How to set up Xiaomi AirDots headphones 2: full instruction from connection to fine tuning

Xiaomi AirDots 2 wireless headphones (also known as Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic) remain among the most popular budget headphones. TWS-The main advantages of these models, which are stable connections, compact case and balanced sound, are often overshadowed by the difficulties with the initial setup. Unlike flagship models like AirDots Pro 3, there is no automatic device recognition, and gesture control requires addiction.

This article will help you understand not only the basic connection, but also the hidden features that the manufacturer does not advertise. How to synchronize headphones with each other, adjust the sound quality through a uniform codec, change the purpose of touch buttons (yes, it is possible!), and also solve typical problems like different volume levels in the left and right earphone. MIUI and Android/iOS β€” There are some things that are not written in the official instructions.

Preparing for the first connection: what to check before starting

Before you start pairing, make sure your AirDots 2 is ready to go. A common mistake for beginners is trying to connect to a discharged headphone or case.

Load the case 100% (the indicator burns white without blinking)

Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically turn on

Make sure your smartphone is Bluetooth enabled (version 4.2 or later)

Disable other Bluetooth devices to avoid conflict

Update the firmware of the smartphone (relevant to MIUI 12+ and Android 10+)

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Pay special attention to your phone's Bluetooth version. AirDots 2 supports Bluetooth 5.0, but will work with 4.2, but in this case, there may be problems with synchronizing the headphones with each other. On the iPhone before the 6S model, you may need to manually reconnect after extracting from the case.

If the headphones have previously been connected to another device, they need to be reset.

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
  3. Get your headphones out - they're now in pairing mode (white LED flashes).

⚠️ Warning: If one of the headphones doesn't blink or flashes red after reset, it indicates a battery charge below 5%. Charge the case to 100% and repeat the procedure.

Step-by-step connection to Android and iOS: differences and life hacks

The pairing process on Android and iOS is not only visually different, but also in terms of connection stability. Consider both options with the specifics of Xiaomi AirDots 2.

Android connection (MIUI, Samsung, other firmware)

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+, the headphones connect almost automatically thanks to built-in support for fast pairing:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth and turn on the module.
  2. Get your headphones out of the case - Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic will appear in the list of devices.
  3. Click on the name and pairing will occur (confirmation may be required on both headphones).

Other Android devices (such as Samsung or Realme) have similar processes, but without automatic model recognition. It’s important to wait until both headphones appear on the list as one device. If they’re displayed separately, see What to do if the headphones don’t sync.

Connection to iPhone (iOS 12 and later)

On the iPhone, the algorithm is a bit more complicated due to Apple's features:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Remove the headphones from the case and hold the touch button on the right earphone for 3 seconds until you hear the beep.
  3. In the list will appear Mi True Wireless device... – click to connect.
  4. After pairing, check that the case charge level is displayed in the status bar (this is a sign of a correct connection).

On iOS, you may have a problem with automatically reconnecting after being pulled from the case.

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After first connecting to your iPhone, charge your headphones to 100% right in the case without removing them.

ParameterAndroid (MIUI)iOSOther Androids
Automatic model recognitionβœ… Yes.❌ No.❌ No.
Case charge mappingβœ… In the status lineβœ… In the battery widget❌ Appendix only
Support AAC-codecβœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⚠️ Depends on the firmware.
Stability of connection⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Android (MIUI)|Android (another firmware)|iOS|Other-->

Set up gesture management: how to reassign button functions

Touch buttons on AirDots 2 have fixed features by default, but can be partially reconfigured through third-party apps or hidden menus.

  • 🎡 One touch - playback / pause (both headphones).
  • πŸ”Š Double touch – next track (right earpiece) / previous track (left earpiece).
  • πŸ“ž Triple touch – Calling voice assistant (only works on Android).
  • πŸ”‡ Retention 2 seconds - Deflection of incoming call.

To change these assignments on Android, you will need the Mi Earphones app (not to be confused with Mi Home!). Download it from Google Play and follow the instructions:

  1. Put the headphones on the phone.
  2. Open the app and select Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic.
  3. Go to the buttons castomy section.
  4. Select the action for single/double/triple touch (options are available: volume control, track switching, call assistant).

