How to Use Xiaomi Air 2 Wireless Headphones From Connection to Fine Customization

Xiaomi Air 2 is one of the most popular wireless headphones in Xiaomi’s lineup, combining sound, convenience and affordable price. However, even experienced users sometimes have questions about how to connect them to a smartphone, adjust touch controls or update firmware. This article will help you understand all the nuances from basic settings to solving typical problems.

We'll take a closer look at how you pair with different devices (not just Xiaomi!), explain how to work with the Mi Earphones app, and reveal the secrets of advanced features that many people don't even know about. And if the headphones suddenly stopped working, you'll end up with the diagnostics and solutions section.

Note: The manual is valid for the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (codenamed TWSEJ04LS), but most tips are suitable for other versions of the Air series.

1. Connecting Xiaomi Air 2 to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

The first thing to do after buying is to pair the headphones with the phone. The process takes less than a minute, but there are a few important nuances that will speed up the setup.

For Android devices (especially Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO), the algorithm is as simple as possible.

  1. Take both headphones out of the case - they will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicator on the case will start flashing white and red).
  2. On your smartphone, open Settings β†’ Bluetooth and turn on device search.
  3. In the list, find Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 (or LE_Air2_XXXX) and tap it.
  4. Confirm the pairing - the sound in the headphones will inform you of a successful connection.

The process is similar for an iPhone or an iPad, but there's one thing that happens when you first connect the headphones, they can define themselves as "LE Audio Device," which is normal, and to avoid sound problems, after pairing:

  • πŸ“± Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth on your iPhone.
  • πŸ”Š Click on the i icon next to Xiaomi Air 2.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are not detectable, check that they are charged (the indicator on the case should be green when it opens). If the indicator is red, recharge the case for 10-15 minutes.

πŸ“Š What device do you use with Xiaomi Air 2?
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO Smartphone
iPhone
Another Android smartphone
Tablet
Laptop/PC

2.Gestural control: What touches mean

Xiaomi Air 2 features touch panels on each headphone that respond to touch. 4 basic gestures are supported by default, but can be reassigned in the app.

Standard commands:

Gesture.Left earpieceRight earpiece
Single touchReproduction/pauseReproduction/pause
Double touch.Previous trackNext track
Triple touch.Activation of the voice assistantActivation of the voice assistant
Holding 2 secondsDeflection of callAcceptance of the challenge

To change the purpose of the gestures:

  1. Install the Mi Earphones app (available from Google Play and the App Store).
  2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
  3. In the app, select Settings β†’ Gesture Management.
  4. Assign new actions for each gesture (options are available: volume control, switching noise reduction modes, calling Google Assistant/Siri).

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If gestures are triggered by accident (e.g. when walking), reduce sensor sensitivity in the Mi Earphones app settings (touch sensitivity section).

3. Sound setting: equalizer, noise cancellation and transparency mode

By default, the Xiaomi Air 2 offers a balanced sound profile, but it can be adapted to your preferences.

The Sound section is available:

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Equator: 5 preset profiles (Bases, Vocals, Classics, etc.) + the ability to manually adjust bands (60 Hz to 16 kHz).
  • πŸ”‡ Noise reduction (ANC): 3 intensity levels (weak/medium/strong). Effectively extinguishes low frequency noise (transport, air conditioning).
  • πŸ‘‚ Transparency mode: skip ambient sounds for safety (useful on the street or in the office).

Advice for setting up:

  • 🎧 For music with powerful bass (hip-hop, electronic music), select the Basa+ profile and add +3dB at the frequencies of 60-100Hz.
  • πŸ—£οΈ For podcasts and audiobooks, activate Vocals and turn off ANC to improve speech intelligibility.
  • ✈️ Use ANC at maximum level on a plane or train, but not for more than 2 hours in a row, which can cause ear fatigue.

⚠️ Warning: ANC mode significantly reduces headphone life (up to 30%). If the battery is discharged below 20%, noise reduction is automatically turned off to save energy.

Home (music) |ANC off, Bass+ equalizer, volume 70%

Street (podcasts) | Transparency mode, Vocals equalizer, volume 50%

Transport |ANC maximum, equalizer "Balanced", volume 60%

Sport|ANC medium, equalizer "Energy", volume 80%-->

4. Firmware Update: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Xiaomi Air 2 firmware is responsible for connection stability, sound quality and sensor performance. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix bugs and add new features (for example, support for LC3 or AAC codecs).

To update the firmware:

  1. Make sure the headphones are over 50% charged.
  2. Connect them to your smartphone and open Mi Earphones.
  3. If an update is available, a notification will appear with the Update button.
  4. Press Update and wait for the process to complete (the headphones will reboot automatically).

The latest firmware update at the time of 2026 is 4.7.1_R. It fixes the communication breakdown problem when using Android 13+ and adds support for fast switching between devices.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the update process (don't close the app, don't turn off Bluetooth). If the headphones "hang" during the upgrade phase, reset: place them in the case, then hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red.

What to do if the update is not installed?
If the Mi Earphones app doesn't find updates, try: 1. Reconnect the headphones to your smartphone. 2. Clear the app cache (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Earphones β†’ Memory β†’ Clear the cache). 3. Install the APK- version of the app with APKCombo (sometimes the official version in stores is updated with a delay). 4. Connect the headphones to another device (for example, try) and try.

5 Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Headphones Don't Work

Even the most reliable devices sometimes fail, and here are the most common Xiaomi Air 2 problems and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones are not onCase or headphones dischargedPut the headphones in the case and plug it into the charger for 30 minutes. If the indicator doesn't burn, check the cable/outlet.
One earphone is not connected.Failure of synchronization between headphonesTake both earphones from the case, hold the sensors for both 10 seconds until you hear the reset sound.
The sound is interrupted.Interference from other Bluetooth devicesTurn off other Bluetooth devices nearby or reconnect the headphones.
The microphone is not working.Incorrect phone settingsOn Android: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions β†’ Microphone (allow access for applications).
Low volume.Volume limitation in settingsIn Mi Earphones, turn off the Safe Volume Level.

