How to connect two Xiaomi AirDots headphones to one device: the complete guide

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones have become popular due to the affordable price and good sound quality. However, many users face the problem: after buying or resetting, one of the headphones does not connect, and the second one works independently. This is due to a violation of synchronization between headsets. In this article, we will discuss how to properly connect both Xiaomi AirDots headphones to a smartphone or other device so that they work together.

The problem of connecting two headphones simultaneously is relevant for most models in the series: Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones, AirDots Pro, and others. The reasons can vary from firmware failure to mechanical damage. But in 90% of cases, the situation can be fixed without going to the service center. Next, we will consider all possible solutions, including resetting, manual synchronization and software updates.

Why Xiaomi AirDots Headphones Are Not Connected

Before you start setting up, it's important to understand why the headset is not behaving properly.

  • πŸ”‹ Discharged battery – if one of the headphones is completely discharged, it may not synchronize with the pair.
  • πŸ”„ Sync failure – Headphones lost communication with each other after improperly shutting down or resetting.
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth problems on your device – an outdated version of the protocol or a conflict with other connected gadgets.
  • πŸ› οΈ Software failure – requires updating the firmware of headphones or smartphone.
  • πŸ”Œ Mechanical damage - ingress of moisture, falls or wear of contacts in the case.

Most often, the problem lies in the first four. Mechanical damage is harder to diagnose -- if after all the manipulations, the earphone still doesn't work, you may need to replace it or repair it, but don't get upset, because in most cases, a simple reset helps.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi AirDots model do you have?
Redmi AirDots (First Generation)
Mi True Wireless Earphones 2
AirDots Pro
AirDots 3
Another model

Preparation for connection: check charge and equipment

Before setting up, make sure both the headphone and the case are charged. The minimum charge level for successful synchronization is at least 30% for each headphone. If the indicators on the case do not burn or flash red, connect it to charging for 15-20 minutes.

Also check:

  • πŸ”Œ Cable and power supply - use the original USB-C cable (for newer models) or micro-USB (for older ones) poor quality cables may not provide enough current to charge.
  • πŸ“± Device compatibility – Xiaomi AirDots headphones work with Bluetooth 4.2 and higher. Make sure your smartphone or PC supports this version.
  • πŸ”‡ No interference – disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, keyboards, speakers) that can create conflicts.

If the headphones were not used for a long time, their batteries could run to a critical level, in which case it will require a long charge (2-3 hours) before the first attempt to connect. Some models (for example, AirDots 3) have a deep sleep function, to exit this mode may need to reset.

πŸ’‘

If the headphone indicators don't respond to pressing, try clearing the contacts in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Oxidation or contamination can block charging.

Resetting headphones Xiaomi AirDots

The most reliable way to return the headphones to factory settings is to perform hard reset, which removes all the saved connections and returns the headset to its original state, which is suitable for most models, but may be slightly different for the AirDots Pro and AirDots 3.

To reset, follow the following steps:

β˜‘οΈ Reset Xiaomi AirDots

Done: 0 / 5

After reset, the headphones should automatically sync with each other. If this does not happen, move to manual sync (described in the next section). Note: after reset, you will have to reconnect the headset to all devices, as previous connections will be deleted.

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the reset process even if the indicators have stopped blinking. Some models (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2) require holding the button until double blinking white and red - this is a signal of a successful reset.

Manual synchronization of two headphones

If the headphones are still not working together after reset, try forced synchronization, which helps when one of the headphones falls off or connects separately.

  1. Take both earphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on (the indicators will start flashing).
  2. Press and hold the touchpad on the right earbud for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
  3. Repeat the same for the left earpiece. Both should be in sync mode.
  4. Put the headphones back in the case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds. Once removed, they should automatically connect to each other.

If the synchronization is successful, the indicators on both headphones will flash white at the same rhythm. If not, repeat the procedure or check the battery. AirDots 3 and AirDots Pro models may require the use of the Mi Home mobile app (more on this below).

Model headphonesSynchronization methodNotes
Redmi AirDots (1st generation)Double press on both headphones + reset via caseIt may take several attempts.
Mi True Wireless Earphones 210 seconds on each headphone + caseSupports automatic synchronization after reset
AirDots ProThrough the Mi Home app or manual resetRequires an updated firmware
AirDots 3Automatic synchronization after extraction from the caseFailures - reset via holding the button on the case 20 seconds

πŸ’‘

If manual synchronization doesn't work, the problem may be one of the headphones malfunctioning, so try plugging each individually -- if one isn't detected by the device, it's a sign of hardware failure.

