How to disconnect headphones Xiaomi AirDots: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones and Xiaomi Buds) automatically sync with each other when you first connect. But sometimes you have to force them to disconnect, for example, to connect them to another device, fix the sound problems or reset the settings. TWS-Headphones (True Wireless Stereo) the process is more complicated: they maintain pair connection even after switching off.

In this article, 5 proven ways to disconnect (including hidden button combinations), a table of methods compatibility with different models, as well as solving typical problems: when the headphones do not disconnect after reset, spontaneously synchronize or lose communication with the phone. All instructions are relevant for firmware 2023-2026 and work without Root rights.

1. Standard method: through a button on the body

The safest method recommended by Xiaomi for most models is Suitable for AirDots (Basic/Pro/SE), Redmi AirDots (2/3), Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 and others with a physical button on the case.

Algorithm of action:

🔋 Charge headphones up to 30% or more (at low charge, they may not respond to commands).
📱 Disconnect them from your phone in Bluetooth settings (don’t just break the connection, forget the device).
🎧 Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
🔄 Take out both earbuds and simultaneously press the buttons on both for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
🔗 Wait 30 seconds – the headphones will disconnect and be ready for a new synchronization.

Charge headphones up to 30%+

Disable in the Bluetooth settings of the phone

Put both earphones in the case for 10 seconds

Remove and hold the buttons for 15-20 seconds

Wait for the flashing red/white-->

⚠️ Warning: If the lights flash only white, the headphones are not disconnected. Repeat the procedure by holding the buttons longer (up to 30 seconds). On AirDots 3 Pro and later models, you may need to triple press instead of holding.

2. software reset via Mi Home / Xiaomi Wear

For headphones with support for branded applications (Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear), a software reset is available. This method is suitable for the Mi Air 2/2S/2 Pro, Redmi Buds 3/4, Xiaomi Buds 3/4 and other smart models.

Instructions:

Install the Mi Home app (for Android/iOS) or Xiaomi Wear (Android only).
Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
Open the app → find headphones in the list of devices → go to Settings → Reset.
Confirm the action. The headphones will reset and disconnect.

Model headphones	Supports Mi Home	Supports Xiaomi Wear	Does Xiaomi account need to be accounted?
AirDots Basic/Pro	❌ No.	❌ No.	❌ No.
Redmi AirDots 2/3	✅ Yes.	❌ No.	✅ Yes.
Mi True Wireless 2/2S	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	❌ No.
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes (for firmware)

⚠️ Warning: After being reset via Mi Home, the headphones can update the firmware automatically. If you disconnect them to connect to another device (such as an iPhone or MacBook), disconnect the internet on your phone before the procedure to avoid firmware incompatibility.

AirDots Basic/Pro|Redmi AirDots 2/3|Mi True Wireless 2/2S|Xiaomi Buds 3/4|Another model-->

3. Disconnect via ADB command (for advanced)

If standard methods do not work, and headphones are not defined in applications, you can use the ADB-This method requires an Android smartphone with debugging enabled. USB and installed drivers ADB.

Step-by-step:

Download Platform Tools from the official Android website.
Connect your phone to your PC, turn on Settings → About Phone → Build Number (click 7 times) and activate Debugging via USB in Settings → System → For Developers.
Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
Enter the commands in order: adb devices adb shell settings put global bluetooth_headset_priority 0 settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_sink_priority 0
Restart your phone and try to unplug the headphones in the standard way (see Section 1).

What are these teams doing?

Teams reset the priorities of Bluetooth devices on Android, which causes the headphones to “forget” previous synchronization and allows them to be disconnected without physically resetting.The method does not work on all MIUI firmware, but is effective for devices with custom ROM (for example, Xiaomi.eu).

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can disrupt other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, smart watches). After disconnecting the headphones, return the settings with the command:

settings put global bluetooth_headset_priority 1

4. disconnect via another Bluetooth adapter

If the headphones don’t respond to buttons or resets, try connecting them to another device (laptop, tablet, second phone) thanks to Bluetooth 5.0+, where devices can “intercept” pair control.

