How to use Xiaomi AirDots headphones: a complete guide from connection to troubleshooting

Xiaomi AirDots is one of the most popular wireless headphones in Russia due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even such simple devices have nuances in use that are not written about in the standard instructions. How to connect the headphones to the phone? How do you control gesture playback? Why did one earphone stop working? In this guide, we'll go through everything from basic setup to solving rare problems faced by owners of AirDots Pro, AirDots 3, AirDots SE and other models.

It's important to understand that the functionality may vary depending on the headphone version, for example, touch control only appeared in the Pro 2 and later, and active noise cancellation (ANC) Only available in AirDots 3 Pro, we will show these differences in the respective sections. If you are not sure about your headphone model, check the inscription on the case charger or in the mobile application Mi Home.

1. Connection Xiaomi AirDots to the smartphone: step-by-step instructions

The first time you turn on your headphones can raise questions, especially if you haven't used wireless devices before.The connection process is the same for all AirDots models, but there are nuances for Android and iOS.

On Android (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO smartphones):

1. Open the charge case cover – the headphones will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (the indicator on the case will start flashing white / red).
2. On your smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
3. In the list, find Mi AirDots. BASIC_R (or similar to your model name) and tap to connect.
4. Confirm the pairing if necessary.

On the iPhone or iPad:

• 📱 Open the case cover and wait for the indicator to flash.
• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth.
• 🔗 In the list, find AirDots (the name may differ) and select it.
• ⚠️ On iOS may appear a warning about “uncertified accessory” – this is normal, feel free to confirm the connection.

💡

If the headphones don't appear in the Bluetooth list, press and hold the button on the back of the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes white quickly, resetting the settings and putting the device in pairing mode.

After the first connection, the headphones will automatically connect to the phone when removed from the case.

• 🔋 Case and headphone charge level (the indicator on the case should burn green or orange).
• 📶 Distance to phone (no more than 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Is Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone and is there any active connections to other devices.

2. Playback control: gestures and buttons

Depending on the model Xiaomi AirDots control is either touch panels (in Pro versions) or mechanical buttons (in the basic models).

For models with touch control (AirDots Pro 2, AirDots 3, AirDots) SE):

For models with mechanical buttons (AirDots Basic, AirDots Youth):

• 🎵 One tap - playback / pause (only on the right earphone).
• 🔀 Double tap - next track (right) / previous track (left).
• 📞 2 seconds retention – Rejection of a call or activation of a voice assistant.

If the gestures don't work:

⚠️ Note: In AirDots Pro and later, touchpads can be blocked when wearing a hat or touching your ears. Try repeating the gesture by slightly shifting your finger closer to the center of the earphone.

3. Checking battery charge and operating time

The charge of the headphones and the case can be checked in several ways, and the easiest way is to look at the indicator on the front of the case:

• 🟢 Green: Charge over 60%.
• 🟡 Orange – charge from 20% to 60%.
• 🔴 Red charge less than 20%, requires recharging.
• 🔄 Blinking white - headphones in pairing mode.

More accurate data will show the mobile application Mi Home (available for Android and iOS):

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Mi Home and go to Devices → Headphones.
3. Click on the AirDots icon – the charge of each headphone and case will be displayed in percent.

The operating time depends on the model:

• 🎧 AirDots Basic: up to 4 hours on a single charge, up to 12 hours with a case.
• 🎧 AirDots Pro 2: Up to 7 hours (from ANC — up to 5 hours, up to 28 hours with the case.
• 🎧 AirDots 3 Pro: up to 6 hours (s) ANC), 28 hours with a case.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones discharge too quickly (less than 2 hours), this may indicate a battery failure or background microphone use (e.g., when an active voice assistant is available).

4.Setting up through the Mi Home app: Hidden features

The Mi Home app allows you to not only check the charge, but also adjust gestures, sound modes and update the firmware, but many users miss these features, limiting themselves to basic features.

How to connect headphones to Mi Home:

1. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Add Device (+) and select Headphones.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (scanning will be required) QR-case code or manually enter the model).

After the connection will be available:

• 🔊 Sound modes: bass/high frequency balance (in AirDots 3 Pro there are presets Bass, Voice, Balance").
• 🎛 Customize gestures: You can reassign double/triple touch (e.g., triple touch for the previous track).
• 🔄 Firmware update: critical fixes are released once in a while 3-6 months.
• 🔍 Search for headphones: if you lost the case, you can turn on the sound signal (works only when connected to the phone).