Connection to a smartphone or PC

Once the headphones are successfully synchronized, they need to be connected to the main device, a process slightly different for Android, iOS and Windows/macOS, but the overall scheme is the same:

For Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO):

  1. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth and wait for the Mi True Wireless device or similar to appear in the list.
  3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the connection.

For the iPhone:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Make sure the headphones are in search mode (flashing white).
  3. Select Mi AirDots from the list and wait for the connection.

On Windows 10/11 PC:

  1. Open the settings β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Click Add Add the device β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select headphones from the list and follow the instructions on the screen.

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

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone/PC.
  • πŸ“± Remove old connections (in Bluetooth settings, find Mi AirDots and forget the device).
  • πŸ”‹ Remove the headphones from the case and put them back again (this restarts the connection mode).
What if the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one?
This issue is often related to the audio profile settings on the device. On Android, check Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Sound Quality and select Stereo over Mono. On iPhone, go to Settings β†’ Universal Access β†’ Audiovisual Content and turn off the Mono audio option.

Using the Mi Home application for diagnostics

For AirDots Pro and AirDots 3, Xiaomi recommends using the official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for new devices).

  • πŸ“Š View the charge level of each headphone separately.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware of the headset.
  • 🎧 Set up sensor control and sound profiles.
  • πŸ› οΈ Diagnose Connection Problems.

To connect headphones through Mi Home:

  1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  3. Click Add Device (+) and select Headphones.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm your connection via Bluetooth).

In the app, you can see the current version of the headphone firmware. If an update is available, be sure to install it - this can solve synchronization problems. Also check the Diagnostics section, where the system automatically detects possible malfunctions.

⚠️ Note: When updating your firmware through Mi Home, do not remove the headphones from the case or interrupt the process. For AirDots 3, the update can take up to 10 minutes - wait for notification of successful completion.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after a successful connection, users sometimes face problems, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The headphones are connected separately.Synchronization failure between headsetsPerform manual synchronization (see section above)
The sound is interrupted or lost.Interference from other Bluetooth devicesDisable unnecessary gadgets, reconnect headphones
One earpiece discharges fasterFaulty battery or contacts in the caseClear contacts, check the charger
Headphones are not defined by the deviceOutdated firmware headphones or smartphonesUpdate the software via Mi Home or phone settings
The microphone is not working.Incorrect sound settings on the smartphoneIn the call settings, select Mi AirDots as the input device

If neither of these methods worked, check the headphones on another device (like a tablet or laptop). If the problem persists, it could indicate a hardware malfunction.

For AirDots 3 and later, Find Headphones in the Mi Home app is also available. If you lose one of the headphones, you can play the audio signal to find it (only works when Bluetooth is turned on).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you connect Xiaomi AirDots to two devices at the same time?
No, Xiaomi AirDots headphones don't support multi-connection (simultaneously connecting to two devices). However, you can quickly switch between gadgets, turning off Bluetooth on one and on the other. Some models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) have a Quick Reconnect feature that speeds up this process.
Why did the headphones stop working after the firmware update?
Sometimes new firmware versions contain bugs, especially for older models: Try: Reset your headphones to factory settings; roll back the firmware through Mi Home (if the previous version is available); Call Xiaomi for a description of the problem. If the headphones don't turn on at all after the upgrade, wait 1-2 hours - maybe background optimization is underway.
How to check the originality of Xiaomi AirDots?
Fake headphones often have problems with synchronization and sound.The original Xiaomi AirDots can be distinguished by: πŸ“¦ Packaging - a box with a hologram, fonts are clear, without typos. πŸ”Š Sound – the original has balanced low and high frequencies. πŸ“± App - fakes do not connect to Mi Home. πŸ”‹ Charge – the original headphones charge in 1-1.5 hours. Also check the serial number on the box through the official Xiaomi website.
Can I use one Xiaomi AirDots headphone separately?
Yes, each earpiece can be used independently in Mono mode. To do this: Take one earpiece out of the case (the other one will remain disabled). Connect it to the device via Bluetooth. In the audio settings, select Mono mode (if required). Note that Mono mode may reduce sound quality due to lack of stereo effect.
How long does Xiaomi AirDots last on a single charge?
Battery life depends on the model: Redmi AirDots (1st generation): up to 4 hours. Mi True Wireless Earphones 2: up to 5 hours. AirDots 3/AirDots Pro: up to 6-7 hours. With the case (in recharging mode), autonomy increases to 12-20 hours. In practice, the operating time depends on volume, microphone activity and firmware version.