Modern wireless headphones have become an essential feature of everyday life, and Xiaomi models deserve to take the leading position due to the excellent combination of price and quality. However, the initial configuration of the device often raises questions for new owners, especially when it comes to synchronizing two headphones with each other and then connecting to a smartphone. Proper execution of the sequence of actions ensures stable operation of the Bluetooth module and no dissynchronization of sound in the future.
The pairing process can vary depending on the model, whether it’s classic Redmi AirDots, updated Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic or more advanced versions with AptX support. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of connection, look at the typical errors and how to fix them, so you can enjoy quality sound immediately after unpacking.
Before you start using it, you need to make sure that the battery of the case and the headphones themselves are charged at least 50%, which is important, since at low charge the device may not go into pairing mode or work unstable during the initial configuration of the system.
Preparation of the device for first activation
The first step before you connect Xiaomi AirDots is to properly prepare the hardware. Many users make the mistake of trying to immediately search for the device in the Bluetooth list, forgetting to activate the pairing mode. The headphones must come out of sleep and start broadcasting the signal for search.
Remove both headphones from the charging case at the same time. Indicators on the cases should light up: usually red light signals a discharge or charging process, and flashing white (or white-red) indicates a waiting mode connection. If the indicators are not burning, check for protective film on the charging contacts or charge the case for 15-20 minutes.
⚠️ Note: If the headphones flash at different intervals or only burn on one device, this is a sign of desynchronization, in which case you need to perform the reset procedure to factory settings before trying to connect to the phone.
Make sure your smartphone has Bluetooth on, but don't try to search for devices just yet. Give the headphones 5-10 seconds after extracting from the case so they can find each other and team up as a stereo pair, only after that they become visible to external devices.
For touch-controlled models such as the Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, primary activation may require longer touch zone retention, and in some cases, the first switch requires removing the silicone mounts and pressing a hidden button on the body, although this is more common for older Air models.
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When you first use, be sure to remove all protective stickers from the charging contacts on the headphones themselves, otherwise they may not turn on when extracted from the case.
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Android
The Android operating system provides the most native integration with the devices of the Xiaomi ecosystem. the setup process here is as automated as possible, but requires carefulness when choosing a device from the list, as the names can vary.
Open your smartphone settings and go to Bluetooth. Click on the search button for new devices or just update the list. The list of available gadgets should show the name of your model, for example, Redmi. AirDots_R Mi True Wireless EBs Basic_R. Note the R index at the end of the name – this means you see the right earpiece, which is a master device in pairs.
- 📱 Click on the device name in the list of available Bluetooth gadgets.
- 🔊 Wait for voice confirmation of “Connected” or “Connected” in headphones.
- ✅ Check Connection Status: Bluetooth Settings should display “Connected for Media Audio and Telephony».
If the system requests permission to access contacts or call logs, confirm the action to be able to manage calls through headphones. In some shells, such as MIUI, animations with a case image and the charge level of each earphone separately can pop up when connected.
☑️ Checking Android Connectivity
It's important to note that the left earbud connects automatically to the right, and if you see two identical devices on the Bluetooth list, without indexes or with different names, then the stereo is not packed, and the sound will only come from the same channel.
Configuring pairing with iPhone (iOS)
Owners of Apple smartphones can also successfully use Xiaomi products, although the pairing process has its nuances due to the peculiarities of the iOS protocols. Despite the lack of a proprietary battery widget on the desktop (without third-party applications), the basic functionality works steadily.
Go to Settings → Bluetooth menu on your iPhone or iPad. Make sure the Bluetooth slider is activated. As with Android, remove the headphones from the case and wait for them to go into search mode. The Redmi AirDots device should appear in the Other Devices section.
Tap the headset name to start pairing. The system can warn you that the accessory is not MFi (Made for iPhone) certified. This is a standard warning for third-party peripherals, and does not affect the sound performance, so feel free to click "Plug in".
⚠️ Note: On iOS, there is sometimes a problem when the headphones connect as a “Headphone” (for calls only), but not as an “Audiogadget” (music). If there is no music, click on the “i” icon next to the device in the Bluetooth list and make sure the “Device Type” switch is set correctly, or reconnect.
Once the connection is successful, the voice assistant will notify you of the status. The same gestures used on the iPhone to control playback are used on Android: double tap for pause/play, triple tap for Siri assistant, which works well with these headphones.
Use of third-party apps on iOS
Solving problems with headphone desynchronization
One of the most common problems users face is when only one headphone is running or the sound is in mono mode, which means that the left-right module has lost communication and they have stopped working as a single stereo system.
To fix this problem, you need to perform a full reset (Hard Reset). First, remove the device from the list of saved gadgets in the Bluetooth menu of the smartphone ("Forget the device"). Then place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
Remove the headphones simultaneously. Quickly press 5 times on the touch areas of both headphones (or hold 5-7 seconds, depending on the model) until the indicators flash red several times. This is a signal that the settings are reset. Put them back in the case, close and open in 10 seconds to re-automatically sync with each other.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Method of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Only one headphone works. | Loss of communication between L and R modules | Perform a reset settings (5 taps) |
| Low volume. | Volume limitation in the system or dirt in the grid | Check the absolute volume settings, clean the grid |
| Intermittent sound | Signal interference or low charge | Reload the case, remove the phone from your pocket |
| Phone can't see headphones | The pairing mode is not activated | Extract from the case, wait for the indicator to flash |
Once reset, search again for devices on your smartphone, and now there should be only one object with the model name on the list, which indicates that the channels have been successfully merged.
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The key to solving 90% of the problems with Xiaomi AirDots is a complete reset to factory settings through multiple touches of the sensor and re-pairing.
Handling gestures and voice assistant
Once you’ve connected Xiaomi AirDots, you’ll need to master control that’s done exclusively through touch zones or physical buttons (depending on the revision), eliminating the need to constantly pull your phone out of your pocket.
The standard gesture configuration for most Redmi AirDots and Mi True Wireless models is as follows:
- 🎵 Double touch: playback/pause of track or answer to incoming call.
- 📞 Double touch (incoming call): call reset (depending on the firmware version).
- 🗣 Triple touch: activation of the voice assistant (Google Assistant or Siri).
- ⏭ Sensor retention (2 seconds): In some models, it works as a track switch or game mode activation.
The voice assistant allows you to control music, learn the weather or send messages without touching the screen of your smartphone.
For more subtle configuration of functions, for example, changing the purpose of gestures, it may be necessary to install a specialized application, since regular Android and iOS tools reassign buttons on these models are often not available.
Advanced settings and sound optimization
There are hidden customization options available for users looking to make the most of their Redmi AirDots. While an official app for basic models may not be available in the Play Market, there are universal tools for managing codecs and equalizers.
In the Android developer settings, you can find the item “Bluetoothooth audio codec.” The default can be SBC, which provides basic quality. If your headphones and smartphone support AAC or AptX, switching to these codecs in the developer menu will significantly improve the detail of the sound and reduce the latency when watching videos.
Also worth paying attention to is the Absolute Volume feature. If you notice that the volume of your headphones and phone is adjustable independently or too quietly, try turning it off or turning it on in the developer menu.This often solves the problem of quiet sound on Xiaomi and Redmi devices.
⚠️ Attention: The Developer Menu is hidden by default. To activate it, go to Settings → About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» or “Assembly number».
Remember to update your headphone firmware regularly if the manufacturer releases updates through the Mi Wear app or Xiaomi Earbuds. Updates often contain connection stability bug fixes and improve microphone performance.