How to restart Xiaomi AirDots headphones: a complete guide to reset and restore

Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including the Pro, Pro 2, SE, 3, Lite, and others) sometimes require a forced restart — whether after a software failure, connection problems, or sensors malfunction. Unlike smartphones, where a reboot is done in seconds, with wireless headphones, the process has nuances, from simply turning off power to completely resetting settings through hidden button combinations.

In this article, you will find relevant ways to restart for all generations of AirDots, including the rare cases when the headphones refuse to turn on or one of them “silent”, we will understand when a basic reboot is enough, and when a hard reset is required (with the removal of all pairings), and also give recommendations for eliminating typical errors after a restart, especially with models with ANC (active noise reduction) and Game Mode, where reset can affect additional functions.

When do I need to restart Xiaomi AirDots headphones?

Not every failure requires drastic measures. Before you start restarting, check if your problem is one that is solved in this way:

• 🔊 Headphones do not connect to the phone, although charging is and the indicator is on.
• 🎧 One earphone is working, and the second does not turn on or make a sound.
• 🔄 Hanging when switching tracks or adjusting volume (sensors do not respond).
• 📱 Permanent communication breaks with the device (especially relevant for AirDots 3 Pro with Bluetooth 5.2).
• 🔋 Incorrect display of the charge level (for example, 100% changes to 1% per second).
• 🎵 Sound distortion or intermittent playback (may be related to codec settings).

If the problem is hardware-related (such as physical damage to the speaker or battery), restarting won't help -- it'll require repairs. To tell the difference between a software failure and a breakdown, try connecting the headphones to another device. If the problem persists on all the gadgets, it's probably the software's fault.

⚠️ Warning: Frequent restarts (especially hard resets) can shorten battery life. Use them only when urgently needed.

Basic restart (soft reboot)

This is the most gentle way, which does not remove the conjugated devices or reset settings, but is suitable for eliminating temporary freezes or small malfunctions.

Instructions for all AirDots models:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds – this is enough time for the headphones to completely turn off.
3. Open the case cover and remove the headphones.
4. Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones for 5-7 seconds until the white indicator flashes (in some models, red).
5. Wait for the last device to automatically connect or pair manually.

For AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots SE models with ANC, after restarting, noise reduction may need to be re-enabled in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app settings.

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If the headphones don’t connect after restarting, try removing them from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone and pairing them again.

Hard reset (full reset) to factory settings

This method removes all the paired devices and returns the headphones to their original settings.

• 🔄 The soft reboot didn't help.
• 📵 The headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one.
• 🔋 Incorrectly operates charge indication (for example, shows 100% when the battery is discharged).
• 🎚️ Settings ANC or the game mode is lost and not restored.

Step-by-step instructions for a hard reset:

1. Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones at the same time.
2. After 10-15 seconds, the indicators will flash red and white (on AirDots 3 Pro – only white with accelerated blinking).
3. Release the buttons - the headphones will perform a reset.
4. After rebooting (the indicators will light up white), perform the pairing again.

On AirDots Pro 2 and later, you may need to update your firmware through the Xiaomi Wear app. If the headphones are not determined by the app, check your model’s compatibility with the current version of the software.

⚠️ Attention: On models with ANC (AirDots 3 Pro, AirDots Pro 2) may be reset by miscalibrating the microphones for noise reduction. ANC in settings and hold the headphones in a quiet room for 10-15 seconds.

What to do if one headphone does not turn on after restarting

A situation where only one headphone is running after reset or reboot is typical for AirDots.

• 🔋 The battery is discharged in the “silent” headphone (even if the case shows the charge).
• 🔄 Failure of synchronization between right and left headphones.
• 📡 Bluetooth module problems (especially after falls or bumps).
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage to contacts in the case or headphone.

Algorithm of action:

1. Check if the problem earphone is charged in the case. If the indicator does not burn, clean the contacts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
2. Perform a hard reset (see the previous section), but hold the buttons on both headphones, even if one does not respond.
3. If the reset didn't help, place only the working headphone in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then add a second and repeat the reset.
4. Try connecting your headphones to another device (like a PC or tablet), and if the problem persists, it's a hardware malfunction.

On AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots Pro 2, the problem with one earbud may be a firmware update. If the earbud doesn't turn on after reset, check the software version in the Xiaomi Wear app and update it if necessary.

Reboot via Xiaomi Wear app (for new models)

AirDots 3 Pro, AirDots SE and newer headphones support software reset via the official app, which is safer than manual reset because it eliminates user errors.

How to reset your settings via Xiaomi Wear:

1. Open the Xiaomi Wear app and connect the headphones.
2. Go to Device Settings → Further → Reset settings.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the headphones will reboot automatically).
4. After resetting, re-conjugate.

In some versions of the app, the reset option may be in the Firmware Update or Troubleshooting section. If you don't see Reset, upgrade Xiaomi Wear to the latest version.

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Software reset via Xiaomi Wear keeps the firmware up to date, unlike manual reset, which may require a re-update.

Update the firmware after restart

After a hard reset, Xiaomi AirDots headphones may lose the current firmware version, which will lead to:

• 🔊 Deterioration of sound (especially on models with aptX or AAC).
• 📵 Unstable connection to devices.
• 🔋 Incorrect operation of the charge indicator.
• 🎚️ No features like Game Mode or ANC.

How to update firmware:

1. Install the latest version of the Xiaomi Wear or Mi Home app.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone and open the application.
3. Go to the Device Settings section → Firmware update.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

For AirDots 3 Pro models, the update can take up to 5-7 minutes.

• 📴 Don't remove the headphones from the case.
• 🔋 Make sure the charge level of the case is not below 50%.
• 📶 Do not interrupt the connection to the phone.

⚠️ Note: If during the firmware update, the headphones become depleted or communication is interrupted, they may stop turning on. In this case, you will need to contact the Xiaomi service center for flashing through special equipment.

Frequent restart errors and how to avoid them

Even when following instructions, users often make mistakes that make the problem worse.

Another common mistake is to use longer button retention, such as 8-10 seconds on AirDots SE, but users sometimes hold for up to 20-30 seconds, which can damage the sensors.

If after several attempts to restart the headphones have not restored performance, check:

• 🔌 Case Charging Cable Integrity (Try Another Cable).
• 📱 Your device is compatible with headphones (for example, AirDots 3 Pro may not work properly with older Bluetooth 4.0 smartphones).
• 🔊 The sound settings on the phone (possibly the problem isn't with the headphones, but with codecs or uniformity).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions