Xiaomi Mi True Wireless headphones (also known as Mi AirDots or Redmi AirDots depending on version) have become one of the most popular smartphone accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users have difficulties with the first connection — especially if it is a model with simultaneous connection to two devices or compatibility issues with the iPhone. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios, from basic pairing to solving rare errors.
It’s important to understand that the connection process can vary depending on the headphone firmware version and smartphone model. For example, owners of Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 can use the proprietary Mi AI Assistant feature for accelerated connection, while iPhone users will have to act through the standard Bluetooth menu. We took into account all the nuances and collected universal instructions that work even for outdated versions of Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic (2019).
If you've tried to connect your headphones before, but you've encountered an error like "Device not found" or "Pair failed," don't rush to bring them to the service center. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by resetting the settings or updating the firmware through the Mi Home app.
1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection
Before pairing with your phone, make sure that the Xiaomi Mi True Wireless headphones are in search mode.
- 🔋 Charging headphones: Make sure both headphones are in the case and the case is charged at least 30%. The indicator on the case should flash white (charging) or burn green (full charge). If the indicator is red, connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes.
- 🎧 Removing headphones: Take both earphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on (you hear a beep). If one of the headphones doesn't respond, put it back in the case and re-extract it.
- 🔄 Pair mode activation: Press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
⚠️ Warning: If the lights flash only red, it means the headphones are discharged or in reset mode. In this case, return them to the case, close the lid and try again in 30 seconds.
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If the headphones don't respond to pressing, check if moisture has entered the touch panels. Wipe them with a dry wipe and try again.
For Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 and later, the process is simplified: just open the case cover – the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (if they were not connected previously), however, the first setup will still require manual activation, as described above.
2. Connection to Android-smartphone (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and others)
On Android smartphones (especially Xiaomi devices), the connection process is optimized as much as possible.
- Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- Make sure that Bluetooth is on (slider in the "On" position).
- In the list of available devices, find the name of your headphones. It can appear as: Mi True Wireless Earphones (for the base model), Redmi AirDots (for the budget version), Mi AirDots Pro (for the model with ANC).
Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 12.5 and later) a pop-up window may appear with a suggestion to set additional audio settings through the Mi Home app. EQ, noise reduction and sensory control.
Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices | Headphone indicators are white (do not blink) | The sound is played synchronously in both headphones | Headphones section appeared in the Mi Home app
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If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one of them, do the following:
- Put both earphones back in the case.
- Close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove them again.
- Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off and turn on again).
Instructions for connection:
- Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (as described in the first section).
- On the iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Wait for Mi True Wireless to appear in the list of "Other devices" and click on the name.
- Confirm your connection. If you request "Allow access to contacts and data", select "Do not allow" (this will not affect the performance of the headphones).
⚠️ Note: On the iPhone headphones can connect with a delay in the 1–2 It's normal for models without an Apple chip. W1/H1. To reduce lag, disable high-quality audio in Bluetooth settings (if you don’t have that option, use an aptX-enabled player, such as Poweramp).
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO|iPhone (Apple)|Samsung|Another Android|I don't know
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4. Solving Connection Problems
If the headphones are not connected or are not working stable, use this table for diagnosis:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list | Discharged or not in the coupling mode | Charge the case, remove the headphones and pinch the sensors for 10 seconds. |
| Only one headphone is connected. | Failure of synchronization between headphones | Return both to the case, close the lid, then retrieve. |
| The sound is interrupted or distorted | Interference from other devices or outdated firmware | Disable other Bluetooth devices, update the firmware through Mi Home. |
| Headphones are connected but quickly switch off | Conflict with energy-saving Android settings | Add Mi True Wireless to battery optimization exceptions. |
To completely reset the headphone settings, do the following:
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the case (located behind or below) for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
- Remove the headphones - they will be reset to the factory settings.
What if the reset didn't help?
5. Sound optimization and control
After successful connection, it is recommended to adjust the sound and control for maximum comfort, depending on the model of the headphones, the following functions are available:
- 🎛️ Setting up EQ: In the Mi Home app (headphones section) → Sound) you can select presets (Bases, Vocals, Balance) or create your profile.
- 🔇 Noise suppression (ANC): Available in Mi AirDots Pro and later, it is enabled by double touching over the sensor (setting in Mi Home).
- 🎵 Low latency: For games, turn on Game Mode in the headphone settings (reduces lag to 80–100 ms).
Standard control gestures (may vary depending on the model):
- 👆 One touch: Reproduction/pause.
- 👆👆 Double touch: Next track (right earpiece) / previous track (left earpiece).
- 👆👆👆 Triple touch: Calling the voice assistant (Google Assistant or Siri).
- 👆 Retention 2 seconds: Call rejection (if incoming).
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For models Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 and later, automatic switching between devices (for example, from phone to laptop) is available. To do this, just turn on Bluetooth on the second device and select the headphones in the list - the connection will occur without breaking the connection with the first gadget.
6. Update to the headphone firmware
Regular firmware updates fix connection errors, improve sound quality and add new features.To update Xiaomi Mi True Wireless:
- Install the latest version of the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
- Connect the headphones to your smartphone (they should be in the list of devices in the Mi Home).
- Go to Profile → Headphones → Update firmware.
- If a new version is available, click "Update" and wait for the process to be completed (the headphones should lie in a case with the lid open!).
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the update process and do not close the case cover - this can lead to "bricking" of the headphones (they will stop turning on). If the update is suspended, wait 10 minutes, then restart the smartphone and try again.
After updating the firmware, you may need to re-pair the headphones. Also check the Update Journal section in the Mi Home, which lists the corrected errors. For example, version 1.4.7 for Mi AirDots 3 fixed the problem of spontaneously turning off the left earphone.
7. Extension of the life of headphones
To make Xiaomi Mi True Wireless last longer, follow these guidelines:
- 🔋 Charging: Use the original cable USB-C Or a certified Qi-compatible wireless charger. Don't leave your headphones on charge for more than 24 hours, which reduces battery capacity. Store your headphones in a case with a charge of at least 20% (deep discharge damages the battery).
- 🧼 Clean: Wash your headphones and case with a dry microfiber wipe (do not use alcohol or wet wipes!). Use a soft toothbrush to clean the speaker grilles.
- 🌡️ Exploitation: Avoid using headphones at temperatures below 0°C or higher than 40°C. Do not expose your headphones to bumps or falls – even from a height of 1 meter, it can damage the microphone or speaker.
The average battery life in Xiaomi Mi True Wireless is 2-3 years with heavy use. If the headphones are discharged faster (for example, instead of 4 hours work 1-2 hours), this is a signal that you need to replace the battery. In Xiaomi service centers, this service costs from 800 to 1500 rubles depending on the model.