How to connect Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 2 to a laptop: Step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones have become the standard for affordable audio, allowing users to enjoy high-quality audio without having to wire. However, when it comes to connecting to a desktop or laptop, users often encounter nuances that are not obvious when working with smartphones.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of pairing the Redmi AirDots 2 model with different operating systems, paying special attention to Windows 10 and 11. You will learn not only about the standard connection procedure, but also about methods to eliminate common errors that can occur when you first try to synchronize devices.

Before you start, make sure your headphones are charged and your computer has a wireless module activated. Even if you don't have Bluetooth built-in, use externally available. USB-The adapter will solve the problem without buying new hardware, and we will consider all the necessary steps to successfully integrate the gadget into your work or gaming ecosystem.

Preparation of the device and activation of the coupling mode

The first and most important step is to put your headphones in visibility mode. Unlike smartphones, which often connect automatically when you open a case, computers require manual search initiation. First, remove both headphones from the charger case, and the indicators on them should light up, signaling readiness to go.

If the lights don't flash or are constantly on, it's possible that the headphones are already paired with another device or discharged. In this case, you need to reset. Press the touch zones on both headphones simultaneously and hold them for about 5-7 seconds until the indicators light up red. Then release the buttons and press them again to turn the device on. Now they're ready to search.

The key to Redmi AirDots 2 is to get the right pairings in mode. You need to pinch the touchpads on both headphones for about 5 seconds before the red glow appears, and then hold on for a few more seconds until the indicators start flashing quickly in white. It is the frequent white blink that indicates that the device is broadcasting a signal for new connections.

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If the headphones flash different colors or do not sync with each other, put them back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds and repeat the procedure of extracting and activating the pairing mode again.

It's important to understand the difference between modes of operation. A single flash is designed to connect to previously known devices. For a laptop that sees a gadget for the first time, it's critical to achieve exactly a quick flash of the indicator. Without this, the laptop simply will not find headphones in the list of available devices.

Instructions for connecting to Windows 10 and 11

Windows operating systems have built-in peripherals. To get started, open the Start menu and go to the Settings section marked with the gear, and then you're interested in Devices (in Windows 10) or Bluetooth and Devices (in Windows 11). Make sure the Bluetooth slider is switched to On.

Click on Add Bluetooth or other device. In the window that appears, select the first item, "Bluetooth." The system will start scanning the space. The list of available devices should appear as Redmi AirDots 2 or simply AirDots 2. Click on it to begin the pairing procedure.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist of connection to Windows

Done: 0 / 4

Once you select a device, Windows can request confirmation or simply show the connection process. This usually takes 5 to 15 seconds. Successful completion of the operation is confirmed by a voice message in the headphones "Connected" and changing the status in the computer menu to "Connected: Music, voice." If the status remains "Connected", but no sound, right click on the device and select "Connect".

πŸ“Š What problem do you have when connecting?
Can't see headphones.
Not connected.
No sound.
Low volume.
It's working fine.

Bluetooth settings on macOS and Linux

Apple MacBook laptop owners can also use these headphones, as the data protocol is universal. To connect, open System Settings via Apple's menu or dock panel. Go to Bluetooth. Make sure the module is active and wait for Redmi AirDots 2 to appear on the Devices Nearby list.

Click the Connect button next to the headphone name. macOS is known for its stability with Bluetooth audio, so problems are rare. However, if you use Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint), the process may require attention to detail. In most modern distributions, Bluetooth is managed through a notification panel or a bluetoothctl utility.

To manually configure Linux through the terminal, you can use the following sequence of commands: First start the agent, then perform a scan and connect:

bluetoothctl


agent on




scan on




pair XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX




connect XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

Where XX:XX... β€” it MAC-The address of your headphones that is displayed during the scan. Once successfully connected to Linux, you may need to switch your audio profile from the user's computer. HSP/HFP (for conversation A2DP (for music) via pavucontrol sound settings.

Problem Solving: Laptop Cannot See Headphones

The situation when the computer ignores the headphones is one of the most common. Often the reason is not a malfunction of the gadget, but in drivers or hidden settings of the system. If the Device Manager does not even mention a Bluetooth adapter, it is possible that the drivers are not installed or the module is disabled in the BIOS.

