How to connect Xiaomi AirDots with each other: a step-by-step guide

Many wireless headphone owners are faced with a situation where devices stop working as a single stereo system. Instead of the expected surround sound, the user hears audio in only one channel or observes a complete lack of communication between modules. Synchronization is a process that often gets lost after discharging a case or updating a smartphone software. Understanding how to connect Xiaomi AirDots correctly is a key skill for comfortable use of the gadget.

There are several reasons why pairing is disrupted, and most of them are resolved without going to a service center. Often the problem is that the headphones have "forgotten" each other and are trying to connect to the phone as two independent mono-device, and in this article we will examine all the nuances of restoring communication, from standard procedures to deep resetting.

It is important to note that the algorithms of operation can vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the specific model, whether it is basic AirDots, AirDots S or more advanced AirDots 2. However, the basic principle of interaction through a Bluetooth module remains the same for the entire line.

Reasons for the desynchronization of headphones

Before you start to act, you need to understand the nature of the failure. Dissynchronization often occurs when one of the headphones discharged faster than the other and was removed from the case separately, at which point the device goes into the mode of finding the last connected gadget, ignoring the β€œpartner”, and the reason may be interference with the Bluetooth protocol from the operating system of the smartphone.

Sometimes users accidentally activate pairing mode on one earbud while the second is in the case or off, which leads to the Xiaomi AirDots being perceived by the phone as two different devices with similar names.

⚠️ Note: If you see two devices with the same name in the Bluetooth list (e.g. two "Mi True Wireless EBs") Basic_R"), This is a sure sign that the stereopara is destroyed and requires reunification.

It is a common mistake to try to connect headphones without clearing previous entries in the phone’s memory. Older connection profiles may conflict with new configuration attempts. Therefore, before starting the reconnection procedure, it is strongly recommended to delete old device entries in the smartphone settings.

πŸ“Š Have you experienced headphone desynchronization?
Yeah, all the time.
It was once.
No, it's working perfectly.
I have wired headphones.

Preparation for the interface procedure

The first step is to completely clear the connection history on your mobile device, go to Bluetooth settings, find your AirDots in the list, and select the option β€œForget the device” or β€œDelete” which will break all old connections and free the channel for a new configuration.

Turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone after deleting your profile, which is critical because actively searching for networks can prevent the headphones from entering a special setup mode, and make sure that the headphones themselves are at least 30-40% charged so that they do not go into sleep mode during the calibration process.

Put both earbuds in the charge case and close the lid for 5-10 seconds. Then remove them at the same time. If the lights catch fire but quickly go out, the contacts may have become dirty. Wipe the contact pads on the headphones and inside the case with dry soft cloth.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for synchronization

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Basic method of connection (Automatic)

The easiest way to connect Xiaomi AirDots is to use a standard algorithm: remove both headphones from the case at the same time. In normal operation, they must automatically find each other within 5-10 seconds. The indicator of successful combination is the blinking of only one of the headphones (usually the right one), while the second one should be on a straight light or flashing slowly.

If the lights flash blue alternately or quickly on both devices, then the pairing mode is activated, but communication is not established. In this case, try to put them back in the case, close the lid and repeat the extraction procedure. Sometimes it takes 2-3 cycles to reset the internal logic of the controller.

When one earbud stopped blinking fast and started blinking slowly (about once per second), and the second one does not burn or burns dimly, this means that the master device (right earbud) is ready to connect to the phone. You can now turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and perform a search.

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If you don't have automatic connection, try removing the headphones from the case with a 2-3 second delay, first the right one, then the left one, which can help initiate a partner search.

Forced synchronization (Manual reset)

If the automatic method didn't work, you have to force resets. To do that, remove the headphones from the case. Each one has a touch or mechanical control button on it, and you have to press and hold these buttons on both headphones simultaneously for about 20 seconds.