There is no official setting on iOS, but you can use the workaround via Shortcuts:

Set up gestures on iPhone via Shortcuts
1. Open the "Tags" app and create a new shortcut. 2. Add the "Replay/Suspend" or "Next Track" action. 3. In the shortcut settings, select "Add to Control Center." 4. Now, when you touch the headphone, you can manually run the shortcut from Control Center.

⚠️ Attention: Reassigning gestures to AirDots 2 is unstable with firmware older than 1.4.0.7.To check the firmware version, place your headphones in the case and look at the flashing indicator: 3 red flashes in a row mean the version 1.2.x, 2 white white whites β€” 1.4.x or newer.

Optimization of sound: uniform codec, equalizer and channel balance

The sound in AirDots 2 is balanced by default, but it can be greatly improved if you configure the Bluetooth codec and equalizer correctly.

On Android (especially MIUI):

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Press the badge. βš™οΈ Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic.
  3. Select the Audio Codec and set AAC (for better quality) or SBC (for stability).

On iOS, the codec is automatically installed on AAC, which is optimal for Apple devices.

Use an equalizer to fine tune the sound. Recommended settings for different genres:

Genre of music60 Hz (bass)230 Hz (lower middle)910 Hz (middle-middle)4 kHz (upper middle)14 kHz (high)
Hip-hop/Electronics+4 dB+2 dB0 dB-1 dB+1 dB
Rock/Metal+2 dB+3 db+1 dB0 dB+2 dB
Classics/Jazz0 dB+1 dB+2 dB+1 dB+3 db

If you notice a difference in volume between the left and right earphones, this can be fixed:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Audio settings (on Android).
  2. Activate the stereo balance option and adjust the slider towards a quieter headphone.
  3. On iPhone, go to Settings β†’ Universal Access β†’ Audiovisual Content β†’ Balance.

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For maximum sound quality, turn off the Absolute Volume option in Bluetooth settings, allowing the headphones to adjust the signal level without distortion.

Common Problems and Solutions: From Discharge to Communication Breaks

Even after setting up AirDots correctly 2 They can be unstable.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them:

  • πŸ”‹ Fast headphone discharge: Reason: background Bluetooth use by other apps (e.g. fitness trackers).Solution: disable unnecessary permissions in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Bluetooth.
  • 🎧 One earphone not connected: Reason: sync failure. Solution: reset your headphones (see section 1), then plug in the right one first, and then the left one after 10 seconds.
  • πŸ“Ά Permanent communication interruptions: Cause: interference from other devices at 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves). Solution: switch router to channel 1 or 11 in settings.
  • πŸ”Š Noise or cracking with loud music: Cause: codec overload SBC. Solution: Switch to AAC (see section 4).
  • πŸ”„ Headphones don't automatically reconnect: Reason: conflict with Bluetooth cache. Solution: Remove the device from the conjugated list and reconnect.

If the headphones are not charged in the case, check:

  1. Cleanliness of contacts on headphones and in the case (wipe with alcohol).
  2. Type-C Cable Integrity (Try a Different Cable)
  3. Case indicator: if it flashes red when charging, the power controller is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: If after the fall of headphones appeared wheezing in the dynamics, do not try to disassemble them yourself - in AirDots 2 speakers are glued to the body, and if you do not open the membrane carefully, contact the service center (the approximate cost of repair is 800-1200 rubles).

Hidden functions: voice assistant, monomode and firmware

Xiaomi AirDots 2 has some undocumented features that few people know about.

  • 🎀 Activation of voice assistant: Triple tap calls Google Assistant or Siri by default, but you can reassign it to Alice (for Yandex.Browser) or Salut (for Yandex.Browser) MIUI). To do this, in the settings of the voice assistant, select Launch over Bluetooth.
  • 🎧 Mono mode (one earphone): To use only one earphone (e.g. right earphone), take it out of the case and hold the touch button for 5 seconds until you hear a double beep. Now it will work independently.
  • πŸ”„ Manual change of main earphone: By default, the right earphone is the main (lead).To make the main left, place both earphones in the case, then take out only the left one and hold its button for 10 seconds until you blink white.
  • πŸ“± Check firmware version: Place headphones in the case and count the flashing of the indicator when connecting the charge: 1 blinking - version 1.2.0.4 (obsolete). 2 blinking - version 1.4.0.7 (current). 3 blinking - version 1.7.1.0 (beta).

