How to connect headphones Xiaomi AirDots to the smartphone: instructions for all models

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones have long been the standard for affordable high-quality sound for smartphone owners, but even with such popular devices, the first connection process raises questions — especially when it comes to new models like AirDots. 4 or AirDots Pro 3 In this article, we'll look at not only basic Bluetooth pairing, but also the nuances of working with different versions. Android/iOS, And also typical errors, because of which the phone “can’t see” headphones.

It is important to understand that the connection algorithm may differ depending on the headphone firmware version and smartphone model. For example, AirDots Youth Edition requires manual pairing mode, while AirDots 3 Pro supports fast synchronization via MIUI Pop-up. We will look at universal methods, as well as individual instructions for popular Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models.

1. Preparation of headphones for connection

Before you pair it, you need to make sure that the headphones are charged and searchable. Most of the connection problems are caused by a discharged case or improper removal of the headphones.

• 🔋 Check the case charge level: the indicator should burn white (charge) >30%) or red (recharge needed) If the indicator is not lit, plug the case into the charger for 10-15 minutes.
• 🎧 Remove both earphones from the case at the same time. 2/3 It is enough to remove one earphone for activation, but for stable pairing it is better to use both.
• 🔄 Wait for the automatic on: the headphones must emit an audible signal (usually a short squeak) and start flashing red and white (search mode). If there is no blinking, return the headphones to the case and repeat the extraction.

Important for touch-controlled models (such as the AirDots Pro 2s): don’t touch touch panels while pairing.A casual touch can interrupt the process or put the headphones in mono-connection mode (only one earphone will be active).

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If the headphones were previously connected to another device, reset their settings: press the touchpad on both headphones for 10 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white at the same time.

2. Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Android

On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with MIUI 12+ firmware, the pairing process is simplified as much as possible thanks to built-in support for ecosystem devices. For other Android devices (Samsung, Honor, etc.), the algorithm is similar, but you may need to manually search in Bluetooth settings.

Remove headphones from the case | Turn on Bluetooth on your phone |Click "Add device" |Select Xiaomi AirDots in the list |Confirm pairing-->

Detailed instructions:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your phone: Swipe down the notification panel and hold the Bluetooth icon (or go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth).
2. Click Add Add the device (click on) MIUI It could be called Device Search).
3. In the list, find a device called Mi True Wireless, Xiaomi AirDots or Redmi Buds (depending on the model). For AirDots, the 3 Pro may appear as Mi Earbuds Basic 2.
4. Confirm pairing. Some models (e.g. AirDots 2 SE) will require additional pressing of the button on the case.

After successful connection, the notification bar will display the headphone charge indicator (on MIUI 13+).If the indicator does not appear, update the phone’s firmware or install the Mi Home app for advanced features.

AirDots 1/2 (basic)|AirDots Pro 2/2s|AirDots 3/3 Pro|Redmi Buds 3/4|Another model-->

3. iPhone connection (iOS) – features and limitations

Although Xiaomi AirDots is not officially certified for iPhone, they work successfully with Apple devices via standard Bluetooth protocol.

• 📱 On iOS, the charge level of the headphones in the control panel is not displayed (only in the Bluetooth menu).
• 🔊 Low latency (Game Mode) and noise reduction functions (ANC) They may work unstablely.
• 🔄 AirDots Pro 3 and later requires manual proof of the pairing code (usually 0000 or 1234).

Instructions for iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and make sure the slider is active.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait for the device called Mi True Wireless to appear in the list.
3. Click on the headphone name. If you ask for a code, type 0000.
4. Wait for the sign Connected under the device name.

A critical nuance for iOS 17+: after connecting, go to Settings → Bluetooth → I icon next to AirDots → Microphone and select Always use AirDots. Otherwise, during calls, the sound will go through the phone speaker.

4. Solving Connection Problems

If the phone doesn’t find headphones or the connection is constantly reset, check the following points:

For models with a Qualcomm QCC3040 chip (such as AirDots 3 Pro): If the headphones are connected but the sound is distorted, update the firmware through the Mi Home app. Older versions of the firmware had a bug with aptX and AAC codecs.

5. Sound and control setting

After the connection, it is recommended to adjust the control gestures and the sound profile to your needs.

• 🎵 AirDots 1/2: Double touch for playback / pause, triple touch for voice assistant.
• 🔇 AirDots Pro 2s: support ANC (Active noise cancellation and transparency mode (included via the Mi Home app).
• 🎮 AirDots 3 Pro: Low-latency (Game Mode) mode is enabled by triple tapping the left earphone.

To change the purpose of the gestures:

1. Open the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models).
2. Select your headphones in the list of devices.
3. Go to Control Settings and reassign actions for touches.

Important for gamers: low latency mode (Game Mode) slightly worsens the sound quality due to the use of the SBC codec instead of AAC. If you are not playing, turn off this mode for better sounding of music.

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For models with ANC (such as AirDots Pro 3), noise cancellation only works when an active Bluetooth connection is available. In offline (without communication with the phone), the ANC turns off automatically.

6 How to connect AirDots to multiple devices

Xiaomi wireless headphones support multi-point connectivity (simultaneous dual-device work), but only in models on the Qualcomm QCC3040 chip and later (for example, AirDots 3 Pro or Redmi Buds 4).

Instructions for multi-point:

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
2. Activate Bluetooth on your second device (laptop, tablet) and start a search.
3. The headphones should appear in the list as Mi True Wireless (LE).
4. Confirm the connection. Now the headphones will automatically switch between devices depending on the active sound source.

If the multipoint is not working:

• Update the headphone firmware through Mi Home.
• Reset the headphone settings (press the button on the case for 15 seconds).
• Make sure both devices support Bluetooth 5.0+.

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For quick switching between devices on MIUI, hold the Bluetooth icon in the notification bar and select the desired device from the list.

7. Resetting headphone settings to factory

If the headphones are unstable (for example, spontaneously switch off or do not sync with each other), a complete reset will help.

• 🔄 AirDots 1/2, Redmi Buds S: Put both headphones in the case, then press the button on the case 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
• 🔄 AirDots Pro 2/3, Redmi Buds 3/4: triple touch of the touch panel on both headphones during 10 seconds.
• 🔄 AirDots 3 Pro: Use the combination – press the touchpads on both headphones for 10 seconds, then put them in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.

Once reset, the headphones will automatically disconnect from all the stored devices and have to be reconnected, which also helps if the headphones have forgotten each other (for example, the left earphone does not sync with the right one).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)