How to connect Xiaomi AirDots Pro to a smartphone: full instructions with photos and tips

Introduction: Why AirDots Pros require a special approach

Xiaomi AirDots Pro wireless headphones (TWS004) have become one of the most popular smartphone accessories due to a combination of price, sound quality and battery life. However, their connection often raises questions among users β€” especially if it is a matter of first pairing or changing the device. Unlike newer models (for example, AirDots 3 Pro or Buds 4), AirDots Pro has nuances with activation of pairing mode and work with iOS.

The main problem lies in the non-obvious on-board algorithm: many users try to hold the button on the headphone case, like in classic Bluetooth headsets, but this does not work. In addition, headphones can β€œforget” previous devices if they are not used for longer than a week β€” this is a feature of the energy-saving Bluetooth 5.0 protocol, which Xiaomi has optimized to increase the time of operation. In this article, we will analyze all the stages of connection, from preparation to elimination of typical errors, taking into account the specifics of different operating systems.

Preparing headphones for the first connection

Before pairing with the phone, you need to properly initialize the AirDots Pro themselves. This step is often missed, which leads to failures later on.

  • πŸ”‹ Charge the case and headphones: connect the case to the power source (it is better to use the original cable) USB-C) And wait until the light on the front light turns green (full charge). Minimum level for pairing is 30%, but it's better to bring it to 100%.
  • 🎧 Remove the headphones from the case: they must automatically turn on (white indicator flashes). If this does not happen, check the contacts on the headphones and in the case - they may have oxidized.
  • πŸ”„ Reset (if the headphones have already been used): press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.

Important: if the indicator on the case flashes only red, this means that the battery is below 5% - connection in this state is impossible. Also note that AirDots Pro does not support simultaneous connection to two devices (unlike AirDots 3), so before pairing with a new phone, they need to "untie" from the old one.

Charge the case to the green indicator|Remove headphones from the case (must flash white light)|If necessary, reset the settings (15 seconds of button retention)|Check the absence of flashing red (discharge)-->

Step-by-step instructions for Android devices

The pairing with the Android phone (including models Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, etc.) occurs through the standard Bluetooth menu, but taking into account the features of the Mi TrueWireless Stereo protocol.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth on your phone and activate device search. Make sure that Visibility for All mode is enabled (on some firmware, this item is hidden in additional settings).
  2. Place both headphones back in the case, then hold the button on the case for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white with pauses. EB Pro R (right) and Mi True Wireless EB Pro L (left).
  3. In the list of available devices, select the right earphone first (... EB Pro R). After successful connection, the left earphone will connect automatically via TWS (True Wireless Stereo) technology.
  4. Confirm pairing if the phone requests permission to access contacts/microphone (this is necessary for the voice assistant function to work).

If the headphones don’t appear in the list, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone’s Bluetooth module (disable/enable Bluetooth or reboot the device).
  • πŸ“± Update the phone firmware: older versions of Android (below 9.0) may not have Bluetooth 5.0 drivers.
  • πŸ› οΈ Reset network settings on your phone: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Reset β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones only connect one at a time, check if the phone is activated in the Bluetooth settings "Mono" mode. For stereo sound, both earphones must be connected at the same time.

Interface with iPhone (iOS) and features of the work

While AirDots Pros are not officially certified for iPhones, they can be manually connected.

  • ⚠️ No support. AAC-codec: the sound will be transmitted by SBC (Lower quality than Android).
  • ⚠️ There is no charge indicator in the iOS status bar (unlike the original AirPods).
  • ⚠️ Sound delay when watching video (up to 200 ms) due to the features of the Bluetooth protocol in iOS.

Instructions for iPhone:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth and turn on the search.
  2. Activate the pairing mode on the case (hold the button 3 seconds until blinking white).
  3. In the list of devices, select Mi True Wireless EB Pro R. Confirm the connection.
  4. Wait for the left earphone to automatically connect (it can take up to 30 seconds).

To reduce the sound delay:

  • 🎡 In the video playback settings (YouTube, Netflix), select "Sound Sync Adjustment" and set the delay to -150 ms.
  • πŸ”Š Use applications with Bluetooth Low Latency support (e.g, VLC or MX Player).

Xiaomi (MIUI)|Samsung (One UI)|iPhone (iOS)|Another Android|I don't know-->

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even when paired correctly, users encounter errors, and here's a table of common problems and solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones are not defined by the phoneCase discharged, Bluetooth module malfunctionCharge the case to 100%, restart the phone, reset the headphone settings (15 seconds of holding the button)
Only one headphone is connected.TWS synchronization failure, low charge of one of the headphonesPlace both headphones in the case, wait for the flashing white, remove and reconnect.
The sound is interrupted or lost.Interference from other devices, weak Bluetooth signalRemove the headphones from the list of devices and connect again, keep the phone closer to the headphones
The microphone is not working during calls.Incorrect access rights settingsIn Bluetooth phone settings, allow access to microphone and contacts

If the headphones are connected but the sound is distorted or interrupted, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Bluetooth signal strength: walls, other devices (such as 5GHz Wi-Fi routers) can cause interference.
  • πŸ”Š Phone audio settings: Turn off all effects (like Dolby Atmos or Mi Sound Enhancer) as they may conflict with the codec SBC/AAC.
  • πŸ”„ Headphone firmware: Update it through the Mi Home app (available only for Android).
How to update the firmware AirDots Pro?
1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play. 2. Connect your headphones to your phone. 3. In the app, go to Profile β†’ Settings β†’ Firmware Update. 4. If a new version is available, follow the on-screen instructions. Don't interrupt the process!

Resetting settings and reconnecting to a new phone

If you're selling headphones or you want to connect them to another device, you have to do a complete reset, which will remove all the pairings you've saved and bring back the factory settings.

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white alternately (this is a reset signal).
  3. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white).
  4. Connect them to a new phone as described in the sections above.

After reset, the headphones may:

  • πŸ”Š To emit an audible signal when turned on (this is normal - so they confirm the reset).
  • πŸ”‹ Discharge faster in the first hours of operation (battery calibration).
  • 🎡 Play the sound quieter than before the reset (reset the equalizer settings on the phone).

πŸ’‘

Resetting is the only way to fix software failures if the headphones are no longer defined or are not working smoothly, and after reset, they need to be reconnected to all devices.

Tips for stable operation and increasing autonomy time

To make AirDots Pro last longer and without crashes, follow these guidelines:

  • πŸ”‹ Charge the case correctly: use chargers with no more current 1A (fast charging reduces battery life) Optimally, the original Xiaomi adapter on the battery 5V/1A.
  • 🎧 Store your headphones in your case when not in use: this prevents discharge and protects against dust.The case automatically turns off the headphones after 5 minutes of inactivity.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off Bluetooth on your phone if you do not use headphones: the constant search for devices consumes the charge of the case.
  • πŸ”Š Set up the equalizer: on Android, use the Wavelet app to optimize the sound under the SBC/AAC-codecs.

Average operating time of AirDots Pro:

  • 🎡 Music at 50% volume: up to 4 hours on a single charge.
  • πŸ“ž Phone conversations: up to 3.5 hours (the microphone consumes more energy).
  • πŸ”‹ Total case reserve: up to 12 hours of playback (with full charge of the case and 3 recharges of headphones).

πŸ’‘

To quickly check the charge level of your Android headphones, install the Bluetooth Battery Monitor app, which shows the percentage of charge of each headphone and case in real time.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use AirDots Pro with a laptop or PC?
Yes, but with limitations: On Windows 10/11 Connection occurs through the parameters β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth, select the right earphone (... EB Pro R, left will connect automatically. MacOS may require manual reconnection of the left earphone via Bluetooth menu (PS4/PS5, Nintendo Switch will require an additional Bluetooth adapter as it does not support TWS-Protocol: When using a PC, audio delays to 300 MS is a feature of Bluetooth drivers on desktop OS.
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
Main causes: πŸ”Š High volume: at maximum level, the operating time is reduced to 2.5 hours. πŸ“Ά Weak Bluetooth signal: the phone constantly increases the transmission power, which consumes charge. πŸ”„ Frequent connections/offs: each pairing cycle spends ~5% charge. 🎡 Use of a codec AAC (on iOS: it is more energy-consuming SBC. Solution: Lower volume to 70%, keep your phone closer to your headphones, turn off automatic connectivity in Bluetooth settings.
How to distinguish the original AirDots Pro from a fake?
Check the following signs: πŸ“¦ Packaging: the original has a hologram with the Xiaomi logo and QR-code. πŸ”Š Sound: Counterfeits often have the worst noise insulation and distortion at high frequencies. πŸ”‹ Charging: the original case charges in 1.5 hours, fakes - longer. πŸ“± Mi Home: Original headphones are defined as Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic Pro. The most reliable way is to check the serial number on the Xiaomi website or in the Mi Home app.
Can I swim or shower in AirDots Pro?
No, despite the standard protection. IPX4, Headphones are not designed to be immersed in water, they only withstand splashes and sweat, but they don't: 🚿 Direct water pressure (shower, rain). πŸŠβ€β™‚οΈ Swimming in the pool or sea. 🧼 Soap solutions (shampoo, shower gel) If moisture is present, wipe your headphones with a dry napkin and let them dry 24 hours before use.
How to turn on low-latency mode (Game Mode)?
AirDots Pro doesn’t have a Game Mode hardware, but latency can be reduced programmatically: On Android: Turn on Developer Mode β†’ Bluetooth Debugging β†’ Bluetooth Audio Codec β†’ SBC (it gives a menor delay than AAC). On iOS: use manually adjusted apps (e.g. VLC). In games: activate Low Latency or Bluetooth Low Latency (if supported). Minimum achievable latency is ~120 ms (compared to AirDots 3 Pro – 80 ms in Game Mode).