AirDots 2 firmware cannot be updated officially, but you can flash custom through the Earbuddy app (root required on Android).

Risks of custom software firmware
1. Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty). 2. Possible unstable Bluetooth operation. 3. Risk of "bricking" headphones when interrupting the process. 4. Incompatibility with future MIUI updates.

If you still decide to firmware, follow the instructions:

1. Install Earbuddy from Google Play.


2. Connect your headphones and select the "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic" model.




3. Download the firmware (version 1.7.1.0 is recommended for better stability).




4. Follow the firmware wizard without turning off Bluetooth.




5. After updating, reset (see Section 1).

Comparison with other Xiaomi models: should you upgrade?

If you’re considering AirDots 2 as the first model or thinking about upgrading, it’s worth comparing them to the newer versions.

ParameterAirDots 2 (2019)AirDots 3 (2021)AirDots Pro 2 (2022)AirDots 3 Pro (2023)
Working hours (with case)12 hours.20 hours.28 hours.30 hours.
Support for ANC❌ No.❌ No.βœ… Yes (hybrid)βœ… Yes (adaptive)
Bluetooth codecAAC, SBCAAC, SBC, LHDCAAC, SBC, aptX AdaptiveAAC, SBC, LHDC 4.0
Level of protectionIPX4IP54IP54IP55
Price (2026)~1 500 β‚½~2 500 β‚½~4 000 β‚½~5 500 β‚½

Should we upgrade?

  • βœ… Yes, if you need to. ANC (active noise reduction or longer operating time.
  • ❌ Not if you only use headphones for indoor music and don’t need moisture protection.

AirDots 2 is still the best choice in the budget segment due to the price/quality ratio. However, if you often talk on the phone in noisy places, it is worth considering AirDots 3 Pro with support for ENC (Mic Noise Suppression).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you use Xiaomi AirDots 2 with a laptop or PC?
Yes, but there are nuances: On Windows 10/11 Headphones connect like a normal Bluetooth headset, but the microphone may not work (solved by installing Qualcomm Atheros drivers). MacOS may have problems with audio delay (use a codec). AAC). For gaming PCs, it is better to choose headphones with aptX Low Latency (for example, AirDots Pro). 2).
How to check the originality of Xiaomi AirDots 2?
The original headphones have: Serial number on the case and in the Mi Home app (matched). Mi logo on the case button (not a sticker!). Case weight is 38 grams (forgeries are easier by 5-10 g). The kit comes with a Type-C cable (for fakes, often Micro-USB). Also, the original supports fast pairing with MIUI (a pop-up window appears on the first connection).
Why AirDots 2 has different volume levels in headphones?
This is a typical problem that is solved by: Check the stereo balance in the phone settings (see section 4). Clean the speaker grid from earwax (use a soft brush). Reset the headphones and reconnect (the right earphone should be the lead). If the problem remains, one of the speakers is damaged (often after a fall). 80% of the time, reset and re-pairing helps.
How to increase the volume in AirDots 2?
Maximum volume is limited at the firmware level, but you can bypass the restriction: On Android, use the Volume Booster app (increases volume by 20–30%). Turn on the Absolute Volume option in Bluetooth settings (but this can degrade sound quality). Change the bottles to foamy ones (improving insulation from external noise). ⚠️ Warning: Long-term listening at maximum volume (>90 dB) causes irreversible hearing loss, recommended not to exceed 70% of maximum.
Can I swim or shower in AirDots 2?
No! Despite having IPX4 protection, it only means splash resistance (like rain or sweat) and immersion in water will result in: Short circuit charging contacts; moisture entering the speaker (wheezing, sound distortion); loss of warranty (the manufacturer does not cover water damage); for swimming, choose IP68 headphones (like Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro).