Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including the Pro, Pro 2, Pro 3, SE and Lite models) remain among the most popular gadgets in the Mi Ecosystem line. Despite their ease of use, beginners often have questions about how to properly turn on their headphones, activate pairing mode or solve a problem with connecting to an iPhone or Android smartphone. In this article, you will find unique life hacks for fast AirDots connection, including hidden features of the 2026 firmware.
We're going to look at not only the basic steps, but also the nuances that aren't written in the official manual, like why AirDots Pro 2 might not be defined on iOS 17+, how to reset headphones without a reset button, and what to do if one earbud doesn't make sound, and it's relevant for all firmware and operating systems.
1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection
Before pairing with your phone, make sure that the Xiaomi AirDots headphones are fully charged. The indicator on the case of the charging case should burn white or green (depending on the model). If the LED flashes red, charge the case for at least 30 minutes.
Important: AirDots Pro 3 and later uses fast charging (5 minutes = 2 hours of operation), but for the first connection, it is recommended to charge the case to 100%.
- 🔋 Check the case charge level: press the button on the back panel - the indicator will show the current status.
- 🎧 Get both headphones out of the case - they should automatically turn on (white LED flashes).
- 📱 Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled and the plane mode is turned off.
⚠️ Note: If AirDots headphones SE If you don't turn on when you're extracting from the case, try holding the touchpad on each earpiece for 5 seconds.
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For Pro 2 and older models, if the headphones don't sync, put them back in the case for 10 seconds, then pull them out again. This will reset their temporary connection.
2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect AirDots to Android
The pairing with Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) takes no more than 30 seconds, if you follow the algorithm:
- Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
- Activate Bluetooth and wait for the Mi True Wireless Earphones device (or similar name for your model) to appear in the list.
- Wait for the message "Device is connected." Some Android models will need to allow access to contacts and media.
Features for MIUI 14/15: the system can offer to install the proprietary Mi Earphones app (available on Google Play), it is necessary for setting gestures, equalizer and firmware updates, but the connection works without it.
Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices|The indicator on the case burns white (does not blink)|The sound is played synchronously in both headphones.|In the status bar of Android appeared the Bluetooth icon-->
| Android model | Features of connection | Whether an application is required |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12-15 | Automatic definition of the AirDots model | Not necessarily, but it is recommended. |
| Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola) | You may need to manually enter. PIN-code | No. |
| Samsung One UI | Possible audio delays without the Mi Earphones app | Preferably. |
3. Connect Xiaomi AirDots to iPhone (iOS 15/16/17)
Despite the optimization for Android, the headphones Xiaomi AirDots compatible with the iPhone.
On iOS 17+, the pairing algorithm is different:
- Wait for Mi True Wireless to appear in the list of "Other devices".
- After connecting, check the sound: iOS may not have support AAC-codec, which worsens the sound quality.
The problem for many users is that on the iPhone, AirDots Pro 2 is connected, but only one earphone is used for sound.
- 🔄 Reset the headphones: Put them in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then pull out.
- 📱 Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again.
- 🎛️ In the iPhone sound settings, select Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual content → Balance stereo and set the slider in the middle.
AirDots (1 generation)|AirDots Pro/Pro 2|AirDots Pro 3|AirDots SE/Lite|Another model-->
⚠️ Note: On iOS, it is impossible to update the firmware of Xiaomi headphones - this can only be done through an Android device with the Mi Earphones app.
4. Problem Solving: Headphones are not connected or defined
If Xiaomi AirDots doesn’t appear on the list of available devices, check out the following points:
- 🔋 Case charge level: if it is below 10%, headphones may not be turned on.
- 🔄 Pair mode: For Pro 3 and newer models, hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- 📱 Conflict with other devices: disable Bluetooth on all previously connected gadgets (laptop, tablet).
- 🛠️ Resetting settings: for AirDots SE Put the headphones in the case, then hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator will blink 3 times red).
If the problem persists, try an alternative method of connecting via the Mi Home app:
- Install Mi Home from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
- Press + → Add the device → Headphones.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (scanning may be required) QR-case-code).
What if the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted?
5. Customization of gestures and additional functions
After the connection, it is recommended to adjust the touch control and sound parameters.
On Android:
- Install the Mi Earphones app (link: Google Play).
- Open the app and select your headphone model.
- In the Gestures section, set up:
On iOS, gesture settings are limited to standard system features, but you can use triggers like Shortcuts to assign touch actions.
| Gesture. | Standard Action (Android) | Setup in Mi Earphones |
|---|---|---|
| Double touch. | Reproduction/pause | Voice assistant / Next track |
| Triple touch. | Answer to the call | Previous track / Transparency mode |
| Retention (3 seconds) | Call rejection | Noise suppression/Switching off |
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For AirDots Pro 3 and later: Mi Earphones offers an adaptive noise reduction setting that automatically adjusts the noise level depending on the environment.
6. Update firmware and reset to factory settings
Regular firmware updates improve connection stability and add new features.To update Xiaomi AirDots:
- Make sure the headphones are connected to an Android smartphone (iOS update is impossible!).
- Open the Mi Earphones app and go to the Software Update section.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).
For a complete reset (if the headphones are glitchy or not synchronized):
- 🔄 For AirDots (1st generation): Hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red 4 times.
- 🎧 For the Pro. 2/Pro 3: Put the headphones in the case, then hold the touch panels on both headphones. 15 seconds.
⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all connection history, and after the procedure, the headphones will return to the factory settings, and they will have to be paired again with all devices.
7. Sound and battery optimization
To extend the running time of Xiaomi AirDots and improve the sound quality, follow these tips:
- 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth headphones when not using them – this saves the case charge.
- 🎶 In the Mi Earphones app, select the preset equalizer "Bas" or "Clear vocals" for better sound.
- 📵 Avoid using headphones near interference sources (microwaves, 5GHz routers).
- 🔄 Once a month, reset your settings (see previous section) to clean up your Bluetooth cache.
For models with active noise reduction (Pro 3):
- 🎧 Turn on the mode. ANC Only in noisy places, it reduces the time spent on 20-30%.
- 🔇 Use the "Transparency" mode for conversations so as not to remove your headphones.
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If the headphones are quickly discharged, check if they remain connected to the phone in the background. On Android, turn off the "Auto Connection" option in the Bluetooth settings for Mi True Wireless.