Losing or breaking a case from Xiaomi AirDots is a problem that many owners of these popular wireless headphones face. Without a case, the headphones discharge in a few hours, they are difficult to transport, and the risk of losing one of the ears increases significantly. But don't rush to buy new headphones: in 90% of cases, the case can be found, replaced or even made yourself.
In this article, we will look at all the possible ways, from buying the original case to using unexpected alternatives, you will learn where to look for a case at the lowest price, how to check its compatibility with your AirDots model (Pro, Pro 2, 3, SE, etc.), and what to do if the original case is no longer produced, and we will reveal the secrets of how to distinguish a fake from the original by 3 external features, and share life hacks for repairing broken latches or connectors.
Importantly, if your case just doesn't charge the headphones, the problem may not be with it, but with the contacts or firmware of the AirDots themselves. At the end of the article, there's a separate section on diagnosing these cases.
1.Where to buy the original case from Xiaomi AirDots
The original case is the best option if you want to keep your headphones fully compatible, including charge display and magnetic mount. However, it can be difficult to find it: Xiaomi rarely sells cases separately from headphones. Here are 4 proven sources where you can look:
- 🛒 Official Xiaomi store (mi.com or mi-store.ru) – sometimes there are spare cases for popular models. Follow the section “Accessory” or subscribe to the newsletter about new receipts.
- 🌍 AliExpress — where sellers buy leftovers from Xiaomi plants. Search for "Xiaomi AirDots [model] original case" and filter for reviews with photos.
- 🏬 Xiaomi Local Service Centers — they sometimes have spare cases for warranty repairs. Call and check for your headphones modeled for.
- 🔄 Used markets (Avito, Yula, Facebook Marketplace) - look for lots marked "case without headphones." Ask the seller for a photo of the inside to make sure there is no damage.
The cost of the original case varies from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the model. For example, the case for the AirDots 3 Pro is usually more expensive than for the AirDots SE, due to the more complex electronics inside. Be careful: AliExpress often sells quality replicas under the guise of originals (more on this in the next section).
⚠️ Note: If the seller offers the original case for AirDots Pro 2 cheaper than 800 rubles, most likely it is a fake.Original cases Xiaomi can not cost less than 50% of the price of new headphones.
2.How to distinguish the original case from the fake
Fake cases for Xiaomi AirDots are almost indistinguishable from the originals, but often have problems with charging, magnets or indication. Here are 3 key signs by which you can recognize fake:
| Sign. | Original | Fake. |
|---|---|---|
| Mi logo | Clear, with uniform lighting (in models with an indicator), the paint does not wear off when friction. | A blurred or misaligned logo, and the backlights may flicker or be missing. |
| Magnets | The lid is tightly fixed, you hear a distinct click, the headphones are held securely inside. | The magnets are weak, the lid closes with a backlash, and the headphones can fall out when shaken. |
| Serial number. | Laser-painted on the inside of the case (near the contacts) and it's 14-16 characters. | The number is painted or missing, often consisting of a random set of numbers. |
| Charging. | The full charge cycle of the headphones takes 1.5-2 hours. The indicator burns smoothly, without blinking. | Charging takes longer than 3 hours or is interrupted. The indicator can blink red. |
Additional test: connect the case to the phone via Bluetooth (if the model supports displaying the level of charge).The original case will show the exact percentage of the battery, and the fake - either rounding values (for example, only 0%, 50%, 100%), or will not show anything.
If you have already bought a case and doubt its authenticity, check compatibility with headphones:
Put the headphones in the case – they should automatically disconnect from the phone and start charging.
Close the cover – the indicator should go out or change color (on the original models).
Connect the case to charging – the indicator should burn orange/red during charging and green at completion.
Check the magnets: headphones should not fall out when turning the case.-->
3. Alternative cases: what analogues are suitable for AirDots
If you can't find the original case or it's too expensive, you can look at compatible ones, and the key is to have the case fit in size, have the right connections to charge, and securely fix the headphones.
- 🔋 Universal cases with Power Bank - for example, from Baseus or Xiaomi Mi Power Bank (models with wireless charging), suitable if you need only transportation and protection, but not original charging. Price: from 300 rubles.
- 🎧 Cases from other Xiaomi models – for example, the case from AirDots Youth Edition is suitable for AirDots SE, AirDots 2 case is compatible with the first generation!
