Connecting two headphones Xiaomi AirDots to the phone: full instruction

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 3, and others) support stereo when both headphones are connected to the same sound source at the same time. However, many users face problems: one earphone does not connect, sound only goes in mono mode or devices are constantly disconnected. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to synchronize two headphones with a phone on Android and iOS, and consider typical errors and their solutions.

It is important to understand that the connection process may vary depending on the version of the headphone firmware and the smartphone model. For example, AirDots 3 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.2 technology with support for the device. LC3-codecs that make syncing easier, whereas older models (AirDots Youth Edition) require manual resets before first connecting, and we tested the instructions on Xiaomi, Samsung, iPhone and Realme devices — all of the steps are universal, but with nuances in mind.

If you've tried to plug in your headphones and you've encountered an error (e.g., "Device not found" or "Only one device connected"), skip the first section and go straight to problem solving. For beginners, let's start with the basic settings.

Preparing headphones for connection

Before syncing with your phone, make sure that both earbuds are charged and paired.

• 🔋 Check the charge level: put your headphones in your case and look at the indicator. If it flashes red, charge the device for at least 30 minutes.
• 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled (check notification panel or settings). On Android path: Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth. On iOS: Settings → Bluetooth.
• 🎧 Take both earbuds out of the case and wait until they automatically turn on (white/blue light will light up).If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad on each earbud for 5 seconds until you hear the beep.

Critical detail: Xiaomi AirDots headphones sync automatically by default, but only if they were reset to factory settings or connected for the first time. If they previously worked with another device, you will need a manual reset (instruction in the next section).

AirDots 3/Pro and later use Dual-Mode Bluetooth technology, which allows you to connect headphones to two devices at the same time (for example, a phone and a laptop). However, for the first connection to the phone, this mode must be turned off.

Resetting headphones to factory settings

If the headphones have previously connected to another device or are unstable, they must be reset. This will remove all saved pairings and return the settings to the original. The instruction is universal for all Xiaomi AirDots models, but there are nuances for the stitched versions (see the table below).

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Open the case cover, but don't take out the headphones.
3. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 15-20 seconds.
4. The headphones will flash red and white (on AirDots 3, purple) and then go out. That's a good reset signal.
5. Close the case, wait 10 seconds and take out the headphones – they are ready for a new connection.

⚠️ Warning: If one of the headphones does not blink or make sounds after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, battery discharge below 5%). Try charging the case with headphones for 1-2 hours, then repeat the reset. If the problem persists, check the earphone on another device.

Charge the case and headphones at least 30% |

Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is off |

Use a flat surface for the case (to avoid accidental pressing)|

Repeat the reset 2-3 times if the indicators do not respond-->

Connecting to the phone on Android

The pairing process on Android depends on the version of the operating system. Starting with Android 10, Dual Audio is supported (for some Samsung models), but Xiaomi AirDots does not require it - the headphones create a stereo stream.

Steps for connection:

• 📲 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone and turn it on.
• 🎧 Take both earphones out of the case, they're supposed to automatically turn on and start flashing white/blue.
• 🔍 In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones (for example, "Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic" or "Redmi AirDots 3"). If the device does not appear, click "Update" or "Scan".
• 🔗 Click on the name of the headphones for pairing. Confirm the connection if you request.

After successful connection, the device status should show "Connected for Media Audio" (on Android 11+). If only one earphone is connected, follow the following steps:

1. Open the notification bar and click on the Bluetooth icon.
2. Find your headphones in the list and tap the gear (Settings).
3. Select "Disable" and then "Connect" again.
4. If the problem persists, go to Bluetooth Settings → Additional → Audio Mode and select Stereo (A2DP)

💡

On some MIUI firmware (for example, MIUI 13), Xiaomi AirDots headphones connect faster if you turn on the “Device Search” mode in Bluetooth settings before pairing and turn off the charge saving for the Bluetooth module.

Connection to iPhone (iOS)

On Apple devices, the process of pairing with Xiaomi AirDots has its own characteristics due to the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol in iOS. AAC-It's possible to use codecs on older headphones, which can cause delays in sound, but it's possible to use both earphones in stereo mode.

Instructions for iPhone:

• 🍎 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and turn on the module.
• 🎧 Take the headphones out of the case. They should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).
• 🔍 In the Other Devices list, find your AirDots (the name may appear as "Mi True Wireless" or "Redmi Buds").
• 🔗 Tap the name to connect. If you get a confirmation request, click "Connect".

⚠️ Note: On iOS 15 and later, there may be an error when the second headphone connects as a separate device (the listing includes two "Mi True Wireless"). In this case: Disable both devices in Bluetooth settings. Reset the headphones (see section above). Reconnect them until you have one device marked "Stereo" on the list. If you only have one earbud, check the audio balance: go to Settings. → Universal access → Audiovisual content → Balance stereo and set the slider in the middle. Why can't the iPhone run the microphone in AirDots? On iOS devices, the microphone in Xiaomi AirDots headphones is often turned off due to a conflict of Bluetooth profiles. After connecting, go to Bluetooth Settings, tap the icon "i" next to the headphones and select "Use for calls and audio". If the option is not available, update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app (Android only). The official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) allows you not only to update the headphone firmware, but also to configure Dual-Mode mode, check the charge level of each headphone separately, and reset the settings remotely. This is especially useful for AirDots 3 Pro and later: 📱 Install Mi Home from Google Play or App Store. 🔧 Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required for data synchronization). 🔍 Click "Add device" (Icon "+" in the upper right corner) and select the category "Hearphones". 🎧 Follow the instructions on the screen: the application will automatically find headphones in pairing mode. After connecting to Mi Home will open additional settings: 🔋 The level of charge of each headphone and case. 🔄 Dual-Mode (to connect to two devices at the same time). 🎛 Equalizer (setting sound profile). 📥 Update firmware (critical for stable operation). 💡Updating the firmware through Mi Home solves 80% of problems with connecting two headphones. For example, version 1.4.7 for AirDots 3 fixed a bug with a communication break when playing music through Spotify. Solving Connection Problems If after all the manipulations, the headphones still do not work in stereo mode, check the following points: Problem Possible cause Solution Only One Headphone Connected Headphones Not Synced With Each Other Reset Both Headphones and Reconnect The Sound is Interrupted or Stuttered Weak Bluetooth Signal or Interference Move the Phone Closer to the Headphones, Disable Other Bluetooth Devices The headphones are off through 5–10 Power saving mode on your phone is activated Turn off battery optimization for Bluetooth in settings Not working microphone Conflict of Bluetooth profiles (HFP/A2DP) Manually select the profile "Phone calls" in the device settings Additional tips: 📵 If the headphones are not detectable, try connecting them to another phone. If the problem persists, the Bluetooth module in the headphones is defective. 🔄 On Android, clear the Bluetooth cache: go to Settings → Annexes → Show all applications → Bluetooth and press "Clear Cache". 📡 For AirDots 3 Pro models, check the Bluetooth codec settings in the developer (Settings) → The phone. → Build Number – tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then select Bluetooth Audio Codec and install SBC or AAC). How to check the firmware version of headphones? Open the Mi Home app, select your headphones and go to Settings → About the device: The firmware version is listed under "Software Version." Current versions (2026): - AirDots 3: 1.7.8 or later; - AirDots Pro: 1.4.14; - AirDots Basic: 1.2.6. If the version is outdated, update the firmware through the same application. Alternative ways to connect If standard methods don’t work, try the following options: 1. Connecting through Developer Mode (Android): This method helps when the headphones are defined as two separate devices. Activate Developer Mode (as described above), then: Go to Settings → System system → For developers, find the "Absolute Volume Level" option and turn it off. AVRCP Version" and set 1.6. Restart your phone and reconnect. 2. Use third-party apps: Apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect or BassBooster can force you to initialize stereo mode. Some utilities require root rights or contain advertising: 🎵 Developer Options Bluetooth (for fine-tuning profiles). 🔊 SoundAssistant (for Samsung, lets you manually select audio devices). 3. PC connection (if the phone can't see the headphones): Sometimes the headphones are easier to sync through the computer and then transfer the pairing to the phone. To do this: Turn on Bluetooth on the PC (Win + I → Devices → Bluetooth). Connect the headphones in pairing mode. After successfully connecting them from the PC and try to connect to the phone. Frequently asked questions Can you connect Xiaomi AirDots to two phones at the same time? Yes, but only on models with Dual-Mode Bluetooth support (AirDots 3 Pro, AirDots 4 and later): Connect them to the second mode of the phone after you can watch the upgrade from the phone to the phone: Mode to the phone: "Mode to the first mode to activate the phone's from the phone's mode." This is a known problem for AirDots 3 after upgrading to version 1.7.8.Solution: Reset your headphones to factory settings. connect them to your phone and manually select the "Phone Calls" profile in your Bluetooth settings. If the problem persists, roll back the firmware via Mi Home (if the previous version is available). How to check that both headphones are connected in stereo mode? On Android: Open Settings → Connected devices → Put the gear icon next to the headphones, and the "Connection Profile" line should say "Media audio (A2DP)" and “Telephone calls (HFP)". On iOS: Open Control Point (swipe down from top right corner). Hold your finger on the playback control unit. Top right should display the Stereo icon next to the headphone name. What to do if the headphones are connected, but only one is playing? Causes and Solutions: Hardware malfunction: Check the second headphone on another device. If the problem persists, contact the service. Synchronization failure: Place both headphones in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull out and reconnect. Bluetooth profile conflict: On Android, clear the Bluetooth cache (see section above). On iOS, reset your network settings (Settings) → Mainstream → Transfer or discharge → Reset network settings. How to reset your headphones if they don't respond to presses? If the touchpads don't work: Place the headphones in the case and connect the case to charge. Leave on the charge for 1-2 hours (even if the indicator doesn't burn). After charging, try resetting according to standard instructions (holding 15-20 seconds). If it does not help, contact the service center - there may be a malfunction of the battery or control board.