How to use headphones Xiaomi AirDots 2: detailed instructions with secrets

Xiaomi AirDots 2 (also known as Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic) remain one of the most popular wireless headphones in the Xiaomi line thanks to its combination of affordable price, compactness and decent sound. However, many users face difficulties when connecting first, managing gestures or solving typical problems - from sudden communication breaks to improper microphone operation.

Unlike newer models (such as AirDots 3 Pro or Buds 4), the second version of AirDots has a simplified control system and does not support active noise cancellation, but it is easier to sync with Android and iOS devices. Here you will find not only basic instructions, but also hidden features that are not written in the official manual – for example, how to reset headphones to factory settings without a smartphone or why they may not turn on after a long downtime.

1. Unpacking and preparation for first use

Before you first turn on Xiaomi AirDots 2, check the complete set.

• 🎧 Two wireless headphones (right and left, marked with the letters R and L).
• 🔋 Charging case with battery level indicator (4 LEDs).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C for case charging (in some versions - Micro-USB).
• 📄 Short instructions (often in several languages, but without details).

If the kit does not include a cable or one of the headphones, contact the store - it is a marriage. Also note the firmware version: the current version should be indicated on the box or in the Mi Home mobile application (for example, the current version should be indicated on the box or in the Mi Home mobile application, V4.7.1_2023). Outdated firmware can cause problems connecting to iPhone or Android devices 12+.

Before the first use:

1. Charge the case by at least 30% (the indicator lights up red when connected to the network).
2. Remove the headphones from the case - they must automatically turn on (blitzes a white LED).
3. Make sure that your smartphone is enabled Bluetooth (in the Quick Settings menu or in Settings → Connections).

2. Connection to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

The process of connecting AirDots 2 varies depending on the operating system, and here is the universal algorithm that works for most devices.

For Android (MIUI, Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

On devices with MIUI 12+ (e.g., Redmi Note 10, POCO X3), the headphones are automatically connected when first removed from the case:

1. Open the case cover - a pop-up window will appear with a suggestion to connect.
2. Press Connect and confirm the pairing.
3. Settings menu → Bluetooth check that the headphones are displayed as Mi True Wireless EBs Basic 2_R (right-hand-headphone).

For iPhone (iOS 14 and newer)

On the iPhone, the process is a little more complicated due to the features of the Bluetooth protocol:

1. Remove both headphones from the case and wait for the white indicator to blink.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth and find the Mi True Wireless EBs device.
3. Click on it and wait for the sign to appear.
4. If the sound is only going to one headphone, put both back in the case, then retrieve again - this will reset the connection.

Important: On iOS, AirDots 2 may not display battery levels. To see percentages, use the Mi Home app (available from the App Store).

Headphones are displayed in the list of Bluetooth devices |

The sound is played in both headphones |

The headphones are on white (do not flash red) |

In the mobile application, the charge level is visible-->

3. Gesture control: What touches mean

Xiaomi AirDots 2 supports a limited set of gestures – all commands are executed by double-tapping on the touchpad on the outside of the headphone.

If the gestures don't work:

• 🧹 Wipe the touchpad with a dry wipe – dirt or sweat can block touches.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-steer the headphones).
• 📱 Update the firmware through the Mi Home app (Device Profile section) → Update of the PO).

4. Charging the case and headphones: rules and mistakes

The correct charging depends on the life of the AirDots 2 batteries. The case is equipped with a 300 mAh battery, and each headphone - 40 mAh. When you fully charge the case, you will get up to 12 hours of battery life (taking into account 3-4 cycles of recharging the headphones).

How to charge correctly:

• ⚡ Use the original cable or certified cable USB Type-C/Micro-USB (depending on the case version).
• 🔋 Do not leave the case on charge for more than 24 hours – this reduces the battery life.
• 🌡️ Avoid charging at temperatures below 0°C or higher than 40°C.
• 📵 Do not use wireless charging stations – AirDots 2 does not support them.

Indication of the case charge level:

• 🔴 1 LED - 0-25%
• 🟡 2 LEDs - 26-50%
• 🟢 3 LEDs - 51-75%
• 🔵 4 LEDs - 76-100%

⚠️ Attention: If the case is not charging, check: Integrity of cable and connector (a common problem in Micro-USB versions); No oxidation on the case contacts (wipe with an alcohol wipe); Use of the power supply with output 5V/1A (More powerful adapters can damage the controller).

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If the headphones are discharged too quickly, turn off the automatic Bluetooth connection in the smartphone settings. This will prevent background power consumption when the headphones are lying in the case.

5. Solving typical problems

Even with proper operation of Xiaomi AirDots 2, there can be failures. Let's consider the most common and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Headphones don’t connect to the phone

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Resetting: Put your headphones in the case, press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator flashes red and white).
• 📱 Cleaning up Bluetooth cache: On Android go to Settings → Annexes → Show system-based → Bluetooth and press Clear Cache.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: Charge the case by at least 20% - with a low charge, the headphones may not turn on.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or delayed

This is typical for Bluetooth 4.2 devices (AirDots 2 uses this standard).

• 📶 Move closer to the source of the signal (maximum distance - 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🎵 Switch the codec in Bluetooth settings to SBC (It can stand by default AAC, less stable).
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones, pre-disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, smart watches).

Problem 3: The microphone is not working during calls

AirDots 2 only has a microphone built into the right earpiece, and if you can't hear the person,

• 🎤 Check that the right earphone is connected as the main one (in Bluetooth settings should be displayed as R).
• 🔇 Make sure the microphone is not silenced by the gesture (holding the earphone deflects the call).
• 📱 On Android, turn off the Noise Reduction feature in call settings.

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If the headphones are no longer defined by the smartphone after updating the firmware, try connecting them to another device (such as a tablet), which often helps to wake up the Bluetooth module.

6.Reset to factory settings

If AirDots 2 is unstable (e.g., spontaneously shutting down or not synchronizing with each other), hard reset can help.

Step-by-step:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the charger (the indicator will light up in red).
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
4. Remove the headphones – they will automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).
5. Connect them to your smartphone as a new device.

After discharge:

• 🔄 All user settings (such as voice assistant binding) will be removed.
• 📱 Android may need to re-allow contacts and microphone.
• 🔋 Case and headphone charge level will zero – wait for full charging before use.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse a headphone reset with a case reset. If you hold the case button for less than 10 seconds, you'll only restart the Bluetooth module, and the settings will remain.

7 Advanced settings via Mi Home

The official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) allows you to configure additional AirDots 2 options that are not available through the standard smartphone menu.

What can be customized:

• 🔊 Equalizer: Selection from 3 preset profiles (Basic, Balanced, Voice).
• 🎙️ Microphone Sensitivity: Reducing Noise During Calls.
• 🔋 Charge level display: Including low charge notifications.
• 🔄 Auto-Switch Off: Set up time of inactivity before disconnection (5 to 30 minutes).

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 Add the device → Headphones → Mi True Wireless Earbuds 2 Basic.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to confirm pairing in Bluetooth settings).

If the app does not find headphones:

• 📱 Make sure your smartphone has Bluetooth and geolocation enabled (necessary for device search).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 📋 Check that the headphones are not connected to another device (e.g. a laptop).

8.Comparison with other Xiaomi models

If you’re choosing between AirDots 2 and newer models, note the key differences:

AirDots 2 wins in price and simplicity, but loses in sound and connection stability. If you need headphones for calls and music without unnecessary features, this model remains a good choice. For gamers or bass fans, it is better to consider AirDots 3 Pro or Buds 4.

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Xiaomi AirDots 2 is the only model in the lineup that supports two independent connections (for example, to a smartphone and a laptop at the same time).

FAQ: Frequent questions