- 🔄 3D-Printing – on sites like Thingiverse or Cults3D There are drawings for AirDots cases, you can order a print at a local studio (cost: 200-500 ruble).
- 🛠️ Homemade solutions - for example, a case from Nintendo Switch (for cartridges) or a box from Tic Tac with foam inside.
The advantage of analogues is price and availability. Disadvantages: there may be problems with charging (if the contacts do not match) or fixing headphones. For example, in general-purpose cases, AirDots Pro 2 can hang out due to the difference in size.
⚠️ Note: If you use an analog case without the original contacts, the headphones will discharge faster due to the lack of sleep mode. To save battery, turn off Bluetooth on the headphones manually before stacking in the case.
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Before buying an analogue, measure your case with a ruler and compare it with the size of the seller's photo. Even a difference of 2-3 mm can make the case useless.
4.How to make a case for AirDots with your own hands
If you need a temporary or budget option, you can make the case yourself. Here are 3 proven ways that do not require special skills:
- 📦 From a plastic box: Take a small plastic box (like medicine or candy); cut the foam into the shape of your headphones and glue it to the bottom; make a hole for the charging cable (if you want to charge the headphones inside).
- 🧵 Cloth (soft case): Take a dense fabric (like a jean) and cut two rectangles 10×6 See, stitch them around the edges, leave the top open. Put a thin foam inside. Set a Velcro or a button to fix it.
From an old case from other headphones
- Take an unnecessary case (for example, from wired headphones).
- Remove the internal partitions and adjust the size to AirDots.
- Stick magnets from the old clothes fastener to keep the lid closed.
To charge headphones in a homemade case, you can use a wireless charging pad (if your AirDots model supports Qi) or solder contacts from the old one. USB-However, remember that these solutions are not safe and can damage the headphone battery if you connect the headphones incorrectly.
How to solder contacts for charging in a homemade case
5. Repair of a Broken Case: What You Can Fix Yourself
If your case is not lost, but broken, it can often be repaired. Here are the most common breakdowns and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones don't charge. | Oxidation of contacts or wire break | Wipe the contacts with alcohol. If it doesn't work, disassemble the case and check the soldering joints. |
| Case not charged by USB | Faulty charging cable or controller | Try another cable. If it doesn't work, replace it. USB-port (soldling iron required). |
| Cover latch broken. | A crack in plastic or a lost magnet | So you can glue the crack with superglue or epoxy, and you can buy the magnet separately and glue it. |
| The indicator is not on. | LED lights burned out or contact soldered off | Disassemble the case and check the circuit with a multimeter. LED can be replaced (SMD 0603). |
To disassemble the case, you will need:
- 🔧 Plastic mediator or credit card (to lid).
- 🔥 Hair dryer (to soften glue if the case is glued together).
- ⚙️ Screwdriver. T5 or T6 (screw-in).
- 🧲 Tweezers and soldering iron (if you need to repair the fee).
If nothing works, the problem may be the headphone battery, in which case, contact the service center, the cost of replacing the battery in one earphone is about 1000-1500 rubles.
⚠️ Note: Do not use acetone or solvents to clean your contacts, they can damage the plastic of the case. Also, do not try to light your headphones from another power source (for example, from Power Bank directly): this can cause them to fail.
7 Where Not to Look for AirDots Case
In pursuit of a cheap or original case, it is easy to run into scammers. Here are 3 sources to avoid:
- 🚫 Doubtful one-page sites – often offer “original cases” at bargain price (200-300 If you pay, you will be able to check the site through Whois (the domain must be registered for more than a year).
- 🚫 Social networks (Vkontakte, Telegram) — there are many dealers who sell used cases for the price of new ones, the risk of getting a broken case or a fake is very high.
- 🚫 100-ruble markets are cases that are sold on street stalls or in the transition, almost always fake and of poor quality.
Also be careful when buying on Avito or Yula: ask the seller:
- 📸 Photo of the case with the lid open (to see the contacts).
- 🎥 Video of the charging indicator.
- 🔍 Serial number (if the seller refuses to show it is a fake).
If you are a victim of fraud, try to challenge the payment through the bank (if you paid with a card) or write a complaint to the site (for AliExpress this is the Dispute section).
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Buy cases only from sellers with a rating above 95% and a number of reviews from 100. On AliExpress, pay attention to the icon “Top Brand” or “Official Store” – this reduces the risk of running into a fake.