Check the Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting the appropriate option. Find the "Bluetooth" section. If there are devices with a yellow exclamation mark or unknown devices, you need to update the drivers. You can use automatic search or download software from the laptop manufacturer's website.

⚠️ Note: Some laptops have a physical switch or key combination (e.g., Fn). + F5) Make sure that the In-Aircraft mode is off and the adapter is not locked hardwarely.

Also worth checking is Bluetooth support in Windows. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and find the Bluetooth Support Service. Make sure the startup type is set to Automatic and the service is running. Without the active service, you can't detect new devices.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones not found.The pairing mode is not activatedPress the buttons until quick flashing
Driver errorOutdated adapter softwareUpdate Bluetooth drivers
Weak signal.USB 3.0 InterferenceUse it. USB-extender
No sound.Output device not selectedSwitch the output of the sound in the mixer

Customization of sound quality and microphone

Once the connection is successful, it is important to make sure that the sound is transmitted in the best quality. By default, Windows can use the Hands-Free AG Audio profile, which is designed for phone conversations and has low mono sound quality. To listen to music and watch movies, you need to switch to the Stereo profile.

To do this, click on the speaker icon in the tray, select the playback device selector, and make sure that the device marked "Stereo" is selected. If you plan to use a headphone microphone for calls (Zoom, Skype, Discord), the system will automatically switch to the Hands-Free profile, which will reduce the sound quality, but activate the microphone. This is a limitation of the Bluetooth protocol, not a defect.

Why does the sound quality drop when the microphone is turned on?
Bluetooth has limited bandwidth. Voice (incoming stream) and high-quality stereo (outgoing stream) both require more resources than the channel can provide, so when the microphone is activated, the profile switches to HSP/HFP, sacrificing the quality of music for two-way communication.

Additionally, you can adjust the volume levels separately for the system and for the headphones themselves, if they support this function. In the device properties in the sound control panel (mmsys.cpl) in the Levels tab, you can check the balance. It is also recommended to turn off all sound effects such as Toncompensation or virtual surround sound, as they can cause latency in Redmi AirDots 2.

Elimination of delays and interruptions of the signal

Latency is a common problem when using Bluetooth headphones from a PC, especially noticeable in games or when watching videos. If you see audio and video desynchronization, try turning off audio enhancements. In the playback device properties, in the "Additional" tab, uncheck the box from "Enable additional audio tools."

Signal interruptions can be caused by interference. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, and other wireless devices interfere. If the laptop is far from the router or near the source of interference, communication quality can fall. Try to bring the laptop closer to the headphones or change the position. USB-adapter.

⚠️ Note: If you are using an external USB Bluetooth adapter, avoid connecting it directly to the port near the port USB High frequency tips from USB 3.0 can jam Bluetooth signal. Use short USB-extender.

In some cases, power-savings shutdown for a Bluetooth adapter helps. Find your adapter in Device Manager, open its properties, and in the Power Management tab, uncheck the "Allow this device to be turned off to save energy" box, which will prevent power surges and short-term connection breaks.

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The stability of the connection depends on the quality of the drivers and the absence of physical obstacles or electromagnetic interference between the adapter and the headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you connect Redmi AirDots 2 with just one headphone to a laptop?
Yes, it's possible. To do this, take one earphone out of the case, activate the pairing mode (clutching the button), find it in the laptop's Bluetooth list and connect. The second earphone must be in the case or be turned off.
Why does a laptop see a device as a Headset, not a Headphone?
The name depends on the profile that first initiates the connection. "Headset" implies the presence of a microphone (headset mode), and "Headphones" - only playback. Functionally for listening to music, there is no difference, but the headset mode can use a lower bitrate.
How to reset headphones if they are not connected?
Put the headphones in the case, open the lid. Press the touch zones on both headphones for 20-30 seconds until the indicators flash red 3-4 times. After reset, remove the old device from the Bluetooth list on the laptop and perform the pairing again.
Does the AirPods 2 microphone work on a laptop without internet?
Yes, the microphone doesn't require Internet to run and transmit audio, the connection is installed directly over Bluetooth radio, and the Internet is only used for the initial installation of drivers if they are not in the system.