Xiaomi AirDots 2 (aka Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic) is one of the most popular headphones TWS-But many users have difficulty connecting first, especially when it comes to pairing with iOS devices or older versions of Android. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of connecting, including the hidden mode of forced resetting, which is not described in the official documentation.
Structurally, AirDots 2 differs from newer models (such as AirDots 3 Pro or Buds 4) by the lack of touch controls and simplified pairing system. This means that you will have to follow the algorithm clearly to successfully connect, otherwise the headphones may not be defined by the system or connect only in mono mode. Pay special attention to the Bluetooth version on your smartphone: stable operation requires at least Bluetooth 4.2, and preferably 5.0+.
Preparing headphones for the first connection
Before pairing with your phone, make sure that the Xiaomi AirDots 2 headphones are in working order and ready to search.
- 🔋 Case and headphone charging: Connect the case to the power source (use the original cable) USB-C The indicator on the case should be red during charging and white when fully charging. Headphones charge automatically when in the case.
- 🎧 Removing headphones: Take both headphones out of the case - they must automatically turn on (blitzes red and white indicator).If the indication is missing, press and hold the button on each earphone for 5 seconds until the LED flashes.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings: If the headphones were previously paired with another device, reset: place both headphones in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white (not just white!).
Note that if the indicator on the case flashes only red, this indicates a battery charge below 10%, in which case the connection may fail - first charge the device. Also check that the headphones are not in mono mode (this is indicated by flashing only on one earphone).
Connection to Android-smartphone (MIUI, Samsung, Pixel, etc.)
On Android devices (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.), the connection is via the standard Bluetooth menu. However, there are nuances that depend on the version of the OS and the manufacturer:
- Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the module.
- Make sure the AirDots 2 headphones are in pairing mode (white-red flashing light).If there's no blinking, return the headphones to the case, then remove them again.
- In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic (or just basic) AirDots_XXXX) and tap him.
- Confirm pairing. Some smartphones (such as the Samsung Galaxy) may require additional permission to access contacts and media.
Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12+ firmware will have a pop-up after you connect with a suggestion to install the Mi Earphones branded app (available on Google Play). Its installation is optional, but is recommended for setting the equalizer and updating the firmware of the headphones. Without the application, some functions (for example, automatic deactivation when extracted from the ear) will not work.
Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices|The sound is played synchronously in both headphones.|The lights on the headphones are white (do not blink)|Bluetooth Settings Has a “Media Audio” Item for AirDots-->
Connection to iPhone or iPad (iOS)
Although Xiaomi AirDots 2 is not certified for iOS, it can be connected to an iPhone or iPad manually, and the main problem here is the lack of support for the AAC codec, which can play sound in mono mode or with a delay, to minimize the risks:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and make sure the module is on.
- 🔍 Wait until the Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic device appears on the list. If it's not there, return the headphones to the case and retrieve them.
- 🔗 Tap the name of the headphones for pairing. on iOS 15+ You may be warned about an “uncertified accessory” – ignore it.
- 🎵 After connecting, check the sound: if only one earphone is playing, go to Settings → Bluetooth → i (near AirDots) → Forget this device, then repeat pairing.
To improve compatibility with iOS, you can manually switch the headphones to mono mode, and then back to stereo:
- Put both earbuds in the case.
- Take out the right earphone – it should connect as a mono device.
- Return the right earphone to the case and get the left one - wait for the connection.
- Now, take out both headphones at the same time – they should sync in stereo mode.
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If the audio is interrupted on the iPhone, try turning off the Auto Switch audio feature in the Bluetooth settings, which will reduce playback delays.
Solving Connection Problems
If Xiaomi AirDots 2 headphones are not detected by the device or connect with errors, use this table for diagnosis:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on the Bluetooth list | Case or headphones discharged | Charge the case to 100%, then remove the headphones |
| Only one headphone is connected. | Failure of synchronization between headphones | Perform reset (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds), then pair again |
| The sound is interrupted or distorted | Interference from other Bluetooth devices | Disable other gadgets, reboot the smartphone |
| Headphones are connected but quickly switch off | Power saving mode on the phone is activated | Turn off battery optimization for Bluetooth in settings |
| Case indicator doesn't burn. | Failure of the charging cable or port | Try another cable/charging device |
Pay special attention to software conflicts. On some smartphones (like Realme or Oppo), built-in power optimizers can break the Bluetooth connection.
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
- Find the Bluetooth app (or Mi Earphones, if installed) and turn off optimization for it.
- Reboot your smartphone.
What if the headphones are connected as "Mi True Wireless Earphones" instead of "AirDots 2"?
Resetting headphones to factory
If all attempts to connect fail, perform a full reset of the headphones.This method will also help if the headphones were previously paired with another device and "can't see" the new smartphone. The reset algorithm for Xiaomi AirDots 2 differs from the newer models:
- Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Connect the case to the power supply (optional, but recommended for process stability).
- Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds (not 15 as most instructions say!) The indicator must first go out, then blink red and white.
- Release the button and remove the headphones from the case - they should automatically go into pairing mode.
Attention! After reset, AirDots 2 headphones can be temporarily identified as LE-XXX (where XXX is random digits). This is not a mistake: just connect to this device, and later the name will return to the standard Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic.
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Resetting through a button on the case is the only way to return headphones to factory settings if they “hang” after an unsuccessful firmware update.
Update of the headphone firmware
The proprietary Mi Earphones app (available for Android) allows you to update AirDots 2 firmware, which can solve connection problems, improve sound or add new features.
- Install the app from Google Play and open it.
- Connect the headphones to the smartphone (they must be determined in the application automatically).
- Go to the Firmware Update section (usually displayed at the top of the screen if a new version is available).
- Follow the instructions on the screen. Don't remove the headphones from the case during the update!
The update process takes 2-5 minutes. Once complete, the headphones will automatically restart and the indicator on the case will light up in green (in new versions of the firmware) or white (in old ones). If the update is interrupted, reset the headphones and try again.
⚠️ Note: Do not update the firmware through third-party applications (for example, TWS Checker – this can lead to irreversible headphone failure. Use only official software from Xiaomi.
Additional settings and functions
After a successful connection, you can configure some parameters of AirDots 2:
- 🎛️ Equalizer: The Mi Earphones app has pre-settings for sound (Bases, Vocals, Balance). On iOS, the equalizer can be configured through standard music settings.
- 🔇 Noise Reduction: AirDots 2 does not have active noise cancellation, but you can turn on Transparency Mode (in the app) to better hear surrounding sounds.
- ⏱️ Auto-disable: Headphones automatically turn off after 5 minutes without playing.To change this time, use the Mi Earphones app.
- 🔄 Switching between devices: AirDots 2 does not support multipoint (simultaneous connection to two devices).To switch, disconnect the headphones from the current device and connect to the new one.
To control playback, use the physical button on each earpiece:
- Single tap: Replay/pause.
- Double tap: Next track (right earpiece) or previous track (left earpiece).
- Triple tap: Calling a voice assistant (Google Assistant or Siri).
- Hold 2 seconds: Reject incoming call.