Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (known as Airdots 2) remain among the most popular budget headphones. TWS-But many users have difficulty connecting to a smartphone for the first time, especially if it comes to Android models with custom shells or iPhones, where pairing is nuanced. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step instructions for both types of devices, and also consider typical errors and ways to fix them.
It’s important to understand that Airdots 2 supports Bluetooth 5.0, but it requires the right sequence of actions to work properly when you first turn on. If you’ve tried to connect your headphones and have problems (for example, one earphone is not working or the connection is constantly breaking), at the end of this article you will find a diagnostic table with solutions, and we will also tell you how to reset your headphones to the factory and what to do if the phone “can’t see” the device.
1. Preparation of headphones Xiaomi Airdots 2 to connect
Before pairing with your phone, you need to make sure that the Xiaomi Airdots 2 headphones are in search mode. Here's how to do it correctly:
- 🔋 Charging headphones: Make sure both headphones are in the case and charged at least 30%. The indicator on the case should flash white or burn constantly. If the indicator is red, connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes.
- 🎧 Case extraction: Take both earphones out of the charger case. They should automatically turn on (you will hear the beep).
- 🔄 Pair mode activation: Press the touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
If the lights flash only white, the headphones have already been paired with another device, in which case they need to be reset (instruction in section 5). Also check that the case is not discharged: at a charge level below 10%, the headphones may not turn on.
⚠️ Warning: Don't press the buttons on your headphones too hard - Airdots 2 touch panels are sensitive to prolonged pressing. Easy enough touch.
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If the headphones don't respond to pressing, try clearing the contacts in the case with a dry cotton swab. Dust or oxidation can disrupt charging and on.
2. Connecting to the phone on Android
The process of pairing with Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Honor and others) is almost identical, but can differ visually depending on the version of the shell.
- Open Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth (or Settings → Bluetooth in older versions of Android).
- Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off.
- In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (or REDMI AIRDOTS_XXX, where XXX — unique identifier. Click on the name.
- Confirm pairing if you have a request. The headphones will sound, and the lights will stop flashing.
On some smartphones (for example, Xiaomi with a MIUI shell), a window may appear after connecting with a suggestion to install the Mi Earphones branded application. Its installation is optional, but gives access to additional functions, such as gesture settings or checking the charge level.
Headphones made the connection sound|The indicators stopped blinking.|The list of Bluetooth devices shows "Connected"|The sound is played through the headphones.-->
If the device doesn’t appear in the list, try:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone’s Bluetooth module (turn off/on Bluetooth in the settings).
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone.
- 🎧 Return the headphones to the case for 10 seconds, then remove and repeat the activation of the pairing mode.
3. Connection to iPhone (iOS)
The pairing of Xiaomi Airdots 2 with an iPhone or iPad has its own peculiarities due to the limitations of iOS. For example, Airdots 2 will not display the level of charge in the status bar, and some functions (for example, double-touch to call Siri) may not work correctly.
- Open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Make sure Bluetooth is on.
- In the "Other Devices" section, search for Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 and tap the name.
On iOS 15 and later, you may notice that the device is not certified for Apple. That’s OK — just click “Plug in” in the dialog box. Also note that the iPhone Airdots 2 will display as a stereo device, not as two separate headphones (unlike AirPods).
⚠️ Note: On iPhones with iOS 14 and older, there may be a problem when the headphones connect only in mode HFP (for calls, not A2DP (To fix this, open the Control Point after you connect. → Hold the playback panel. → Select Xiaomi Airdots 2 as the output device.
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4. Sound tuning and gesture control
After successful connection, it is recommended to adjust the sound settings and learn how to use touch gestures. By default, Xiaomi Airdots 2 supports the following commands:
| Gesture. | Action (by default) | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Double touch of the right earpiece | Reproduction/pause | The Mi Earphones app (Android) |
| Double touch of the left earpiece | Activation of the voice assistant | Only on Android with MIUI |
| Holding any headphone (2 seconds) | Rejection/acceptance of the call | Not tuned in. |
| Triple touch of any headphone | Switching tracks (forward/back) | Only in firmware after 2021 |
To fine-tune gestures on Android, install the official Mi Earphones app from Google Play.
- 🔊 Check the level of charge of headphones and case.
- 🎵 Set up an equalizer (preset profiles: Bass, Clarity, Voice).
- 🔄 Update the headphone firmware (if available).
On the iPhone, customization options are limited. You can only manually select Airdots 2 as the audio output device in Control Point or Bluetooth Settings.
How to check the firmware version of Airdots 2?
5. Reset settings Xiaomi Airdots 2
If the headphones were previously paired with another device and do not connect to the new phone, they must be reset to the factory settings.
- Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Open the case cover and press the touch buttons on both headphones at the same time.
- Hold the buttons for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately (3 times).
- Release the buttons, the headphones will reset, and now you can reconnect them, as described in section 1.
After reset, all previous pairings will be removed and the gesture settings will return to factory. If the reset did not help (for example, headphones are still undetected), try:
- 🔌 Connect the case to another power source (possibly a problem in the cable or power supply).
- 🧲 Remove Airdots 2 from the list of Bluetooth devices of the phone (Settings) → Bluetooth → Click on the "i" next to the device → Forget it).
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the reset process even if the indicators have stopped blinking. Wait for the triple red signal - this is confirmation of a successful reset.
6. Solving common problems
Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems. Below is a table of solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| One earpiece is down. | The headphone is discharged or not synchronized with the pair | Return both earbuds to the case for 30 seconds, then retrieve. If it doesn't work, reset (section 5). |
| The sound is interrupted or "breaks"** | Interference from other Bluetooth devices or weak signal | Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby. Reconnect your headphones. On Android, turn on Settings → System → Developer → Bluetooth: AAC Codec. |
| Headphones are discharged quickly | Battery wear or background processes | Check the charge level in the Mi Earphones app, and if the capacity is below 50% of the nominal capacity, you need to change the battery. |
| Phone can't see headphones | Bluetooth module of the phone or headphones is defective | Try connecting your headphones to another device, and if they don't work, contact the service. |
If the problem persists, check your phone’s compatibility with Airdots 2. For example, some Huawei models with EMUI 10+ may require manually specifying the SBC codec in the developer settings.
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Most of the problems with connecting Xiaomi Airdots 2 are solved by resetting the headphone settings and re-pairing. If this does not help, check the charge of the case and update the firmware through the official application.
7. Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard pairing method does not work, you can try alternative options:
- 🤖 Developer Mode (Android): Enable Settings → The phone. → Build number (tap 7 times), then in Developer Settings, activate Debugging over Bluetooth. Reconnect the headphones.
- 🔄 Using third-party apps: Apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect can help with auto-connection issues.
- 🖥️ PC Connection: Sometimes headphones are easier to pair with a computer (Windows/macOS), and then hook up to the phone.
On iPhone, alternative methods are limited due to the closedness of iOS. The only option is to reset your network settings (Settings → Basic → Reset → Reset network settings), but this will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords.