If you have one working headphone from the Xiaomi Redmi Airdots kit and the other one is lost or broken, it makes sense to try to combine it with the headphone from another set. But can you synchronize left and right modules from different boxes? In this article, we will discuss which models are compatible with each other, how to reset correctly, and what to do if the headphones refuse to work in pairs.
For example, Redmi Airdots S and Redmi Airdots 3 Pro use different chips and protocols, so combining them often leads to loss of sound in one earphone or permanent communication breaks. However, for some pairs (for example, Airdots 2 and Airdots 2 Lite), the chances of success are higher.
What Redmi Airdots can be combined with each other
Technically, Xiaomi headphones are divided into two large groups by chip type:
- 🔹 Realtek RTL8763B — The Redmi Airdots (1st generation), Airdots S, Airdots 2 and some versions of Airdots Lite are highly compatible.
- 🔹 BES 2300 – Installed in Redmi Airdots 3, Airdots 3 Pro, Airdots SE. Connecting with the first group is usually impossible due to different communication protocols.
The table below shows the proven combinations and their stability:
| Model 1 | Model 2 | Compatibility | Quality of communication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airdots S | Airdots 2 | ✅ Yes. | Stable, rare hangings are possible |
| Airdots 2 | Airdots 2 Lite | ✅ Yes. | Full compatibility |
| Airdots 1 | Airdots S | ⚠️ Partially. | The sound may disappear in one headphone. |
| Airdots 3 | Airdots 3 Pro | ❌ No. | Different chips, synchronization is impossible |
If your combination is not in the table, try resetting both headphones (instruction below) and checking the connection. In 30% of cases, even "incompatible" models work together temporarily, but with delays in sound or constant reconnection.
Preparation of headphones for unification: resetting settings
Before you try synchronization, make sure to reset both headphones, which will delete the old pairing data and allow them to "see" each other.
- 🔄 Redmi Airdots (1st generation), Airdots S, Airdots 2: Press the touch button on both headphones for 15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
- 🔄 Redmi Airdots 3, 3 Pro, SE: Place the headphones in the case, then press the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator flashes orange).
- 🔄 Airdots Lite: THREE TIME Fast Press the Touch Bar on each headphone, then hold on for 5 seconds.
After reset, the headphones must automatically go into search mode (blinking white light). If the indicator does not blink, repeat the procedure or check the battery power - at a level below 20%, the reset may not work.
Make sure both earphones are charged (>50%)
Reset the settings on both modules
Place the headphones next to each other (within a radius of 10 cm)
Turn off Bluetooth on all devices nearby-->
⚠️ Note: If one of the headphones does not flash white after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, antenna dumping or board damage.
Step-by-step instructions for combining headphones
When both earbuds are reset and in search mode, follow the algorithm:
- Step 1: Take the headphones out of the case (if you have one) and place them 5-10 cm apart.
- Step 2: Press and hold the touch button on the right earphone for 3 seconds until you hear the beep (or see a quick blink).
- Step 3: Repeat the action on your left earphone for 5 seconds, and if the synchronization is successful, both lights will light up in blue or purple.
- Step. 4: Connect your headphones to your phone via Bluetooth. One item should appear on the list of devices (e.g., "Redmi") Airdots_S"), Not two separate earbuds.
If the 3rd step indicators continue to flash white or go out, then the headphones do not recognize each other.Repeat the procedure by holding the buttons longer (up to 5 seconds). For models with a BES 2300 chip (Airdots 3/Pro) can take up to 10 attempts.
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If the headphones are combined, but the sound is only in one, try in the Bluetooth settings of the phone to turn off monoconnection (Settings → Bluetooth → Headphone Name → Audio profile → Stereo).
What to do if the headphones do not combine
If the synchronization failed after 5-7 attempts, check the following points:
- 🔋 Battery charge: Headphones below 30% may not recognize each other. Charge them to 100% and try again.
- 📶 Interference: Turn off all Bluetooth devices within a 5-meter radius (smart watches, speakers, other headphones). Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 GHz can also cause interference.
- 🔄 Firmware version: outdated software can block cross-model synchronization. Update your headphones through the Mi Home app (if available for your model).
- 🛠️ Physical damage: Check the contacts in the case and on the headphones. Oxidation or dirt can interrupt the signal.
For Airdots 3/Pro models with BES 2300 chip, there is an alternative method through the Mi AI app:
- Connect the right earphone to the phone.
- Open Mi AI, go to Devices → Headphones → Settings → Reset the paired device.
- After reset, repeat the combination according to the standard instructions.
⚠️ Warning: Headphones with different firmware versions (for example, Airdots 2 with software 1.4.0 and 1.7.2) can synchronize, but will separate themselves in 10-15 minutes.
How do I check the firmware version?
Problems after successful merger and their solutions
Even if the headphones are synchronized, the following problems may occur:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound is only in one headphone. | Incorrect audio profile | In Bluetooth phone settings, select Stereo instead of Phone Mode |
| Persistent communication breaks | Different versions of firmware | Update the software via Mi Home or manually (see spoiler below) |
| Sound delay (lag) | Chip incompatibility | Use headphones only for music, not for video/games |
| Low volume in one headphone | Different levels of sensitivity of speakers | Calibrate the balance in the phone's sound settings |
If the headphones separate after a few minutes, it indicates a Bluetooth address conflict.
- Reset the headphone settings.
- Connect them to the phone alternately (first right, then left).
- In Mi Home, execute the command Forced pairing (if available).
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Headphones with a Realtek chip (Airdots 1/2/S) combine more stable than with the BES 2300 (Airdots 3/Pro). If your pair is in the second group, consider buying a new kit - temporary synchronization does not guarantee long-term operation.
Update the firmware to improve compatibility
Some Redmi Airdots models have unofficial firmware available that extends compatibility between different versions, such as 1.7.2 firmware for Airdots 2 that works better with Airdots S than stock 1.4.0.
To update the software:
- Download the latest firmware for your model from the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum (e.g. Airdots 2 theme).
- Connect the headphones to your PC via a Bluetooth adapter (e.g. CSR 4.0).
- Use the nRF Connect utility or QCC30xx Tool to download the firmware.
⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may disrupt the sensor or microphone. Before upgrading, back up the original software (if possible).
List of verified firmware for cross-model compatibility
Alternative ways to use single headphones
If the merger fails, consider other options:
- 🎧 Mono Connection: Use one headphone as a headset for calls (in Bluetooth settings, select Phone Mode).
- 🔊 Connect to two devices: some models (for example, Airdots 3 Pro) support multipoint – you can connect the left earphone to the phone, and the right – to the laptop.
- 🔄 Sale/exchange: Avito or Yula often sell single headphones from kits.
- 🛒 Buying a case with replacement: in Chinese stores (for example, AliExpress) sold cases with the ability to tie someone else's headphones (see "Redmi Airdots replacement case").
If you decide to buy a new kit, look for models with replaceable modules, for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 or Redmi Buds 4 Active – they are easier to find parts.