Connecting Xiaomi’s wireless headphones to the iPhone seems like a simple task, but in practice, users face a number of nuances, from lack of sound to constant connection breaks. The fact is that the Apple and Xiaomi ecosystems use different Bluetooth optimization protocols, which sometimes lead to conflicts. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard pairing procedure, but also the hidden iOS settings that will help stabilize the connection, and also consider the specific problems for popular models – from Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.
We’ll focus on compatibility issues: why some features (such as transparent mode or active noise cancellation) may not work properly on iPhones, and how to fix them. You’ll also find up-to-date data on new Bluetooth codecs (such as LC3 or AAC) in the latest versions of iOS 17/18 and how they affect sound quality. If you’ve tried to connect your headphones but have a bug, skip the basic steps and go straight to the “Problems” section.
Xiaomi headphones compatibility with iPhone: what you need to know
Before you get started, it’s important to understand how your Xiaomi headphone model is adapted to work with the iPhone.Most of the company’s wireless devices support the universal Bluetooth 5.0+ protocol, but there are key differences:
- 🔹 Basic compatibility: All Xiaomi headphones (including Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4) physically connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth, but may lose some of the features.
- 🔹 Codecs of sound: iPhone uses AAC For high-quality audio transmission, while Xiaomi often optimizes devices for audio SBC or aptX (the latter is not supported by Apple).
- 🔹 Branded Features: Options such as fast switching between devices or gesture control may not work well or be available.
- 🔹 iOS Version: Starting with iOS 16.4, Apple has improved support for third-party devices, but for stable operation, it is recommended to update to the latest version.
For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones support LDAC (high-quality codec), but the iPhone does not recognize it - sound will be transmitted through AAC, which can reduce the detail at high frequencies. Redmi AirDots 3 is initially focused on the mass user and show more stable work with iOS, although without advanced features.
Preparation for the connection: checking headphones and iPhone
Before pairing, make sure both devices are ready to connect, and skipping this stage is the main cause of failure.
For Xiaomi headphones:
- 🔋 Charge the case and the headphones themselves to at least 30% (the indicator on the case should burn white or green).
- 📦 Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking red and white light on AirDots or white on Buds).
- 🔄 If the headphones have already been connected to another device, reset them: press the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing quickly.
For the iPhone:
- 📱 Update to the latest version: Go to Settings → Mainstream → Update of the PO.
- 🔳 Make sure Bluetooth is on: Settings → Bluetooth (the slider must be green).
- 🚫 Close all apps that use audio (Spotify, YouTube, games) – they can block the connection.
☑️ Preparation for connection
Important: Xiaomi headphones with dual connectivity support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4) can conflict with the iPhone if previously connected to an Android device.
Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi headphones to the iPhone
Follow this algorithm so that the pairing goes without errors:
- Activate pairing mode on the headphones: For most models: take out the headphones from the case and wait for the flashing indicator. If the LED does not blink, press and hold the touch panel on one of the headphones (or the button on the case) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator begins to pulse.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your iPhone: Go to Settings → Bluetooth. Make sure the feature is enabled (top slider).
- Find the headphones in the list of devices: In the "Other devices" section**, the name of your model (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro or Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) will appear.
- Confirm Connection: An iPhone may receive a pairing request notification – click “Connect”**. Some headphone models (e.g., Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) will need to confirm the connection on the device itself (touch the touchpad).
- Check the sound: Run any audio file (music, video or recording) If no sound, go to the Problem Solving section**.
On the iPhone screen, after successful connection, the headphone icon will appear in the upper right corner (near the battery indicator), here you can track the charge level of the headphones and case (if the model supports this function).
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If the headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list, try turning off and back on Bluetooth on your iPhone, and reboot the headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds and pull them back out).
Additional settings for better sound
Even after a successful connection, the sound may not be perfect. Here's how to optimize it for an iPhone:
| Parameter | Recommendation | For which models are relevant |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth codec | In Settings → Bluetooth → i (near the headphone name) → Audio codec, select AAC (Optimum Balance of Quality and Stability). | All models except Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro (the codec is automatically selected there). |
| equalizer | Use the built-in equalizer in Apple Music (Settings → Music → Equalizer) or third-party apps like Equalizer+. | All models, but especially useful for Redmi AirDots (they have weak default basses). |
| monosound | If one headphone is not working, check the settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual materials → Monosound (should be turned off). | Relevant for everyone TWS-headphone. |
| Automatic switching | Turn on the Settings → Bluetooth → i → Connect to this iPhone option “Automatically”**. | It is useful for Xiaomi Buds 3/4, which supports multipoint. |
For active noise cancellation (ANC) models such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, the setup is done via the proprietary Mi Home app (available in the App Store).However, on the iPhone, some of the ANC's features may be limited - for example, it will be impossible to adjust the noise reduction level manually.
How to check the current Bluetooth codec?
Problem Solving: Headphones are not connected or not working
If the connection fails or the sound is interrupted, use this instruction:
⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi headphones were previously connected to an Android device, they could save a profile AVRCP 1.6, incompatible with iOS.In this case, be sure to reset to factory settings (see paragraph 3 below).
- 🔌 Headphones don't show up in Bluetooth list: Try: Reboot your iPhone (hold the power button) + Any of the volume buttons. Reset the network settings: Settings → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset your network settings. Connect your headphones to another device (like an Android smartphone), and then try pairing with your iPhone again.
The sound is interrupted or delayed.
Causes and solutions:
- 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal: Make sure there are no obstacles between the iPhone and the headphones (walls, metal objects).
- 🔋 Low headphone charge: Charge below 20% can cause crashes.Recharge the device.
- 🎵 Codec Conflict: Forced Choose AAC in Bluetooth settings (see section above).
Only one headphone works.
Possible causes:
- The headphones are not synchronized with each other (put them in the case for 20 seconds, then pull out).
- In the settings of the iPhone, monosound is enabled (see the table in the previous section).
- One of the headphones is discharged more than the other (check the charge indicators in the case).