The compatibility of accessories of different brands often raises questions among users, especially when it comes to popular smartphone models and budget, but high-quality peripherals. iPhone 11, despite its age, remains one of the most common devices in the Apple ecosystem, and owners often look for ways to expand its functionality without overpaying for the original AirPods. Headphones from Xiaomi, including the Redmi series and Mi True Wireless, offer a great alternative, but the process of their initial configuration in the iOS environment has its nuances, different from working with Android devices.
The main difficulty is that proprietary fast pairing protocols, working out of the box on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, do not automatically activate on devices with the iOS operating system. This does not mean that the devices are incompatible; on the contrary, the standard Bluetooth protocol provides a stable connection, but the user will have to perform a number of actions manually. Understanding these differences will avoid unnecessary waste of time and nerves when trying to make gadgets “see” each other.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of connecting various models of wireless headphones from the Chinese manufacturer to the smartphone from Apple. We will consider not only the standard pairing procedure, but also the installation of specialized software that allows you to unlock the full potential of the device, including noise reduction and adjustment of touch zones.
Technical features of pairing iOS and accessories Xiaomi
The fundamental difference is the architecture of the operating systems. Android, as an open platform, allows headphone manufacturers to implement their own extensions to instantly detect devices near the phone. In the case of the iPhone 11 and its iOS operating system, Apple strictly controls peripheral connections, relying on standard A2DP and HFP profiles. This means that the “magic” pop-up with an animation of battery life characteristic of native devices, in the standard scenario will not work without third-party software.
However, the quality of the audio codec does not suffer. iPhone 11 supports the transmission of audio stream in high quality, and headphones Xiaomi is able to decode it correctly. The main attention should be paid to the Bluetooth version: modern models of headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 protocol and higher, which guarantees low latency and stable signal even in noisy air. Problems can only arise with very old models of headphones that use outdated power standards.
⚠️ Note: When you first connect, do not try to find your headphones through the Settings menu immediately after you extract from the case. First, you need to activate the visibility mode manually, otherwise the search for the device can last indefinitely.
It is also important to consider that some features, such as automatic detection of wear (accessivity sensor) or switching between noise reduction and transparency mode, may require the presence of a branded application. Without it, the headphones will work in basic mode, playing sound, but depriving the user of the ability to fine-tune the equalizer or reassign touch commands. Compatibility at the level of basic audio is always guaranteed, but functionality can be limited.
Preparation of iPhone 11 and headphones for the first turn on
Before you start pairing directly, you need to make sure that both devices are ready to go. For the iPhone 11, this means checking the current version of the operating system. While Xiaomi headphones are compatible with most iOS versions, having the latest security updates and Bluetooth drivers minimizes the risk of software conflicts. Go to Settings → Main → Software Update and make sure the system is up to date.
As for the headphones themselves, their preparation is often ignored by users, which leads to errors. If the device is new, it is likely to be in standby mode. However, if the headphones have previously been connected to another smartphone (for example, Android), they may try to automatically connect to the last known device, ignoring requests from the iPhone, in which case a forced reset or manual entry into pairing mode is required.
☑️ Preparing devices for synchronization
It's also worth checking the charge level of the case itself. Some Mi True Wireless Earbuds models don't go into pairing mode if the case charge is critically low, even if the headphones inside are charged. This is a protective mechanism to prevent the battery from running deep. Make sure the indicator on the case burns or flashes the appropriate color when the lid is opened.
Step-by-step: Standard Bluetooth connection
The most reliable and versatile method, which works for 100% of Xiaomi and Redmi headphone models, is manual pairing through the iOS system menu.This method does not require the installation of additional software and guarantees basic functionality. The algorithm of actions is the same for all models, whether it is AirDots, Redmi Buds or flagship Mi Buds.
The first step is to put the headphones in detection mode. For most TWS (True Wireless Stereo) models, this is done by holding the touch zone on both headphones for a long time or by having a special button on the case. Depending on the model, the indicator should start flashing quickly in white or blue, which is a signal that the device is broadcasting a Bluetooth signal and ready to connect.
1. Open "Settings" on iPhone 11.
2. Go to the "Bluetooth" section.
3. Make sure the switch is active (green).
4. In the list of "Other devices" find the name of your model.
5. Click on the name to pair.After a successful connection, the status will change to Connected. If the device requests code confirmation, in most cases, the code is either not required or standard 0000. In the rare cases when the headphones are not on the list, try closing the case cover, waiting 5 seconds and reopening it, trying to search again.
| Model headphones | Indication of the interface regime | Activation action | Feature for iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots | Blinking white (2 times per second) | Hold the sensor 5-7 seconds | You need to drop the right earphone separately. |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | Blinking white | Open the case (if discharged) | An application is required for full functionality |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Blinking green/white | Case button 3 seconds | Noise reduction support without application is limited |
| Mi Buds 3T | Fast blinking. | Sensor retention | Automatic switching of devices does not work |
⚠️ Note: If two identical devices appear on the Bluetooth list (e.g., "Redmi AirDots" and "Redmi AirDots R"), this means that the headphones have lost sync with each other (mono mode.
Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app for enhanced functionality
While basic connectivity works right away, it is highly recommended to install a dedicated app to take full advantage of modern models such as the Redmi Buds 3 Pro or Mi Buds 3T. The official app is called Xiaomi Earbuds (previously called Mi Buds or built into Mi Home).
Once you install the app and start it, it will suggest adding a new device. Unlike the system menu, the app can use geolocation and Bluetooth scanning to find more accurately. Once paired through the app, the user gets access to the headphone firmware update. This is critical, as the manufacturer often releases patches that improve the stability of the connection with Apple devices.
Why update the headphone firmware through the app?
The app also has a touchscreen setting available. Standard settings may not match the user's habits, and iOS does not allow you to change the assignment of touches by system means. Through the application interface, you can reassign double touch, long hold or triple touch to control playback, call Siri voice assistant or switch noise reduction modes.
Solving common problems when connecting
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties. One of the most common problems is desynchronizing channels, where the sound comes from only one earbud, or they are defined as two different devices, in which case the standard "forget device" in the Bluetooth menu may not help.
To perform the reset, it is usually necessary to place the headphones in the case, open the cover and hold the function button on the back (or touch areas of both headphones simultaneously) for a period of time. 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes a certain color (often red or orange). 11 You need to start over like a new device.
- 🔇 Problem: Quiet Solution: Check the "Safety of Listening" settings in the "Sounds and Tactile Feelings" section of the iPhone, and also make sure the headphone app doesn't activate the "Intrachannel Monitoring" mode, which can lower the overall volume.
- 📶 Problem: Frequent communication interruptions. Solution: Make sure there are no sources of severe interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens) nearby. Also try to disable the Auto Switch option in Bluetooth settings if it is available.
- 🎤 Problem: The interviewer can't hear me.Solution: In Bluetooth settings on the iPhone, pressing the "i" next to the device, check if the device is chosen as the microphone.
Another specific problem for iOS is that it is not possible to display the exact percentage of charge of each headphone in the Battery widget. This is a limitation of the data protocol from non-MFi certified devices. The Xiaomi Earbuds app partially solves this problem by displaying the charge inside its interface, but in the system widget data may be incomplete or missing.
💡
If the sound has become deaf or gone, check the speaker's grid.Earwax often clogs the hole, and no settings will help until you physically clean the headphones with a soft dry brush.
Control and voice assistant setting
Integration with Siri voice assistant works natively, but requires the right setup. By default, long-term retention of touch zone can be assigned to the voice assistant. On the iPhone 11, this activates Siri, allowing you to control music, calls and navigation with voice. However, activation of this mode often requires permission in the headphone app itself.
It’s important to note the difference between active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency. On Xiaomi headphones, switching between these modes is often done by triple tap or long tap. Without the Xiaomi Earbuds app, these actions may not work properly or have a fixed purpose that can’t be changed. iOS users are highly encouraged to log into the app at least once to adjust the switch logic to suit their needs.
⚠️ Note: Autopause (when music stops when the earpiece is removed) on the iPhone may be delayed or not working at all if the proximity sensor is not calibrated through the proprietary app.
Also worth mentioning is latency: When watching videos on streaming services on iPhone 11, the delay is usually compensated by software. However, in games, the delay can be noticeable. Some Xiaomi headphone models have a “Game Mode” that is turned on by the number of touches (usually triple quick press), activating this mode reduces latency, making the game more comfortable.
💡
For stable operation of all functions, including ANC and game modes, the iPhone necessarily requires the installation of the Xiaomi Earbuds application, since the iOS system settings do not allow you to manage these parameters.