If none of these methods helped, do a full reset:

  1. Put both earbuds in the case.
  2. Open the case lid.
  3. Hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
  4. Close the lid, then reopen and connect the headphones to the phone as a new device.

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In 90% of cases, problems with Xiaomi Air 2 are solved by resetting or updating the firmware. If the headphones do not respond to the reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, a discharged battery in the case).

6.Secret features: what Xiaomi Air 2 knows, but not everyone knows

In addition to the basic features, the Xiaomi Air 2 has a few useful features that are rarely mentioned in official instructions.

1. Quick switching between devices

The headphones support multipoint (simultaneous connection to 2 devices) to activate:

  • Connect the headphones to the first device (for example, a smartphone).
  • Open the case cover and hold the button on the case for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
  • Connect to the second device (laptop or tablet) via Bluetooth.

Now headphones will automatically switch between devices depending on what sound is played on.

2. Voice notifications in Chinese

By default, the headphones are the status of the connection and the charge level in Chinese.

  • Open Mi Earphones.
  • Go to Settings β†’ Voice prompts.
  • Choose No Sound or English (if available).

3. "Game" mode (Low Latency)

To reduce the latency of sound in games or when watching videos, activate the low latency mode:

  • In Mi Earphones, select Settings β†’ Sound Mode.
  • Activate Low Latency (Low Latency)

Note: This mode slightly degrades the sound quality, but the latency is reduced from 200 ms to 100 ms.

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If you lose a case a lot, stick a Bluetooth tracker (like the Xiaomi Smart Tag) on it.The case is made of metal, so the magnetic trackers hold up well.

7. Care and storage: how to prolong the life of headphones

The Xiaomi Air 2 has IPX4 protection against sweat and splash, but that doesn’t mean it can be put in water or used in the rain. Here are some rules to help avoid breakdowns:

  • 🚿 After exercise, wipe your headphones with a dry microfiber wipe (do not use alcohol or wet wipes!).
  • πŸ”‹ Do not leave your headphones in the sun or near heat sources (e.g., on a car torpedo). Optimal storage temperature is 0Β°C to 35Β°C.
  • 🎧 Keep your headphones in the original case only, as this protects them from dust and mechanical damage.
  • ⚑ Charge the case with the original cable (or certified USB-C). Using cheap cables can damage the power controller.

The battery life in headphones is ~300-500 charge cycles, to extend its lifespan:

  • Do not discharge the headphones "to zero" (recharge when the charge drops below 10%).
  • At least once a month, discharge the case completely (up to 0%), then charge to 100% - this calibrates the battery controller.
  • If you don’t use headphones for longer than a week, store them with a charge of 40-60% (this is optimal for lithium polymer batteries).

⚠️ Warning: If the case has stopped charging, check the contacts inside - they may oxidize from sweat. Clean them with a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%).

8. Alternative firmware and custom settings

For advanced users who lack standard features, there are custom firmware for Xiaomi Air 2.

  • πŸŽ›οΈ Unlock hidden equalizer settings (e.g., 31-band EQ settings).
  • πŸ”Š Activate support for aptX or LDAC codecs (only AAC and SBC are available by default).
  • πŸ”„ Change the logic of the sensors (for example, assign a triple tap to start Spotify).

However, installing custom firmware has risks:

  • 🚨 Loss of warranty (if headphones are warranty).
  • πŸ”Œ Possible malfunctions (e.g., connection problems).
  • πŸ”„ Inability to return to stock firmware without special equipment.

If you do decide to experiment, follow the instructions:

  1. Download the firmware from a trusted source (e.g. XDA Developers).
  2. Install the nRF Connect utility (for Windows/macOS) on your PC.
  3. Connect the headphones to the PC in DFU mode (to do this, hold the sensors on both headphones for 20 seconds until you hear a double beep).
  4. Download the firmware via nRF Connect.

⚠️ Warning: Castom firmware may contain vulnerabilities. Do not install files from unverified sources, which can lead to data theft or damage to the headphones.

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Custom firmware is only suitable for advanced users. For most tasks, standard features + Mi Earphones applications are enough.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can you use Xiaomi Air 2 from a PC or Mac?
Yes! Connection is the same as a smartphone: turn on Bluetooth on your computer, find Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 in the list of devices and pair. Windows 10/11 may require you to install the Qualcomm Atheros driver for stable operation.
❓ Why the headphones are discharged quickly?
The reasons can be different: Active use of ANC (reduces the running time by 20-30%); Too high volume (at maximum the battery goes down 1.5 times faster); Battery wear (after 300 charging cycles, the capacity drops by 20-30%); Solution: turn off the ANC, turn down the volume to 70%, check the battery health in the AccuBattery app (for Android).
❓ How to Check the Originality of Xiaomi Air 2?
The original headphones have: Serial number on the case and in the Mi Earphones app (must match). Mi logo on the case cover (like engraved, not pasted), branded package with a hologram and QR- code (can be checked on the mi.com/verify website). Counterfeit often gives poor sound quality, lack of support for ANC and quick discharge.
❓ Can I swim in the pool with Xiaomi Air 2?
No! Despite IPX4 protection, the headphones are not designed to be submerged in water; they can withstand sweat or light rain, and for swimming, you'd better choose an IPX7 model (like the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro).
❓ How to Reset Your Headphones If They Don’t React?
Perform a hardware reset: Place both headphones in the case. Open the case cover. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. Close the lid, then open again, the headphones will reset to factory settings.