How to connect Xiaomi AirDots to your phone: instructions for all models

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones have become one of the most popular accessories due to the combination of affordable price, high-quality sound and usability. However, many users have difficulties when connecting first — especially if we are talking about models with unique features like dual pairing or game mode. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic synchronization to solving typical errors.

We’ll look at not only the standard Bluetooth connection procedure, but also the features of working with different versions of AirDots (including AirDots 3 Pro, AirDots SE and AirDots Youth), pay special attention to the problems that often arise on Android 14 and iOS 17, and give recommendations for audio customization for better music and calls. If you just unpacked your headphones or encountered an error “Device not found” – read on.

1. Preparation of headphones Xiaomi AirDots to connect

Before you start pairing, make sure the headphones are ready to go, and even if you've taken them out of the box for the first time, some models require pre-activation.

• 🔋 Charge the case: Connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows charge. Some models (AirDots 3) block pairing when the case is discharged.
• 🎧 Remove the headphones: Remove both earphones from the case - they should automatically turn on (white/red light flashes).If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad on each earphone for 5 seconds.
• 🔄 Reset settings (if previously connected): To reset, press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until red and white lights flash. This is true if the headphones were previously paired with another device.

Note: AirDots Pro 2 and later uses automatic activation when removed from the case, but if the headphones do not respond, check the charging contacts - they may have oxidized. wipe them with a dry wipe.

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If the indicator on the case flashes red for more than 30 seconds, this indicates a critical discharge. Connect the case to charging for 30 minutes before trying to pair.

2. Step-by-step instruction: connecting to Android

The pairing process on Android is almost the same for all versions, but there are nuances for devices with MIUI and “pure” Android (for example, Samsung One UI or Google Pixel).

1. Open Bluetooth settings: Go to Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth (on MIUI: Settings → Bluetooth).
2. Activate search: Click "Add new device" or "Search." Make sure Bluetooth is on.
3. Select headphones: In the list of devices found, the name of your model will appear (for example, "Mi True Wireless Earphones 2" or "Redmi AirDots 3").
4. Confirm pairing: Some phones will need to confirm the code (usually 0000 or 1234). MIUI may have a window suggesting that you install the Mi Earphones app - this is not necessary, but is recommended for advanced settings.

Once you've successfully connected, the headphone status will say "Connected." If you only hear it on one headphone, pull both of them out of the case and reconnect them, and you'll reset the monoconnection.

The sound is played in both headphones |

Case indicator burns white (does not blink)|

Bluetooth settings display the charge level of the headphones |

Mi Earphones app recognizes the model (if installed)

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3. Connect Xiaomi AirDots to iPhone (iOS)

On the iPhone, pairing is easier, but there are limitations: some features (such as game mode or equalizer setting) are only available through the Mi Home app, which does not always work stably on iOS.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and activate the search.
2. Remove the headphones from the case – they should appear in the list as “Mi True Wireless...” or “Redmi AirDots...”
3. Click on the headphone name and wait for the words "Connected." On iOS 17, you may need to confirm through a pop-up.

Importantly, the iPhone doesn’t display the charge level of the headphones in the standard interface. To see it, install the Mi Home or AirBattery app (from the App Store), and iOS may not automatically switch between devices (for example, from iPhone to MacBook), unlike Android.

AirDots (1st generation) |

AirDots 2/SE|

AirDots 3/3 Pro|

Redmi AirDots Youth|

Another model-->

4. Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones don't connect or don't work properly, check the following points: Most of the errors are due to software failures or hardware malfunctions (such as a dead battery).

If the problem persists, try resetting your headphones: put them in the case, press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until red and white lights flash.

5. Sound tuning and additional functions

Once successfully connected, you can optimize your sound and activate hidden features using the official Mi Earphones app (available on Android and iOS, but with iPhone restrictions).

• 🎛️ Equivalent: Preset profiles ("Bases", "Voice", "Balance") or manual settings.
• 🎮 Game mode: Reduces sound latency to 88 ms (useful for gaming and video).
• 🔊 Transparent mode: Enhances ambient sounds (available in AirDots 3 Pro).
• ⚡ Quick Connection: Automatic switching between devices (Android only).

For AirDots 3 Pro and later, touch gesture settings are available:

Double touch: playback / pause or call voice assistant.

Triple touch: move to the next track.

Retention: Enabling a transparent mode or turning off the microphone.

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The game mode significantly reduces the latency of sound, but increases the battery consumption by 15-20%. Use it only when necessary.

6.How to connect Xiaomi AirDots to multiple devices

One of the features of Xiaomi AirDots is the ability to connect multi-profile (up to 2 devices at a time).This is convenient if you want to quickly switch between a smartphone and a laptop.

1. Connect the headphones to the first device (such as an Android smartphone) as described above.
2. Open Bluetooth Settings on a second device (like Windows PC) and activate the search.
3. Remove the headphones from the case – they should appear on the list as “Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (LE)”.
4. Connect to the second device. Now the headphones will automatically switch between them depending on the active sound source.

Important: Multi-connection is unstable on iOS, and if the headphones don’t switch automatically, manually disconnect them from one device before connecting to another.

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To prioritize one of the devices (like a smartphone), disconnect the headphones from the second device via its Bluetooth settings. The next connection will prioritize the last active device.

7. Update to the headphone firmware

Xiaomi regularly releases firmware updates for AirDots that improve communication stability, add new features or fix bugs. You can only check and update the firmware through the Mi Earphones app (available for Android):

1. Open the app and connect the headphones.
2. Go to the "Firmware Update" section (usually located in the settings menu).
3. If a new version is available, click “Update” and wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes).

Do not disconnect the headphones from the case or close the application during the update - this can lead to firmware failure and loss of functionality.

8 Operation and care tips

To make Xiaomi AirDots last longer, follow the following simple recommendations:

Keep your headphones in your case when not in use – this prevents battery drain and mechanical damage.

Clean the speaker grid with a dry toothbrush once every 2 weeks (do not use wet wipes!).

Avoid overheating – do not leave the case under direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Also, pay attention to the energy saving mode: if the headphones are not used for more than 5 minutes, they automatically turn off. To return them to working condition, just remove them from the case or touch the touchpad.

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Xiaomi AirDots battery life is ~300 full charge cycles. To extend it, avoid the case discharge to 0% and do not keep the headphones on charge for more than 24 hours in a row.

FAQ: Frequent questions