Chinese replicas of the popular headset from Apple have flooded the market, offering users a budget alternative with a recognizable design. However, unlike original devices, which are perfectly integrated into the iOS ecosystem, analogues require manual configuration when working with the operating system Android. Many owners encounter difficulties during the first pairing, erroneous operation of the sensors, or the inability to change the device name.
In this detailed guide, we will go through all the stages of turning an unnamed headset into a full-fledged accessory for your smartphone. You will learn how to properly reset settings, install third-party software to manage functions and check the actual build quality. Correct configuration will allow you to unlock the potential of even the cheapest models and avoid common connection errors.
The setup process does not require deep technical knowledge, but does require careful attention to the sequence of actions. If you ignore certain steps, such as clearing the list of old connections, the headset may become unstable or not be detected by your phone at all. Let's look at how to make using Chinese AirPods comfortable and functional.
Initial pairing and device preparation
The first step before trying to connect the headphones to a smartphone is to fully charge them. Place both cases in the charging case and make sure the indicators are lit. Chinese manufacturers often skimp on power controllers, so even new devices may come with discharged batteries. Leave them on charge for at least 30-40 minutes before setting up.
After charging, you need to perform a factory reset procedure. This is a critical step because the headsets may have previously been connected to other phones in the store or warehouse. Take the headphones out of the case, find the function button on the case (usually on the back or inside) and press it for 10–15 seconds. The indicator should start flashing white or red depending on the model.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pair the headphones with your phone until they are in PAIRING mode. If you see them in the Bluetooth list immediately after turning on without a blinking indicator, most likely they are trying to connect to the previous device.
Now on your Android smartphone, go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth. Turn on the wireless module and click the search for new devices button. A name like AirPods, i12 TWS or Wireless Earbudsshould appear in the list of available gadgets. Click on it to create a pair.
If the connection is successful, you will hear a characteristic sound signal in the headphones. However, this is only the beginning of the journey. The standard protocol Bluetooth provides only audio transmission, but does not provide access to advanced functions, such as checking the charge of each earbud individually or setting up gestures. This will require additional steps described below.
☑️ Preparing for the first connection
Installing specialized applications for control
One of the main problems of clones is the lack of a native pop-up window with animation and charge level, like the originals. Fortunately, the developer community has created many utilities that emulate this functionality. For Android owners, the most popular and stable solutions are applications like MaterialPods, AndroPods or Assistant Trigger.
Download the selected application from the official store Google Play. Once installed, launch it and grant all requested permissions, especially location and background access. Without geolocation permission, many applications will not be able to correctly read headset battery data due to Android security restrictions.
Inside the application, select your headphone model from the list. Even if your exact model (for example i90000 Pro) is not in the list, try to select the closest one by chipset, often it is AirPods Pro or AirPods 2. After selecting the software, a proprietary window should appear on the smartphone screen indicating the charge of the left, right earbuds and the case itself.
If the application does not see the headphones, try turning them off in the Bluetooth system settings, closing the application completely through the task manager and launching it again, after turning on the headphones.
Some advanced utilities allow you not only to monitor the battery, but also adjust the equalizer or change the device name that is displayed to other people when connected. This is especially convenient if you want to personalize your gadgets and make them unique in your friends' connection list.
Setting up touch controls and gestures
Most Chinese replicas are equipped with touch zones on the leg or body, but their operating logic is often confusing default. Typically, a single tap is responsible for pausing or playing, a double tap is for switching tracks, and a triple tap is for calling the voice assistant. However, this scheme may differ depending on the batch and manufacturer of the chip.
To change the logic of the sensors, it is best to use an application Settings for AirPods or a similar one that supports your model. Go to the gesture controls section and test each action. It often happens that the “Next Track” function works instead of the “Previous” one, which causes discomfort when using it.
- 👆 Single tap: usually used to pause music or answer an incoming call.
- 👆👆 Double tap: usually skips tracks forward or activates Siri/Google Assistant.
- 👆👆👆 Triple tap: on some models returns to the previous track or adjusts the volume.
- ✋ Hold: often set to activate noise cancellation (if available) or reject a call.
Accidentally touching your hand while straightening your hair can pause the track. If you encounter such a problem, try disabling one of the types of touches in the application or choosing a model with a less aggressive response logic.
Checking the authenticity of the chip and firmware
The world of Chinese copies is heterogeneous: there are devices on cheap chips Jieli and more advanced versions on Realtek or Qualcomm. The type of processor determines the sound quality, connection stability and codec support. You can check the internals using specialized test utilities available in the Play Market.
One of the most reliable ways is to use an application AndroPods or specialized testing scripts. Connect your headphones and run the test. The app will try to read the serial number and firmware version. If you receive an error in response or the data looks like a set of random characters, most likely you are looking at a low-level budget copy.
