Connecting Xiaomi AirDots 3 to a smartphone: full instructions with photos and videos

Xiaomi AirDots 3 wireless headphones (also known as Redmi AirDots 3) remain among the most popular. TWS-But even experienced users sometimes have difficulty connecting first, especially when it comes to pairing with iOS devices or older versions of Android. In this article, we will analyze not only the standard procedure, but also the hidden nuances of activating the pairing mode after the 2023 firmware update, which Xiaomi does not specify in the official documentation.

Designally, AirDots 3 is different from its predecessors: there is no physical button on the case case, and control is through the touchpads on the headphones themselves. This changes the logic of turning on search mode, which is often confusing. In addition, the headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 with the AAC codec for iPhone and aptX Adaptive for Android devices - but only when you set it up correctly. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions for all scenarios, including restoration after reset.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection

Before pairing, make sure that Xiaomi AirDots 3 is fully charged. The indicator on the case should burn white (at a charge level above 60%) or orange (20-60%). If the indicator flashes red, connect the case to the power source for 15-20 minutes. USB-C or certified analogue with Quick Charge 3.0 support, otherwise there may be failures when charging.

Remove both earphones from the case - they should automatically turn on (you will hear an audible beep and see flashing red and white lights on the case).

• 🔋 Check the contacts in the case for contamination (wipe with an alcohol napkin).
• 🔄 Reboot the headphones: Put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove them again.
• 📱 Make sure your smartphone is enabled with Bluetooth (in the Quick Settings menu or Settings). → Connections).

💡

If the headphones don't respond to the case extraction, try pressing and holding the touchpads on both earphones for 5 seconds before the double beep. This forcefully activates the pairing mode.

2. Standard connection to Android-smartphone

On devices running Android 10 and later (including MIUI 12/13/14), the connection is semi-automatic:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Remove the headphones from the case – in the list of available devices will appear item Redmi AirDots 3 (or Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 for the global version).
3. Tapping the headphones and confirm the pairing. In 3-5 seconds, the notification "Connected to media audio" will appear.

Some firmware (e.g. ColorOS or One UI) may require additional confirmation of permission to access contacts and call history. It is not recommended to refuse, this is necessary for the correct function of the "Double touch to call voice assistant".

Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices | Headphone indicators are white (do not blink) | The sound is played synchronously in both headphones | The Mi Earphones mobile app displays the charge level

-->

Connection to iPhone (iOS 14–17)

Despite the support for AAC, AirDots 3 may behave unstable on iPhones due to Apple's limitations on uncertified accessories.

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth on iPhone.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait for the item Redmi AirDots 3 in the list of "Other devices".
3. Slip the name and wait for the "Connected" sign to appear. If the process is stalled in the "Connection" stage, reset the headphones (instruction in section 5).

After connecting, check the sound settings:

• 🎧 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth → Redmi AirDots 3 → i (information).
• 🔊 Make sure that the "Sound" option is "Stereo" and not "Phone mode" (this degrades the sound quality).
• 🔄 If the sound is interrupted, turn off the Low Power function in Bluetooth settings.

4. Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones are not determined by the device or are connected only in mono mode, perform a diagnosis on the table:

For Android 9 and older devices, the Bluetooth caching problem is also relevant.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Show all applications → System.
2. Find Bluetooth in the list, open its settings and click "Clear Cache".
3. Reboot your smartphone and reconnect.

5. reset Xiaomi AirDots 3 settings to factory

If all the connection attempts fail, do a hard reset, which erases all the pairings you've saved and returns the headphones to a boxy state.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white (3 times in a row).
3. Close the case cover for 5 seconds, then remove the headphones - they are ready for a new pairing.

After resetting, the headphones can automatically update the firmware when you first connect to a smartphone with Internet access, a process that takes 1-2 minutes and is accompanied by an audible signal and a flashing blue indicator.

💡

Resetting is the only way to fix the “Incompatible version of firmware” error that occurs after MIUI updates.

6.Configure via the Mi Earphones app

The official Mi Earphones app (available for Android and iOS) lets you fine-tune AirDots 3:

• 🎛️ Change the purpose of touch gestures (for example, double touch to pause or call voice assistant).
• 🔊 Activate the Game mode (reduces the sound latency to 80 ms).
• 📊 View the charge level of the case and each headphone separately.
• 🔄 Update the firmware (if a new version is available).

To connect headphones to the application:

1. Install Mi Earphones from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect AirDots 3 to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, the headphones will automatically be determined. If that doesn't happen, press "Add device" manually.

💡

Mi Earphones has a hidden feature called "Equalizer Customization" to activate, plug your headphones in, then tap the gear icon in the top right 5 times, and you'll see a menu with presets (bass, vocals, classics, etc.).

7. Optimization of sound and autonomy

By default, AirDots 3 is balanced, but you can improve sound quality or uptime by:

To increase the time of autonomy:

• 🔋 Turn off your Bluetooth headphones when not using them (they consume). ~5% charge per hour in standby mode).
• 🎧 Store headphones in the case - it automatically charges them and puts them into sleep mode.
• 🔊 Use Power Saving mode in the Mi Earphones app (reduces volume by 20% but adds 1-1.5 hours of work).

💡

When the case charge level is below 20%, the headphones start to discharge even when they're off. Watch the indicator and recharge the case in time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots 3