How to activate headphones Xiaomi Redmi Airdots: instructions for all models

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones remain among the most popular budget headphones TWS-But many users have difficulty connecting their first devices because of the combination of price, sound quality and battery life, because the headphones are not defined by the phone, do not sync with each other, or quickly shut down. This article will help you understand how to activate and connect Redmi Airdots (including Airdots models). 2/3/Pro/SE) to smartphones on Android and iOS, as well as solve typical problems.

It is important to understand that the activation process is different from standard Bluetooth connection: it requires forced synchronization between the right and left earphone, as well as correct pairing with the sound source. If you bought used headphones or they were lying for a long time without using, you may need to reset to factory settings, which will also be discussed below.

In this article you will find:

  • πŸ”Ή Step-by-step activation instructions for all Redmi Airdots models
  • πŸ”Ή Ways to solve connection problems (not visible in the list of devices, one headphone is turned off)
  • πŸ”Ή How to reset headphone settings to factory
  • πŸ”Ή Features of connecting to iPhone, MacBook and Windows PC
  • πŸ”Ή Tips for increasing the time of autonomous work

1. Headphones preparation for activation: what to do before connecting

Before you activate the Xiaomi Redmi Airdots first, make sure the headphones are fully charged. Even if the indicator on the case is green, this does not guarantee 100% battery power for the headphones themselves. Connect the case to the power source (better use the original USB-Type-C cable) and wait until both indicators (case and headphones) light up red for 10-15 seconds - this is a signal to start charging.

Also check:

  • πŸ“¦ Package: the box must contain headphones, a case, a USB-Type-C cable and documentation.
  • πŸ”‹ Contact status: There should be no oxidation or contamination on the headphones and inside the case.
  • πŸ“± Smartphone compatibility: Redmi Airdots works with Android 5.0 devices+ iOS 10+, But for full operation (for example, displaying the charge level), you may need the Mi Home application.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones were purchased used or stored more 6 For months without use, their batteries could run out to a critical level, in which case, charging from a standard adapter (5V/1A) It may not work, but use the adapter. 5V/2A Or connect the case to Power Bank.

πŸ“Š What Redmi Airdots model do you use?
Airdots (1st generation)
Airdots 2
Airdots 3/Pro
Airdots SE
Another model

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to activate Xiaomi Redmi Airdots

The activation process depends on the headphone model, but the overall scheme is the same for all versions. Below is a universal instruction that is suitable for Airdots. 1/2/3/Pro/SE.

Step 1. Remove the headphones from the case

Take both earbuds out of the charger case. They should automatically turn on (red/white light flashes). If the lights are not on, press and hold the touchpad on each earbud for 3-5 seconds until flashing occurs.

Step 2: Synchronize your headphones with each other

Redmi Airdots operate on the principle of "leading". + "sled" where the right earpiece is the main one:

  1. Place both headphones next to each other (no more than 5 cm away).
  2. Press and hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
  3. After that, the indicator on the left earphone should flash white - this means that the synchronization was successful.

Step 3. Connect to your smartphone

Now the headphones are ready to pair. Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone and do the following:

  • πŸ“± On Android: Go to Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ Bluetooth and select Redmi Airdots (or Mi True Wireless for some models).
  • 🍎 On iPhone: Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth and wait for the device to appear in the list.

Once you've successfully connected, the headphones will go out and the pairing notification will appear in your phone. If the headphones don't connect, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before connection

Done: 0 / 4

3. Features of activation for different models of Redmi Airdots

While the general principle of connectivity is the same, some Redmi Airdots models have nuances, and the table below shows the key differences:

ModelMethod of activationSynchronization indicationFeatures
Airdots (1st generation)Hold the button on the right headphone for 10 secondsRed/white (alternately)No AAC support, only SBC
Airdots 2Hold the touch panel on any headphone for 10 secondsWhite (fast blinking)Game Mode support (low latency)
Airdots 3/ProAutomatic synchronization when extracted from the caseWhite (slow blinking)Requires Mi Home apps to set up
Airdots SEHold the button on the right earphone for 5 secondsBlue/white (alternatively)Bluetooth 5.2 support, improved microphone

For Airdots models 3/Pro It is recommended to install the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS:

  • πŸŽ› Set up touch control (for example, double tap to start the voice assistant).
  • πŸ”‹ Monitor the level of charge of each headphone and case.
  • 🎧 Update the firmware (if available for your model).

πŸ’‘

If you have Airdots 3 Pro, close the headphones in the case for 10 seconds after connecting - this will reset possible synchronization errors.

4. Problem Solving: Headphones are not activated or connected

If Redmi Airdots are not detected by the phone or one of the headphones is not working, the reasons may be as follows:

πŸ”΄ Problem 1: Headphones are not visible in the list of Bluetooth devices

This is most often due to:

  • πŸ”‹ discharged batteries (even if the case is charged, the headphones themselves can be discharged).
  • πŸ”„ Incorrect synchronization between left and right earphone.
  • πŸ“± Conflict with other connected devices (such as a smartwatch or speaker).

Decision:

  1. Put the headphones back in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
  2. Remove them and hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red/white.
  3. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, then turn it on again and try to connect.

πŸ”΄ Problem 2: Only one headphone is connected

This is a typical problem for Airdots 2 and Airdots. SE, When the left earphone doesn't sync with the right earphone:

  • πŸ”„ Synchronization failure (for example, if the headphones were connected to different devices).
  • πŸ”‹ Different charge level (one earphone discharged more strongly).
  • 🎧 Mechanical damage (check if the microphone or speaker is contaminated).

Decision:

  1. Reset the headphone settings (instructions in the next section).
  2. Charge both earphones to 100% and repeat the sync.
  3. If the problem remains, try connecting the headphones to another phone – this will help to identify a hardware malfunction.

⚠️ Warning: If the left earphone still doesn't connect after reset, check it for physical damage. Often the problem lies in the oxidized contacts inside the case - wipe them with an alcohol wipe and try again.

πŸ”΄ Problem 3: Headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted

This may be related to:

  • πŸ“Ά Interference from other wireless devices (routers, microwaves).
  • πŸ”Š Incorrect codec (e.g., incorrect codec, AAC instead SBC).
  • πŸ“± An outdated version of Bluetooth on your phone.

Decision:

  • Go to Bluetooth Settings β†’ Redmi Airdots β†’ Settings of sound and select the codec SBC (It's more stable than AAC).
  • Turn off other Bluetooth devices within a 5-meter radius.
  • Update the headphone firmware through Mi Home (if available).

5.How to reset Xiaomi Redmi Airdots to factory settings

If there's no way to do that, the last option is a complete reset, which will remove all the conjugated devices and bring the headphones back to their original settings, and you'll need to re-activate and sync the headphones after the reset.

Resetting instructions:

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the lid and hold the touch panels on both headphones for 20 seconds.
  3. The indicators should go out, then flash red (this is a reset signal).
  4. After reset, remove the headphones from the case - they will automatically go into pairing mode.

For Airdots models 3/Pro discharge is performed differently:

  1. Remove the headphones from the case.
  2. Press 5 times on the right earphone touch panel.
  3. The indicator should flash purple - this is a confirmation of the reset.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, the headphones may not be determined by the phone the first time, in which case, repeat the synchronization procedure (section 2) and wait until the indicators start flashing white (plug mode).

What to do if the reset does not help?
If after several attempts to reset the headphones still do not work, the reason may lie in a hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth controller. In this case: 1. Check the headphones on another device (for example, a tablet or laptop). 2. If the problem persists, contact the Xiaomi service center - you may need to flash or change the board. 3. For models older than 2 years, the repair may not be cost-effective (the cost is close to the price of new headphones).

6. Connecting Redmi Airdots to iPhone, MacBook and Windows PC

While Redmi Airdots are optimized for Android, they can be connected to Apple devices as well as Windows or macOS computers.

🍎 Connection to iPhone or iPad

The algorithm is the same as for Android, but:

  • πŸ“± On iOS, the headphone charge level is not displayed (Mi Home is required, but it does not always work correctly with the iPhone).
  • 🎡 It is impossible to configure touch control (for example, double touch for pause).
  • πŸ”Š Sound can be transmitted in mono mode if synchronization between headphones is not performed.

Solution: Before connecting to your iPhone, be sure to sync your headphones with each other (Section 2, Step 2).

πŸ’» Connection to MacBook or Windows PC

Redmi Airdots works like a standard Bluetooth headset, but:

  • 🎀 The microphone may not work in some applications (e.g., Discord or Zoom).
  • πŸ”Š Possible audio delays when watching video (solved by choosing a codec) SBC).
  • πŸ”‹ No charge level is displayed (except for Windows 11 with the latest updates).

Instructions for Windows 10/11:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth and other devices.
  2. Click Add Add the device β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select Redmi Airdots from the list.
  4. If the sound is only going to one headphone, remove the device and reconnect.

πŸ’‘

For stable work with the PC, disable the β€œStereo” option in Windows settings and select β€œHeadset” – this will reduce sound delays.

7. Tips for increasing battery life

Officially, Redmi Airdots operate up to 4 hours on a single charge (and up to 12 hours with a case), but real time depends on the conditions of use.

  • πŸ”Š Reduce the volume to 60-70% – this will reduce the load on the battery.
  • 🎡 Turn it off. ANC (Active noise reduction, if you have it in your model.
  • πŸ“΅ Don’t leave your headphones connected to your phone when you’re not using them – a Bluetooth connection consumes charge.
  • πŸ”‹ Keep your headphones in your case – even when turned off, they slowly discharge.
  • 🌑 Avoid overheating or hypothermia (optimal temperature: 10-35)Β°C).

If the headphones began to discharge quickly, try calibrating the battery:

  1. Completely discharge the headphones (before turning off).
  2. Charge them in the case to 100% (the indicator on the case burns green).
  3. Repeat the cycle 2-3 times, which will help the controller to determine the charge level correctly.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones discharge in 1-2 hours at normal volume, this may indicate battery production. For models older than 2 years, it is recommended to replace the battery (in the service center or on your own, if you have experience soldering).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I connect Redmi Airdots to my TV?
Yes, but only if the TV supports Bluetooth (e.g. Xiaomi Mi models) TV, Samsung QLED 2020+ or LG OLED). To do this: Turn on Bluetooth on your TV (usually in Settings) β†’ Sound. β†’ Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (section 2). Select Redmi Airdots in the list of devices. If the TV does not have Bluetooth, use a Bluetooth transmitter (for example, Avantek or Avantek). 1Mii), which connects to an audio output (3.5 mm or optical).
❓ Why do you hear noise or cracking in your headphones?
The reasons may be different: πŸ“Ά Interference from other devices (routers, microwaves) Solution: Move away from the source of interference or reconnect the headphones. πŸ”Š Damaged speaker (often after falling or getting moisture) Solution: Check the headphones on another device. 🎧 Incorrect codec (for example, AAC Solution: in Bluetooth settings, select SBC. πŸ”‹ Low charge (below 10% sound quality is impaired) Solution: charge your headphones.
❓ How to Update Your Firmware on Redmi Airdots?
The firmware update is only available for Airdots models 3/Pro via the Mi Home app: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open Mi Home and select Redmi Airdots from your device list. Go to Settings β†’ Firmware update. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it's finished (don't turn off the headphones!). For other models (Airdots) 1/2/SE) No firmware updates provided.
❓ Can I use one headphone separately?
Yes, but with reservations: 🎧 In Airdot models 1/2/SE The right earphone can work separately, but the left earphone cannot (it is a "subject"). 🎧 In Airdots. 3/Pro Both headphones support mono-mode, but for this they need to be synchronized beforehand. πŸ”Š In mono mode, the working time is increased to 5–6 To use one earpiece: Synchronize both earpieces (partition) 2). Take out of the case only the right earphone - the second will automatically turn off.
❓ How to distinguish the original Redmi Airdots from fake?
Redmi Airdots fakes often have the same connectivity and autonomy issues.Signs of the original: πŸ“¦ Packaging: box with hologram, font Xiaomi clear, without typos. πŸ”– Barcode: Must match the data on Xiaomi’s website (check through CheckMark app). 🎧 Sound quality: in the original bass clear, without wheezing at maximum volume. πŸ”‹ Charging: the original case charges in 1.5-2 hours, fakes - longer. πŸ“± Mi Home app: original headphones are identified in the app, fakes are not. If in doubt, check the serial number on the Mi Verify website.