Xiaomi AirDots: full instructions for setting up and connecting to the phone

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 and AirDots Youth) remain among the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users face difficulties when connecting first or configuring additional features. This article will help you understand everything from basic pairing with the phone to fine-tuning gestures and solving typical problems.

It’s important to understand that the customization process can vary depending on the headphone model and firmware version. For example, AirDots 3 Pro supports LDAC for high-quality sound, and AirDots Basic is limited to basic AAC. We’ll look at the universal steps that are relevant to most versions, and also point out key differences.

If you've just unpacked your headphones or encountered a connection error, don't rush to return them to the store. 90% of the time, problems are solved software-based, without going to the service center. Next, you'll find step-by-step instructions with illustrations (for key steps), compatibility tables and answers to frequent questions.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first turn on

Before you start pairing, you need to properly remove the headphones from the case and activate the search mode, which is often missed, which leads to connection errors.

Here's what we need to do:

• 🔋 Charge the case. Connect it to a power source (USB-C or Micro-USB depending on the model) for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows a charge. AirDots Basic may not turn on when the charge level of the case is below 10%, although the headphones themselves are charged.
• 🎧 Remove the headphones. Remove both earphones from the case at the same time — they must automatically turn on (blitzes white indicator). If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad on each earphone for 3 seconds.
• 🔄 Reset (if the headphones have already been used). Place both headphones back in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red.

Pay attention to the indicators:

• 🟢 Green: Headphones are charged and ready to be connected.
• 🔴 Red: Low charge (less than 20%) or error.
• 🔵 Blue/white flashing - the pairing mode is active.

2 Connection to Smartphone (Android/iOS)

The process of pairing with the phone takes no more than 1-2 minutes if the headphones are properly prepared.

For Android (MIUI, Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

On devices running Android 8.0+, use the standard algorithm:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
2. Remove the headphones from the case (they should flash white).
3. In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earphones (or a similar name for your model) and tap it.
4. Confirm pairing. Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14) may require additional permission to access contacts and media.

For iPhone (iOS 12 and newer)

On the iPhone, the process is almost identical, but there are nuances with the codec:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure the headphones are in search mode (blue/white flashing).
3. Select Mi True Wireless Earphones from the list.
4. Wait for the word "Connected" to appear. iOS uses the AAC codec by default, which can degrade sound on some AirDots models.

If the headphones are not displayed in the list of devices:

Make sure the headphones are removed from the case |Reboot Bluetooth on your phone |Reset the headphone settings (hold the button on the case 10 seconds) | Check the compatibility of the model with your phone-->

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro, when you first connect to your iPhone, you may need to update your firmware through the Mi Home app. Without this, the headphones will only connect in mono mode.

3. Synchronization of left and right earphone

One of the most common problems is when only one earpiece (usually the right one) is connected, and this is due to a synchronization failure between the earbuds. Here's how to fix:

Method 1: Manual synchronization

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Take out the right earphone and wait 5 seconds (white light should flash).
3. Remove the left earpiece and hold the touchpad on it for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
4. Reconnect to the phone.

Method 2: Discharge through a cover

If manual synchronization does not help:

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator flashes red, then white).
3. Remove the headphones and reconnect.

For AirDots 3 and later, synchronization occurs automatically when removed from the case. If the problem persists, check the firmware version through the Mi Home app.

4.Tune in sensory gestures

All Xiaomi AirDots models support gesture control, but their configuration depends on the firmware and model.

To change the purpose of the gestures:

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Put the headphones on the phone.
3. In the application, go to Profile → Xiaomi AirDots → Signature settings.
4. Select the right earpiece (left or right) and assign actions for each gesture.

⚠️ Warning: On iPhone, some gestures (like calling Siri) may conflict with system settings. In this case, disable duplicate commands in Settings → Special Features → Touch → Gestures.

💡

If gestures are triggered accidentally (such as when walking), reduce sensor sensitivity in the Mi Home app settings or turn off unnecessary commands.

