How to reset the settings on wireless headphones Xiaomi Airdots: full instructions with photos

Why you may need to reset your settings on Xiaomi Airdots

Xiaomi Airdots wireless headphones (including Airdots Basic, Airdots Pro, Airdots 3 and Redmi Airdots) sometimes require a complete reset to factory settings. This does not mean that the device has broken - most often the problem lies in software failures or connection conflicts. For example, if the headphones are no longer synchronized, one of them does not connect to the phone, or you hear constant interference during playback, reset can be a simple and effective solution.

Another common situation is when Airdots forget all the associated devices after updating the firmware of the smartphone or receive the update themselves by air, in which case the reset helps to clear the connection cache and start the pairing process from scratch, and the procedure is also relevant before selling headphones: this way you delete all personal data (for example, the history of connections to your Mi Account).

It's important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, and if the problem is physical damage (e.g. water hits the speaker or battery contact is gone), software manipulations won't help, and in such cases, repairs or replacements are required.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

• 📱 Turn off headphones from all devices
• 🔋 Charge the case to at least 30% (preferably to 50%)
• 🎧 Check the synchronization between left and right earphone
• 📝 Write down the firmware version (if you know)

If one of the headphones is discharged or does not sync with the pair, the reset may not be correct.In this case, first completely discharge both headphones, then charge them in the case to 100% and try again. For models Airdots 3 Pro and later, it is also recommended to update the firmware through the Mi Home app before reset - this will reduce the risk of repeated failures.

⚠️ Note: If you use Airdots Basic first revision (2019), you may need to manually reconnect via the smartphone's Bluetooth menu after a reset.

Make sure the case is loaded.

Disable headphones from all devices in Bluetooth settings

Check the synchronization of the left and right earphone

Prepare the charger (in case of a long process)

Download the latest firmware version (for models with support) OTA)-->

Method 1: Standard reset via a button on the case (for all models)

This is a universal method that works on 90% model Xiaomi/Redmi Airdots Instructions are suitable for Airdots Basic, Airdots Pro, Airdots 3 The main condition is that the headphones must be in the case, and the case must be connected to the power supply.

Algorithm of action:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the power source (USB-cable).
3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15-20 seconds.
4. The indicator on the case will flash red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
5. Release the button and wait until the indicator lights up in permanent white (about 30 seconds).

After that, the headphones will be completely reset: all the interface devices are removed, the factory settings of sound and touch gestures are restored. For the Airdots 3 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 models, you may need to update the firmware through the Mi Home after the reset, since some features (for example, adaptive noise maker) work only with the latest version of the software.

⚠️ Attention: On 2019 Airdots Basic models, the reset button may be inside the case (under a rubber plug).If standard retention fails, check for a hidden button with a flashlight.

Method 2: Reset via touch gestures (for Airdots 3/Pro and later)

Xiaomi Airdots 3, Airdots 3 Pro and Redmi Buds 4 models support an alternative method of resetting through touch panels on headphones. This method is convenient if the button on the case does not work or is physically damaged.

Instructions:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicators on the headphones will start flashing red, then switch to white.
4. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid.
5. Wait 30 seconds, the reset is complete.

This method doesn't work on all firmware. If the lights haven't changed color after 10 seconds of holding, try repeating the procedure with the case connected to charging. Redmi Buds 4 Pro models may require triple tapping instead of holding, check this in the user manual.

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If the touch reset doesn’t work, try updating the headphone firmware through the Mi Home app. Often the manufacturer adds support for new gestures in the latest versions of the software.

Method 3: Software reset via Mi Home (for supported models)

Some Xiaomi Airdots models (mainly Airdots 3 Pro and later) allow you to reset directly from the official Mi Home app. This method is the most secure, since it is controlled by the system, but requires pre-connection of headphones to the smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Home app and connect the headphones to your account.
2. Go to the Device Profile section → Settings (⚙️) → Resetting settings.
3. Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter a password from Mi Account).
4. Wait until the process is completed (usually takes 1-2 minutes).
5. After the reboot, the headphones will be disconnected from all devices.

The advantage of this is to keep the firmware up to date, and unlike hardware resets, it doesn't roll back to the factory version of the software, but if the headphones don't connect to the phone because of a Bluetooth failure, this method won't be available.

⚠️ Note: In the Mi Home app for regions outside China (global version), the reset option may be called Reset to factory defaults or Unpair all devices!

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Software reset via Mi Home is the most gentle method, but it works only if the headphones are at least temporarily connected to the smartphone.

What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosis of problems

If problems persist after reset, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 The battery of one of the headphones is discharged (check the charge of the case and separately each headphone).
• 📡 Bluetooth profile conflict on your smartphone (remove all devices called Mi or Redmi in settings).
• 🛠️ Damage to the controller (required repair).
• 📱 Outdated firmware headphones or smartphones.

For diagnosis:

1. Try connecting the headphones to another device (tablet, laptop).
2. Check if the headphones are synchronized with each other (when turned on, both should flash the same).
3. Install the nRF Connect app (Android/iOS) and check if it sees headphones in the list of devices.

If the headphones are not defined by any device, but the indicators are on, there is likely a firmware failure, in which case only flashing through the PC using the Mi Flash Tool utility and the original cable will help. For Airdots Basic models, such repairs often prove unprofitable - it is cheaper to buy new headphones.

How to avoid repeated failures: prevention for Xiaomi Airdots

To avoid having to reset your settings regularly, follow simple recommendations:

• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware through Mi Home (every 2-3 months).
• 📴 Turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone before placing headphones in your case.
• 🚫 Do not use headphones at temperatures below 0°C or higher than 40°C.
• 🔌 Charge the case with the original cable (cheap cables can damage the controller).
• 🧼 Clean the contacts of the case and headphones once a month with an alcohol napkin.

A critical mistake many users make is ignoring firmware updates. For example, in Airdots 3 Pro, the software version below 1.4.0.6 has a bug that automatically connects to the iPhone.

Also avoid connecting your headphones to multiple devices at the same time (like your smartphone and laptop) which can cause Bluetooth profile conflicts. If you need to switch, first disconnect the headphones from your current device via the Bluetooth menu.

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For Airdots 3 Pro and later in the Mi Home settings, you can enable the Quick Reconnect option, which will reduce the number of failures when changing devices, but slightly increase battery consumption.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Airdots reset