It is important to keep the buttons on even when the headphones start to turn off. Keep them clamped until the indicators light up red and then flash white or red/blue again (depending on the model), a process that can take up to 30 seconds, at which point the internal memory of the headphones is completely cleared.

Once the lights are on for the second time, release the buttons. The headphones will turn off. Now put them in the case, close the lid and retrieve them. They should automatically go into search mode for each other. If all goes well, one will blink quickly (phone search mode), and the other will blink slowly or not at all.

IndicationMeaningAction.
Fast blinking (both)Phone Search Mode (not connected)Reset with buttons
Slow blinking (one)Ready to connect (Master)Search the Bluetooth phone
Burning constantly (one)Connected to the phone.Norma.
Blinking alternatelyAttempting to connect with each otherWait or drop

⚠️ Warning: During the reset procedure, the headphones may issue audible signals or voice commands in Chinese or English. Don't be alarmed or release buttons until the display cycle is complete.

Features of Xiaomi AirDots S and 2 models

Xiaomi AirDots S and AirDots 2 have some design differences in control, in particular, the version S has a faster connection, but the reset algorithm may require more accurate timing. For these models, it is often recommended to hold the buttons not 20, but 15 seconds before the first switch off, and another 5-10 seconds before re-energizing the indicators.

AirDots 2 adds support for voice assistant, which requires a more stable connection to transmit the microphone data. If you have sound after you connect, but the microphone does not work or only works on one earphone, then the stereo mode is not fully activated, in which case you repeat the reset procedure, paying special attention to the simultaneous pressing of buttons.

It’s also worth noting that new firmware versions for AirDots 2 allow you to use the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app to check the charge and reconfigure, but for the initial connection between each other, the applications are not required, all the logic is embedded in the hardware.

Secret combinations for advanced users
Some users note that if you quickly press 5 times on the right earbud and then 5 times on the left, it can cause hidden testing mode, but for normal synchronization this is not required and can knock down the equalization settings.

Solving problems with connecting to the phone

Once you've been able to sync the headphones together (one flashes, the other doesn't), you need to connect them to your smartphone. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and start searching. Only one device should appear on the list. If you see two identical names, repeat the reset procedure, since the connection between the headphones is lost again.

When connecting, you may request a confirmation or code. Usually, no code is required, but if the system insists, try entering 0000. After successful connection, the indicators on the headphones should go out or go into rare flashing mode (once every few minutes), signaling to work in the background.

If the phone sees the device but says, "I couldn't connect," try forgetting the device in the Bluetooth settings, turning off and turning on the Bluetooth itself on the phone, and then trying again. Sometimes it helps to reboot the smartphone itself, since the cache of the Bluetooth module could overflow.

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The main criterion for success is that only ONE device is on the Bluetooth list of a smartphone, and if there are two, the headphones are not connected to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why only one headphone works after you connect?
This is a classic sign that the headphones are not connected, and the phone thinks it's connected to a stereo device, but it's actually connected only to the right channel (Master), and the left channel (Slave) is not transmitting sound because it has lost contact with the right one. You need to reset the settings described in the "Forced Synchronization" section.
Can I use Xiaomi AirDots with an iPhone?
Yes, Xiaomi AirDots is fully compatible with iOS. The connection process is identical: you need to reset your headphones, wait for them to connect to each other, and then select them from the Bluetooth list on your iPhone. However, the customization app (Mi Earbuds) on iOS can work with restrictions or not supported, unlike Android.
What to do if the headphones are not in reset mode?
Make sure you keep the buttons clamped long enough (up to 30 seconds), also check the charge of the case and the headphones themselves. If the headphones are completely discharged, they will not be able to enter flash or reset mode. Charge them for 15-20 minutes and try again.
How do I know if the headphones are charged?
When the headphones are in the case, the indicator on the case burns red. When the charge is completed, the case indicator goes out or lights up green (depending on the case model), the headphones inside the case usually do not burn when the charge is completed, or their indicators go out a few seconds after installation in the case.