How to properly reboot Xiaomi AirDots headphones: reset, synchronization and problem solving

Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including the Pro, Pro 2, 3, SE and others) are some of the most popular wireless headsets on the market. However, even with such a technique, there are periodic problems: one earphone does not connect, the sound is interrupted, or the device does not respond to buttons at all. In 90% of cases, a simple reboot or a complete reset will help, but how to do this correctly so as not to aggravate the situation?

Many users confuse reset and factory reset. The first simply restarts the headphones, saving all connection settings, and the second erases all pairing information, returning the device to a “clean” state. In this article, we will discuss both methods, and also consider what to do if the Xiaomi AirDots headphones do not respond to standard actions.

Note: the instructions are suitable for all AirDots models, but may vary slightly for AirDots Pro 2S, Air 3 Pro and other premium versions. If your model is not mentioned, check compatibility in the official documentation.

1.When do I need to reboot Xiaomi AirDots headphones?

Reboot (or soft reset) is the first thing to try for any problem, and it helps in the following cases:

• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or jammed (even if the smartphone is nearby).
• 🎧 One of the headphones does not connect to the phone or shuts down after 1-2 seconds.
• 🔋 The charge indicator flashes non-standardly (e.g., red-white or fast blinking).
• 📱 Headphones are not defined in the list of Bluetooth devices.
• 🎵 Sound delay when watching video or games.

The reboot does not delete the pairing data, so the headphones will automatically connect to the last device (if it is in Bluetooth range), a safe procedure that can be performed even daily.

⚠️ Warning: If Xiaomi AirDots headphones are “zero” and do not respond to charging, first set them to charge for 10-15 minutes. Rebooting in a fully discharged state can cause the firmware to fail.

2.How to reboot Xiaomi AirDots: step-by-step instructions

The reboot procedure is the same for most AirDots models. You will only need a headphone case (even if it is discharged).

Step 1. Place both earbuds in the case and close the lid. Wait 5-10 seconds - they should automatically disconnect from the phone.

Step 2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the back (usually one, located under the light indicator). For AirDots Pro 2 and newer models, the button can be touch-sensitive, in which case hold it for 10-15 seconds.

Step 3: The indicator on the case will flash red and white (or only white, depending on the model) and release the button, which is a signal of a successful reboot.

Step 4: Get your headphones out of the case. They should automatically plug in and connect to the last device. If that doesn't happen, turn on Bluetooth on your phone and select Mi AirDots from the device list.

⚠️ Warning: If after the reboot, Xiaomi AirDots headphones are squeaking high tone and not connected, this is a sign of a malfunction of the Bluetooth module. In this case, only a complete reset to the factory settings (described in the next section) or contacting the service center will help.

3. Full reset (Hard Reset) Xiaomi AirDots: when and how to do

If a normal reboot doesn't work, you're going to have to do a hard reset, and this procedure removes all the pairing data, and you're going to have to put the headphones back out of the box, and then you're going to have to reconnect them to your phone and other devices.

When you need Hard Reset:

• 🔄 The headphones are plugged in, but the sound is only in one (the other is silent).
• 📵 The device is not detected by Bluetooth on any gadget.
• 🔧 After the firmware update, artifacts of sound or laga appeared.
• 🔋 The charge indicator flashes non-standard (e.g., red-blue).

Resetting instructions:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 20-30 seconds (for AirDots Pro 2 - up to 40 seconds).
3. The indicator flashes red, then red and white, and then only white (or goes out and lights up again), a signal of a successful reset.
4. Take the headphones out of the case. They should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).
5. On your phone, remove the Mi AirDots device from the Bluetooth list and connect again.

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro and later, a reset may require double pressing the case button with hold. If the indicator does not flash white after 30 seconds, repeat the procedure, but press it quickly 2 times before holding the button.

4. Features of the reboot for different models of AirDots

While most Xiaomi AirDots reboot the same way, some models have nuances, and the table below shows the key differences:

💡 Useful tip: If you have an AirDots 3 Pro or newer, try resetting your settings through the official Mi Home app.

1. Open Mi Home → find the headphones in the list of devices.
2. Go to Settings → Reset settings.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

This method is milder than hardware reset and less likely to result in synchronization errors.

5. Frequent errors after reboot and how to fix them

Even after a successful reboot or reset, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

🔴 Problem 1: The headphones don't sync with each other (only sound comes in one).

Decision:

• 🔄 Perform a hard reset (described above).
• 📱 Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list on all devices.
• 🔋 Check the case charge - if it is discharged below 20%, the synchronization may be lost.
• 🔊 Place the headphones in the case, close the lid, then pull them out and hold the buttons on both headphones for 5 seconds (for touch-controlled models).

🔴 Problem 2: After reset, the headphones are not detected by Bluetooth.

Decision:

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone or PC — sometimes a problem in the cache of the Bluetooth module of the device.
• 🔄 Try connecting to the headphones from another gadget (like a tablet).
• 🔋 If the indicator on the case is not on, check the cable and the power supply (use the original USB-C cable).
• 📦 For AirDots 3 Pro models, update the firmware via Mi Home.

🔴 Problem 3: The sound is interrupted or jammed.

Decision:

• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the headphones and the phone (walls, metal objects).
• 🎵 In your Bluetooth phone settings, select Sound Priority → High Quality (AAC/aptX).
• 🔋 Check the headphone charge - at levels below 15%, lags may appear.
• 🔄 If the problem persists, reset and turn off Bluetooth on other devices nearby (they may cause interference).

💡

If Xiaomi AirDots earphones are connected after reset, but only one sound comes, try manually synchronizing them: take both earphones out of the case, hold the buttons on both for 3 seconds until you hear the beep. Then place them back in the case for 10 seconds and re-take them.

6. Firmware and Updates: How to Reboot AirDots After Update

After updating the firmware, Xiaomi AirDots headphones can behave unstable: spontaneously disconnect, issue synchronization errors or “forget” pairing, in which case a forced reboot with a cache update helps.

Instructions:

1. Place the headphones in the case and connect it to the charger.
2. Hold the button on the case for 10 seconds, then release.
3. Close the case cover for 30 seconds.
4. Open the lid and take out the headphones – they should automatically update the firmware cache.

If the problem persists, try rolling back the firmware (for models that support it via Mi Home):

1. Open Mi Home → Find the headphones.
2. Go to Settings. → Update of the PO.
3. If you have the option to roll back, select it and wait for the process to be completed.

⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi AirDots Basic and SE headphones don't support firmware rollback. If they're unstable after an update, the only way out is to reset to factory settings and wait for the next update.

💡

If AirDots earphones stop connecting after the firmware update, try to reset them through the button on the case first. Only if that doesn't work, do a hard reset. Often the problem is solved by simply restarting your smartphone.

7. Hardware malfunctions: when a reboot won't help

If neither reset nor reboot solves the problem, it may be a hardware breakdown.

• 🔋 Headphones do not charge (the indicator does not burn even after an hour on charging).
• 🔊 One or both headphones have constant noise/squeaking, independent of the connected device.
• 💧 Headphones were hit in the water or were hit hard.
• 📵 Bluetooth module is not turned on (indicator does not respond to the button).
• 🔥 Case or headphones are heated during charging/working.

💡 What can you do yourself:

• 🔧 Check the charging contacts in the case -- sometimes they oxidize. Carefully clean them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
• 🔋 Try another cable and power supply (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 📦 If the headphones are new (up to 14 days) – contact the store for replacement under warranty.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble Xiaomi AirDots headphones yourself - their body is glued together, and when you open it, you risk damaging the microphone or speaker. If the warranty is valid, you better use it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots reboot