How to reconnect Xiaomi AirDots headphones: reset, synchronize and troubleshooting

Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including AirDots Pro, AirDots 3, Air 2 SE and others) are some of the most popular wireless headsets due to the price-performance ratio. However, users often face connectivity problems: headphones are not on the list of available devices, only one earbud connects, or the headset is constantly turned off, in most cases due to a failure of synchronization between headphones or outdated Bluetooth settings on the smartphone.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for reconnecting Xiaomi AirDots to your Android and iOS phone, as well as ways to troubleshoot typical problems. We will discuss how to reset your headphones to factory settings, synchronize them with each other and set up a proper connection to the new device, with special attention to models that support Bluetooth 5.0/5.2 and Dual Mode (simultaneous connection to two devices).

Why Xiaomi AirDots are not connected: the main reasons

Before you start reconnecting, it's important to understand what caused the problem, and here are the most common reasons:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – if headphones are below 10%, they may not appear in the list of available devices.
• 🔄 Synchronization failure between left and right headphones (often occurs after a firmware update or prolonged inactivity).
• 📱 Conflict with the Bluetooth cache on a smartphone – especially relevant for Android 10 devices+ iOS 15+.
• 🔌 Connect to another device – Headphones can automatically connect to the last used gadget (for example, a laptop or tablet).
• 🛠️ Software failure in the firmware of headphones - requires reset or flashing (relevant to AirDots 3 Pro models and newer).

If the headphones previously worked normally, but Suddenly stopped connecting, in 80% of cases, a factory reset helps. If the problem occurs after purchase, check if Demo Mode is activated (occurs with devices purchased in informal stores).

Preparation for reconnection: checking headphones and a smartphone

Before you reset your settings, make sure that the problem is not in the basic parameters:

1. Charge the headphones — place them in the case and wait 10-15 minutes. The indicator on the case should burn white or green (depending on the model); If the indicator is red or flashing orange, the charge is below the critical level.
2. Bluetooth status on your smartphone – turn the module on and off in settings, then restart the phone. On Android, also clear the Bluetooth cache: Settings → Apps → Show all apps → Bluetooth → Storage → Clear the cache
3. Check Connected Devices – Open the list of conjugated gadgets and delete Xiaomi AirDots (if there are any). → Bluetooth → ⓘ → Forget this device.

If the headphones are connected only one by one, it means that they are out of sync, in which case forced synchronization will help (instruction in the next section).

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On AirDots 3 Pro and later, check before reset to see if Low Latency is activated. It may conflict with some smartphones. It turns off via the Mi Earphones app (Game Mode tab).

How to reset Xiaomi AirDots to factory settings

Reset is a universal way to get the headphones back to their original state, and the procedure varies depending on the model:

AirDots (1st generation), AirDots 2/2S, Air 2 SE:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
3. Close the lid, the reset is complete. The headphones are now ready for the new connection.

For AirDots 3/3 Pro, AirDots Youth:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear the beep and see the lights blink.
3. Place the headphones back in the case - they are automatically synchronized.

After reset, the headphones should appear on the list of available devices as Mi True Wireless Earphones or Redmi AirDots (depending on the model).

Make sure your headphones are charged (>30%)

Remove the device from the list of conjugates on the phone

Use the original case (non-third-party chargers)

Repeat the procedure 2-3 times if the first time did not work-->

Manual synchronization of left and right earphone

If only one headphone is connected after reset, forced synchronization is required, which works for all Xiaomi AirDots models except the AirDots Pro (for these, see the next section).

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
3. Repeat the same for the left earpiece.
4. Place both headphones back in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
5. Get your headphones out – they should automatically sync (the indicators will burn white).

If synchronization is not done, repeat the procedure, but in step 2 and 3 hold the buttons simultaneously on both headphones. For models with Bluetooth 5.2 (for example, AirDots 3 Pro) it can take up to 3-4 attempts.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects to press touch panels - this could damage the microphone or speaker.

Features of connection Xiaomi AirDots Pro and AirDots 3 Pro

The AirDots Pro and AirDots 3 Pro have advanced features, making reconnection more difficult.

• 🎧 Dual Mode - if the headphones are connected to two devices at the same time, they may not appear in the list of available.
• 🔊 Activation via app – Mi Earphones (available on Android and iOS) are required to work properly, ANC Transparency Mode may not work.
• 🔄 Firmware update – if the headphones don’t connect after the update, reset and repeat the synchronization procedure.

For AirDots Pro reset:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Hold the button on the case for 30 seconds until the indicator starts flashing purple.
3. Get the headphones out - they will automatically go into pairing mode.

For AirDots 3 Pro, the reset is performed via the touch panels:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Touch the touch panels on both headphones 5 times in a row (with an interval of less than 1 second).
3. After the beep, place the headphones back in the case.

Reconnect to a new device (Android/iOS)

Once reset, the headphones are ready to connect.

On Android:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → New device.
2. Choose Mi True Wireless Earphones (or similar to your model name).
3. Confirm pairing. Some Xiaomi smartphones may be asked to install additional software — agree.

On iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (white light flashes).
3. Select the device from the list. If you request access to contacts or microphones, let me.

If the headphones don’t connect the first time, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again.
• 🔌 Connect the headphones to another device (such as a tablet) and then return them to the main gadget.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Xiaomi with a shell MIUI 13+ Third-party Bluetooth devices may be blocked because of Smart Lock. → Privacy → Special permits → Smart lockdown.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when reconnecting Xiaomi AirDots, which leads to repeated crashes.

• 🚫 Using a non-original charging cable – this can damage the power controller in the case and cause synchronization problems.
• 🚫 Pressing on the touch panels with metal objects - this leads to breakage of microphones.
• 🚫 Interrupt the reset process – if you release the button ahead of time, the headphones may stop responding to commands.
• 🚫 Connect headphones to multiple devices at the same time (relevant for models without Dual Mode).

Also avoid the following actions:

• 🔋 Keeping your headphones discharged reduces battery life. The optimal storage charge is 40 to 60%.
• 🌡️ Use headphones at extreme temperatures (below 0)°C or higher than 40°C) - this may cause firmware failure.
• 📲 Update your firmware through third-party apps – only use official Mi Earphones software.

If the headphones are still not working after all the manipulations, check them on another device. If the problem persists, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, damage to the Bluetooth module), in which case, contact the Xiaomi service center.

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Before contacting the service center, check whether the warranty period has expired (usually 12 months from the date of purchase), you will need a check or data from the box (serial number).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions