Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones have gained popularity due to their affordable price, compactness and good sound, but many users face a typical problem: after buying or resetting the settings, only one headphone is connected to the phone, and the second one remains silent, because of the Bluetooth protocol and the mechanism of synchronization between the headphones.
In this article, you'll find step-by-step instructions for connecting both headphones to your smartphone (Android/iOS), as well as solving common problems, from the lack of sound in one earphone to synchronization failures. We'll figure out how to reset your settings correctly, update your firmware, and even connect Redmi Airdots to two devices at once. If you just purchased these headphones or they suddenly stopped working correctly, here you'll find the answers.
Why is there only one headphone connected?
The problem with single-headset connectivity is that Redmi Airdots use TWS (True Wireless Stereo) technology. The pair of headphones have a master and a slave. The lead headphone (usually the right one) connects directly to the smartphone, and the slave (left one) syncs with the lead one. If synchronization is broken, the phone only sees the master device.
The main causes of failure:
- 🔋 The battery is discharged in one of the headphones (even if the indicator is on).
- 🔄 The headphones were reset or updated individually.
- 📱 Conflict with Bluetooth settings of the smartphone (cache, outdated version of the protocol).
- 🛠️ Hardware defect (less often, but possible when falling or getting moisture).
Before you start setting up, make sure that both headphones are charged (the indicators on the box are red or white – this is critical!), and Bluetooth on the smartphone is turned on and is within 1 meter radius of the devices.
Preparing headphones for connection
Before syncing with your phone, you need to reset your headphones to the factory, which will remove all previous connections and return the devices to their original state.
- Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait until the headphones go out (meaning they are completely off).
- Open the case cover and press the buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 15-20 seconds.
- The indicators will flash red and white – this is a signal of reset.
- Close the case cover, then open it again, and now the headphones are ready for the new sync.
If the lights are not synchronous after reset (for example, one flashes white and the other flashes red), repeat the procedure. master/slave.
Both headphones charged (indicators are on)| Headphones reset to factory settings |Bluetooth on smartphone enabled | Distance between headphones and phone < 1 m| Other Bluetooth devices disabled on smartphone-->
Step-by-step: Connecting to Android
On Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme and other Android devices, the connection process is the same, but it may differ visually.
- Open the settings → Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- Take both headphones out of the case - they will automatically turn on and start flashing white.
- In the list of available devices, find Redmi Airdots_R (right earpiece and tap it.
- Confirm the pairing. 5–10 Seconds in the list will appear second headphone – Redmi Airdots_L (left-handed).
- Wait for the message “Connected to media audio” – now both headphones work as a stereo.
If the left earphone doesn't appear on the list, put both earbuds back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then try again. Sometimes it helps to reboot the Bluetooth module on the smartphone (turn off/on Bluetooth or reboot the phone).
💡
On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 12+ There's a dual audio feature that you can use to connect Redmi Airdots to two devices at the same time (like a phone and a laptop). → Bluetooth → Additionally.
Connection to iPhone (iOS)
On an iPhone or iPad, the pairing process is slightly different because of Apple's Bluetooth stack.
- Open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Get the headphones out of the case - they should flash white.
- In the list of devices, find Redmi Airdots_R and tap him.
- Wait 10-15 seconds. If the left earphone doesn't automatically connect, put both earphones back in the case, then pull them out again.
- Check the sound: On iPhone, you may need to manually select Redmi Airdots as the output device to Control Point (swipe down from the upper right corner).
On iOS, sometimes there's a problem when the headphones are plugged in, but only one sound is played.
- 🔄 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth, tap the "i" next to Redmi Airdots and select "Forget this device».
- 🔋 Completely discharge the headphones (leave them on before turning them off), then charge to 100%.
- 📱 Reconnect. Reconnect.
Why can’t the left earphone work on the iPhone?
Problem Solving: There is no sound in one headphone
If you only have one earpiece when you're connected, it can be software or hardware.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound is only on the right earpiece. | The left earphone was not synchronized with the right | Reset settings (clamb buttons for 20 seconds) and connect again |
| The sound is only on the left earphone. | The right earpiece dropped and became a follower. | Return both headphones to the case, close the lid, then reconnect |
| The sound is interrupted or lost. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices | Disable other gadgets, reboot Bluetooth on your phone |
| Low volume in one headphone | Contamination of the speaker or unbalanced sound | Clean the speaker mesh with a toothpick, check the balance settings in the phone |
If the problem persists, try updating the headphone firmware.
- Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
- Download the official Mi Home or Airoha Upgrade Tool (for Airoha chip firmware).
- Follow the instructions in the app to search for updates.
⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the firmware update process! If the headphones run out or the connection is interrupted during the update, they may fail. Charge them to 100% before starting.
How to connect Redmi Airdots to two devices at the same time
By default, Redmi Airdots does not support simultaneous connection to two sources (such as a phone and a laptop).
- Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
- Enable Dual Audio mode on your smartphone (available on Xiaomi with MIUI 12+).
- Connect a second device (such as a laptop) to the headphones via Bluetooth.
- On your smartphone in Bluetooth settings, select the “Share Audio” option and select a laptop.
This will allow you to play sound from two devices, but with a small delay (up to 0.5 seconds). For full multithreading, you will need headphones with Bluetooth 5.2+ support (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).
💡
Redmi Airdots cannot physically connect to two devices at once in TWS mode. Bypass solutions (e.g. Dual Audio) only provide partial latency functionality.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users make common errors when connecting Redmi Airdots, which lead to failures.
- 🔌 Connect your headphones to your phone one at a time, and if you put your right one on first, then your left one, they don't sync like a stereo. Always plug them in at the same time!
- 📴 Using headphones at a distance more 10 It's a meter away from the phone, and it causes the connection between the two of us to break. master/slave-device.
- 🔋 Charging headphones from a non-original adapter, which can damage the battery and cause malfunctions.
- 🛠️ Self-repair without a specialist, disassembling headphones often results in loss of water protection and warranty.
Another common mistake is ignoring firmware updates. The manufacturer regularly releases patches that fix sync bugs. Check for updates every 2-3 months through the Mi Home app.
⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, one of the headphones still does not work, check it on another device. If the problem persists, it is a hardware defect (defective speaker, battery or Bluetooth module.