How to insert and connect headphones Xiaomi AirDots: instructions with photos and videos

Contents

  • First connection: preparation and synchronization
  • Step-by-step instructions for Android and iPhone
  • Common mistakes and their solution
  • How to Reset Headphones to Factory Settings
  • Hidden functions of AirDots: what your headphones can do
  • Care and storage: how to extend the life of the device
  • Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Pro 2, AirDots 3 and AirDots Youth Edition) remain among the most popular gadgets in the Mi Ecosystem line. Despite the simplicity of the design, many users face difficulties when connecting first: headphones are not determined by the phone, only one earphone is connected, or the sound is interrupted after a few minutes. This article will help you figure out how to insert headphones into the case, synchronize them with each other and with a smartphone, and avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that AirDots is different from the standard procedure for wired headphones, and it's Bluetooth 5.0/5.2, the A2DP protocol for audio transmission, and Xiaomi's proprietary algorithm for synchronizing between left and right headphones. If you don't take these nuances into account, you may encounter problems already in the mating phase. Next, we'll take each step in as much detail as possible, from removing the headphones from the case to setting up a multi-profile connection.

πŸ“Š What model of Xiaomi AirDots you use?
AirDots (1st generation)
AirDots Pro 2
AirDots 3
AirDots Youth Edition
Another model

First connection: preparation and synchronization

Before you start connecting, make sure your Xiaomi AirDots are fully charged. The indicator on the case should be white or green (depending on the model), which means that the charge level is above 60%. If the indicator flashes red, the case is discharged, and the headphones will not be able to sync.

Key point: the headphones must be properly placed in the case. Many users insert them "at random", which leads to poor contact and no charging. Pay attention to the magnetic contacts inside the case - they must match the metal areas on the headphones. On AirDots Pro 2 and later, the contacts are asymmetrically arranged, so you can't confuse the sides.

  • πŸ”‹ Case Charging: Connect the case to the power source (it is better to use the original cable) USB-C Or Micro-USB, depending on the model. ~1.5 hours.
  • 🎧 Headphone check: Take the headphones out of the case and examine the contacts for oxidation or contamination. wipe them with a dry wipe if necessary.
  • πŸ“± Smartphone Preparation: Disable other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, smartwatches) to avoid conflicts when connecting.

⚠️ Note: If the headphones were previously connected to another device, they must be reset to factory settings (instructions in the "Reset" section). Otherwise, they may not appear in the list of available devices.

Charge the case to 100% | Check the purity of headphone contacts | Disable other Bluetooth devices on the phone | Make sure the headphones are correctly inserted into the case-->

Step-by-step instructions for Android and iPhone

The process of connecting Xiaomi AirDots to Android and iOS has slight differences related to the features of the operating systems. Below is a universal instruction with these nuances in mind.

For Android (MIUI, Samsung One UI, Stock Android)

  1. Remove the headphones from the case. They should automatically turn on (the indicators will flash red and white).
  2. Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth and enable device search.
  3. In the list, look for a device called Mi True Wireless EB* (where * is the model numeral) or Redmi AirDots.
  4. Click on the name and confirm the connection. The headphones sync with each other (it will take 5-10 seconds).

For iPhone (iOS 14 and newer)

  1. Take the headphones out of the case and wait until the indicators start flashing.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. In the Other Devices section, find Mi True Wireless... and tap it.
  4. Confirm your connection. An iPhone may have a notification about an "uncertified accessory" -- ignore it, it doesn't affect your work.
Problem.Reason.Decision
Headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth listCase discharged or headphones not activatedCharge the case, pull out / insert the headphones back
Only one headphone is connected.Synchronization failure between L/R headphonesReset your headphones (see Resetting section)
The sound is interrupted.Weak Bluetooth signal or interferenceRestart your phone, reduce the distance to 10 m

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are connected but only sound is in one of them, try manually selecting an A2DP profile in Bluetooth settings (on Android: click on the device name β†’ Sound & Media β†’ High Quality Audio).

Common mistakes and their solution

Even with the right connection, Xiaomi AirDots users face typical problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. Headphones plug in but immediately switch off

This problem is often related to a Bluetooth profile conflict. On Android, try:

Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings reset

On iPhone, go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth, find AirDots in the list and forget the device (Forget this device), then connect again.

2. Different volume in the left and right earphone

This can be caused by a contamination of the speakers or a calibration failure. Wipe the headphone mesh with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If the problem persists, reset the settings (section below).

3. Headphones don't charge in the case

Check it out.

  • πŸ”Œ Case Contacts: Wipe them with a lasticle or alcohol.
  • πŸ”‹ Case Charge: Connect the Case to Charging – If the Indicator Is Not Burning, the Case Is Faulty.
  • 🎧 Headphone position: Make sure they are inserted correctly (magnets should "attract" the headphones).
What if the indicator on the case flashes red, but charging does not go?
This indicates a failure of the case power controller. Try using another charger (at least 5W). If the problem persists, the case requires repair - most often the BQ25601 chip (responsible for charge management) fails.

How to Reset Headphones to Factory Settings

Reset Xiaomi AirDots to factory settings is required in three cases:

  1. The headphones are not synchronized with each other.
  2. The device is not detected by the phone after several attempts to connect.
  3. You sell or transfer the headphones to another user.

The reset procedure is the same for all AirDots models, but there are nuances for stitched versions (for example, with Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2).

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds (on AirDots 3 touch button – hold the touch).
  3. The indicator on the case will flash red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
  4. Close the case cover, then remove the headphones and connect them again.

⚠️ Note: AirDots Pro 2 models may need to update the firmware through the Mi Home app after reset. If the headphones do not connect after reset, check the version in Bluetooth settings (on Android: click on the device name) β†’ "Information").

πŸ’‘

Resetting the settings erases all information about the paired devices, but does not affect the battery level or the equalizer settings (if they have been changed through the app).

Hidden functions of AirDots: what your headphones can do

Many users use Xiaomi AirDots only to listen to music, unaware of the additional features.

  • 🎡 Low Delay Mode: Activated by double-touching on the right earpiece (on AirDots 3) Reduces lag when watching video to 80-100 ms.
  • πŸ”‡ Monosound: If one earphone is dead, you can switch to mono mode via Bluetooth Settings β†’ Sound settings (Android).
  • πŸ“± Voice assistant: Triple touch on the left earpiece calls Google Assistant or Siri (configurable in the Mi Home app).
  • πŸ”‹ Fast charging: 10 minutes in a case gives up to 90 minutes of playback (on AirDots Pro 2).

To access all the features, install the official Mi Home app (Android/iOS) or Xiaomi Wear app (for newer models).

  • Update the headphone firmware.
  • Set up control gestures (such as swipe to switch tracks).
  • Activate Transparency Mode (on AirDots 3 Pro) that lets in ambient sounds.
How to turn on transparency mode on AirDots 3 Pro?
Press the touchpad on any headphone for 2 seconds, you hear the beep, the surrounding sounds will be heard more clearly, pressing again turns off the mode.

Care and storage: how to extend the life of the device

The life of Xiaomi AirDots depends not only on the build quality, but also on proper maintenance.

1.Brushing headphones and case

  • Use a dry soft brush to remove dust from the speakers.
  • For disinfection, wipe the body and embushures with 70% isopropyl alcohol (do not use wet wipes!).
  • Contacts in the case clean with a cotton swab with alcohol 1 time a month.

2 Storage

  • Do not leave headphones under direct sunlight - this leads to battery degradation.
  • Keep the case in the case to avoid scratches on the case.
  • If you do not use headphones for more than a week, discharge them to 40-50% and turn them off (to do this, put them in a case and close the lid).

3. Charging.

  • Use the original cable or a certified USB-C/Micro-USB (depending on the case model).
  • Do not charge the case from powerful adapters (more than 10W) – this reduces the battery life.
  • If the case is not in use, disconnect it from charging immediately after reaching 100%.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones stopped holding the charge (work time has decreased to 1-1.5 hours), this is a sign of battery wear. In Xiaomi service centers, you can replace the batteries in the headphones (cost) ~1500–2000 β‚½ paired).

Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots

Can I use AirDots with a laptop or PC?
Yes, but there may be problems with connection stability. On Windows 10/11: Open Options β†’ Devices β†’ Bluetooth. Click Add Device β†’ Bluetooth. Select AirDots from the list. Linux may require installation of pulseaudio-module-bluetooth: sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth
How to check the level of charge of headphones?
On Android with MIUI, the charge level is displayed in Bluetooth status. On other firmware, install the Battery Monitor for Bluetooth app. On iPhone, the charge level is shown in the Battery widget (slip left on the home screen).
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
Main reasons: Maximum volume (reduces running time by 30 to 40%), Active noise reduction (on AirDots 3 Pro), Battery wear (after 300 to 500 charging cycles), Solution: Turn down volume, disable unnecessary features in the Mi Home app.
Can I swim with AirDots?
No! Despite IPX4 protection, headphones are not designed for swimming. If you get water under the speaker membrane, you can damage it permanently. If you have a pool, use specialized models like the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro with IPX7.
How to update the firmware on AirDots?
The update is only available through the Mi Home app: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open Mi Home β†’ Profile β†’ Headphones β†’ Software Update: If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen. ⚠️ Don't interrupt! This can lead to headphones getting "bricked up.