Why Redmi Airdots Don’t Connect First Time and How to Fix It
Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones remain among the most popular budget headphones TWS-But even the devices we've tested have problems when they first connect, because the phone doesn't see the headphones, the connection is constantly broken, or the sound is transmitted to only one channel. The reason most often lies not in marriage, but in the wrong sequence of actions or missed nuances of setting up.
In this article, you will find step-by-step photo instructions that are relevant to all versions of Redmi Airdots (including Airdots 3 Pro and Buds 4 Lite), as well as solutions to common bugs. We will analyze the connection to Android (including MIUI), iPhone, Windows and even MacOS - taking into account the features of each platform, and pay special attention to hidden functions of headphones that are not written about in the official documentation, such as activating low latency for games or resetting through a combination of buttons.
What Redmi Airdots are and what are their differences?
Redmi Airdots’ lineup includes more than 10 models released from 2019 to 2026, with major differences in Bluetooth version, codec support (AAC, aptX), operating time and active noise reduction (ANC) availability.
| Model | Bluetooth | Autonomy (clock) | ANC | Support for aptX | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Airdots (1st generation) | 5.0 | 4 | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ~1 500 ₽ |
| Redmi Airdots 2 | 5.0 | 5 | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ~2 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Airdots 3 Pro | 5.2 | 6 (with case - 28) | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ~3 500 ₽ |
| Redmi Buds 4 Lite | 5.3 | 5 (with case - 20) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ~2 800 ₽ |
| Redmi Buds 5 Pro | 5.3 | 6 (with case - 38) | ✅ Yes (hybrid) | ✅ Yes. | ~5 000 ₽ |
Important: The connection instruction is universal for all models, but the Buds 5 Pro and Airdots 3 Pro require additional ANC setup via the Mi Home app. If your model is older than 2021, check for compatibility with the device: for example, Airdots 1 may not work correctly with the iPhone 14 due to an outdated version of Bluetooth.
Preparing headphones for the first connection
Before pairing with the phone, be sure to follow 3 steps:
- 🔋 Charge headphones and case. Connect the case to the network for 10-15 minutes (even if the indicator is on). The minimum charge level for a successful connection is 30%.
- 📦 Remove the headphones from the case. Pull out both earphones and wait until they automatically turn on (white light flashes). If the indicator is not on, press and hold the touchpad on each earphone for 3 seconds.
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (if the headphones have already connected to another device).Put both headphones back in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are not turned on after extraction from the case, check the contacts for oxidation (wipe with an alcohol wipe). In Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and newer, the contacts are located on the inside of the legs, not on the end, as in the first models.
Charge the case and headphones to at least 30% |
Remove both earphones from the case|
Wait for the white indicator to flash |
If necessary, reset settings (hold the case button 10 seconds) |
Check the purity of contacts (for models older than 2022)-->
Step-by-step: how to connect Redmi Airdots to Android
The algorithm of pairing with Android (including smartphones Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, etc.):
- Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone and turn on the adapter.
- Remove the headphones from the case. They should automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator flashes red and white). If not, press and hold the touchpad on the right earphone for 5 seconds.
- In the list of available devices, find Redmi Airdots_XXX (where XXX — unique number and tap it. MIUI a pop-up window may appear with a proposal to install a proprietary application - it can be skipped.
- Confirm pairing. Once successfully connected, the headphone indicator will turn blue (or go out in new models).
🔹 Features for MIUI: On Xiaomi smartphones, after connecting, a notification will appear about the possibility of setting gestures. For example, in Redmi Buds 4 Lite, you can assign a double touch to play / pause or call a voice assistant.
⚠️ Note: If the headphones are connected separately (for example, only the left), reset through the case (see the section "Preparation") and repeat pairing. in Android 12+ You may need permission to access geodata for Bluetooth devices – provide it in the Settings app settings.
💡
If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Absolute Volume feature in the Bluetooth settings (Section Additional), which will solve the problem with the discrepancy in volume levels on the phone and headphones.
Connecting Redmi Airdots to iPhone (iOS) and MacBook
Despite the Android optimization, Redmi Airdots is compatible with iPhone and Mac, but with limitations:
- 📱 For iPhone: Open Settings → Bluetooth, remove the headphones from the case and hold the button on the case. 3 You can choose the second the indicator starts flashing fast. Airdots_XXX.
⚠️ On iOS will not display the level of charge of headphones, and codec AAC It can be unstable (artifact sound) and the solution is to manually switch the codec to the artifact. SBC Developer Options (if developer mode is enabled).
For a MacBook.
- Open System settings → Bluetooth.
- Click Connect next to Redmi Airdots.
- If the sound is only going to one headphone, restart the MacBook and reconnect.
🔹 Important for iOS: In Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and newer, the low latency feature (for gaming) only works on Android. ~200 ms versus ~80ms on MIUI.
Setup via Mi Home app: Hidden features
The official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) reveals additional headphone features:
- 🎧 Customization of gestures: double/triple touch, retention.
- 🔊 Equalizer: Pre-settings (Bases, Clarity, Voice).
- 🛡️ ANC (for models with noise reduction: level adjustment.
- 🔋 Displaying the charge of each headphone and case.
🔹 Latest firmware version for Airdots 3 Pro (June 2026) — V12.7.4.0. It fixes bugs with iOS 17 connection.