Connecting Xiaomi Redmi Airdots to iPhone: full instruction with error solutions

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones have become a popular choice among users due to the combination of affordable price and good sound quality. However, iPhone owners often face difficulties when connecting for the first time – devices are not detected, the connection is interrupted or the sound is interrupted. In this article, we will understand how to properly pair Redmi Airdots with iPhone (including iPhone 15/14/13/SE models), what settings to optimize for stable operation, and what to do if the headphones refuse to connect.

It’s important to consider that Redmi Airdots (all generations: Airdots Basic, Airdots S, Airdots 2/3) use Bluetooth 5.0, but their compatibility with iOS has nuances. Unlike AirPods, there’s no automatic switching between Apple devices, and some features (like touch control) may work differently. We’ll look at each step in detail, from preparing the headphones to fine-tuning the sound.

1. Preparation of Redmi Airdots headphones for connection

Before pairing with an iPhone, you need to search for your headphones. Redmi Airdots models have different processes depending on the generation:

• 🔋 Charging headphones: Make sure both headphones are at least 30% charged. The indicator on the case of the charging case should burn white (charged) or red (discharged). If the indicator flashes red, connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes.
• 🎧 Case extraction: Take both earphones out of the charger case. They must automatically turn on (blitzes red/white LED).
• 🔄 Resetting settings (when reconnecting):strong> If the headphones were already paired with another device, reset: press the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.

For Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and later, the process is simplified: the headphones automatically go into pairing mode when first removed from the case, but if they have previously connected to another phone, a reset is still required.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are not turned on after extraction from the case (the indicators do not burn), check the contacts in the charging case for oxidation or debris.

2. Step-by-step instructions for connecting to the iPhone

When the headphones are ready to pair, go to the iPhone settings. Importantly, the connection process is the same for all versions of iOS (from iOS 12 to iOS 17), but new versions may have different menu locations.

1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone and go to the Bluetooth section.
2. Activate Bluetooth if it is turned off (the slider should turn green).
3. Wait for the headphones to appear on the list of "Other devices." They will appear as: Redmi. Airdots_R (right-hand-phone Airdots_L (Left earphone or one name Redmi Airdots_XXX (For models with a single chip, such as Airdots 3)

Click on the headphone name.

Connected.

If the headphones don't appear in the list, refresh the page (pull the screen down) or reboot Bluetooth (turn off/turn on the slider).For Airdots 2/3 models, you may need to plug in the right earphone first, and then the left earphone will automatically join it.

3. Solving common connection problems

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, iPhone users may encounter common errors, and consider their causes and ways to fix them:

Critical feature for iPhone: Unlike Android, iOS does not support the AAC codec fully for Xiaomi devices.This can cause audio delay when watching videos.The solution is to use the SBC codec (set automatically) or disable audio synchronization in the player (for example, in YouTube: Settings → Quality → Synchronization of sound).

⚠️ Note: If after updating iOS headphones stopped connecting, reset the network settings on the iPhone: Settings → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset the network settings. This will delete all the stored Bluetooth devices, but solve the compatibility problem.

4. Sound and control optimization on iPhone

After successful connection, it is recommended to adjust the sound and control parameters for comfortable use:

• 🎵 Codec selection: iOS automatically selects the optimal codec, but you can check the current one in the Bluetooth Inspector app (available in the App Store: SBC → AAC.
• 🔊 Equator: Use the built-in equalizer in Settings → Music. → Equalizer or third-party apps (like Equalizer Fx). for bass, choose Preset Bass Booster.
• ⏮️ Gesture control: Redmi Airdots headphones support: Double touch: playback/pause (default) Triple touch: next track (configured to play in) MIUI, But on the iPhone only basic functionality works)

Airdots 3 Pro models are controlled via the Mi Home app, but its functionality on the iPhone is limited – you can only update the headphone firmware. To enable low latency (good for games), do:

1. Open Mi Home and connect to the headphones.
2. Go to the device settings → Sound mode.
3. Select Game Mode (reduces latency to 80-100 ms).

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If your headphones are quieter than Android after you connect to your iPhone, check the volume limit in the settings: Settings → Music → Volume Limit. Turn it off or set a maximum limit.

5. How to turn off and reconnect headphones

If you need to temporarily disable Redmi Airdots or reconnect them after discharge, follow these steps:

Disconnection:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the i icon next to Redmi Airdots.
3. Select Forget this device (if you want complete removal) or simply put the headphones in the case - they will shut down automatically.

Reconnect:

Redmi Airdots headphones should automatically connect to the iPhone when removed from the case, unless previously performed "Forget the device."

1. Make sure that Bluetooth is on the iPhone.
2. Reboot the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out).
3. If the headphones flash white, but do not connect – remove them from the list of devices and perform pairing again.

⚠️ Note: When using Redmi Airdots with multiple devices (e.g. iPhone and MacBook), there may be a connection conflict.To avoid this, turn off Bluetooth on an unnecessary device or use the Priority Device feature in Mi Home (available for Airdots 3 Pro).

6. Update the firmware of headphones through the iPhone

The manufacturer periodically releases firmware updates for Redmi Airdots, which improve compatibility with iOS, add new codec or fix bugs. You can update the headphones through the official Mi Home app:

1. Install Mi Home from the App Store and sign up (use a Xiaomi or Google account).
2. Connect the headphones to the iPhone via Bluetooth.
3. Open Mi Home, press + in the upper right corner and select Add Device → Headphones → Redmi Airdots.
4. After adding the device, go to its settings and check the firmware update section.

If you have an update, follow the instructions on the screen.

• Do not interrupt the update process (earphones should remain in the case with the lid open).
• Make sure the charge of the case is at least 50%.
• After the update, reset the headphones (press the sensors for 15 seconds).

7.Redmi Airdots comparison with other wireless headphones for iPhone

If you’re choosing between Redmi Airdots and alternatives (like AirPods or Sony WF-XB700), note the key differences:

Redmi Airdots win in price/quality ratio, but lose in integration with the Apple ecosystem. If you want to work with the iPhone consistently without delays and additional settings, consider AirPods or headphones with full AAC support (for example, Sony or JBL).

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For most iPhone users, Redmi Airdots will be suitable for music and calls, but not for professional use (e.g., recording podcasts or low latency games).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)