How to connect Xiaomi AirDots to a smartphone: instructions for all models (2026)

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones remain among the most popular gadgets in the Mi Ecosystem line thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and usability. However, even with such simple devices, users often have questions: why the phone does not see the headphones, how to synchronize both earphones with each other or what to do if the connection is constantly cut off.

We’ll look at the connection process for all current models, from the first AirDots Basic to the latest AirDots 3 Pro and Buds 4. We’ll focus on the differences in the algorithms for Android and iOS, as well as the typical bugs that prevent successful pairing. If you’ve just unpacked new headphones or encountered problems after updating your smartphone firmware, here you’ll find clear instructions illustrating the key steps.

Preparing headphones for the first connection

Before pairing with a Xiaomi AirDots phone, you need to put them in device search mode, which varies slightly depending on the model, but the general logic is maintained. The main rule is that both earphones must be fully charged (the indicator on the case is lit white or green), and the case is closed at the time of the procedure.

For most models, the algorithm is as follows:

1. Take both headphones out of the case and put them next to you.
2. Press the touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 5-10 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white (for AirDots 3/Pro) or just white (for older models).
3. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 3-5 seconds, then open again.

If the lights flash only red, this indicates a low charge level, then connect the case to the charge for 10-15 minutes and repeat the process. For models AirDots Pro 2 and later after reset, additional confirmation may be required in the Mi Home mobile application - without it, the headphones will not be visible in the list of Bluetooth devices.

Step-by-step instructions for Android smartphones

On Android, the connection process is as standardized as possible, but there are nuances for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices. If your smartphone runs on MIUI, use the built-in Bluetooth app instead of the standard Android menu - this will speed up pairing and add support for branded features (for example, headphone firmware).

Instructions for all versions of Android (from 8.0 and above):

1. Open Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth (or swipe down and hold the Bluetooth icon).
2. Make sure the headphones are in search mode (blinking white light). A pop-up window may appear on MIUI suggesting you connect - click Connect.
3. In the list, find a device called Mi AirDots... (for new models – Xiaomi Buds...) and tap it.
4. Confirm pairing if you request access to contacts/microphone (you can refuse – this will not affect the sound).

After successful connection, the status bar will appear in the headphone icon, and in the Bluetooth settings – additional options (for example, Sound effects for AirDots 3 Pro). If the headphones are connected separately (for example, only the right), reset according to the instructions from the next section.

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On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13+, open the Mi AI app and say “Hearphone settings” with your voice – the system will automatically redirect you to the AirDots control menu.

Connection to iPhone (iOS 15 and newer)

While Xiaomi AirDots is optimized for Android, it works well with the iPhone, but there are two key points: no AAC codec support (sound will be transmitted over SBC, which slightly degrades the quality) and no ability to update the headphone firmware through the Mi Home.

The algorithm for connecting to the iPhone:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and make sure the slider is active.
• 🔍 Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically go to search mode (if not – press the buttons for 5 seconds).
• 🎧 In the list of devices, find Mi AirDots... or LE-... (For old models, and tap on it.
• ✅ Wait 5-10 seconds – iOS can “hang” during the “Connect...” stage!

If the headphones don't connect the first time, close the Bluetooth menu, reboot the iPhone and try again. For AirDots 3 Pro and later models, you may need to update your firmware through your Android device before first using your iPhone - otherwise you may have problems syncing sound in games.

Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones are not detected by the phone or connect only one at a time, 90% of the time the fault is a reset or software failure.

For a complete reset of headphones Xiaomi AirDots (relevant for all models):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Pull out the headphones and press the touch buttons on both at the same time for 10 seconds.
4. Place the headphones back in the case, close the lid for 5 seconds, then open and reconnect.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, AirDots 3 Pro and Buds 4 may require resetting gestures in the Mi Home app. Without this, volume and track control will not work.

Update of the headphone firmware

Xiaomi’s branded headphones regularly receive firmware updates that fix bugs, improve sound and add new features (for example, support for LC3 codec in AirDots 3 Pro). Update is only possible through an Android smartphone with the Mi Home app installed (version 6.0 and higher).

Step-by-step:

• 📲 Install Mi Home from Google Play.
• 🔗 Connect your headphones to your phone (they should be displayed in the Bluetooth menu).
• 🏠 Open Mi Home, go to Profile → Settings → Add the device manually → Headphones.
• 🔄 Select your AirDots model from the list. the app will automatically check for updates.
• ⚡ If the update is available, confirm the installation and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off Bluetooth!).

The process takes 2-5 minutes. During the upgrade, the headphones will not be available for listening to music. Do not interrupt the process - this can lead to a firmware failure, which will require you to contact the service center. After a successful update, restart the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds).

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The firmware update via Mi Home is only available for official Xiaomi models.Clones and OEM-Versions (e.g. Redmi AirDots) are not supported.

Customization of gestures and sound effects

Xiaomi AirDots functionality is highly model-dependent, for example, AirDots Basic supports only basic gestures (pause/playback), while AirDots 3 Pro allows you to control volume, switch tracks and activate the voice assistant. All settings are configured via the Mi Home app:

How to set up gestures:

1. Open Mi Home and find your headphones in the list of devices.
2. Go to headphone settings → gesture management.
3. Select an action for each gesture (e.g. double tapping the left earpiece – “Previous track”).
4. Save the changes and test the headphones.

For models with support for ANC (AirDots 3 Pro, Buds 4) in the menu Sound effects available noise reduction modes:

• 🎧 Active noise cancellation (ANC) — Blocks low-frequency noise (transport, air conditioning).
• 🌿 Transparent mode – skips surrounding sounds (useful for conversations).
• 🔇 Off – standard mode without sound processing.

⚠️ Attention: Inclusion ANC At the maximum level, reduces the time of headphones by 20-30%. AirDots 3 Pro recommended to use the "Balanced" mode for optimal noise reduction and autonomy ratio.

Compatibility with other devices

In addition to smartphones, Xiaomi AirDots can be connected to laptops, tablets, smart-TVs and even game consoles.

To connect to Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Select AirDots from the list and wait for the drivers to be installed.

If the sound is interrupted or artifacts occur, turn off the Absolute Volume option (in headphone properties) in Windows settings. MacOS may require you to reset the Bluetooth module via Terminal:

sudo pkill bluetoothd

Frequently asked questions