⚠️ Attention: The presence of the Apple logo on the box or on the headphones themselves in Chinese copies does not guarantee the quality of the filling. Focus on technical characteristics and stability, and not on external attributes.
It is also worth checking codec support. Go to Developer settings on your Android smartphone (activated by 7 clicks on the build number in the "About phone" section). Find the item Bluetooth audio codec and see what options are available when headphones are connected. The presence aptX or LDAC indicates a high-class device, while only SBC indicates a basic level.
| Type chip | Sound quality | Communication stability | Function support |
|---|---|---|---|
| JIeli (budget) | Average, a lot of noise | Low, breaks | Minimum |
| Realtek (medium) | Good, clear bass | Stable | Basic gestures |
| Qualcomm (top) | Excellent, detail | High, low latency | Noise reduction, LDAC |
Knowing the type of chip will help you understand what you can do expect from a headset. If you have a budget model for JIeli, you should not demand perfect noise reduction or instant connection from it - these are technical limitations of the hardware that cannot be corrected programmatically.
Fixing problems with sound and microphone
A frequent complaint from users is a quiet sound or poor microphone performance, when the interlocutor hears you as if from a barrel. First of all, check the absolute volume setting in the Android developer menu. Find the item Disable absolute volume level and try changing its state (turn it on or off), then reconnect the headphones.
Problems with the microphone are often associated with the fact that the phone by default uses the microphone of the smartphone itself during a call, rather than the headset. To fix this, during a call, click on the audio routing icon and force select your AirPods. In some applications, such as Telegram or WhatsApp, this setting needs to be changed within the messenger itself.
Why does the microphone work poorly in games?
In low latency mode for games, many Bluetooth headsets automatically mute the microphone to free up the channel for transmitting high-quality stereo sound. This is a limitation of the Bluetooth protocol, not a defect of the device. For voice communication in games, the sound will switch to mono mode with low quality.
If the sound seems muffled, check the physical mesh on the headphones. Chinese manufacturers often use materials that quickly become clogged with sulfur or dust. Brush them gently with a soft, dry brush. Also make sure that in the Bluetooth settings, any sound “enhancers” by third-party applications that may conflict with the headset drivers are disabled.
Optimizing autonomy and caring for the device
Chinese batteries can degrade faster than the original ones if you do not follow the operating rules. Try not to completely discharge the case and headphones too often. Deep discharge of lithium polymer batteries is harmful to their chemical structure. It is optimal to charge devices when the indicator shows about 20–30%.
Pay attention to the charging contacts. In replicas, they are often made of low quality metal and can oxidize. If the headphones stop charging in the case, wipe the contacts with an alcohol wipe. Sometimes it helps to slightly bend the contact pads inside the case to ensure a tighter clamp.
- 🔋 Do not leave the case discharged for a long time (weeks without use).
- 🌡️ Avoid overheating: do not leave the headphones in the sun or near heating devices.
- 💧 Protect from moisture: most clones do not have real moisture protection, despite the claims on the box.
For the longest service life of Chinese AirPods, it is critical to use the original cable included in the kit or certified analogues, since voltage surges from cheap power supplies can kill the charge controller inside the case.⚠️ Attention: If you notice that one earphone discharges much faster than the other (for example, the left one is 100%, and the right one is 40%), this is a sign of unbalanced batteries. Try putting them in the case and charging them to 100% without interruption, sometimes this helps synchronize the controllers.
Regular cleaning of contacts and avoiding deep discharge extend the life of a budget headset by 2-3 times compared to careless operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update the firmware on Chinese AirPods via Android?
No, the official firmware update is only available for original devices via iOS. Chinese copies have fixed firmware, hardwired at the factory. Attempts to “flash” them with third-party software will with a 99% probability lead to breakdown of the device.
Why are the headphones connected only one at a time?
This means that the synchronization between the left and right channels (TWS connection) is broken. Perform a full reset (hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds), remove the device from Bluetooth on the phone and pair again, taking out both headphones at the same time.
Does noise cancellation work on copies of AirPods Pro?
In 90% of cases, this is an imitation. There are microphones, but there are no active noise phase algorithms. The sound simply becomes a little quieter or the equalizer changes. Real active noise cancellation (ANC) is found only in expensive copies on high-end Qualcomm or Realtek chips.
How to rename Chinese AirPods?
This is often impossible through standard Android settings. Use applications like MaterialPods or Assistant Triggerthat have the function of changing the device name displayed when connected.
Is it possible to use one earphone and charge the other?
Yes, most modern Chinese models support mono use mode. Just take one earphone out of the case, wait a couple of seconds until it connects to the phone, and put the second one back to charge.