What to do if Xiaomi Redmi Airdots headphones do not connect to your phone over Bluetooth

Why Xiaomi Redmi Airdots refuse to connect to a smartphone?

Are you pulling out of a Redmi Airdots case, trying to connect to your phone but nothing happens? Or are headphones defined as a device but the connection is constantly resetting? The problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi wireless headphones - especially after updating the firmware of the smartphone or prolonged downtime of the gadget. 80% of the time, it is not hardware breakdowns that are to blame, but software failures or incorrect settings.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all possible causes, from simple battery discharge to firmware conflicts, and give step-by-step instructions for each Redmi Airdots model (including Airdots). 1/2/3 And the pro version, and we'll focus on the hidden features. MIUI, If you've tried to reboot your phone and drop your headphones, don't rush them into service, because the solution is probably on the surface.

For convenience, we have divided the methods into basic (for beginners) and advanced (if standard methods do not work), starting with the simplest, checking for obvious points that are often overlooked.

1. Checking the basic connection conditions

Before digging deep into the settings, make sure the minimum connection requirements are met.This seems obvious, but in practice, 30% of Xiaomi support calls are resolved at this stage.

• 🔋 Headphone and case charge: If the indicator on the case does not burn or flashes red, the Airdots are discharged. Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes, then try again. For the Redmi Airdots 3 Pro, the minimum charge level for connection is 15%.
• 📱 Smartphone compatibility: Headphones work with Bluetooth 4.2+, But on older phones (like Redmi). 4A) Airdots 3 may be affected due to lack of support AAC-codec.
• 🔄 Pair mode: Headphones should be in search mode. for Airdots 1/2 — hold the button on the case 3 seconds, for Airdots. 3/Pro — Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones.
• 🚫 Conflict with other devices: If the headphones have previously connected to another phone or laptop, they may stick on the old device.

If all the points are met, but the connection does not occur, move to the next section. If the headphones are detected but do not connect (constantly requesting a PIN or issuing an error), the problem lies deeper - most likely in the settings of the phone's Bluetooth stack.

2.Reset Xiaomi Redmi Airdots headphones to factory settings

The most effective way to resuscitate the headphones is to completely reset, which removes all the connections that are saved and returns the Airdots to a boxy state, and the instructions vary depending on the model.

For Redmi Airdots 1/2:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
3. Open the lid – the headphones should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).

For Redmi Airdots 3/Pro:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 10 seconds until you hear the beep and see the flashing red.
3. Put the headphones back in the case, then pull out - they should be dropped.

After reset, try reconnecting. If the problem persists, check if the energy-saving mode on your phone is blocking the connection (more on that).

3. Bluetooth settings on your phone: what prevents the connection?

Often the problem lies not in the headphones, but in the wrong settings of the smartphone. Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco on MIUI, where by default "optimizations" are enabled, interfering with the work of Bluetooth.

• 🔧 Turn off "Adaptive Bluetooth": Go to Settings → Bluetooth → Additionally, deactivate this option. It automatically disables Bluetooth to save charge, which can interrupt the connection.
• 📵 Remove old devices: In the list of conjugate gadgets, find Redmi Airdots (even if they are gray) and click "Forget device." Sometimes duplicate entries interfere with the new connection.
• 🔄 Change Bluetooth Mode: In the same additional settings, select Audio Mode → High quality (for Airdots 3 Pro, this is critical, as they support aptX).
• 🛡️ Turn off "Privacy Protection": In some firmware MIUI This feature blocks automatic connection to the headphones. You can find it in Settings. → Bluetooth → Advanced settings.

If you’re using Redmi Airdots 3 with an Android 12+ phone, check Bluetooth permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions Management → Bluetooth. Sometimes the system requires explicit confirmation to connect new devices.

💡

After resetting your headphones, try connecting them to another phone (like friends) if they work, the problem is precisely with your smartphone settings, not Airdots.

4.Firmware problems: Update and rollback

Redmi Airdots connection failures often occur after upgrading the phone’s firmware or headphones. For example, MIUI 13 had a bug that prevented Xiaomi phones from seeing Bluetooth 5.0 devices (including Airdots 3). and Airdots Pro from upgrading to version 1.4.0.9 had an issue with automatic reconnection.

What can be done:

• 📲 Update your headphone firmware: Connect Airdots to your phone. Open the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models). Find your headphones in the list of devices and check for updates in the firmware section".

Roll back the phone firmware

MIUI

1. Download the old firmware from en.miui.com.
2. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an Service Pack.

If the firmware rollback didn't help, try clearing the Bluetooth cache on your phone.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find "Bluetooth" in the list of system applications.
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.

5. Hardware problems: when to carry in the service?

If none of the software has worked, it may be a physical malfunction, and here are some signs that the headphones need repair:

• 🔌 Charging problems: The case does not charge the headphones, or they discharge in 10-15 minutes.This may indicate battery wear or damage to the contacts.
• 🎧 One earphone doesn't work: If the left or right Airdots doesn't turn on at all (doesn't blink, doesn't make sounds), the controller is most likely burned.
• 📡 If the sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds, even when the phone is lying nearby – the problem is in the Bluetooth antenna.
• 💧 Moisture: If headphones fall into water or are used during rain, oxidation of contacts may block the connection.

For diagnosis, try the following:

1. Check the contacts in the case, they must be clean, without green coating (oxidation), wipe them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
2. Try connecting your headphones to another phone (preferably on iOS or another Android phone), and if they don't work everywhere, the problem is with them.
3. See if the headphones are on fire when you remove the headphones, and if they're not, the battery or the power charge is defective.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble Redmi Airdots yourself - their body is glued together, and it is easy to damage the plumes when opened. Official repairs at the Xiaomi service center will cost 1,500-3,000 ₽ (depending on the breakdown, while self-repair often results in a complete loss of warranty.

6. Alternative ways of connecting (if nothing helps)

If standard methods don’t work, try non-obvious solutions that sometimes save you in desperate situations:

• 🔗 Connect via Mi Home app: Install Mi Home from Google Play. Sign up and select China Mainland region (important "+" → "Add the device" → "Headphones" → Redmi Airdots.

Use of the developer mode

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on "Version") MIUI" In Settings → The phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Turn on Bluetooth debugging and Absolute Volume Level.
4. 🔄 Resetting the phone's network settings: Go to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. Warning: this will delete all stored networks and devices!

To connect: Press the button on the case (or the sensor on the headphones) until you blink white, then find them in the Bluetooth settings on the iPhone.