In AirDots 3 Pro models, you can activate Low Latency mode via Mi Home, which reduces latency to 80 ms, which is critical for watching videos and games.

1. Open your Mi Home and select your headphones.
2. Go to the sound settings → Sound mode.
3. Activate the Low Latency option.

5. Connection and Sound Problems: Diagnostics and Solutions

Even the best wireless earbuds can sometimes act up. Below are the most common issues with Xiaomi AirDots and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Headphones don’t connect to the phone

• 🔌 Solution 1: Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on in settings).
• 🔄 Solution 2: Reset your headphone settings (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white).
• 📱 Solution 3: Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices and connect again.
• 🔋 Solution 4: Check the case charge - if it is discharged below 10%, the headphones may not turn on.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or interfered with

• 📶 Solution 1: Make sure there are no obstacles between the phone and the headphones (walls, metal objects).
• 🔊 Solution 2: In Mi Home, check if Low Lag is activated – it can impair communication stability.
• 📱 Solution 3: Disable other Bluetooth devices nearby (fitness bracelets, smartwatches).
• 🔄 Solution 4: Update the firmware of headphones and Bluetooth stack on your phone.

Problem 3: One earphone is not working or quieter than the other

• 🧹 Solution 1: Clean the speaker mesh of earwax (use a soft brush or cotton swab).
• 🔋 Solution 2: Check the charge of each headphone in the Mi Home - maybe one is discharged more.
• 🔄 Solution 3: Reset the settings (see above) and connect again.
• 🛠 Solution 4: If the problem persists, contact the service - a factory defect of the microphone or speaker is possible.

💡

If one earphone still doesn't connect after reset, try putting it in the case and waiting 30 seconds. Sometimes "forced" synchronization through prolonged holding of the button on the case helps (20)+ sack).

6. Resetting and flashing

If the headphones started to work unstable (self-disconnect, do not respond to gestures, quickly discharge), a complete reset or firmware update may be required.

How to reset Xiaomi AirDots to factory settings:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the back of the case for a period of time. 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicator will flash red and white quickly, which is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Close the lid, wait 10 seconds and reconnect the headphones.

How to update firmware:

• 📱 Open Mi Home and select your headphones.
• 🔄 If an update is available, a notification will appear with the Update button.
• ⚠️ Don't interrupt the process! Headphones should stay in the case with the lid open.
• ⏳ Update takes 2-5 When you're done, the headphones will reboot.

⚠️ Note: If during the firmware update the case is discharged or you close the lid, the headphones may stop turning on. In this case, contact the service center - self-recovery is impossible.

7. Care and extension tips

Wireless headphones require careful handling, especially if you use them daily. Here are some tips to help extend the life of Xiaomi AirDots:

• 🧼 Clean: Clean your headphones and case once a week with an alcohol wipe (do not use water!). Use a soft brush (such as a toothbrush) to remove sulfur from the speakers).
• 🔋 Charging: Do not leave the headphones in a discharged state for a long time - this reduces the battery life. 40-60%.
• 🌡 Temperature: Avoid overheating (do not leave the case under direct sunlight) and hypothermia (do not use in the cold below). -10°C).
• 🎧 Ambushurs: Change the silicone tips once in a while 3-6 months - they lose elasticity and are worse in the ear.

If the headphones are not used for a long time (for example, they are in the closet):

• Turn them on once a month and discharge/charge up to 50% – this will prevent the battery from dying.
• Store in a dry place, preferably in a case with a bag of silica gel (for protection from moisture).

💡

If headphones have started to hold worse in the ears, try the tips of a different size (the kit usually comes with a new headset). S/M/L). Properly selected lambushes will improve not only fixation, but also sound quality due to better insulation.

8 Model comparison: Which AirDots to choose in 2026

Xiaomi AirDots has more than 10 models, and it can be difficult to understand their differences.

If you choose between models, pay attention to:

• 🎵 Sound quality: AirDots 3 Pro has speakers with support for aptX Adaptive, which gives a clearer sound compared to the basic models.
• 🚇 Noise suppression: ANC Pro 2 and 3 Pro is effective in subways and airplanes, but not comparable to flagships like Sony WH-1000XM5.
• 💰 Price: AirDots SE — Best price/functional choice for most users.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots