Many users wonder whether it is possible to fully integrate the Apple ecosystem with Android devices. Contrary to popular belief, AirPods headphones work perfectly with Xiaomi Redmi smartphones if you know the correct algorithm of actions. The pairing process does not require complex manipulations, but has its own nuances that distinguish it from connecting to an iPhone.
The main difficulty is not the connection itself via the Bluetooth protocol, but the lack of access to Apple’s default settings. However, modern versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell provide enough tools for comfortable use of third-party audio gadgets. You just need to activate the search mode on the headset and find it in the list of available devices on your smartphone.
In this article we will analyze in detail each step of the procedure, from putting AirPods into pairing mode to installing specialized utilities to expand functionality. We will also look at typical problems faced by Redmi owners and offer effective ways to solve them without contacting a service center.
Preparing headphones and smartphone for pairing
Before starting the procedure, you must make sure that both devices are ready for interaction. Charge the case with headphones at least 30-40%, as the initial setup process may require stable power consumption. If the battery is low, the system may not enter detection mode or may break the connection at the most crucial moment.
On your Redmi smartphone, open the notification shade and make sure that the module Bluetooth is activated. Go to the main settings of your phone, select the "Connection and sharing" section, and then go to the Bluetooth menu. Make sure that the phone is visible to other devices - this is a critical parameter for a successful search.
Now you need to put the AirPods themselves into (pairing) mode. For first and second generation models, as well as AirPods Pro, open the charging case lid without removing the headphones themselves. There is a single setting button on the back of the case. You need to press and hold it for a few seconds.
⚠️ Attention: The status indicator inside the case should start flashing white. If it flashes amber (orange), the headphones are not ready to use or require a reset. Do not try to connect until the indicator flashes white.
As soon as the white indicator lights up, your Redmi should detect the device in the “Available devices” list. The name will correspond to the model, for example AirPods Pro or simply AirPods. Click on the name to initiate the connection process. The system will ask for confirmation - agree with it.
☑️ Ready to connect
Advanced sound and codec settings in MIUI
After successful connection, basic audio playback functions will be available immediately. However, to get the best sound quality, you need to check your codec settings. Android, unlike iOS, allows you to manually select audio compression algorithms if supported by the hardware.
Go to the “For Developers” menu on your Redmi. If this section is hidden, activate it by tapping the build number 7 times in a row in the About Phone section. In the developers menu, find the “Bluetooth Audio Codec” item. By default, there may be SBC, but for AirPods it is better to choose AAC.
Apple headphones are optimized specifically for the codec AAC, which provides better detail and lower delays in audio transmission compared to standard SBC. Choosing the right codec can significantly improve your music experience, especially in genres with high dynamic range.
If AAC is not listed as a codec, check to see if Absolute Volume is enabled in the Developer Options. Sometimes disabling it helps the system correctly determine the capabilities of the headset.
Also in this menu, you should pay attention to the “Disconnect connection when battery level is low” option. Set a value that will allow you to use headphones to the last percent, or disable this function so that a sudden disconnection does not take you by surprise during an important call.
- 🎧 AAC — preferred codec for Apple devices, provides a balance of quality and power consumption.
- 📉 SBC — basic codec, used as a fallback, lower sound quality.
- 🔌 LDAC/aptX — advanced codecs that AirPods do not support, there is no point in choosing them.
Do not forget that the developer settings affect the operation of all Bluetooth devices. If you connect other headphones that support aptX, you may have to reset the settings to work correctly with them.
Installing third-party applications to control functions
The standard Android interface does not allow you to customize gestures, check the exact charge level of each earbud individually, or change the device name as flexibly as iOS does. To solve this problem, there are specialized applications from independent developers.
One of the most popular solutions is the application MaterialPods or Capsule. These utilities emulate the system connection window that appears on the iPhone, showing the animation of opening the case and the exact percentage of charge of the left, right earbuds and the case itself.
Why are third-party applications needed?
There is no official AirPods application for Android. Apple intentionally limits the functionality of its accessories for the iOS ecosystem, so enthusiasts create workarounds by accessing the system Bluetooth APIs.
To install such software, you will need to download the APK file from a reliable source or find the application in the Google Play store. Once installed, grant the app all requested permissions, especially access to location and notifications, as this is how the app reads battery data.
In the app settings, you can reassign the double tap or pin squeeze (for AirPods Pro) functions. For example, you can set up switching tracks instead of calling the voice assistant, which on Android by default can be inconvenient.