5. Optimization of sound and codecs

The sound quality of Xiaomi AirDots is highly dependent on the audio codec used. By default, most phones choose SBC, the most versatile, but not the highest quality codec. Here's how to improve the sound:

For Android.

On Android 10+ devices with support for aptX or LDAC:

1. Install Developer Options (if not already activated, tap 7 times on the build number in Settings → About phone).
2. Go to Settings → System → For developers → Bluetooth settings.
3. Select the Audio Codec and prioritize for aptX or LDAC (for AirDots 3 Pro).
4. Activate the option of Absolute Volume (if available) to avoid volume spikes.

For the iPhone.

On iOS, codecs are limited, with only AAC available.

• 🎛️ Turn off the equalizer in the music settings (it can degrade sound when transmitted over Bluetooth).
• 🔊 Enable Monosound in Settings → Special features → Audiovisual if one earphone sounds quieter.
• 📱 Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home (if available for your model).

For AirDots 3 Pro models with LDAC support, it is recommended to use an Android phone, as iOS does not support this codec.

💡

On AirDots Basic and AirDots Pro, maximum sound quality is achieved by using the aptX codec on Android devices that support this technology (for example, smartphones on Snapdragon 8xx).

6. Solving typical problems

Even after a successful connection, users encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: Headphones are quickly discharged

If the work time is reduced to 1-2 hours instead of the declared 4-5:

• 🔋 Check the battery status in the case through the Mi Home. If the capacity has dropped below 80%, the case needs to be replaced.
• 📵 Disable unnecessary features (such as Voice Assistant or Low Latency) if they are not in use.
• 🔄 Calibrate the battery: completely discharge the headphones (before switching off), then charge to 100% without interruption.

Problem 2: Interrupting a sound or stuttering

Causes and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal. Make sure there are no obstacles (walls, metal objects) between the phone and the headphones. Maximum distance is 10 meters.
• 🎵 Codec conflict. Switch to SBC in the developer settings (see section 5).
• 📱 Overloading the phone's processor. Close the background apps, especially games or video players.

Problem 3: Different volumes in headphones

If one earpiece sounds quieter:

1. Check the sound balance in your phone settings (Settings → Special features → Audiovisual).
2. Clean the speaker mesh in a quiet earpiece with a soft brush (accumulation of earwax is a common cause).
3. Reset the headphone settings (see Section 3).

If the problem persists, the speaker may be faulty, in which case contact Xiaomi Service Center (the AirDots warranty is usually 12 months).

7. Firmware update

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for Xiaomi AirDots, fixing connection errors, improving sound and adding new features.

1. Install the latest version of the Mi Home app.
2. Put the headphones on the phone.
3. Open Mi Home, go to the headphone profile.
4. If an update is available, a notification will appear "New firmware". Click Update and wait until the process is complete (do not remove the headphones from the case!).

Update time is 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, the headphones will automatically restart.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the upgrade process even if it's stuck at 90%+. This can lead to headphones "bricking up." If the update lasts more than 20 minutes, place the headphones back in the case, wait 1 minute and try again.

8 Additional features and hidden capabilities

Apart from the basic features, Xiaomi AirDots supports a few hidden features that many users are unaware of:

Low Delay Mode (for Games and Videos)

To reduce the latency of sound when watching videos or playing games:

1. Activate the mode in Mi Home (Settings → Low Delay Mode).
2. Or use triple tap on AirDots 3 Pro.

Note: in this mode, the sound quality deteriorates slightly, but the delay is reduced to 80-100 ms (versus 150-200 ms in standard mode).

Voice assistant

The headphones support calling Google Assistant, Siri or Alice (depending on the phone):

• 🎤 Double touch (on AirDots 3 Pro) or sensor retention (on other models).
• 📱 On Android, you can reassign the assistant in the Mi Home app settings.

Monosound for a single earpiece

If you want to use only one headphone (for example, driving):

1. Place the second headphone in the case.
2. Get the right headphone – it will automatically connect in mono mode.
3. On AirDots 3, you can manually select the mono mode in Mi Home.

In mono mode, the operating time increases by about 30%, since the charge is consumed on only one headphone.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)