Modern users often choose the Apple ecosystem, but do not limit themselves in the choice of accessories, preferring more affordable or functional alternatives. Wireless headsets from the Chinese giant Xiaomi have become a great alternative to expensive original solutions, offering decent sound quality and autonomy.
In this article, we will discuss how to sync devices properly to avoid typical connection errors. Although the iPhone (iOS) and Android operating system have different interfaces, the Bluetooth protocol works identically, which makes it easier to do so. You don't need special applications for the basic connection, although they extend the functionality.
We will look at the nuances of working with different models, starting from the classical ones. TWS-Redmi AirDots series plugs and ending with full-size Headphones Max. Understanding the principles of Bluetooth will help you quickly set up the device and enjoy music without delays and breaks.
Preparing iPhone and headphones for pairing
Before starting the procedure, make sure your smartphone is ready to detect new devices, a basic step that is often ignored when trying to jump straight to the headset active mode. Make sure that your iPhone is Bluetooth enabled in settings, not just through Control Point, as full on is in the system settings.
The most important thing in this process is to put Xiaomi headphones in a pairing mode. This algorithm may differ from model to model, and that's where 90 percent of the problems are. TWS-model (True Wireless Stereo), where the case acts as a charger, the procedure will be one, and for full-size models – completely different.
Low battery power can cause the Bluetooth module to work unstable or not turn on at all. If the headset was in use before with another phone, it is advisable to perform a reset to avoid address conflicts.
☑️ Checking before connection
Instructions for TWS-Models (Redmi AirDots, Earbuds, Buds)
The most popular category of devices is the compact plugs that come in the charging case. To connect them to the iPhone, first remove both earbuds from the case. In most cases, they automatically go to standby mode, but the first connection often requires forced activation.
The headphones themselves (usually on the inside or the outside) have touch or physical buttons. You need to press and hold them simultaneously on both devices for 3-5 seconds. The indicators should start flashing white frequently, which signals a pairing. After that, open the Bluetooth settings on the iPhone.
⚠️ Warning: If the lights flash red and white alternately, this means reset or search mode, but not always visibility mode for the phone.
On the list of available devices on the smartphone screen, the name of your model will appear, for example, Redmi AirDots or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic. Click on it. Sometimes the iPhone may request a confirmation of pairing — agree. After a successful connection, the voice assent will confirm status, and the indicators will go out or start flashing less often.
Importantly, some older models require manual synchronization of the left and right channels before connecting to the phone. If the sound comes from only one ear, place both earbuds in the case, close it, and then pull it out simultaneously, waiting for the indicators to synchronize.
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If the headphones are not visible to the phone, put them back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds and repeat the procedure of entering the pairing mode again.
Connection of full-size and neck models
For Xiaomi Headphones series models or Mi Neckband neck headsets, the algorithm is easier, as they usually have a dedicated control button. Find the power button. On most Xiaomi devices, you need to press this button for 5-7 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue or white.
Unlike in the TWS-In models, there is no risk of channel desynchronization, because the device is monolithic or channels are rigidly connected. In the Bluetooth menu on iPhone, select the device that appears. If you’ve previously connected these headphones to an Android smartphone or PC, your iPhone may take longer to install handshake protocol.
For some advanced models, such as Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro or Buds 4 Pro, there is a fast pairing feature similar to AirPods. When you open a case next to an unlocked iPhone, an animation window can pop up with a suggestion to connect. This works through a special protocol, but requires the current version of iOS.
| Model headphones | Indication of the interface regime | Action for entry into mode | Features on iOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots / Airdots 2 | Fast flashing white | Hold the buttons 5 seconds | Frequent channel desynchronization |
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds | Blinking white | Hold the buttons 5 seconds | An application is required to set up |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | White pulse | A button on a case or car | Support for pop-up window |
| Mi Neckband Basic | Blue flashing | Hold the power button | Stable connection |
Using the Xiaomi Earbuds app for advanced features
Although basic connectivity works without additional software, to fully use the full capabilities of Xiaomi headsets on the iPhone, it is recommended to install an official application. It is called Xiaomi Earbuds (previously could be called Mi Earbuds). Without it, you will not be able to update the firmware of the headphones or adjust the control gestures.
Once you install the app and provide all the permissions you want (Bluetooth, notifications, geolocation), run it. The program automatically scans the space and finds the connected headphones. If the connection is established, but the application says "device not found", try reconnecting Bluetooth.
The following key functions are available in the annex:
- 🎧 Update firmware (Firmware) to fix bugs.
- 🎚️ Set up equalizer and sound profiles.
- 🖐️ Reassignment of touch buttons (taps).
- 🔋 Accurate monitoring of left and right headphone charge separately.
It’s worth noting that the app’s functionality on iOS can be slightly curtailed compared to the Android version due to the limitations of Apple’s operating system, but basic settings such as noise reduction (ANC) and transparency mode are usually available on iPhones as well.
Why update the firmware through the application?
Typical problems and ways to solve them
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have technical difficulties. One of the most common problems is when the iPhone sees the device but doesn't connect, giving you an error "Did not connect." In this case, you need to go to the Bluetooth settings, find your device in the list of "My devices", click on the icon "i" and select "Forget this device".
After forgetting the device, perform a complete reset of the headphones. TWS-This is usually done by placing them in a case and holding the buttons during the 20-30 Then repeat the pairing procedure again. This clears the cache of connections inside the headset itself.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your Xiaomi headphones, all previously saved devices are removed. You will have to reconnect them to all the gadgets they have previously worked with.
Another common problem is the quiet sound or lack of it in one of the headphones. On iPhone, this is often solved by adjusting the balance. Go to Settings → Universal Access → Audio and make sure the balance slider is strictly centered. Also check if the Monoaudio mode is on, which can distort the stereo picture.
If the sound is interrupted or wheezing appears, try to move away from sources of interference, such as Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi operate in a similar frequency range (2.4 GHz), and in places with high noise of the ether, interference can occur.
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A radical solution to any sound problems is to completely reset the headphones to factory settings and remove them from the phone’s Bluetooth memory.
Customize the quality of sound and codecs on iOS
Users are often wondering what codecs the iPhone and Xiaomi bundle supports. Apple uses its own AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) codec, which is the standard for iOS. Xiaomi headphones connected to the iPhone will also work in AAC mode, ensuring good audio quality.
It’s important to understand that high-resolution codecs like aptX HD or LDAC, which can support some of Xiaomi’s top-end models, won’t work on iPhones. iOS simply doesn’t have licenses and the technical ability to transmit audio in these formats. So you shouldn’t expect studio-quality Bluetooth-on-an-iphone, regardless of the price of the headphones.
However, Apple’s AAC algorithm is considered one of the most efficient and provides minimal compression quality loss. For most listeners, the difference between aptX and AAC is almost imperceptible, especially in urban noise or when using vehicles.