How to connect AirPods to a Xiaomi smartphone: complete guide with solutions to problems

Wireless headphones Apple AirPods have long ceased to be exclusive to devices on iOS. Owners of smartphones Xiaomi based Android can also enjoy the convenience and sound of these gadgets - but the connection process here has its own nuances. Unlike iPhone, where you just need to open the case next to the phone, Android requires manual configuration through the menu Bluetooth. Moreover, some functions like automatic switching between devices or activation Siri on Xiaomi will not work - but this does not prevent you from using AirPods to listen to music, calls and even games.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide on connection AirPods (including models Pro, 2/3 generations and Max) to smartphones Xiaomi Redmi, POCO and series flagships Mi/Xiaomi 14. We will also analyze common errors (for example, when headphones are not detected or are connected only in mono mode), we will explain how reset settings AirPods for re-synchronization, and we will give advice on sound optimization through uniform settings MIUI. If you encounter a problem after updating the firmware or buying used headphones, you will also find a solution here.

1. Preparation: what to check before connecting

Before you start synchronizing, make sure that your AirPods and smartphone Xiaomi are ready for connection. Skipping these steps often leads to failures such as no sound in one earphone or constant disconnections.

Device requirements:

• 📱 Xiaomi on Android 8.0+ (on older versions there may be problems with Bluetooth 5.0). You can check the OS version in Settings → About phone → MIUI version with at least a charge (otherwise they may turn off during pairing). Check the charging of the case using the indicator or through Settings → About phone → MIUI version.
• 🎧 AirPods with a charge of at least 20% (otherwise they may turn off during pairing). Check the charging of the case using the indicator or through iPhone/iPad, if available.
• 🔄 Headphones not connected to other devices (for example, to MacBook or iPad). If they were synchronized previously, disable them manually.

Pay special attention firmware MIUI. Some builds (especially custom or global beta versions) have bugs with Bluetoothdue to which AirPods can be connected like regular headphones without support AAC (codec for high sound quality). If after connecting the sound is distorted or interrupted, update the system via Settings → Software update.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought AirPods from your own hands, make sure that they are not tied to someone else's Apple ID. Otherwise, some functions (such as firmware) may be blocked. This can only be checked through iPhone —on Android there is no such possibility.

2. Step-by-step guide: how to connect AirPods to Xiaomi

The pairing process AirPods s Xiaomi takes no more than a minute if you follow the algorithm. The main thing is not to skip the step of activating the pairing mode on the headphones.

Instructions:

1. Open the case c AirPods and make sure that the headphones are inside. The indicator on the front panel should blink white (if green or orange is on, see the section on resetting settings).
2. Activate pairing mode:
   • For AirPods 1/2 generation i Pro 1: press and hold button on the back panel of the case (4-5 seconds) until the indicator starts to flashing white.
   • For AirPods 3/Pro 2/Max: hold touch button on the case (or on the earphone Max) until the indicator blinks.

On your smartphone Xiaomi: go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth (or swipe down the notification panel and hold the icon Bluetooth).

The name of your devices will appear in the list of available devices AirPods (for example, AirPods Pro (John’s)). Click on them and confirm pairing.

After successful connection, the status will change to Connected, and the headphones icon will appear in the notification panel.

If the headphones are not displayed in the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on Xiaomi: disable and re-enable the module in the settings.
• 📱 Delete cache Bluetooth via Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots → Show system → Bluetooth → Storage → Clear cache.
• 🎧 Reset settings AirPods (instructions in the next section).

3. Resetting AirPods: when and how to do it

If AirPods were previously connected to another device (especially to iPhone) or behave unstable (for example, one earphone does not work), you may need to full reset. This procedure erases all saved settings, including binding to Apple ID, and returns the headphones to factory settings.

How to reset AirPods:

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press/hold the reset button on the back of the case (for AirPods Max - button Noise Control + Digital Crown).
3. Hold the button 15 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing orangeand then white.
4. Release the button - the reset is complete. Now you can connect the headphones to Xiaomi again.

