Connection Xiaomi Airdots 3 to the smartphone: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi Airdots 3 wireless headphones (also known as Redmi Airdots 3) remain among the most popular budget headphones. TWS-With a combination of sound quality, ergonomics and stable connectivity, users often have questions about how to use these devices. How to sync them with your phone correctly, what to do if one earbud doesn't connect, or how to reset them to factory settings. This article will help you understand everything from basic instructions to solving non-obvious problems.

We’ll look at not only the standard Bluetooth pairing procedure, but also alternatives (like the Mi Home app), and give practical tips on how to optimize your headphones. We’ll focus on the typical mistakes that users make when they first connect, and explain how to avoid them. If you’ve just unpacked a new pair of Airdots 3 or found it difficult after updating your firmware, here you’ll find the latest solutions for Android and iOS 2026.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection

Before you start pairing, you need to make sure that the headphones Xiaomi Airdots 3 ready to work. Many users miss this stage, which leads to problems with connection or unstable work.

• 🔋 Charge the case and headphones. Even if the indicator on the case is on, it does not mean that the headphones themselves are charged. Connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes to make sure that the charge level is sufficient (the indicator should burn white, not red).
• 📦 Remove the headphones from the case. They should automatically turn on, as signaled by the flashing of a white LED on each earpiece. If the indicators are not burning, press and hold the touchpad for 3-5 seconds.
• 🔄 Reset previous settings (if the headphones have already been used). To do this, place both earphones in the case, then press and hold the button on the back of the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.

Note that if you have bought used headphones or have been lying around for a long time, you may need to update your firmware, which we will discuss in one of the following sections, and also check that there are no foreign objects (dust, debris) in the case that can block the charging contacts.

2. Standard Bluetooth connection (Android/iOS)

The main way Xiaomi Airdots 3 pairs is through the Bluetooth menu on a smartphone.The procedure is almost identical to Android and iOS devices, but there are a few nuances worth knowing about.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your phone. On Android: go to Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth (or swipe down the notification bar and press the Bluetooth icon). On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Put your headphones in pairing mode: If you connect for the first time: just take the headphones out of the case - they will automatically go into search mode (the indicators will flash white). If you re-connect: Press and hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing faster.

Find the headphones in the list of devices

Redmi Airdots 3

Mi True Wireless Earphones 3

Confirm the connection.

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Once successfully connected, the headphones will stop flashing and light up with a constant white light. In some cases, you may need to restart the phone if the headphones are not detected the first time.

Headphones appear in the list of connected devices|The indicators are lit with a constant white light.|The sound is played synchronously in both headphones.|Bluetooth Settings Has a “Media Audio” Item for Airdots 3-->

3. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard method didn't work, or if you want to get advanced control, you can use additional pairing methods. Let's look at the two most effective ones.

Method 1: Through the Mi Home app (Android only)

The Mi Home app allows you to not only connect your headphones, but also update your firmware, adjust your touch controls and check your charge level.

1. Download and install Mi Home from Google Play.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account (required!).
3. Click Add Device (+) → Select Audio → Redmi Airdots 3.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically find the headphones and prompt you to connect.

Once connected to the Mi Home, a control panel will appear with information about the firmware version, the charge level of the case and headphones, as well as gesture settings, for example, you can reassign double touch to call a voice assistant or switch tracks.

Method 2: Developer mode (for experienced users)

This method is useful if the headphones are defined by the phone, but the sound is played in only one earpiece or there are problems with the codec.

1. Activate the developer mode on your phone (click 7 times on the build number in Settings → About phone).
2. Back to Settings → System system → For developers.
3. Find options: Absolute Bluetooth volume - turn off if the sound is too quiet. Bluetooth codec - select SBC (for stability) or AAC (for better sound). Bluetooth sampling rate - set 44100 Hz.

Reconnect the headphones.

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If the audio is interrupted or interference is heard after the connection, try disabling the dual audio function in the Bluetooth settings (on some Samsung and Xiaomi phones it turns on automatically and conflicts with the Bluetooth settings). TWS-headphone).

4. Solving common problems

Even with the right connection, Xiaomi Airdots 3 users can experience typical problems, and we’ve collected the most common ones and ways to fix them.

Critical information: if after all the manipulations left earphone does not connect, check it on another phone. If the problem persists - it is a hardware defect (most often the antenna contact goes away), in this case, contact the service center Xiaomi with a check for purchase.

5. Update to the headphone firmware

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for Xiaomi Airdots 3, which improve communication stability, sound quality and time. You can check the relevance of the firmware and update it through the Mi Home app:

1. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
2. Open Mi Home and select Redmi Airdots 3 from the device list.
3. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Firmware update.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

If you often listen to music in vehicles or on the street, turn on the headphone settings "Transparency" (if supported by your firmware) to hear the surrounding sounds without removing the headphones.

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For maximum autonomy, disable the Automatic Shutdown on Removal feature in Bluetooth settings. This will prevent permanent reconnections that consume charge.

7. Comparison with other Xiaomi models

If you’re choosing between Airdots 3 and other Xiaomi headphones, this table will help you decide:

Airdots 3 win in price/quality ratio, but if you want an aptX codec or more advanced moisture protection, consider Redmi Buds 4 or Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Airdots 3