Xiaomi Airdots wireless headphones (and their modifications: Redmi Airdots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds, Mi Air 2/3) have become one of the most popular accessories due to the combination of price and quality. However, iPhone owners often face problems when they first connect: devices are not located, the connection is interrupted or the sound is delayed. In this article, we will analyze all working methods of synchronization, including hidden iOS settings, which will help to avoid typical errors.
The conflict between the Apple and Xiaomi ecosystems is not as critical as it seems: the main problem lies in the Bluetooth protocols (Airdots use AAC/SBC, and iPhone prefers AAC/LC3) and the features of energy saving iOS. We tested the connection on the iPhone 11/13/15 Pro with the latest firmware versions – all methods from this instruction are relevant for 2026.
If you've tried to connect devices and you've got an error like "Can't connect accessory" or "Device is not supported," don't rush to reset your headphones. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by resetting Bluetooth settings on your iPhone or updating the firmware of the Airdots themselves. Next, step-by-step solutions for all scenarios.
1. Preparation of headphones Xiaomi Airdots to connect
Before synchronizing with the iPhone, you need to bring the headphones into pairing mode. Xiaomi Airdots (1st and 2nd generation), Redmi Airdots and Mi Air 2/3 models have this process different - below is a universal instruction that will suit most versions.
If the headphones are new, they automatically go into search mode when they first turn on.
- 🔋 Charge the case to 100% — low-battery (<30%) Headphones may not appear in the list of iPhone devices.
- 🎧 Get both headphones out of the case – they should turn on automatically (white/red indicator flashes).
- 🔄 Reset the settings: press the touch button on both headphones on 10–15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white (for Mi Air) 2/3) or red (for Airdots) 1/2).
- 📱 Check the indication: after reset, the headphones should flash white (ready to pair). If red flashes, repeat the reset.
⚠️ Note: Headphones Xiaomi Airdots S and Mi Air 2 SE have a separate reset button on the case (press it 3 times in a row). If your model does not respond to the button retention on the headphones themselves, check the case instructions.
For Mi Air 2 Pro and newer models, the process is simplified: just one tap on the touch panel of the headphone when in the case (the indicator blinks white). If the headphones have already been connected to another device (for example, Android), they must be removed from memory through the Bluetooth settings on that device.
Charge the case to 100%|Get both earphones out of the case.|Reset settings (hold buttons 10-15 seconds)|Wait for the white flashing of indicators|Remove headphones from memory of other devices-->
2. Step-by-step instruction for connecting to the iPhone
When the headphones are ready to pair, move on to the iPhone setup, and it is important to turn off all other Bluetooth devices (columns, watches, fitness bracelets) before connecting to avoid conflicts.
Instructions for iOS 15-17 (relevant to iPhone 8 and later):
- Open “Settings” on iPhone → go to Bluetooth.
- Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off (the slider at the top of the screen).
- Wait for the headphones to appear in the list of "Other devices". These can be displayed as: Mi True Wireless EBs Basic (Airdots 1/2), Redmi Airdots (for the model of the same name), Mi Air 2/3 (for premium versions).
Click on the title.
Allow access to contacts and data
"Not to allow."
Once successfully connected, the list will be "Connected" and the top panel of the iPhone will display an icon of headphones. Check the sound: run music or video — if the sound is only through one earphone, read the section "Solution to typical problems".
3. iOS Sound Optimization and Customization
Even after a successful connection, users often complain about audio lag, connection breaks, or poor playback, which is because iOS defaults to SBC (more versatile but lesser quality) rather than AAC (optimized for Apple) to improve the sound:
- 🎵 Enable High Quality Sound Mode: Go to Settings → Activate the "High Quality Sound" option (for Apple Music). Select "Lossless" or "High Resolution" (if available).
- 🔊 Turn off "Low Energy Mode" in Settings → Battery – It limits Bluetooth performance.
- 📱 Update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app (if available for your model).