After the reset AirPods Pro 2 i AirPods 3 may require a firmware update, which is only possible through iPhone or iPad. On Android this cannot be done - take this nuance into account when buying used headphones.

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the headphones still do not connect to Xiaomi, check whether they are blocked through the function Find My (on Android this is not visible). Ask the previous owner to remove them from his Apple ID.

4. Sound settings: how to improve quality on Xiaomi

By default AirPods on Android they use a codec SBC —it provides a stable connection, but not the highest sound quality. To unlock the potential of your headphones, you can manually turn on AAC (supported by all models AirPods except the first version) or adjust the equalizer in MIUI.

Sound optimization:

• 🎵 Enable AAC: Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth, click on icon ⚙️ next to AirPods and select Audio codec → AAC. If this item is missing, your model AirPods or firmware MIUI does not support it.
• 🔊 Adjust the equalizer: B Settings → Sound → Equalizer select a preset Bass (for music) or Voice (for podcasts). For AirPods Pro with noise reduction, it is better to disable the equalizer altogether - it may conflict with active noise reduction.
• 🎧 Activate LDAC (only for advanced users): This codec provides better quality, but may cause stuttering. To turn it on, you need developer settings (activated via Settings → About phone → MIUI version - press 7 times). Then in Settings → Advanced → Developer Options → Bluetooth Codec select LDAC.

Codec	Sound Quality	Stability	Support AirPods
SBC	Average	High	All models
AAC	Good	Average	All except AirPods 1
LDAC	Excellent	Low (lags are possible)	Only AirPods Pro 2/Max (partially)

5. Common problems and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, users Xiaomi may encounter typical problems: from lack of sound in one earphone to constant disconnections. Here list of errors and ways to eliminate them:

Problem 1: Only one earphone is connected

• 🔋 Check the charge of both headphones (the indicator on the case shows the total charge, but not each earphone separately).
• 🔄 Reload AirPods: put them in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then take them out.
• 🧹 Clean the contacts in the case and on the headphones with a dry cotton swab - oxidation can interfere with charging.

Problem 2: Constant connection breaks

• 📶 Make sure there are no sources of interference nearby (microwaves, others Bluetooth-devices).
• 📱 Disable Wi-Fi on Xiaomiif you use Bluetooth 5.0 —sometimes channels conflict.
• 🔄 In settings AirPods (icon ⚙️ in Bluetooth) turn off Absolute volume - this can stabilize the connection.

Problem 3: Low sound quality (wheezing, interruptions)

• 🎵 Switch the codec to AAC (see previous section).
• 🔊 Disable Bluetooth HD Audio in the sound settings MIUI - sometimes it conflicts with AirPods.
• 📱 Check if the power saving mode is turned on - it may limit performance Bluetooth.

Why AirPods Pro do not switch between devices on Android?

Automatic switching function (for example, from iPhone to MacBook) works only in the ecosystem Apple. On Android you will have to disconnect the headphones manually through the panel Bluetooth and connect them to another gadget. This is a protocol limitation Appleand cannot be bypassed even through third-party applications.

6. Third-party applications for advanced control

Functionality AirPods on Android is limited compared to iOS: there are no charge widgets, noise reduction control or automatic pause when removing the earbuds. However, some applications from Google Play help to partially fill this gap.

Useful applications:

• 🔋 AirBattery —shows charge percentage the case and each earphone in real time. Also notifies about low battery. Minus: requires constant work in the background.
• 🎧 Assistant Trigger — allows you to assign double tap to AirPods to activate Google Assistant (analog Siri). Does not work on all models Xiaomi.
• 🔊 Wavelet —an advanced equalizer with support for LDAC i AAC. Allows you to fine-tune the sound for specific genres of music.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like AirBattery require access to notifications and can drain the battery Xiaomi faster. Turn them off if you do not use AirPods.

For AirPods Max the application AirPods Max Battery is useful - it displays the charge of the headphones directly on the lock screen. Please note that these utilities are not official and may stop working after updates MIUI.

7. Compatible with different Xiaomi models

Theoretically, AirPods should work with all smartphones Xiaomithat support Bluetooth 4.2+. However, in practice, connection stability and available functions depend on version MIUI and hardware platform.

Model Xiaomi	Support AAC	Stability Bluetooth	Notes
Redmi Note 10/11/12	Yes	Average (rare breaks are possible)	On MIUI 13+ works better than on MIUI 12.
POCO X3/X4/X5	Yes	High	Best compatibility among budget models.
Xiaomi 12/13/14	Yes	High	Supports Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio (but AirPods it is not used).
Redmi 9/9A	No (SBC only)	Low	Frequent sound stuttering due to a weak Bluetoothmodule.

If you have old model Xiaomi (for example, Redmi 5 or Mi A1), AirPods can connect, but with serious limitations:

• 🎵 No support AAC — only SBC (low sound quality).
• 🔋 Rapid discharge of headphones due to unoptimized protocol Bluetooth.
• 📶 Frequent connection breaks at a distance of more than 3-5 meters.

💡

On flagship models Xiaomi (series 12/13/14) AirPods work almost as stably as on iPhone, with the exception of ecosystem functions Apple (for example, automatic switching between devices).

8. Alternatives to AirPods for owners Xiaomi

If you are not satisfied with the limitations AirPods on Android, consider alternative headphones with better compatibility:

Top 3 analogs with support Xiaomi:

• 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro —full compatibility with MIUI, support LDHC (better codec AAC), active noise reduction and low latency for games.
• 🎧 Sony WF-1000XM5 —the best noise reduction on the market, support LDAC, but more expensive AirPods Pro.
• 🎧 Nothing Ear (2) - stylish design, good sound, full integration with Android (including charge widgets).

Advantages of alternatives over AirPods on Xiaomi:

• ⚡ Full support for all codecs (aptX, LDAC).
• 🔋 Optimized power consumption when working with Android.
• 🎛️ Advanced settings through proprietary applications (for example, Sony Headphones Connect).

However AirPods still win in ergonomics (especially Pro 2 with improved fit) and ecosystemif you have other devices AppleIf you are completely on Android it makes sense to consider the options. from Sony, Xiaomi or Nothing.

📊 Are you planning to replace AirPods with headphones with better Android support?

Yes, I have already chosen a model

Yes, but haven’t decided which one yet

No, I’m happy with the current ones

No, I use other headphones

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Can I connect AirPods Max to Xiaomi?

Yes, AirPods Max they connect to Xiaomi the same as other models. However, due to their large size and weight, they are less convenient for mobile use, and the function Spatial Audio (surround sound) cannot be turned on - it only works. s Android cannot be turned on - it only works with Apple TV i iPhone.

Why do AirPods quickly discharge on Xiaomi?

This may be due to:

• The use of a codec SBC (less energy efficient than AAC).
• Background running of applications like AirBattery.
• Battery malfunction (check through iPhone or at a service center).

To extend operating time, disable unnecessary functions (for example, Absolute volume in settings Bluetooth) and use the codec AAC.

How to update the firmware of AirPods on Android?

You can update the firmware AirPods only through iPhone or iPad. On Android there is no official way. If you do not have devices Apple, ask a friend to iPhone connect your headphones and wait for the automatic update (it happens in the background when you connect to the Internet).

Can I use AirPods with Xiaomi for calls?

Yes, AirPods fully support calls on Xiaomi, including the use of a microphone. However, voice quality may be worse than on iPhonedue to differences in audio processing. To improve:

• In settings Bluetooth select High quality calls (if there is such an item).
• Use headphones in quiet place - microphones AirPods poorly suppress external noise on Android.

What to do if Xiaomi does not see AirPods?

If the headphones do not appear in the list Bluetooth:

1. Reset settings AirPods (see section 3).
2. Restart your smartphone Xiaomi.
3. Check whether the mode Hidden for Bluetoothdevices is enabled on your phone (in the developer settings).
4. Update to the latest version. If all else fails, try connecting to another device. If they are not detected there either, the problem is in the headphones (possibly the module is faulty). MIUI to the latest version.

If all else fails, try connecting AirPods to another Android-device. If they are not detected there too, the problem is in the headphones (possibly faulty Bluetooth-module).