPad.

Solution: Headphones are not connected

If pairing fails on the first try, don't panic. The most common reason is residual data about previous connections in the headset memory. You need to perform a full reset. To do this, place the headphones in the case, close the lid, then open it and press the reset button (or sensors) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red several times.

Another problem can be a crowded list of Bluetooth devices on the tablet. iPad remembers a lot of gadgets, and sometimes it causes addressing conflicts. Go to Bluetooth settings, find your Xiaomi in the list of My devices, click on the icon "i" and select "Forget this device." After that, repeat the search procedure again.

  • πŸ”„ Perform a full reset of headphones to factory settings.
  • πŸ—‘ Remove the device from the forgotten list on the iPad.
  • πŸ“Ά Reboot the Bluetooth module on the tablet.
  • πŸ”‹ Check if the case is completely discharged.

In rare cases, the problem is a software failure of iPadOS. Try resetting your network settings. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return all network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, to factory values. β†’ Removing or resetting the iPad β†’ Reset β†’ Reset the network settings.

What if there is only one sound in the earphone?
This is a common problem in de-synchronizing the left and right channels, so put both earbuds in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull them out at the same time, and if it doesn't work, do a full reset as instructed above.

Optimization of work and energy saving

To extend battery life, it is important to properly care for the battery. Avoid deep discharge, in which the device does not turn on for months. Lithium polymer batteries used in Xiaomi TWS degrade faster if they are in a 0% state of charge for a long time.

Also, consider that using the microphone (calls, Siri) more than just listening to music consumes more energy. If you use headphones only for media, try not to activate the voice assistants unnecessarily.

Clean the charging contacts on the headphones themselves regularly. Oxidation or contamination with earwax can cause the headphones to not charge to 100% in the case, creating the illusion of a quick discharge. Use a dry cotton swab for careful cleaning.

Why does the iPad show low headphone charge?
Sometimes iPadOS misreads the charge level of third-party Bluetooth devices because of differences in data protocols. This is a visual bug, and the headphones can last longer than the indicator indicates. Reconnect usually solves the problem.
Can I update the headphones via iPad?
Officially, the firmware update of Xiaomi headphones is only possible through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app on Android and iOS (for smartphones). On the iPad, there is no direct way to update Firmware, but often the update is automatically updated when you connect to an Android smartphone, after which the headphones save the new version.
Does autopause work when removing the headphone?
The autopause function depends on the model. Xiaomi’s budget models (like the Redmi Buds Lite) often don’t have proximity sensors. Flagship models (FlipBuds Pro) can support this feature, but its performance on the iPad is not guaranteed and depends on the implementation of the protocol.
What sound codec is used when connecting?
iPad supports AAC, SBC and AptX codecs (on some models). Xiaomi headphones typically use SBC and AAC. When connected to an iPad, the most likely choice is the AAC codec, which provides good sound quality and connection stability in the Apple ecosystem.