⚠️ Attention: Download applications only from official stores or trusted forums. Third-party software that requests access to contacts or SMS under the pretext of setting up headphones can be malicious.
Setting up gestures and touch controls
Control of AirPods on Android is the same as on iPhone, but with some limitations. Basic gestures, such as double-tap for older models or squeezing the touch pad for the Pro series, work in hardware and do not require additional software.
However, if you want to change the purpose of these actions, you will again have to turn to the third-party applications mentioned above. In the standard Bluetooth Redmi settings, you can only turn off the telephone audio format or media audio, but not reconfigure gestures.
For owners AirPods Pro it is important to know that the noise reduction and transparency modes are switched by long-term squeezing the earphone stem. This function works out of the box on any Android smartphone, including Redmi, and does not require configuration.
| Action | AirPods 1/2 | AirPods Pro / 3 | Work on Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| One time | Play / Pause | No functions | ✅ Works |
| Two times | Next track | No function | ✅ Works |
| Leg compression | Not supported | Noise reduction / Transparency | ✅ Works |
| Three times | Previous track | No function | ✅ Working |
If touch controls do not respond correctly or are delayed, try clearing the Bluetooth application cache in your phone settings. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Bluetooth and click "Clear cache". This often solves problems with sensor lag.
Solving problems with connection and sound
Sometimes the pairing process does not go smoothly. The smartphone may see the headphones, but refuse to connect, or the sound may be interrupted. First of all, try to “forget” the device. Go to Bluetooth settings, click on the gear next to the AirPods name and select “Unpair.”
After this, perform a complete reset of the headphones. Place them in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Open the lid and press the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes amber and then white. Only after this, try to connect again.
If the sound is quiet or monophonic, check the accessibility settings on Redmi. In the section Settings → Advanced settings → Accessibility → Hearing make sure that the “Mono Audio” option is not enabled and the channel balance is set to the center.
A full headphone reset (Hard Reset) solves 90% of problems with connection when simple reconnection does not help. Don't be afraid to use this procedure.
It's also worth checking the firmware version of the AirPods themselves. Unfortunately, you can't update them directly via Android. They are updated only when connected to an Apple device. If you have the opportunity to borrow a friend's iPhone, connect the headphones to it for 15-20 minutes to automatically install updates.
Features of the microphone and calls
The quality of voice transmission through the microphone of AirPods on Android may differ from work with an iPhone. This is due to different data transfer profiles. In conversation mode, the system can switch between headphones, choosing the one with the best signal, but on Android this algorithm works less efficiently.
When making calls, make sure that the headphones and not the phone speaker are selected as the audio output device. Sometimes Redmi will reset the call to speakerphone by default if it detects an unstable connection.
In video calling applications such as Zoom or Telegram, go to the audio settings within the application itself and manually select AirPods as microphone and speaker. This ensures that audio will not go through the phone even if the system tries to switch.
It is worth noting that the function of automatically switching between Apple devices (for example, from Mac to iPhone) will not work on Redmi. You will have to manually select AirPods in the Bluetooth list each time if you disconnected from them or connected to another gadget.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI settings interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the specific Redmi model. If you do not find the specified menu item, use the search in the settings by entering the keyword “Bluetooth” or “Codec”.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use Siri on Android via AirPods?
No, the Siri voice assistant is not activated on Android devices. When you press or hold the touch zone, your smartphone's standard voice assistant (Google Assistant) is called up. You can set up calling the assistant through gestures in third-party applications.
Why doesn't auto-pause work when I take the earphone out of my ear?
The proximity sensors responsible for auto-pause are part of Apple's proprietary software. On Android this feature does not work out of the box. Some third-party applications try to emulate this function using the phone's accelerometer, but they are unstable.
Will AirPods work with Redmi Note 10, 11, 12?
Yes, compatibility does not depend on the specific phone model, but is determined by the presence of a Bluetooth module and the version of Android. All modern Redmi smartphones support the A2DP profile, which is necessary for AirPods to work.
How to verify the authenticity of AirPods when connected to Android?
Android does not have built-in authentication. However, if the headphones don't display the serial number in the Bluetooth settings (by clicking on the gear) or if the MaterialPods app can't read the battery data, it could be a sign of a counterfeit. Also pay attention to the build quality and weight of the case.
What to do if only one earphone is connected?
This is a common desync problem. Place both headphones in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds. Then perform a factory reset (hold the button for 15 seconds until the amber flashes) as described in the troubleshooting section. After that, connect them again.