Instructions:

💻 Connect the headphones to the PC/laptop (Windows/macOS/Linux).
🔄 In the Bluetooth control panel, find Xiaomi AirDots and select Delete Device.
📱 Reconnect to the original phone – the system will suggest synchronizing the headphones again.
🎵 When connecting, hold the button on the left earphone for 5 seconds – this will interrupt automatic synchronization.

sudo rm /Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist

Then reboot your computer. That will reset all the Bluetooth devices you've saved, including AirDots.-->

⚠️ Note: Some models (AirDots 3 Pro, Buds 4) may reset the equalizer after this disconnect. Save the audio settings in advance if they were manually configured.

5. Hardware reset (if nothing helps)

The last resort is a complete hardware reset that erases all headphone settings, including connection history, if:

🔴 The headphones are not separated by any of the ways above.
🔊 One earphone does not make sound or connects separately.
🔄 After disconnection, they automatically sync again.

How to make a hardware reset:

Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
Connect the case to the charging (required!).
Press and hold the button on the case (if any) for 30 seconds.
Get your headphones out – the indicators should flash red (reset successful).
Connect to the phone again, they will be like new.

💡

Hardware reset erases all data, including firmware. After the procedure, the headphones may require an update via Mi Home. Don't interrupt the update process - this can lead to the "bricking" of the device.

Resolving post-disengagement problems

Even after a successful disconnect, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
The headphones are not synchronized again	Different charge level (< 10% difference)	Charge both to 100% and reconnect
One earpiece is down.	Firmware failure after reset	Update the firmware through Mi Home
They are constantly disconnected during use.	Interference from other Bluetooth devices	Turn off other gadgets (fitness bracelet, smart watch)
Low quality of sound after separation	The codec settings (SBC/AAC) have been reset.	In Bluetooth phone settings, select High Sound Quality

If after disconnecting the headphones are not determined by the phone, try:

Reboot the phone.
Clear the Bluetooth cache in settings (Settings → Apps → Show Everything → Bluetooth → Storage → Clear the cache).
Connect the headphones to another device and then return to the original.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I remove the headphones if one of them is broken or lost?

Yes, but the process depends on the model: For AirDots Basic/Pro: Hold the button on the working headphone 20 So, you know, the second it flashes red, and then you plug it into the phone, and it's going to work like a mono-earphone. 2/2S and newer: Reset via Mi Home is required (see section) 2). Without the second headphone, complete disconnection is impossible. ⚠️ In mono mode, noise cancellation and sensor control may not work.

Once disconnected, the headphones connect as two separate devices. How do you fix it?

This is due to a TWS protocol glitch. Solutions: Put both headphones in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds, then pull out - they should sync automatically. If it didn't work, do a hardware reset (see section 5). For Buds 3 Pro and newer: update the firmware through Xiaomi Wear.

How to check if the headphones are disconnected?

Signs of successful disengagement: 🔹 Indicators flash red and white alternately (not just white). 📱 In the list of Bluetooth devices on the phone only one headphone is displayed (for example, "AirDots_R"). 🔊 When you plug in, the sound comes from only one earpiece (before you sync it again), and if the lights are always on white, the earbuds are still paired.

Can I unplug the headphones without a case?

Yes, but it's harder: Turn off both earbuds (hold the 5-second button until red flashing). Turn on only one earbud (like the right one) and plug it into the phone. Hold the button on the second (off) earbud for 15 seconds - it will reset settings. Connect the second earbud separately. ⚠️ Risk: Without the case, incomplete disconnection is possible, which will cause the headphones to conflict when re-synchronization.

Why do the headphones quickly discharge after disconnection?

It's connected to: 🔋 Reset battery calibration - after disconnecting, the headphones overestimate the level of charge. Solution: fully discharge and charge 2-3 times. 📡 Constantly searching for a second earpiece (if synchronization is not complete) Solution: repeat the disconnection procedure or make a hardware reset.